Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
Before leasing or buying a water softener, find out what controls the regeneration cycles, how long each cycle takes, and how much water and salt are used for recharging. Be aware that even fully automatic types require occasional refilling with salt. Several different methods are used for controlling cycles, but the two main types are:
Timer controls. Clocks or electronic timers automatically recharge the unit at a preset time and day, based on your average usage. This type may fall short if you have unusually large water usage on a particular day. They also waste sodium and water because they regenerate whether or not recharging is necessary. They usually do this in the early morning hours.
DIR controls. A more sophisticated method, called demand-initiated regeneration (DIR), senses when the resin must be recharged, either electronically or with a meter that measures and calculates usage. A demand- initiated regeneration system saves on salt and regeneration water because it does not recharge unless necessary. In addition, it provides for unusually large water usage.
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