Don’t just buy the cheapest one at the big-box store. First, check your water hardness level—your local utility can give you a report, or buy a $10 test strip. A system that’s too small for your house will regenerate constantly, wasting salt and water. Too big, and it’s overkill that wastes money upfront.
Second, look at the warranty. Lifetime warranties on the resin tank are common, but read the fine print. Some companies exclude labor or shipping costs, which can bite you. And pay attention to flow rate: if it’s below 10 gallons per minute, you might get a pressure drop when running the washer and shower at the same time.
