In a nutshell what does the Energize Series do?
The Energize water softener is designed to remove the minerals that cause hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, by replacing them with sodium ions. This process is called ion exchange, which reduces the negative effects of hard water on plumbing, appliances, and clothing, and provides several benefits, such as cleaner and softer skin, and brighter and softer clothes to name a few.

Will I see any white (hard water) spots still with this system?

Even with a water softener installed in your home, you may still notice some spots on surfaces, although their frequency and severity will be significantly minimized and they will be able to be wiped away easily with normal cleaning. Water softeners function by eliminating minerals like calcium and magnesium found in hard water that lead to spotting and related problems. Nonetheless, additional factors such as soap residue, dirt, salt, and dissolved solids present in the water that remain unaffected by the water softener might contribute to spotting.

How do I know if this is the best system for my home?
There is no one sized fits all solution or one best system for everyone. There are a few factors that will help you decide what ultimately is the best system for your family and home. You have to take into account things like your starting water quality, your expectations of what you’d like to see in the outcome of your water quality, the maintenance involved, installation requirements and of course cost.
This system is a great fit for those either municipal or well water, with extremely hard water or anyone whose primary concern is hard water. If you prefer a product that doesn’t use salt and that also filters the water, a better solution would be either the Inspire Series filtration and conditioning system or the Guardian Series water softener/filter combo.

How is this softening system different from conditioning?
A water softener uses an ion exchange process and salt to physically remove the minerals from the water whereas the Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) conditioning media is a chemical-free scale prevention method that converts hard minerals into harmless, inactive microscopic crystals that don’ build up in pipes and appliances but does not physically remove them from the water.

Can I drink from any faucet in my home?

Since a water softener does not remove contamiaints it is advisable to get an under the sink reverse osmosis (RO) for drinking and cooking to remove impurities and salt from the water.

Where does the system get installed?
The system gets installed where the main line comes into the home (where your shut-off and pressure regulator is located). This Is typically in the garage, side of house, or basement or can even be in the front of the house. Systems can be installed inside with the exception of any area that reaches freezing or below, then the unit will need to be installed indoors.

How long does the filter last?
The resin inside the tank can last anywhere between 10-20 years. A telltale sign of the resin exhausting is all of a sudden your water pressure will significantly drop.

What is the maintenance?
The system self-maintains itself by periodically regenerating so, there’s nothing you need to do other than add salt to the salt bin periodically which for most families is about every other month.

How is a water softener installed and what is required?
The Ethical H2O Energize water softener is installed typically near where the mainline comes into your home. It requires a regular 110 V outlet somewhere within 12 feet of the system and somewhere to drain the water during its periodic regeneration. It also requires the home to have a working pressure regulator. The regenerated water should be routed down a proper drain line. Salt ladden water is not reccomended to be routed to a garden or lawn area as it can, over time, potentially harm plants.

What is resin?
Resin is the key component of a water softener system that performs the ion exchange process. The resin is made up of tiny beads that are designed to attract and capture calcium and magnesium ions, which cause hard water. When water passes through the resin bed, the hard water minerals are exchanged with sodium ions, effectively softening the water.

What is regeneration and why does it happen?
A water softener needs to regenerate to restore the effectiveness of its resin bed. Over time, the resin beads become coated with calcium and magnesium ions, which are exchanged with sodium ions during the ion exchange process. As the resin becomes more saturated with hard water minerals, it becomes less effective in softening the water. Regeneration involves flushing the resin bed with a concentrated brine solution that removes the accumulated minerals and replaces them with fresh sodium ions, effectively restoring the resin’s effectiveness. The frequency of regeneration depends on the water hardness, the size of the resin tank, and water usage.

Should I use sodium chloride (salt) or potassium chloride with my water softener?
Water softeners can use either salt or potassium as regenerates. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences and needs. While salt is composed of sodium chloride, potassium is made up of potassium chloride. Both substances are effective in softening water, but potassium chloride is more affordable than sodium chloride. Potassium chloride can offer the added benefit of making the water feel less slippery compared to sodium chloride because it produces a powdery residue rather than a slick one. If you want a water softener that leaves less residue and feels less slippery, potassium may be the better option. However, if you prefer the “squeaky clean” sensation, sodium chloride is an excellent choice and also less expensive.

Can the system be installed outside?
Yes, the system can be installed inside or outside. Outdoor systems need to be ordered with a rain cover for the valve to protect against weather. That said, anywhere in the country with cold climates where temperatures regularly reach below freezing, the unit should only be installed indoors.

Will this affect my irrigation water?
Typically, your interior and irrigation lines are separate; however, that is not always the case. To check, turn off your water at the main (the one at the house, not the street). Next, turn on your sprinklers and check the exterior faucets. If they turn on, you can be certain that they are not attached to the interior water. If they don’t turn on then you know they are attached to the interior water line. Since the system uses salt, you do not want to be watering your plants with this water as it could harm your plants over time.

Where can I buy salt or potassium for my softener?
Any major home improvement retailer such as Home Depot, Lowes, etc. will carry salt and potassium pellets.