Water Softening System, and suggestions?

[OldDutch]

Hello,

I live in the NW, and I am looking to get a water softening system. I know absolutely nothing about these systems, and there seems to be quite a few options out there.

We have 2 adults and 1 baby in our house right now. We will probably want the unit to handle 2 adults and 2 kids over the next 10 years. Also, I do not know exactly how much water we use, but I would say it is normal for that many people.

I was looking at getting one from Sears (Kenmore), as they go on Sale all the time:

http://www.sears.ca/product/kenmore-...00018358-75130

There also AquaMaster, or the renting method from Culligan, but I am not sure if I want to rent?

If anyone has any suggestions/experiences buying one, would you mind sharing with me? I don't want to drop $1000+ on one, and find out it won't do the job.

[IliketoPuck]

You gotta get the good one.

[chummer]

I've had a Kenmore for about 10 years,it's been great.

[Burn13]

Had both a Kenmore and Culligan.

Kenmore ran about $800 but install was pricey at $400-500. Did it myself with some help.

Got a Culligan just this summer and installed all at $1400.00

Both did the job fine. Culligan is a smaller unit so it take up less space.

[SeoulFire]

http://www.kinetico.ca/

Initial cost is higher but they are supposedly much more efficient. Unless I learn otherwise this is the system I will be putting in my house.

[Sliver]

Tell 'em Danny Hooper sent you.

[OldDutch]

Thanks to all! It is nice to get a vote of confidence in the Kenmore, as the price is right.

I am intrigued by the Kinetico, I like that it uses no electricity. However, I wonder how much it is? If it is over double, I probably would pass. However, I will contact them for sure.

Oh, and I will make sure I use Windsor only. The bald guy had me at "You gotta".

[ken0042]

I'm also in the same boat as the OP. My question for those who have one; what should we be looking at? Is there some "must haves"?

[redforever]

Originally Posted by ken0042

I'm also in the same boat as the OP. My question for those who have one; what should we be looking at? Is there some "must haves"?

You should be looking at getting one that does not automatically regenerate at the same time everyday.

Instead, find one that you can program for the actual amount of water you actually use. Then when you go on vacation and are not actually using water in your house, the softener will not be regenerating water that is soft.

There are also some on the market that will test the softness of your water before it regenerates. For those, you simply program in how many grains of hardness are acceptable to you and the softener does the rest.