What is hard water, why is it a problem for health, energy consumption and appliance life, and what can we do about it? The experts from Halcyan provide the answers
- What is the definition of hard water?
Hard water is water that has a high mineral content as a result of rainwater passing through soil and rock, acquiring dissolved calcium and magnesium along the way. It results in the build up of limescale (layers of calcium carbonate) which bonds to water-bearing equipment such as boilers and dishwashers, causing damage and reducing appliance efficiency. If you have crusty, scaley taps, you’re already experiencing the damage that limescale can cause to your home.
- How can I tell if I live in a hard water region?
60% of the UK is supplied with hard water where limescale is commonplace. If you live in a hard water area you’ll notice limescale deposits on household appliances such as taps and the heating element in your kettle. Most water suppliers have a postcode search facility on their website so you can check the hardness of the water in your area or you can visit our website homepage where you’ll find a handy map: https://halcyanwater.com/
- What effect can hard water have on my plumbing and appliances?
Hard water causes limescale build-up which damages water-bearing appliances, including your boiler, washing machine, dishwasher, and fixtures and fittings such as your showerhead and taps. This build-up reduces the flow of water but it also insulates heating elements, making them work around 25% harder and use more energy in order to heat your water. If you live in a hard water area, this can make your energy bills up to £500 pounds higher every single year! You’ll also have to replace your appliances more frequently as limescale significantly reduces their lifespan.
- What effect can hard water have on my health?
Hard water is actually really healthy to drink but can irritate skin conditions such as eczema. It’s rich in calcium which is great for your bones and teeth, and also magnesium which is important for your muscles and nervous system.
- What is the most common type of water softening product?
The most common types of water softening products use salt or resin in order to soften the water. Salt softeners work by displacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. The salty rinse water is then flushed down the drain. Resin softeners work in a similar way but instead of salt the water passes through plastic beads which are charged with salt and remove the minerals from the water as it passes through.
- What are the disadvantages of these products?
While these methods can be effective if you care diligently for them, salt and resin water softeners also produce undesirable backwash, the water that is expelled into the watercourse as a result of water treatment. This backwash not only wastes additional water but also contains salt and chemicals which are harmful for the environment, plus you are required to have a separate drinking water tap in the kitchen and after such treatment the water is harmful for watering plants. These types of softeners need regular maintenance as the salt and resin needs to be constantly topped up. These devices typically last for about 10-15 years, have ongoing maintenance costs and can take up an entire cupboard, plus space for the salt storage.
- How is Halcyan different?
Halcyan is completely different! The Halcyan water conditioner doesn’t need any salt, chemicals or power in order to operate and it’s sustainable and eco-friendly. It’s a small device which doesn’t require any additional cupboard space and can be installed in under an hour by your plumber. What’s more, the Halcyan comes with a 30 year guarantee so you don’t have to worry about maintenance and you can take it with you if you move home, enjoying years of delicious, mineral-rich water wherever you live.
- How does Halcyan work?
The Halcyan device is made from a blend of 12 metals which create a unique alloy. As water passes through the Halcyan, turbulent contact with the alloy actually changes the molecular structure of the calcium carbonate so that it can no longer ‘stick’ (or chemically bond) to your water-bearing appliances. It not only prevents further limescale build-up, but it also reduces the limescale you already have in your system!
- What will Halcyan do to my hard water?
The Halcyan will not chemically alter your water, it simply changes the way that the calcium carbonate in your water behaves, preventing it from sticking to your appliances and damaging them. This means you still enjoy healthy water that is full of minerals straight from the tap, and you don’t have to worry about any of the nasty by-products that you get with other types of water softeners. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of more bubbly detergents like your shampoo and you’ll use a lot less as it lathers much better with treated water. If you suffer from itchy or sensitive skin you’ll also feel the benefits.
- Where do I find out more about Halcyan?
To find out more about the Halcyan, visit our website where you’ll find loads of helpful information, videos and lots of customer testimonials. Begin your journey to a limescale-free home here: https://halcyanwater.com/
