Water FAQ: Working Water

Soft water provides for easier maintenance of a humidifier. When hard water evaporates, a hard scale forms that normally requires some drastic removal techniques. When soft water is used, the residue is commonly called "soft" and can usually be removed by flushing the unit with water or going over the surface with a brush.

Remember, softening water does not reduce the total amount of minerals present; ion exchange softening exchanges the calcium and magnesium hardness causing minerals with sodium minerals. The most common humidifier in homes has an open pan, a small tube connected to a water source, and float valve. When water evaporates, the float valve opens to permit make-up water to flow into the pan. Eventually this type of unit fills with minerals deposited by the water.

Using soft water will keep the mineral build-up down and the humidifier functioning properly.

Click here to view Culligan's line of water softeners.