How to compare a system
A softener and a whole-house filter do different jobs. Hard water is calcium and magnesium. Chlorine taste is a filter question. Salt-free conditioners do not exchange those minerals out of the water.
Sizing uses hardness in grains per gallon and daily water use. Columbus finishes around 7 grains after the utility softens. Circleville’s wells are cited at 25 grains, with no softening at the plant. Heath softens to 145 mg/L and says a home softener is unnecessary. Those three facts are why one “best softener” article does not fit central Ohio.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between hard and soft water?
Hard water has more calcium and magnesium. Soft water has had most of that exchanged out. Columbus already softens to the moderately hard range. Circleville’s well water is much harder. Heath softens further and tells residents a home softener is unnecessary.
Whole-house filter or softener?
Filter for sediment and disinfectant taste. Softener for hardness. They are often installed together, and only when the test shows both jobs exist.