In today’s age, the quality of the water we consume and use in our daily lives matters a lot. But how often do we stop and consider the hardness of our water?
This is where the Westinghouse Water Softener comes into play. Manufactured by a renowned brand, this water softener is designed to provide soft water that can contribute to better health, less appliance wear and tear, and even a decrease in household chores.
In this comprehensive review, we will dissect this product in detail, discussing its pros, cons, and unique features.
Introduction to the Westinghouse Water Softener
The Westinghouse Water Softener system is a product designed with modern households in mind. Its primary function is to treat hard water by eliminating minerals such as calcium and magnesium that can wreak havoc on your appliances, pipes, and even your skin.
These water softeners are reputed for their high quality, reliability, and longevity. But is it worth your investment? Let’s delve deeper.
The Pros of the Westinghouse Water Softener
There are many reasons why homeowners opt for a Westinghouse Water Softener. Here’s a brief rundown:
- High Efficiency
These water softeners are renowned for their high efficiency.
They are capable of treating high volumes of water without a significant drop in pressure.
Thus, it ensures a continuous supply of soft water, even for larger households.
- Smart Technology
The Westinghouse Water Softener utilizes innovative smart technology.
It calculates your household’s daily water consumption and regenerates only when needed. This results in significant salt and water savings.
- Durability and Longevity
The robust construction of the Westinghouse Water Softener promotes durability and longevity. It is designed to resist corrosion and withstand harsh water conditions, ensuring that the system serves you efficiently for years to come.
- User-Friendly
The product features a user-friendly design with easy-to-read digital displays and controls, making operation and maintenance a breeze.
The Cons of the Westinghouse Water Softener
While the Westinghouse Water Softener has many advantages, it also has a few drawbacks to consider:
- High Upfront Cost
One of the biggest cons is its high upfront cost.
While this may be offset by the long-term benefits, it can be a significant investment for some homeowners.
- Occasional Maintenance Needed
Even with its smart technology, the Westinghouse Water Softener requires occasional maintenance, including adding salt to the brine tank and cleaning it from time to time.
- May Require Professional Installation
While the product comes with an installation guide, it may be complex for individuals who are not familiar with plumbing. Therefore, it might require professional installation, which can add to the cost.
Westinghouse WHS1065 Pro-Ion Water Softener
The Westinghouse WHS1065 is a manually-controlled softener with fleck valve. As a non-metered model, it regenerates on a preset schedule. Key details include:
Tank Size: 10” x 65” resin tank and standard brine tank
Water Hardness: Treats up to 75 grains per gallon
Regeneration: Initiated manually or by optional electronic timer
Warranty: 10 years on tank, 5 years on valve
Pros
- Broad water hardness treatment capacity
- Manual or timed regeneration options
- Durable fleck valve and tank backed by great warranty
- High quality construction at a reasonable price point
- Simple to install and maintain
Cons
- Timer accessory is an added cost
- Lack of meter means it regenerates on a fixed schedule whether water was used or not
The Westinghouse WHS1065 Pro-Ion is a great choice if you want a basic, non-metered softener with simple operation. The manual control keeps the purchase price down while still delivering high end construction.
Adding the optional electronic timer automates the regeneration for convenience. With great performance and durable components, this model provides reliable softened water for households with up to 6 people.
Westinghouse WHS1540 Pro-Ion Water Softener
For those wanting a metered softener, the Westinghouse WHS1540 is an excellent option. See the key details below:
Tank Size: 12” x 52” resin and brine tank
Water Hardness: Removes up to 90 grains per gallon
Regeneration: Based on metered water usage
Warranty: 15 years on tanks, 10 years on valve
Pros:
- High capacity metered system
- Only regenerates when needed, saving salt
- Great for households with up to 8 people
- Extended warranties provide peace of mind
- Advanced fleck valve for reliability
Cons:
- Installation involves some plumbing skill
- Higher upfront cost than basic models
With exceptional water hardness removal capacity and intelligent meter-based regeneration, the Westinghouse WHS1540 delivers premium water softening performance.
The generous tank sizes and extended warranties ensure this system will meet demands for years to come. Homes with harder water and larger families benefit most from the metered technology in this model.
Also Read: Comparison of FilterSmart And Pelican Water Systems.
Westinghouse WHS1054 Elevate Water Softener
Westinghouse also offers the compact WHS1054 Elevate softener. Details include:
Tank Size: 10” x 54” resin tank, standard brine tank
Water Hardness: Treats up to 75 grains per gallon
Regeneration: Timed, 7 day electronic metered regeneration
Warranty: 10 years on tanks, 5 years on valve
Pros:
- Smaller resin tank for tight spaces
- Metered based regeneration maximizes efficiency
- Easy to program electronic controller
- Great for condos, vacation homes, and light usage
Cons:
- Lower capacity than larger models
- Taller tank may need custom plumbing
The Westinghouse Elevate softener provides premium features in a compact size. The metered regeneration and user-friendly electronics deliver great softening while maximizing efficiency.
The smaller tank size is ideal for homes with 2 to 4 people such as condos, cabins, and vacation properties. Anyone with limited space should consider the Elevate for convenient installation.
Competitors of Westinghouse Water Softener
Several brands compete closely with the Westinghouse Water Softener. Let’s dive into two of its key competitors – Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener and GE GXSH40V Water Softener, comparing their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener
The Fleck 5600SXT is a well-regarded water softener known for its reliability and high-quality performance.
Pros of the Fleck 5600SXT
- High Capacity: The Fleck 5600SXT can handle high levels of water hardness, making it ideal for larger households.
- Metered Regeneration: This feature measures water usage and only regenerates when necessary, helping to conserve water and salt.
- User-Friendly Interface: Its digital control head with an LCD display allows for easy programming and operation.
Cons of the Fleck 5600SXT
- Size: It’s relatively large and requires considerable space for installation.
- Requires Manual Refilling: Unlike the Westinghouse model, it lacks an automatic salt level detection, necessitating regular manual checking.
GE GXSH40V Water Softener
The GE GXSH40V is a popular choice due to its trusted brand name and excellent performance.
Pros of the GE GXSH40V
- SmartSoft Technology: This tech allows the system to learn your family’s water usage patterns for optimal efficiency.
- Customizable Settings: You can easily adjust the hardness level of your water based on your preference.
- Blend of High Capacity and Compact Size: This model offers a perfect blend of space economy and high efficiency.
Cons of the GE GXSH40V
- Requires Regular Maintenance: Like the Westinghouse model, regular maintenance is needed for this water softener.
- Limited Grain Capacity: The GXSH40V has a lesser grain capacity compared to Westinghouse and Fleck, making it less suitable for larger households with high water hardness levels.
Buying Considerations
When shopping for a Westinghouse water softener keep the following factors in mind:
Water Hardness – Test your water to determine grains per gallon. Choose a softener rated for at least 20% higher than your actual hardness.
Household Size – Consider number of residents, bathrooms, laundry loads, etc. that impact water usage. Opt for larger systems for bigger households.
Space Limitations – Standard tanks need floor space and plumbing access. Look for compact models if needed. Alternately, resin tanks can sit in a basement while the brine tank goes elsewhere.
Budget – Prices range from $600 up to $2000 depending on size, technology, and features. Determine how much you can invest for the best long term value.
Convenience – Metered softeners are most convenient, only regenerating when needed. If opting for non-metered, add a timer to automate.
Comparing Westinghouse with Competitors
When pitted against competitors, the Westinghouse Water Softener stands out for its advanced features, such as smart technology that conserves salt and water by regenerating based on need.
While the Fleck 5600SXT also offers metered regeneration, it lacks an automatic salt level detection, giving Westinghouse an edge. On the other hand, GE’s GXSH40V boasts of SmartSoft technology, but its grain capacity might fall short for larger households.
In terms of cost, both Fleck 5600SXT and GE GXSH40V are less expensive upfront. However, the durability and high capacity of Westinghouse could lead to long-term savings. Therefore, if budget allows and high capacity, advanced technology, and longevity are important to you, the Westinghouse Water Softener could be a more viable choice.
Remember, the best water softener for you will depend on your specific water conditions, household size, budget, and preferences. It’s crucial to understand the pros and cons of each system to determine the most suitable solution for your needs.
FAQs about the Westinghouse Water Softener
Westinghouse water softeners are manufactured by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, a leading American manufacturing company known for its innovative and high-quality products.
To add salt to your Westinghouse Water Softener, you’ll need to open the top of the brine tank, pour in the salt, and then close the tank. Make sure to check the salt levels regularly and refill as necessary.
While water softeners are effective in dealing with hard water, some alternatives include salt-free water conditioners, reverse osmosis systems, and magnetic water descalers. However, the choice depends on your specific needs and water conditions.
If your Westinghouse Water Softener has too much salt, you may notice a hard crust, known as a salt bridge, forming inside the brine tank. It can prevent salt from dissolving in the water, leading to a decrease in the unit’s effectiveness.
Higher priced softeners usually indicate advanced technology, premium components, and increased capacity. The additional performance can be worthwhile for homes with very hard water or large households.
With proper maintenance, a water softener will typically last 15-20 years. Key components like tanks and valves are covered by long warranties from Westinghouse. Just replace the resin beads or brine tank occasionally.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the Westinghouse Water Softener is a worthy investment for those battling hard water issues. Its high efficiency, smart technology, durability, and user-friendly design justify its high upfront cost.
However, bear in mind the need for occasional maintenance and potential need for professional installation. Ultimately, the decision to buy should align with your budget, household size, and specific water needs.