What does “Hybrid” mean for a water softener? Hybrid means that a water softener has some additional function besides softening water. Yes, you guessed it right! A hybrid water softener can also filter water.
Hybrid water softeners often carry carbon filters that work alongside their water-softening tanks. These carbon filters are perfectly capable of removing chemicals like chlorine from water.
A hybrid water softener can be similar and different from a regular water softener in many aspects. For instance, both hybrid and regular water softeners have a resin tank. They both use an ion exchange process to soften water.
But you will not find a carbon filter inside your regular water softener. Your regular water softener cannot eradicate harmful levels of chlorine from your drinking water. Even though chlorine increases the resin consumption of your water softener, your regular water softener is not ideal for eradicating trihalomethanes (THM) from your water.
Key Takeaways
- A hybrid water softener removes hard minerals and filters your water.
- Hybrid water softeners are good for removing bad taste and odor from your water.
- You should check your water usage, water quality goals, space, installation cost, maintenance cost, and overall budget before choosing a hybrid water softener.
- Features to look for in a hybrid water softener include its capacity, ability to remove hard minerals, electronic control system, warranty, and energy efficiency.
Are hybrid water softeners any good?
Hybrid water softeners are particularly good for improving the taste and odor of your water. They filter chemicals, including chlorine, from your water. While hybrid water softeners have a positive effect on your water quality, you cannot expect them to perform like a reverse osmosis system.
The problem persists when you have viruses and bacteria in your water. Your hybrid water softener may remain ineffective against viruses and bacteria in your water. Unlike hybrid water softeners, an under-the-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system can effectively eliminate viruses and bacteria from your water.
Is a Hybrid Water Softener Right for You?
Your specific needs and circumstances determine whether you need a hybrid water softener or not. Factors that make hybrid water softeners suitable for you include water hardness, water usage, water quality goals, space, installation, maintenance, and your budget.
Space and aesthetic considerations can affect your choice of a hybrid water softener. Space is important because hybrid water softeners have a larger footprint. They have a dual tank. It may become difficult to install a hybrid water softener if you do not have ample space.
You need the necessary plumbing connections to install hybrid water softeners. Households with proper plumbing connections can go for hybrid water softeners. You should check your home’s plumbing plans to make sure that you have the necessary plumbing connections.
Your water usage affects the type of water softener you need. An average household with moderate levels of water usage should have a hybrid water softener. Hybrid water softeners can be suitable for households with high water usage.
You need a hybrid water softener if you notice that you have hard water and it needs filtration. However, you may not consider a hybrid water softener if you know that you have viruses and bacteria in your water.
A good water quality test can be helpful. You should conduct a home-based water quality test using a kit or consult your nearest lab to conduct a water analysis before going for a hybrid water softener.
Features that matter
Your hybrid water softener should easily meet your water usage. In other words, your hybrid water softener should have enough capacity to provide water for a family of 5 to 6 persons.
You want your hybrid water softener to remove hard minerals, including iron, from water. There is no point in installing a hybrid water softener if it cannot remove iron from the water.
Generally, hybrid water softeners come with a dual tank system. You are free to explore hybrid water softeners with more modern designs. As a hybrid water softener, your water softening system should be able to remove chlorine odor and taste.
Water professionals believe that users remain satisfied as long as they get a full-coverage warranty. So, you should look for a hybrid water softener that comes with a full-coverage warranty.
Hybrid water softeners can have an electronic control system. You should prefer a hybrid water softener with an electronic control system because it can enable you to monitor your daily water usage, salt levels, and current water flow.
You do not want your hybrid water softening system to use salt and water excessively. You want to save energy and money. That’s why you should always go for those hybrid water softeners that do not consume more than necessary salt and water.
Hybrid water softeners can take up more space than regular water softeners. Still, you can look for hybrid water softeners that come with a stacked hybrid design. It means they occupy less space because they have a combined filter and a softening tank.
Compared to a regular water softener, your hybrid water softener should consume less water. Not only do they save money and energy, but they also require less or no maintenance.
How Do Water Filters & Water Softeners Work?
A water softener uses an ion exchange process to remove hard minerals from water, while a water filter removes sediments and harmful contaminants from water. Your hybrid water softeners combine water softeners with carbon filters.
Final Thought
What is a hybrid water softener? Dual tank water softeners that combine water softeners with carbon filters are usually called hybrid water softeners. They can provide a carefree supply of fresh water that is perfect for drinking and usage in a household.
They are highly efficient because they not only save money and energy but also require little or no maintenance. Hybrid water softeners with a touchscreen electronic control panel can provide valuable Real-time information about your water usage and current salt levels.
It is better to install a hybrid water softener if you have enough space and the required plumbing connections at your home. You can check your house’s plumbing design to install a hybrid water softener.