Tag: water filter

Many of us have heard about hard and soft water.  We have probably heard that we do not want hard water, but do we really know why?  While hard water is not dangerous to a person’s health, it has a number of undesirable effects.  SaltInstitute.org discusses what hard water is and where hard water is most common, ” As it leaves the skies in the form of rain, water is soft, meaning it is clear of impurities. But it picks up carbon dioxide and other impurities in the air. It also dissolves calcium and magnesium salts as it soaks through the earth and runs off into rivers or lakes and collects in reservoirs or wells. If the water, in these processes, picks up a substantial amount of invisible dissolved rock, calcium carbonate and other substances, it becomes “hard” a defined term… U.S drinking water contains an average of 7.1 grains per gallon/121 mg/L of hardness. The U.S. Geological Survey calculates that 89.3% of U.S. homes have hard water with the hardest water found in the belt running from Kansas and Texas on the east to Southern California to the west with up to ten times the minimum defined concentration of calcium carbonate to be “hard.” There are indications water is becoming even harder. The ever-increasing demand for water has lowered the water table, causing a greater draw-off at the surface which raises the natural hardness of water.”  Hard water does not create as good of a lather when bathing, can form lime scales in water heaters and it clings to skin and fabric, dulling fabric colors and shortening their life. For many, the solution is to install a water softener.  Water softeners change hard water to soft water but they do require some maintenance.  While there are many automatic systems that do most of the maintenance for themselves but, even so, water softeners should be  routinely checked and maintained.  LivingSpace360.com discusses what should be regularly maintained with your water softener, “The brine tank must be inspected for salt build up which will need to be dealt with. You must also be sure that the salt level is adequate. Consult the manufacturer for type of salt used, but evaporated salt may be your best choice for low maintenance, though it is more expensive than other types of salt.  You will need to check the resin bed. Although they last many years, you should check periodically to be sure that all is well with this important part of your water softener system.  Usually a buildup of iron or other problem can be solved by cleaning. However, a growth of algae or visible bacterial build up may mean it is time to replace the resin bed.”  By regularly maintaining your water softener, you can extend the life of your water softener and continue enjoying soft water in your home.]]>

The refrigerator is one of the most used appliances in our home.  We rely on it to keep our food cold and safe, the food that feeds our families.  Often, we forget that our refrigerator needs maintenance in order to continue to run well and to extend its lifespan.  The last thing anyone wants is a refrigerator full of food that suddenly breaks. There are some basic and relatively easy ways to maintain your refrigerator and keep it up and running.  The first thing you will want to do is to keep the inside clean.  You should promptly clean any spills and do general cleaning once per month.  With soap and water wipe down all the shelves and drawers. Next, you will want to ensure that the coils are clean.  Every three months, vacuum the fan and condenser coils.  This will help keep air running smoothly and will allow your refrigerator to be more energy efficient.  You will also want to clean and inspect the door seals. When door seals become cracked or broken they allow cold air to escape and can compromise the quality of the food and is not energy efficient.  Check the door seals every month and if they seem dirty clean them with soapy water and if you notice damaged seals, you can purchase replacement door seals.   Also, most refrigerators have a drain hole and drip pan that removes condensation but food particles can also wind up in the drip pan. You should regularly clean the drip pan with soap and water.  It is also important that you regularly change your water filter according to instructions.  If you continue to use a water filter for longer than instructed water is often even dirtier than before it went through the filter. Lastly, you should check to ensure that your refrigerator is level.  When a refrigerator is not level doors may not open and close properly and they may not seal correctly.  Not only does this put the quality of food at risk but it is not energy efficient.  Place a level on the top of the refrigerator, if it is not level adjust the feet of your refrigerator until it is. Schedule regularly cleanings in your calendar or put a reminder in your phone.  Appliances are expensive and you want them to last as long as possible and you want them to function properly.  By regularly maintaining your refrigerator your refrigerator will run properly and keep your food safe and the lifespan of your refrigerator will be extended.]]>