Choosing a water softener can be challenging due to the many options available. The two that we get the most questions about are non electric and electric water softeners. Although both options utilise the same ion exchange process to remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium from hard water, they differ in terms of power source, efficiency and cost. In this post we’ll compare the key differences to help you decide which option is best for you. Discussing how they work, comparing costs and even maintenance requirements, to provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision.

Contrary to popular belief, the water softening process itself does not require any electricity. When the resin bed inside your softener becomes saturated a regeneration will occur, this is where a brine solution is flushed through the resin bed to remove hardness minerals which allows for a continued supply of softened water. This regeneration process is controlled by a valve, in the case of an electric water softener, an electronic valve or for non electric systems, a non electric valve.

What Are Electric Water Softeners?

First up are Electric Water Softeners which feature highly programmable electronic valves that can be set to your specific water hardness (to the exact parts per million). Our versions use a water meter to measure how much water you use and only begin the regeneration process when necessary, which helps to lower running costs, save water and reduce the amount of salt your softener uses. These ‘metered’ electronic valves learn how much water you use per day and predict whether or not there is enough remaining capacity in the softener for the next day – if there is not, regeneration will occur at 2am when no one is likely to be using any water (this time can be altered to suit the needs of your household).

Electronic softeners often feature a display screen where users can see their water usage, monitor the remaining capacity of the softener and read fault information in the rare instance that there is an issue.

What Are Non Electric Water Softeners?

Next up are Non Electric Water Softeners which use the same ion-exchange technology to soften your water, but the valve is powered by kinetic energy, using water pressure alone without the need for electricity. The valves use a similar water meter principle as our electric water softeners, measuring the amount of water you use and regenerating when capacity is reached.

Due to the number of mechanical components inside the valve, it is important to ensure that the water feeding your non electric softener is free from particulate. For this reason, it is often recommended to install a sediment pre-filter before the water softener.

Non electric valves do not have the ability to learn your water usage, so will regenerate when capacity is reached regardless of the time of day. If you are using water whilst your water softener is regenerating then it will be hard water, however once softened water starts flowing again any residual hardness in your pipework will be removed. This means that your system always uses its complete capacity before regeneration, which reduces excess salt and water use.

Comparing Electric And Non Electric Water Softeners   

What Are The Running Costs Of A Water Softener?

It is a common misconception that water softeners are expensive to run. Salt costs are usually between £1.25 and £2.50 per person per month and the increase in your water bill tends to be no more than £5 per year. Electric systems actually use very little electricity to operate, generally around 35p per month.

These running costs far outweigh the costs associated with hard water damage in the home over the same time period. This is why water softeners are often regarded as one of the only household appliances that pay for themselves over time.

Choosing The Right Water Softener

When it comes to choosing the right water softener the most important thing to consider is where it is going to be installed. This will help to narrow down your search by highlighting whether you have the option to install an electric water softener – as there needs to be a power supply nearby. If you have a power supply then you have complete freedom of choice as to whether to opt for an electric or non electric system. If there is no nearby power supply and you don’t want to have a new socket installed then a non electric system is the obvious option.

For More Things To Consider, Read Our Thinking About Buying A Water Softener Guide