Are you tired of receiving high energy bills every month? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet? Retrofitting your home can help you achieve both of these goals. Retrofitting is the process of upgrading existing homes with energy-efficient features to save energy and reduce waste. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to retrofit your home to save energy.

How Energy Efficient is Your Home?

Before retrofitting your home, it is crucial to conduct a home energy audit to identify areas where you can make improvements. An energy audit will help you understand your home’s energy consumption and how to make it more energy-efficient. You can hire a professional energy auditor or conduct a DIY audit using a home energy audit kit.

Install Insulation

One of the most important steps you can take to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to install insulation. Properly installed insulation helps keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home. It also helps reduce noise levels and makes it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. When installing insulation, be sure to use materials that are rated for the climate where you live.

Average cost: £1400-£10,000

Replace Old Windows

Old windows can be a major source of heat loss in a home, so replacing them with new, energy-efficient windows can help reduce energy costs significantly. Look for windows that are rated for high efficiency, such as those with double or triple glazing to ensure heat is reflected back into the room instead of escaping outside.

Average cost: Depending on the size of your home, you can pay anything up to £16,800 for uPVC windows and thousands more for timber and composite frames.

Install a Water Conditioner

It isn’t widely known that the hardness of your water may actually be costing you a great deal more than you realise. When hard water is allowed to course its way through your home, it leaves behind limescale buildup in your appliances and plumbing. Over time, this significantly reduces the efficiency of boilers, kettles, washing machines and any other appliance that uses water. Not only does it use a lot more energy, limescale is also the cause of appliance breakdowns and in some cases, this damage is irreparable.

The Halcyan Water Conditioner is a simple solution which will not only reduce your energy bills, but will protect your existing appliances and remove limescale from your home. The single cost of installing a Halcyan can give you around £500 savings on your annual energy bills!

Average cost £770 + fitting

Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats allow you to control your heating and cooling system remotely from anywhere using an app on your smartphone or tablet device. They also learn from your usage patterns over time so they can automatically adjust temperatures when you’re away or asleep—helping you save even more money on utilities without sacrificing comfort levels in your home. Smart thermostats are easy to install and can be controlled from anywhere with an internet connection, making them a great way to save energy without having to make any major changes around the house.

Average cost: £120-220

Conclusion

Retrofitting your home requires an initial investment, but the long-term benefits are significant. From reducing your bills to improving your home’s carbon footprint, it’s a great idea to see where you can make improvements. By taking these steps, you can enjoy modern, planet-friendly features that will help reduce overall energy consumption while keeping it comfortable all year round—saving you money on utilities in the process!

If you’d like to find out more about the Halcyan Water Conditioner, you can explore our Knowledge Centre and find out how it works here. You can call our expert team on 0345 504 0656 for more information on whether you have hard water and how you can benefit from installing a Halcyan. 

Why choose Halcyan?

Halcyan Water Conditioners is a British company based in Bristol and our alloy-based solution to hard water is unique to the UK. While there are many ways to retrofit your home to save on energy and bills, our alloy-based Water Conditioner is an eco-friendly, people-friendly solution to hard water too! If you’ve had enough of rising energy bills, get in touch with us to see how our Halcyan Water Conditioner can help. With our 30 Year Warranty and our 12 Month Money Back Performance Guarantee, you can be sure that you’ll enjoy the benefits of your investment for many years to come!

If you’ve ever been told that you live in a ‘hard water area’ then you might also be aware that water hardness is an important factor to consider when it comes to water quality. Hard water can cause problems such as limescale build-up in pipes and appliances. In this blog post, we will explore what water hardness is, how it is measured, and how hard the water is across the UK.

What is Water Hardness?

Water hardness is a measure of the amount of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in the water. These minerals come from the earth’s crust and are picked up by the water as it flows through rocks and soil. Water hardness is usually measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm).

Source: Drinking Water Inspectorate

What Causes Hard Water?

Hardness in water is caused by dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals are naturally present in most groundwater sources, but can also be added by man-made sources such as industrial waste or agricultural runoff. The amount of hardness present depends on the concentration of these minerals, which can vary from region to region.

Does it Matter if You Have Hard Water?

Hard water can cause several problems, such as limescale build-up, which can damage pipes and appliances. It can also make it difficult to get soap to lather and can leave a scum on surfaces, such as bathtubs and sinks. In contrast, soft water has a low mineral content and is less likely to cause these problems.

How Is Water Hardness Measured?

The hardness of water varies across the UK. Generally speaking, hard water tends to be more common in areas with higher levels of limestone or chalk geology, while soft water is more common in areas with higher levels of granite or sandstone geology.

Water hardness varies across the UK. According to a report by the Drinking Water Inspectorate, around 60% of the UK has hard or very hard water. The hardest water is found in the south and east of England, with the highest levels of hardness being recorded in the Thames Valley and the south-east of England. The softest water is found in the north-west of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. You can see how water hardness varies on the DWI’s map.

What Does This Mean For You?

If you live in an area with hard water, it’s important to be aware that your appliances such as boilers, kettles and showers are far less efficient over time when competing with limescale build-up. In the worst cases, appliances can even break down and need replacing. 

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce these effects. Installing a Halcyan Water Conditioner will help reduce scale build-up on pipes and appliances by making your water behave like soft water as it enters your home. Another option is to use a descaler, which breaks down the minerals in the water, making them less likely to cause problems.

You can also use vinegar or lemon juice to remove limescale build-up from surfaces, such as shower heads and taps. Using a soap or detergent specifically designed for hard water can also help to reduce the scum and make it easier to get soap to lather.

Conclusion

It’s important to be aware that the hardness level of your drinking supply can vary depending on where you live in the UK. While it can cause several problems, there are ways to reduce its effects, such as using a water conditioner or descaler.  By understanding the hardness of your water, you can take steps to protect your pipes and appliances and enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water.

If you’d like to find out more about the Halcyan Water Conditioner, you can explore our Knowledge Centre and find out how it works here. You can call our expert team on 0345 504 0656 for more information on how you can heat your water for less, by installing a Halcyan.

Why choose Halcyan?

Halcyan Water Conditioners is a British company based in Bristol and our alloy-based solution to hard water is unique to the UK. As leaders in our industry, our mission is to help our customers save money, save energy and save the planet with our eco-friendly, people-friendly water conditioners. We take huge pride in our customer satisfaction and our testimonials speak for themselves. With our 30 Year Warranty and our 12 Month Money Back Performance Guarantee, you can say goodbye to damaging hard water for good!

The National Self Build & Renovation Show: Helping you build your dream.

Produced by the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), the UK’s award-winning Self Build and Home Improvements Visitor Centre, their May Show offers two full days of master-classes, case studies, seminars and an unrivalled line up of experts on hand to share their advice. In fact, our very own CEO Samantha Mant will be on the panel at 1pm on Saturday talking about energy and money saving products! It is a brilliant event if you are seeking a plot to build a brand-new house, renovating a tired property or thinking about extending your existing home.

Back by popular demand, the Sustainability Theatre is sure to be a highlight of the show. Talks in this space will cover how we can we mitigate against rising energy costs, and other increasing costs, in our homes? Experts will explore the technologies available to us, including; insulation, air source heat pumps, solar panels and environmentally friendly hard water treatment.

NSBRC shows always have a timetable packed full of informative and impartial talks, to help inspire your homebuilding plans. Alongside 200+ exhibitors within the NSBRC’s unique ‘Trade Village’, the ‘Professional Services Hub’ is the place to go for independent, expert advice from a range of specialists. You’ll find a number of Architects and Designers, as well as experts on Planning, Project Management, Site Safety, Landscaping and more.

The ‘Build It Theatre’ is the place to go to hear the key, fundamental self build topics being discussed including; finding land, budgeting, planning, VAT reclaim and the latest on building regulations.

Our top 3 tips for making the most of your visit to the National Self Build & Renovation Show:

1. Bring your plans, drawings and sketches – it will help the experts and exhibitors give you the best advice, tailored to your project.
2. Arrive early! There is a packed programme of talks, demos, case studies and tours. Doors open at 9am each day, with the first talks starting at 10am. You’ll also want plenty of time to browse the exhibitor displays.
3. Don’t be shy to ask questions. Many experienced representatives will be on hand to answer your questions and offer support based on their experience.
   

   Show highlights include:

• Guided educational tours of the NSBRC’s fantastic life-size exhibits*
• Panel debates answering your questions live
• FREE Self Build Course taster sessions
• 1:1 Expert Advice*

*Booked on the day at the Booking Desk. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

The Show runs from Friday 12^th to Saturday 13^th May with FREE advance tickets at: https://www.nsbrc.co.uk/whats-on/our-events/the-national-self-build-and-renovation-show/

The National Self Build & Renovation Show is easy to get to with the NSBRC located on Junction 16 of the M4 and parking is plentiful and FREE!

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon, SN5 8UB

The Halcyan Team look forward to welcoming you to the show!

We all know that soap is essential for keeping our hands and bodies clean. But did you know that the type of water you use to wash with can have a big impact on how effective your soap is? Hard water, or water with high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can make it difficult for soap to lather and perform its cleaning duties. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how hard water affects soap and what you can do about it.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is any type of water that has a high mineral content. This usually includes calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that are naturally occurring in the environment. These minerals are not harmful to our health but they can reduce effectiveness when it comes to using soap as well as causing problems for our plumbing and appliances.

How Does Hard Water Affect Soap?

When hard water mixes with soap, it forms a substance called “soap scum” which is a sticky residue that can be difficult to remove from surfaces. This happens because the minerals in the hard water react with the fatty acids in the soap and form an insoluble substance that won’t dissolve in water. This interferes with the ability of soap to create a good lather. As a result, soap becomes less effective at cleaning and can leave a film on skin and hair.

What Can You Do About It?

If you live in an area with hard water, there are several things you can do to make sure your soap works properly:

1) Use a Water Softener: A water softener will remove most of the minerals from your tap water so that it won’t react with your soap. This will help ensure that your soap lathers properly and performs its cleaning duties effectively. There are a few downsides to water softeners such as their negative impact on the environment and the required space to house the equipment.

2) Use a Water Conditioner: A water conditioner affects the way minerals in hard water behave, meaning that your hard water will behave more like softened water but without the salt. This will have a similar effect to using salt-softened water but without the negative environmental impact. Our Halcyan Water Conditioner is a tiny addition to your home with a huge impact!3) Use Liquid Soap: Liquid soaps are less likely to form scum when mixed with hard water than bar soaps are. If you live in an area with hard water, consider switching to liquid soaps instead of bar soaps for better results.

4) Use Hot Water: Hotter temperatures help break down the molecules in the minerals which makes them less likely to form scum when mixed with soap. Try washing with hot (but not too hot!) tap water instead of cold or warm for better results.

5) Add Vinegar: For washing your clothing, adding a few tablespoons of vinegar to your wash cycle can help break down any scum that has already formed on surfaces or fabrics due to hard water use. Just be sure not to use too much vinegar as this could damage some fabrics or surfaces!

Conclusion

Hard water can have a significant impact on soap, causing it to form soap scum and reducing its ability to clean effectively. However, there are ways to combat the effects of hard water and ensure that your soap works as intended. By using a water conditioner and switching to liquid soap that is specially formulated for harder water, you can keep your skin, hair, and clothing clean and free from unsightly soap scum.

If you’d like to find out more about the Halcyan Water Conditioner, you can explore our Knowledge Centre and find out how it works here. You can call our expert team on 0345 504 0656 for more information on whether you have hard water and how you can benefit from installing a Halcyan.

Why choose Halcyan?

Halcyan Water Conditioners is a British company based in Bristol and our alloy-based solution to hard water is unique to the UK. Unlike water softeners, our alloy-based Water Conditioner is an eco-friendly, people-friendly solution to hard water. If you aren’t getting the results you were promised with your soap, shampoos and conditioners, get in touch with us to see how our Halcyan Water Conditioner can help! With our 30 Year Warranty and our 12 Month Money Back Performance Guarantee, you can enjoy brilliant bubbles without a care in the world!

Ahead of a panel discussion at InstallerSHOW on 28th June on some of the lesser known energy-saving products available, elemental are previewing a selection of the solutions that will be featured.

elemental is hosting three days of live panel discussions and Q&As at InstallerSHOW again this year, exploring energy efficiency in buildings and decarbonisation, with expert speakers to inspire and inform our audience, including our very own CEO, Samantha Mant.

elemental are hosting a session on 28th June showcasing some of the unsung heroes of energy saving – those products that can help a building cut down its energy use, but might not be as widely known as technologies like heat pumps and solar panels. Discussions will include the buildings they are suitable for, technologies that they might work well alongside and practical advice on including these solutions in your retrofit and newbuild projects.

The session will be hosted by BBC journalist Anne Davies and here is a taste of the technologies and solutions that will be discussed:

Halcyan Water Conditioners

Limescale (from hard water) is an excellent insulating material, with every 1mm on any heating element increasing its energy consumption by 7-10%! It also significantly increases maintenance, diminishes equipment life, and is entirely preventable.

Halcyan Water Conditioners prevent new limescale accumulating and remove existing deposits, so getting and keeping systems in good working order. An average home can save around 0.6 tonnes Co2e a year or roughly £500 by treating the hard water effectively.

Halcyan’s alloy core achieves excellent results without the use of any energy or chemicals, there are no ongoing costs or maintenance, and each unit lasts over 30 years.

WRAS certified and with a full range of sizes from 5 lpm to 7000 lpm, Halcyan can accommodate the requirements of any system, domestic, residential, commercial or industrial.

EcoDuct

EcoDuct saves up to 45% of the HVAC energy consumption of a building in which it is installed. Total HVAC costs have been estimated at up to 30% of the 30-year lifecycle cost of a typical building, so the saving could be as high as 13.5% of total costs. This is achieved by a combination of factors:

1. Rounded shape of the ductwork giving greater efficiency
2. Best in class for airtightness and pressure resistance – no leakages
3. Best thermal performance from the phenolic insulation
4. Internal connections with no thermal bridges and energy losses
5. Lower internal frictional resistance, giving lower pressure drops

EcoDuct is suitable for any insulated ductwork in all types of buildings – commercial, industrial, public and residential. It is also suitable for any construction process – new build, retrofit and offsite modular.

Mixergy

Mixergy are market leaders in smart and connected hot water cylinders. Its “heat what you need” technology is saving energy and households up to 40% on their hot water bills, while heating their water up to 10x faster.

The Energy Savings Trust has verified a Mixergy cylinder reduces gas consumption by as much as 12%. If a boiler is short cycling regularly, Mixergy eradicates this and the consumption saving rises by as much 21%.

The smart cylinders are suitable for any domestic property and connect to any heat source (gas boilers, solar PV, heat pumps).

Chimella

Showersave – Waste Water Heat Recovery

Keeping your bathroom clean is essential for both hygiene and aesthetics. A clean bathroom not only feels more comfortable to use but also helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. With all the shiny surfaces, bathrooms can quickly look unsightly and become a burden to clean so the easiest solution is to establish some key habits to avoid problems – especially if you have hard water! You can read our previous blog to identify if you have hard water and what to do about it. In this article, we share our top tips for how to keep your bathroom sparking clean:

Develop a routine

Establish a regular cleaning schedule for your bathroom. This could be weekly, fortnightly or monthly, depending on your usage and personal preferences. Stick to the schedule as much as possible, and make sure to prioritise the most important areas, such as the toilet, sink, and shower.  Limescale plays a role in encouraging the growth of bacteria so be sure to keep on top of limescale build up with regular cleans!

Halcyan Top Tip: We have some top tips on how to remove limescale from hard to reach places such as below the water line in the toilet!

Keep cleaning supplies handy

Ensure you have all the cleaning supplies you need to keep your bathroom clean. These might include a disinfectant spray, toilet cleaner, glass cleaner, a scrub brush, and microfiber towels. Keep these supplies within easy reach so that you can quickly tackle any messes that arise. In our previous blog, we shared our tips on how to remove limescale from commercial cleaners to natural remedies.

Remove excess moisture

Moisture in the bathroom can create an ideal environment for mould and mildew to grow, which can lead to unpleasant odours and damage to surfaces. To prevent this, ensure that you remove excess moisture after each use. Keep a squeegee handy to remove water from shower walls and screens, and wipe down surfaces with a towel.

Clean as you go

Cleaning as you go is an excellent way to maintain a clean bathroom. After using the sink or shower, wipe down the surfaces with a towel or cloth to prevent water spots and soap scum from building up. Also, ensure that you clean the toilet regularly to prevent unpleasant odours and bacteria build-up.

Declutter

Clutter can make your bathroom feel messy and uninviting. It can also trap excess dirt such as hair and prevent regular cleaning due to the need to clear clutter first. To prevent this, regularly declutter your bathroom by throwing out empty bottles, old towels, and other unnecessary items. Make sure you have adequate storage to keep surfaces clear. This will make cleaning more manageable and keep your bathroom looking tidy.

Organise

Keeping your bathroom organised can make it easier to clean and maintain. Invest in organisers for your toiletries, towels, and other bathroom essentials. Where multiple people use a bathroom, it’s especially important to keep toiletries organised. This will prevent clutter and make it easier to find what you need.

Hire a professional cleaner

If you are finding it challenging to keep your bathroom clean or simply don’t have the time, consider hiring a professional cleaner. A professional cleaner can deep clean your bathroom, removing grime and build-up, and leaving it sparkling clean. Subsequent cleans should be easier once the bathroom has had a deep clean. You can continue to keep your bathrooms well organised and clutter-free to make this easier.

Permanently Remove Limescale

One of the biggest challenges in maintaining a clean bathroom is the build up of limescale caused by hard water. Not only can this make your bathroom look grubby and dull, it can also affect your appliances such as shower heads and taps. With many aesthetic and beautiful designs, such as rainforest showers and waterfall taps, it’s disappointing when they don’t look their best. The best option for permanently removing limescale and maintaining a sparkling bathroom is by installing a Halcyan Water Conditioner. By conditioning hard water as it comes into the home, water in your bathrooms behaves like soft water so you can enjoy a bathroom free of limescale that’s much easier to clean!

Conclusion

Keeping your bathroom clean requires effort and consistency. It can be a big job, so allowing your bathroom to become built up with dirt and limescale can make it seem impossible. By following our tips, you can maintain a clean and hygienic bathroom that is comfortable and inviting to use. If you’d like to permanently remove limescale build up in your bathrooms, you can install a Halcyan Water Conditioner to make achieving a sparkling clean bathroom much easier!

If you’d like to find out more about the Halcyan Water Conditioner, you can explore our Knowledge Centre and find out how it works here. You can call our expert team on 0345 504 0656 for more information on whether you have hard water and how you can benefit from installing a Halcyan.

Why choose Halcyan?

Halcyan Water Conditioners is a British company based in Bristol and our alloy-based solution to hard water is unique to the UK. Unlike using excessive cleaning products to remove limescale, mould and mildew, our alloy-based Water Conditioner is an eco-friendly, people-friendly solution to keeping your bathroom sparkling clean and limescale free. With our 30 Year Warranty and our 12 Month Money Back Performance Guarantee, you can take the first step to permanently removing limescale – worry free!

Spring is the perfect time to tackle those household chores that have been neglected over the winter months. One of the most common and difficult tasks is getting rid of limescale, which can build up in sinks, showers, and other areas around the home. Here are some tips on how to get rid of limescale and keep your home clean and sparkling this spring.

What Is Limescale?

Limescale is a hard, chalky deposit that forms when hard water evaporates. It is made up of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Hard water contains higher levels of these minerals than soft water, so it is more likely to form limescale in areas where it evaporates.

How To Prevent Limescale Build-Up

In an ideal world, the best way to prevent limescale build-up is to use softer water whenever possible. This can be done by installing a salt softener, or even more simply with a Halcyan Water Conditioner. You could also use a descaling agent in your washing machine or dishwasher but these are less reliable and not a long-term solution, nor does it target other areas in the home that are affected by limescale. 

DIY Solutions For Removing Limescale

If you already have limescale build-up in your home, there are several DIY solutions you can try for removing it.

1. Use white vinegar: Vinegar is a natural and effective solution for removing limescale. Simply mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and then spray the affected area. Leave the solution for 30 minutes before wiping the surface clean with a soft cloth.

2. Use lemon juice: Lemon juice is another natural solution that can effectively remove limescale. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a spray bottle and then spray the affected area. Leave the solution for 30 minutes before wiping the surface clean with a soft cloth.

3. Use bicarbonate of soda: Bicarbonate of soda is a gentle abrasive that can help remove limescale. Mix a small amount of bicarbonate of soda with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and scrub with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water.

4. Use white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda: Simply mix equal parts vinegar and bicarbonate of soda together into a paste and apply it directly onto the affected area with a sponge or cloth. Leave it for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing off.

5. Use commercial limescale removers: There are many commercial limescale removers available that can effectively remove limescale. These products usually contain acids such as phosphoric acid which help break down the mineral deposits quickly and easily without damaging surfaces or fixtures. Follow the instructions carefully, and wear gloves and eye protection when using these products. However if you’re environmentally conscious, you may wish to avoid these types of cleaning products and opt for sustainable preventative measures instead, such as a Halcyan.

6. Prevent limescale build-up: The best way to remove limescale is to prevent it from building up in the first place. Use a water conditioner to change the way hard water behaves in your home, and regularly clean and maintain surfaces that come into contact with water.

Conclusion

Limescale can be an annoying and even costly problem, but with proper prevention methods and regular cleaning it doesn’t have to be too difficult to keep your home free from this chalky deposit this spring season!

We recommend eco-friendly and people-friendly methods for limescale removal. If you’d like to know more about reducing the limescale in your home and preventing it from forming in the future, get in touch with us to find out more about the Halcyan Water Conditioner.

You can explore our Knowledge Centre and find out how it works here or you can call our expert team on 0345 504 0656.

Why choose Halcyan?

Halcyan Water Conditioners is an industry-leading British company based in Bristol and our alloy-based solution to hard water is unique to the UK. We understand that limescale build up can be a frustrating and costly task with expensive cleaning agents not always guaranteed to work. Unlike most commercial limescale removers, our alloy-based Water Conditioner is an eco-friendly, people-friendly solution to hard water. It not only conditions the water in your home but also removes existing limescale from your pipes and appliances over time. With our 30 Year Warranty and our 12 Month Money Back Performance Guarantee, you can give your home the ultimate Spring Clean – worry free!

Water hardness is an important factor to consider when it comes to your home’s plumbing and water quality. Hard water can cause a number of problems, from clogged pipes to mineral build-up on fixtures and appliances. But how do you know if your water is hard? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the signs of hard water and how to treat it.

What Causes Hard Water?

Hard water is caused by the presence of minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water supply. These minerals are naturally occurring in many areas, but can be more concentrated in some areas than others. When these minerals dissolve in the water, they form a scale that can build up on fixtures and appliances over time.

Signs of Hard Water

1. White Spots on Dishes and Glassware

One of the most obvious signs of hard water is the presence of white spots on your dishes and glassware. These spots are caused by mineral deposits that are left behind when water evaporates. You may also notice a film on the surface of your dishes that is difficult to remove.

2. Soap Scum in Your Shower

If you have hard water, you may notice a build-up of soap scum in your shower or bathtub. This scum is caused by the reaction of soap with the minerals in the water, and it can be difficult to remove.

3. Dry, Itchy Skin and Hair

Hard water is also believed to have a negative effect on your skin and hair. Many people with hard water report suffering from dry skin and hair, leaving them feeling itchy and uncomfortable. 

4. Limescale Build-Up

Limescale is a hard, chalky deposit that forms on surfaces that come into regular contact with hard water. It can form on a variety of surfaces, including kitchen and bathroom fixtures, pipes and appliances. It can cause a range of problems, including clogging of pipes, decreased water flow, and damage to appliances if left unchecked. You can find out about how limescale affects your boiler in our blog.

5. Stiff Laundry

Hard water can also affect your laundry. Clothes washed in hard water may feel stiff and scratchy, and they may not come out as clean as you would like. You may also notice that your white clothes start to look yellow or grey over time.

Testing for Hard Water

If you suspect that you have hard water, there are a few ways to test for it. The best way to determine if your water is hard is to have it tested by a professional. A professional will be able to measure the amount of calcium and magnesium present in the water supply and determine if it qualifies as “hard” according to industry standards. There are also test kits available for purchase online that will allow you to test your own water at home.

Treating Hard Water

If you have hard water, there are several steps you can take to address it. One of the most effective solutions is to install a water softener or conditioner – you can read about these different solutions in our previous blog. The Halcyan is a water conditioner. It doesn’t remove the hardness from water, but by conditioning it, the water behaves more as soft water does in your plumbing. The Halcyan not only prevents limescale building up in your appliances and plumbing, but it actually reduces the existing limescale over time.

Conclusion

If you’ve noticed white spots on your dishes, premature breakdown of your appliances, soap scum in your shower, or dry, itchy skin after bathing, you may have hard water. By taking steps to address hard water, you can improve the quality of your water and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.

Knowing whether or not you have hard water in your home is important for maintaining good plumbing health and preventing damage from mineral buildup over time. By being aware of the signs of hard water and treating it properly if needed, you can ensure that your home is protected for years to come!

If you’d like to find out more about the Halcyan Water Conditioner, you can explore our Knowledge Centre and find out how it works here. You can call our expert team on 0345 504 0656 for more information on whether you have hard water and how you can benefit from installing a Halcyan.

Why choose Halcyan?

Halcyan Water Conditioners is a British company based in Bristol and our alloy-based solution to hard water is unique to the UK. Unlike water softeners, our alloy-based Water Conditioner is an eco-friendly, people-friendly solution to hard water. With our 30 Year Warranty and our 12 Month Money Back Performance Guarantee, you protect your home now and into the future with Halcyan.

Water is essential for everyday life, but not all water is created equal. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium and while mineral-rich water has its benefits, it can cause a variety of problems for homeowners, including clogged pipes, build-up on fixtures, and even higher energy bills. So is it really true that hard water costs more to heat? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water is simply water that has a high mineral content. These minerals are usually calcium and magnesium carbonates, but can also include iron, manganese, and sulphates. The amount of minerals in the water determines how hard it is – the more minerals present, the harder the water. Signs that you may have hard water include limescale build up on your appliances and surfaces (such as taps, shower heads and kettles). It appears as a hard, chalky deposit that can be extremely stubborn to remove and can cause many problems in the home.

How Does Hard Water Affect Heating Costs?

The minerals in hard water can have an impact on your energy bills because they reduce the efficiency of your hot water heater. Minerals build up on the heating elements of your water heater over time, reducing its ability to transfer heat into the water efficiently. This means that it takes more energy (and money) to heat up the same amount of hard water as it would soft water. So in short: Yes! Hard water does cost more to heat.

How Can You Reduce Heating Costs with Hard Water?

Fortunately, there are several ways you can reduce heating costs with hard water:

1. Install a Water Conditioner: A Halcyan Water Conditioner will treat the water as it enters your home. This means that every drop of water in your house passes through the unit before it enters any appliance with a heating element. Not only will this reduce existing limescale in your appliances, it will continue to keep them limescale-free so they can work at maximum efficiency.
   
2. Use Hot Water Efficiently: You can also reduce heating costs by using hot water as efficiently as possible – only running full loads in your dishwasher or washing machine, taking shorter showers, etc. This will help reduce how often you need to heat up hard water which will save you money in the long run. 
3. Lower Your Hot Water Temperature: Lowering the temperature setting on your hot water heater will also help reduce heating costs with hard water since it takes less energy to heat up lower temperatures than higher ones.

Conclusion

So does hard water cost more to heat? Yes – due to mineral build-up on heating elements over time, it takes more energy (and money) to heat up hard water than soft water which can lead to higher energy bills over time if left unchecked. Fortunately there are several ways you can reduce these costs such as installing a Halcyan Water Conditioner or using hot water efficiently – so don’t let hard water get you down!

If you’d like to find out more about the Halcyan Water Conditioner, you can explore our Knowledge Centre and find out how it works here. You can call our expert team on 0345 504 0656 for more information on how you can heat your water for less, by installing a Halcyan.

Why choose Halcyan?

Halcyan Water Conditioners is a British company based in Bristol and our alloy-based solution to hard water is unique to the UK. As leaders in our industry, our mission is to help our customers save money, save energy and save the planet with our eco-friendly, people-friendly water conditioners. We take huge pride in our customer satisfaction and our testimonials speak for themselves. With our 30 Year Warranty and our 12 Month Money Back Performance Guarantee, you can put your trust into Halcyan Water Conditioners.

Does hard water affect boilers? Hard water is a common problem in many parts of the UK, affecting up to 60% of households, and it can have a significant impact on the performance of boilers. In this blog post, we’ll explore the effects of hard water on boilers and what you can do to protect your boiler from damage.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals are naturally occurring in groundwater and can be found in most areas of the world. Hard water can cause a variety of problems, including scaling, clogging, and corrosion. It can also reduce the efficiency of boilers by reducing heat transfer and increasing energy consumption.

How Does Hard Water Affect Boilers?

Hard water can cause a number of problems for boilers, including:

• Scaling: Scaling occurs when minerals such as calcium and magnesium build up on the surfaces inside the boiler. This build-up reduces heat transfer efficiency, leading to increased energy consumption and decreased performance. 
• Clogging: Limescale caused by hard water can also clog pipes and other components within the boiler system, reducing flow rate and leading to decreased performance. 
• Corrosion: The minerals in hard water can also cause corrosion of metal components within the boiler system, leading to leaks or other damage.

Protection Strategies for Boilers

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your boiler from damage caused by hard water. Here are some strategies you should consider:

A Water Conditioner: Installing a water conditioner is one way to change the way the minerals behave in your boiler’s feed water supply. This will help reduce scaling, clogging, and corrosion within your boiler system.

Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspecting your boiler system for signs of wear or damage is important for keeping it running efficiently. Make sure to check for signs of scaling or corrosion on any metal components within your system regularly.

Chemical Treatments: Chemical treatments such as de-scalers or anti-corrosion agents can help reduce mineral build-up within your boiler system over time. Be sure to use products specifically designed for use with boilers so that they don’t cause any additional damage to your equipment.

How will the Halcyan Water Conditioner help your boiler?

The Halcyan Water Conditioner has been tried and tested by forward-thinking households for more than 30 years! Over time the Halcyan will actually remove limescale from within your boiler and heating system, and elsewhere in the home. Once installed, it will keep limescale at bay and any water entering your house will ‘behave’ like soft water does within the pipes. This means that over time, you should see your appliances (including your boiler) needing fewer repairs and less maintenance, and even a delay to the replacement of your appliances, as well as lower energy bills.

Conclusion

Hard water can have a significant impact on boilers if left unchecked. Our recommendation is that a simple, cost effective solution is to install a Halcyan Water Conditioner to prolong your boiler’s health. We all know the pain and high cost of replacing a boiler due to unchecked limescale, especially when your boiler fails unexpectedly – and the solution is so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it years ago!

Want to know more about the Halcyan Water Conditioner? Find out how it works here or call our expert team on 0345 504 0656.

Why choose Halcyan?

Halcyan Water Conditioners is a British company based in Bristol and our alloy-based solution to hard water is unique to the UK. As leaders in our industry, our mission is to give our customers limescale-free, healthy and more enjoyable water experiences. We will always provide crystal clear, unbiased information for anyone considering a water conditioner – even if that means they don’t choose a Halcyan! With our pride in customer satisfaction and our 12 Month Money Back Performance Guarantee, you can put your trust into Halcyan Water Conditioners.