Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Which water softener?

We have a 20 year old Rainsoft that came with the house that is no longer working. We would like to replace it, but we have no clue which product is better.

We have talked with many dealers. They have all tested our water and the hardness has been 3, 5, 5, 8, and 10. (Not sure why it's all different???) Our ph is 7.0 and iron is 1.

Rainsoft (didn't like salesperson and really don't want to buy from them)

Culligan (most expensive)

Elite (salesperson mentioned Fleck, not sure what the connection is???)

One of the salespeople said we didn't need a softener, just a unit that could take out the iron. The unit was more expensive than a softener. (Forget which company)

Kenmore (cheapest)

Is one brand "better" than another? Will one last longer? We honestly have no clue and would appreciate any insight or direction. Thank you.

We love our Kinetico. No timer - it recharges on demand, less wasted water, quiet, and it's supposed to use less salt. A neighbor has one (her third brand) and she has had no problems with hers either. She told me she wouldn't buy any other brand.

This is the first softener I purchased. I vaguely remember the water softener my parents had many, many years ago. They go rid of it because it was so noisy.

That's the extent of my experience, but I can vouch for the Kinetico brand. Good equipment.

We love our Kinetico. No timer - it recharges on demand, less wasted water, quiet, and it's supposed to use less salt. A neighbor has one (her third brand) and she has had no problems with hers either. She told me she wouldn't buy any other brand.

That's the extent of my experience, but I can vouch for the Kinetico brand. Good equipment.

Kinetico is a fine product. It will serve you well. There are other features and benefits not mentioned above that Kinetico provides. Do your research.

Andy Christensen, CWS-II

I agree kentico is the only way to go. they are normal to last 30 plus years.