Let's just agree that hard water is one of the most challenging problems to deal with in a household.
A few weeks ago, I suddenly found some white spots on my kitchen sink, and I quickly fetched my husband to check it out. I already had a water filtration system installed in our kitchen, and I had changed the filters myself a while back. So, these sudden white marks did get me worried.
After my husband came and had a look at it, my doubts were proven right - we had a failing water filtration system. Hence, as it was time to fix the issue, I thought about getting a water softening system for the entire house.
As I wasn't aware of the new systems available on the market, I did some quick research on the internet, and I came across the two preferred brands - Kinetico and Culligan. After taking careful stock of both brands and an intense discussion with my husband, I went for the Culligan water softener system.
Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, and today I will tell you everything on the topic of Kinetico vs Culligan to help you choose the best water softener system. Without further ado, let's begin!
Kinetico Vs Culligan
About Kinetico
Before I jump into telling you the different aspects of these companies, it will be fair to know a bit about each. So, Kinetico is a company running since 1970, and it specializes in a fully automatic water softener system that doesn't require electricity.
Moreover, the company has reached a global level and vouches to provide the highest quality water for general usage and drinking. Apart from softeners, Kinetico also offers drinking water filtration systems and specialized solutions like carbon backwashing and arsenic guard.
You can also directly book a free water test with Kinetico to assess the problems that might be present in your water system. And, I really liked that you can request the company for a free price quote which is helpful to come up with a budget.
When it comes to the water softener series, Kinetico provides three options - Essential, Signature and Premier. In case of confusion, just contact the company, and an expert will reach out and help you make the right choice.
However, the best thing I liked about Kinetico was the company’s precise way of mentioning all the needed information about water softeners on the website.
About Culligan
I'll admit I was surprised to know that Culligan has been in business for more than 80 years. The company offers similar services to that of Kinetico and also provides water filtration solutions. Culligan also carries three series - Aquasential Select, Aquasential Smart High Efficiency, and Culligan High Efficiency.
Moreover, Culligan provides salt-free alternatives in which there's no need to backflush or salt treat the water softener system. The company also has a portable service, using which you can get soft water anywhere and everywhere.
You will also be able to use Culligan's free water hardness test, and scheduling it is pretty easy. The company is quite prompt about diagnosing your home's water, and an expert will soon get to you about the best solutions.
While browsing through the Culligan website, I also came across a web page that has a detailed explanation about what to expect from your local water supply. I think this extra information from Culligan would be helpful for many people.
I was also pleased by the customer care of this company, as the service was quick and very helpful.
- [Improve Water Quality] Solves hard water problems without the need for chemicals, salt, or maintenance, while keeping healthy minerals in the water by preventing scale deposits from forming and allowing existing scale to break down.
- [Reliable Descaler] Descales your entire water system and prevents scale buildup in pipes. Reduces energy consumption with an average one year payback period. Great for your home and the environment, individuals on salt-restricted diets, and those looking for healthier skin and hair.
- [Environmental Friendly] Designed for very hard water areas (10-19 grains per gallon). Saves energy and extends the life of your appliances.
- Whole House Water Softener:This whole house water softener effectively removes 99.3% calcium and 99.5% magnesium, softening your water to protect plumbing, appliances, and improve water taste throughout your home.
- Scale Removal & Prevention:Designed to remove existing scale and prevent future scale build-up, this system ensures longer-lasting appliances, cleaner dishes, and softer skin and hair.
- NSF certified Food Grade Resin:Utilizes premium 5A food grade resin, certified by NSF for safety and reliability, ensuring effective removal of hard water minerals while maintaining optimal filtration performance for your home.
How To Make A Choice?
1. Water Softener System Size
A common deciding factor for getting a water softener system is the required size. This depends on many factors like the area of your house, the amount of water used every day, and the hardness of the water.
If you are already aware of these factors, making a choice becomes easy. However, I had to call up the experts to assess the best size, and you can do it too.
While choosing a product, make sure to check the water hardness removing capacity of the softener to get the softest water.
2. Cost
To be honest, the lower cost of Culligan products made me gravitate towards the company. But, that doesn't need to be true for you, as other factors come into play. One of them is the performance of a product, and my research has led me to believe that in some areas, Kinetico is the better option.
Even though Culligan products come at a lower cost, Kinetico has a more diverse range of options, along with a longer warranty in most cases. And, to make your budgeting easier, don't forget to get a price quote from the company.
3. Installation
Are you fond of installing your own appliances? If yes, then it's best to look for products that come with easy installation. I have noticed that Culligan is better at allowing DIY. This makes filter changes and maintenance of the water softener system easier.
Having said that, if this is your first time getting a water softener, it’s best to leave the task to an expert. Also, if you happen to find any problem with the system, get help from the company to retain the benefits of the warranty period.
Final Words
After reading the above, you might have guessed that there isn’t a clear choice between the two companies. And, both have their pros and cons. Hence, it’s always better to do thorough research before selecting a water softener system for your home.
A quick tip – try to opt for the company that has the closest local dealer to your home. This turns out to be quite helpful when there’s a need for changing the filters or doing repair work on the system.
Also, do let me know about your final choice and experience of getting a water softener system. Till then, goodbye and take care!