A study conducted by the independent test firm Scientific Services S/D, Inc., of New York revealed that high-quality water is good for your home and its appliances. The study showed soft water is not only essential to the health of your home but can also benefit your wallet.  

Soft Water’s Impact on Appliances and Energy Use

• Washing Machines: In washing machines, softened water can reduce detergent use by a remarkable 50%.
• Dishwashers: Similarly, softened water can achieve the same cleaning results in dishwashers while using less than half the detergent compared to hard water.
• Energy Savings: The study also found that soft water can lead to energy savings. By improving detergent effectiveness, it allows washing machines to operate efficiently in cold water (60°F) rather than hot water (100°F).

Further Evidence of Savings

A 2009 study commissioned by the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) and conducted by the Battelle Memorial Institute further supports the benefits of soft water. It found that using soft water helps water heaters and major appliances operate at their peak efficiency while preventing clogs in showerheads, faucets, and drains.  

• Appliances: Researchers found that appliances using softened water experienced significantly less scale buildup compared to those using hard water, maintaining their original efficiency and extending their lifespan.
• Water Heaters: Soft water helped water heaters maintain their factory efficiency rating for up to 15 years, while hard water reduced efficiency by up to 48% and shortened the lifespan of heating elements.
• Showerheads & Faucets: Showerheads using hard water lost 75% of their flow rate in less than 18 months, while faucet strainers clogged within 19 days. Soft water prevented these issues.

Beyond Cost Savings: Soft Water’s Broader Impact

How does soft water impact your life? It starts with your morning shower, leaving your skin and hair feeling softer, and continues throughout the day, from brighter laundry and softer linens to spotless dishes. Soft water even lowers your hot water heating costs.

All these benefits contribute to a more welcoming and comfortable home. Your home is an investment, and soft water helps protect its value by extending appliance lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements. Easier cleaning also means your home stays in better shape longer, with less effort.

Take Action

• Regardless of your tap water source, we recommend having it tested at the kitchen sink to assess its hardness and identify any potential contaminants.
• If you have hard water, consider installing a water softener to enjoy the cost savings, improved appliance efficiency, and enhanced quality of life it offers.

For more information on how you can safeguard your home’s water supply and enjoy the benefits of soft water, visit Culligan of Low Country and schedule an in-home water quality consultation. See how soft water can improve your home!

Chris Lane is the owner of Culligan Water of the Low Country, serving over 8,000 homes and businesses in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton Counties.

Let’s chat about the best solution for your water!