Envirotec Water Softener Review: Should You Get It?

If you’re tired of dealing with hard water spots on your dishes, stiff laundry, or that ever-present build-up around faucets, you’re likely considering a water softener. With so many brands on the market, it’s not easy to find one that truly addresses your needs.

Let me share my personal experience with the Envirotec water softener, a system I’ve used, researched, and compared with other popular brands.

First, if you’re wondering where to buy the Envirotec water softener, your best bet is to check out Spencer’s TV and Appliances. They exclusively offer this system, which is specifically built for the harsh water conditions of the Southwest.

Now, let’s get into the details of how it performs and whether it’s worth the investment.

My Experience With Envirotec Water Softener

I live in an area with notoriously hard water. It affects everything from my hair to my appliances, so a good water softener was a non-negotiable investment.

When I first heard about the Envirotec water softener, I was intrigued by the fact that it’s designed for our local water conditions and backed by over 35 years of expertise. The promise of high-quality, reliable materials that can handle extreme water hardness caught my attention.

• Installation And Setup

One of the things I appreciated about the Envirotec water softener was how smooth the installation process went.

The system came with clear instructions, and since it’s available locally, there were no issues with parts or delivery delays.

After the installation, I immediately noticed a difference in the water.

The most obvious change was how much softer the water felt on my skin.

No more sticky, dry feeling after showers.

• How Does It Compare to Other Brands?

Having used other water softeners in the past, I can confidently say that the Envirotec system stands up to some of the top competitors.

Brands like Culligan and Kinetico are often praised for their reliability, but I found that Envirotec offered similar quality at a more affordable price point.

While Culligan is widely known for its long-standing reputation and Kinetico for its efficiency, Envirotec shines with its ability to handle the extreme water conditions we face here in the Southwest.

Not only that, but it’s tailored to tackle the specific issues of high chlorine levels and hard water that many other systems struggle with.

Pros of The Envirotec Water Softener

Let’s talk about the highlights of this system:

1. Tailored for Harsh Water Conditions: Envirotec is designed specifically for areas with high water hardness and chlorine levels, which makes it especially effective if you live in regions like the Southwest.
2. High-Quality Materials: The system is built with durable components, ensuring it can withstand long-term use without frequent maintenance or part replacements. The materials seem far more robust compared to some other brands I’ve tried in the past.
3. Efficient Water Softening: After installation, the immediate reduction in hard water deposits around faucets, sinks, and even on my shower glass was remarkable. Laundry also came out much softer, and I noticed fewer spots on dishes and glassware.
4. Healthier Skin and Hair: Personally, one of the biggest benefits was how much softer my skin and hair felt after showering. Hard water tends to leave a film on the skin, but after using this system, that annoying residue was completely gone.
5. Local Support and Expertise: Because it’s locally made and exclusive to Spencer’s TV and Appliances, you have access to more personalized customer service. Plus, knowing that the system is designed specifically for our desert conditions gives me confidence in its long-term performance.

Cons of the Envirotec Water Softener

While there are plenty of positives, there are also a few areas where the system falls short:

1. Limited Availability: If you don’t live near a Spencer’s TV and Appliances store, it can be tough to get your hands on this system. Unlike national brands that you can find almost anywhere, Envirotec has a more limited reach, which might not be convenient for everyone.
2. Upfront Cost: While it’s not the most expensive system on the market, it does require a significant upfront investment. However, considering the long-term savings on appliance wear-and-tear and other costs associated with hard water, it balances out over time.
3. Maintenance: Like all water softeners, the Envirotec system does require routine maintenance, such as salt refills and occasional filter changes. It’s not too demanding, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re not used to maintaining a water system.

Maintenance Tips For Envirotec Water Softener

Maintaining your Envirotec water softener doesn’t have to be a chore, but it’s essential for ensuring optimal performance.

1. Check the Salt Level Regularly: One of the key maintenance tasks is ensuring that the brine tank always has enough salt. I make it a habit to check the salt levels at least once a month. Running the system without sufficient salt can lead to inefficient softening, so this is crucial.
2. Clean the Brine Tank: About once a year, it’s a good idea to give the brine tank a thorough clean. Over time, salt can build up at the bottom and create a sludge that hinders performance. This task takes about an hour but makes a noticeable difference in water quality.
3. Change the Filters: If you have a whole-house filter attached, you’ll need to change that regularly. The frequency will depend on your water usage and local water conditions, but typically, every six months works well for me.
4. Inspect the System for Leaks: Every few months, I take a quick look at the system to make sure there are no leaks or issues. Catching small problems early can prevent major repairs down the line.

Comparing Envirotec With Other Water Softener Brands

When I was researching water softeners, I came across a few key competitors to the Envirotec system: Puronics Water Softener, ActivFlo Water Conditioner, and NuvoH2O. These brands offer solid alternatives, but after testing and comparing them, I found some notable differences.

• Puronics Water Softener

Puronics is a well-known name in the water treatment industry, especially for its water softeners.

One of the standout features of Puronics is its SilverShield technology, which incorporates silver into the treatment process to reduce bacteria growth.

While this sounds impressive, I found that Envirotec offers similar results in terms of water softness and scale reduction, without the added complexity or higher price point.

The Envirotec system is also designed specifically for high-hardness areas like the Southwest, which gives it an advantage if you’re dealing with extreme water conditions.

Puronics is ideal if you’re looking for advanced features like bacterial control, but in my experience, Envirotec is more straightforward and effective for the everyday user who just wants softer, cleaner water.

• NuvoH2O

NuvoH2O offers a salt-free water softening solution that focuses on using citrus-based technology to reduce hard water effects.

While this eco-friendly approach is attractive, particularly for people wanting to avoid salt-based systems, I found the performance of NuvoH2O to be inconsistent compared to Envirotec. With NuvoH2O, while it reduced some water scaling, I didn’t experience the same level of softness in my water that I did with Envirotec.

The Envirotec system was far more effective at eliminating water spots, soap scum, and mineral deposits. If you’re in an area with moderate water hardness, NuvoH2O might work for you, but for those dealing with tough water conditions, Envirotec is the better option.

• ActivFlo Water Conditioner

Unlike traditional water softeners, ActivFlo is a water conditioner that uses a physical water treatment method rather than salt or chemicals. This means it doesn’t technically “soften” water in the same way as a salt-based system like Envirotec, but rather reduces scaling.

If you’re looking for something with no salt maintenance, ActivFlo can be appealing. However, after using Envirotec, I appreciated the noticeable difference in how much softer the water felt on my skin, dishes, and laundry compared to what a water conditioner could provide.

ActivFlo may be a good choice for those who are environmentally conscious or who want to avoid salt, but for people living in areas with extreme water hardness, the Envirotec system delivers more reliable long-term results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Is The Envirotec Water Softener Worth It?

If you live in an area with extreme water hardness, like the Southwest, the Envirotec water softener is definitely worth considering. It’s designed specifically for local water conditions, and the quality of materials used means it’s built to last.

While there are some downsides, such as the cost and maintenance, the long-term benefits far outweigh these minor inconveniences.

Plus, with the backing of over 35 years of experience, Envirotec offers peace of mind that many other brands can’t match. You can find the system exclusively at Spencer’s TV and Appliances, which means you’ll also get great local support if you ever need it.