Should I Rent a Water Softener or Purchase My Own?
Did you know that 85% of the U.S. has hard water? Many homeowners have considered getting a water softener to solve problems like foul smelling water, dingy laundry, and stained stinks. Many people who have hard water know they need a water softener solution, but aren’t sure whether renting a unit or purchasing one is their best option. In this post, we will examine how to weigh your options between water softener rental and ownership.
Renting vs. Purchasing – What to Consider
There are a wide range of water softeners on the market, and if you aren’t sure which one to buy, renting might seem like a good way to try one out. But is that really the right way to go?
There are a number of considerations involved in deciding whether you should rent or purchase a water softener. Here are a few questions that may help you decide:
Do you rent your home or own it?
In many cases, people who live in an apartment or another type of leased property choose to rent a water softener rather than buy one. If you do not own the home you are living in, it might not make sense to have your own water softener installed and potentially have to move it. This is especially true if the next home you live in will be larger than your current dwelling. Depending upon the terms of the water softener rental agreement, you will probably have a good degree of flexibility and will be able to cancel your service if and when you move.
There are cases in which buying a water softener might make sense for renters. If you do not expect your household size and water needs to change in the future, you can purchase a water softener, then if and when you do move, you can have an experienced water softener specialist disconnect and reinstall your water softener. Of course, if you do decide to purchase, you’ll need to discuss your plan with your landlord and make sure it is approved before proceeding.
How long do you plan to stay in your home?
If you do own your home, but plan to move in the near future, rental may seem like the best water softener option. Considering there is little to no commitment with a rented water softener, you can simply end the service when you move. However, if you think in terms of your existing home’s value, it is possible that upgrading your home with a quality water softener could make it more appealing to prospective buyers.
If you plan to be at your current address for the foreseeable future, investing in a water softener will not only provide better water, but also protect your home in the long run. Hard water minerals leave a significant level of residue build-up in pipes over time. This crusty scale can accumulate and corrode pipes, leading to expensive plumbing issues. Your water-using appliances are also affected by hard water and will eventually become less efficient and more expensive to use. Whenever you do decide to sell the home, your water softener will likely spare you from having to repair clogged pipes or replace a worn-out washing machine or water heater.
How does the purchase price compare to water softener rental cost?
Water softener prices begin around $500 and increase, depending on the system’s size and features. A lower cost water softener might work for you if you have a small home and your water usage is modest. Depending upon the size of your home and the number of people in your household, you might need a more expensive system.
Similarly, if you opt for a rental, the cost will depend on what size water softener you need. According to Angi’s List, a rented system will cost $20 – $50 a month on average, which amounts to $240 – $600 per year. Over time, buying a water softener is going to be more cost-efficient than renting one.
How much water softener maintenance do I want to take on?
One of the nicests perks of renting a water softener is that the company you rent from takes care of any necessary maintenance. They will send a technician for anything that may go wrong and the costs are usually covered by rental contract. A drawback is that the rental unit is likely to be older, used, and in need of more servicing. Even if the work is covered, it may prove to be a hassle to have to deal with ongoing repair issues.
If you decide on purchasing, it is possible to find a high quality water softener that is well-made, designed for low maintenance, and engineered to provide long service life. The right water softener manufacturer will offer an excellent warranty because they have great confidence in the performance of their product.
How limited are the options with a rental water softener?
As you begin doing your research, you may be surprised to find out that there are a wide array of water softener types and options. When you rent a water softener, you are obviously going to be limited to the models your supplier has available, and if you wanted to rent a system as a way to “test the waters”, you may not have many system types from which to choose.
For those who have only basic water softening needs, a narrow selection might be okay, but if you have a specific issue that requires a water softener filter, purchasing a system that can be designed to meet your specific needs is likely to be a much better option.
For Long Term Needs, Buying Your Own System Pays
While there are some situations in which a water softener rental makes sense, if you are looking for a long term solution, purchasing a water softener is the wisest decision. You will have to make a larger upfront investment, but in the long run, you will save money, and have something to show for the money you spent.
The WaterBoss offers you an affordable, quality water softener system that features an innovative, built-in water filter that is low maintenance, self cleaning, and engineered using advanced water treatment technology.
A well-respected, industry-leading brand, WaterBoss gives you a variety of models to choose from as well as a quality product backed by reliable support. To discover your ideal water solution, visit one of our retailers to purchase your very own WaterBoss water softener.
