Descaling system: advantages and disadvantages at a glance

Are you considering installing a descaling system in your home? Then you are bound to have the most stubborn effects of hard water  got to know. To help you with your purchase decision, we have compiled the most important advantages and disadvantages of decalcifying systems here. You should note that these systems operate on different principles. In the article on the different types of water softeners  you get an overview of the common methods. So you can find the system that suits you best.

The term “decalcifying system” is rather colloquial. The term “water softener” is technically correct. In fact, water can only be softened; lime is actually only spoken of when it is deposited. Devices such as kettles are descaled in this sense  or coffee maker  but also bathroom fittings or tiles.

 

Advantages of a descaling system

  1. Less cleaning effort

A decalcifying system ensures soft water. This means that the calcifying minerals calcium and magnesium are either removed or can no longer be deposited. So you have to struggle with far fewer limescale deposits or they can be removed much more easily than before. In the bathroom in particular, you’ll be happy that you don’t have to scrub away those annoying edges as often.

  1. Save detergent and cleaning agent

Calcareous water also affects detergents. The hardness of the water is related to the washing power of detergents etc. Hard water can partially neutralize soap-like solutions, so much more of it is needed. With a descaling system, you only need the amount of detergent recommended for soft water, and you will also notice savings with dishwashing detergent or shower gel.

  1. Devices don’t break anytime soon

Limescale quickly settles in devices. A white crust forms particularly quickly when water is heated. Coffee machines, kettles  or washing machines  suffer. Soft water not only makes it easier to care for the devices, it also reduces the risk of damage.

  1. Save electricity

Limescale deposits cause increased electricity costs. A lime layer of just one millimeter increases energy consumption when heating by 10 percent. If, for example, the heating rod in the hot water boiler is calcified, this is quickly reflected in the electricity bill. The lime partially insulates, so that the heating element needs far more energy to heat the water.

  1. Comfortable for the skin

Lime dries the skin  out and clogs pores. According to a British study, calcareous water can even be the cause of irritations such as eczema or skin blemishes. After showering with soft water, the skin is less tense and feels more well-groomed. Even showering or bathing itself becomes a new experience. Soft water is more comfortable for the skin.

 

Disadvantages of a descaling system

  1. The cost item

Even if there are very different types of descaling systems, they have one thing in common. None of them are cheap. The high price is justified by the amount of research that goes into the devices. If you decide to use a descaling system, you should definitely choose a higher quality model. Most of the cheap systems have clearly saved in production.

  1. Conscientious maintenance

Few devices can operate without regular maintenance. Systems that work with a chemical principle must be continuously maintained by specialist staff. So you have to expect additional costs and time. If you neglect maintenance, in the worst case scenario this can lead to contamination.

  1. High running costs

Mainly ion exchangers, reverse osmosis systems  and filter systems  cause high running costs. Descaling cartridges and filters have to be constantly replaced. In some cases, decalcifying systems must also have plenty of drinking water  because they would otherwise quickly become germinated. Treated water is therefore not always cheap overall.

  1. Minerals removed from the water

Lime is healthy in and of itself. Calcium and magnesium are important minerals for the human body. From a nutritional point of view, there is no benefit in removing the lime. Only a few systems work with a principle that preserves the minerals in the water.

  1. Taste compromises

With the lime, the wholesome taste of the water disappears. This is noticeable even without a particularly pronounced sense of taste. Many swear by soft water when making tea and coffee, but hard water tastes better “pure”. So many people turn to expensive bottled water.