A water softener does not remove calcium, but works to keep the calcium suspended in hard water. As a result, there is an increase in the total load of precipitate that results from evaporation. Therefore, homes with soft water generally require more maintenance than with hard water. Also, the resultant precipitate from water treated with softener is more slurry-like and can be difficult to clean.

The degree of water hardness has an impact on the amount of periodic cleaning required to remove mineral accumulation in the basin which is necessary to keep the disc wheel rotating freely. You may also consider installation of an optional in-line water filter (see PRODUCTS section of the website), which will remove 95% of the lime/scale in the water before it enters the humidifier.

No, not if the airflow in the furnace is properly set up for the type of filter used and the filter is properly maintained. In rare cases where the filter has become sufficiently dirty, the air stream will experience a sudden and severe pressure drop and some moisture may condense out on the filter. If this occurs, check your filter, or consult with an experienced HVAC contract to verify the furnace airflow is sufficient for the type of filter used.

Yes. Do keep in mind that a water softener does not actually remove hard water minerals though. It works to keep calcium and magnesium suspended in the water by causing sodium ions to combine with carbonates in the water so that the hard water minerals cannot combine to form mineral scale. When the soft water evaporates, it will still leave behind a residue, often more than if a softener were not used.

In the average home, the humidifier will require only one cleaning annual. We recommend that this be done at the end of the season when it is shut down for the summer air-conditioning season. If you have hard water or other excessive minerals in your water supply, more frequent cleanings may be necessary. If significant mineral deposits are present in the reservoir, it should be drained and cleaned. This only take a few minutes.

The Desert Spring Humidifier requires a sturdy piece of duct to support its weight. Generally HV systems use flexible ducts, so some means of support for the unit must be created. The airflow through the humidifier must also be reduced to roughly 800 feet per minute. Also, see notes on attic installations below.

No. moisture will NOT condense on your filter as long as your filter is not severely clogged and dramatically restricting air flow. The Desert Spring furnace humidifier is a passive evaporative device. Therefore the air passing through the unit will only carry as much moisture as it can hold. Similarly, the moisture will not condense in your duct work. Steam or atomizing humidifiers can cause these problems, but not a passive by-pass humidifier like the Desert Spring.

People using home water softeners often wonder whether these units might cause problems for their onsite septic systems. Researchers from National Small Flows Clearinghouse found that brine wastes had no negative effects on the bacterial population living in the aerobic treatment tank, even when the system was loaded with twice the normal amount of brine. The tests determined that water softener wastes actually help with treatment processes.

Most likely, yes. The Desert Spring humidifier was specifically designed to be a simple replacement for most existing drum and flow-through humidifiers. In the event that the duct openings are slightly different in size, it should be easy to cut a larger hole or to cover the extra space with a small piece of sheet metal. Yes, absolutely! However, installation on fiber-board duct will require additional means of support to carry the full weight of the unit when it is full of water.

Yes, as long as it is a 24 volt power source (which it should be). We recommend that you use a volt-meter to test the circuit before connecting your humidifier as hooking up your Desert Spring to a source of power greater than 24 volts could cause serious damage to the electronic components and/or injury.

YES. While setting the computer controlled valve head is extremely easy, cutting into your main water line with a torch to place the water softener is not something the typical homeowner should do on their own.Water Softeners Additional info -- Whole House Water Filter Additional info

Yes! The Desert Spring humidifier works on ALL forced air furnaces (electric, natural gas, heating oil, propane, and wood), as well as heat pumps. Due to their hotter output air temperature, the humidity output will be slightly higher on traditional furnaces compared to heat pumps. Ask us for advice if you have a heat pump and a home larger than about 2,800 sq ft.

You will require a level, Philips, hex and/or slot screw drivers, pencil, adjustable wrench, drill, tin snips, and a measuring tape - that is it!

Yes, although care must be taken to ensure the Desert Spring Humidifier is not subjected to freezing as this will damage the unit and may cause leaks. Units located above a ceiling should also include the installation of the overflow line. You can reduce the risk of freezing by carefully insulating the incoming water line, 6 inch flex duct, and humidifier unit itself with fiberglass insulation (be sure not to put insulation directly against the motor).

No, a floor drain is not required unless you use the optional AutoFlush accessory or use the optional overflow knock-out.

This is not generally recommended since the moisture added to the air could condense when it comes in contact with the very cold air conditioning coils. You will likely not need supplemental humidity during the summer months anyway.

The Desert Spring furnace humidifier is backed by one-year manufacturer's warranty on all parts, including the motor, evaporative media, humidistat, transformer, etc. Extended warranties are also available - please call us toll free at 1-866-376-2690 for more details and prices if you are interested. Extended warranties are also included free with some of our extra value packages! About the Desert Spring furnace humidifier | How the Desert Spring furnace humidifier works | Best humidifier | FAQ

No, the Desert Spring Humidifier is a passive evaporative device. Therefore, the air will only absorb and carry away what it can hold in the by-pass air stream. Only active systems, such as steam and spray (misting) units, can introduce excess moisture when not properly installed or maintained.

a rule, water softeners and/or carbon filters will not remove fluoride from the potable (drinking) water entering your home. However, a standard reverse osmosis (RO) unit can significantly reduce the fluoride content. For specific information, you should consult with the filtration system's manufacturer.

Absolutely! The Desert Spring has originally designed to tackle the hard water conditions found in Calgary, Alberta, Canada! The unique disc assembly is designed to self clean on each rotation through the reservoir, causing the vast majority of minerals to settle in the basin rather than accumulating on the evaporative surfaces. This allows the Desert Spring to maintain its peak efficiency on a continuous basis.

If you are bothered by a sticky, gummy soap curd deposit in your bathtub or by the buildup of white deposits (called scale) on your cooking pots and coffee maker, a water softener can help with these problems. You can find out the hardness of your drinking water by telephoning your water supplier. The higher the hardness number, the more a water softener will help.

Since Saskatoon’s water is 120 mg/L of hardness, a water softener is not considered necessary. However, the degree of hardness a person tolerates is a matter of personal preference. A general rule of thumb is if your water is more than 120 mg/L you might consider a water softener to reduce the formation of scale in your hot water system and make washing easier.

The answer is yes! Not only will the ROpure and QT systems work with your water softener, the filters and membrane will last longer too, and over 95% of the sodium that the water softener is putting into the water will be removed, making the water healthier and much better tasting!

That depends on the local climate. Care must be taken to ensure the Desert Spring Humidifier is not subjected to freezing as this will damage the unit and may cause leaks. Units located above a ceiling should also include the installation of the overflow line. See Page 5 item 7 of the installation guide.

The rising main is intercepted and diverted to pass through the water softener, supplying soft water to the majority of the house, usually with the exception of a drinking water supply and outside tap. The water softener is installed using flexible hoses, so, like your other appliances, it can be relocated to a new property if you move.

We were the first to introduce this product, and the first to receive E.P.A. (Environmental Protection Agency) approval. Original BT controls the buildup of bacteria and algae in the water tanks of evaporative humidifiers. Original BT also eliminates unpleasant odors. HumidiTreat: This is a solution specifically formulated to reduce lime and impurities found in your water. This is especially important if you have very hard water.

Yes, providing as it is protected from the elements, such as rain, freezing temperatures and direct sunlight. An optional weather cover is available for outside installations. It is available by calling 1-866-725-9662.

A water softener is a unit that is used to soften water, by removing the minerals that cause the water to be hard.