Non-Salt / AntiScale Water Softening (TAC)
Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC)
TAC is the modern day salt-free water softening technology that prevent scale formation in your plumbing system. A chalky buildup of hardness minerals, scale is a nightmare for appliances and water heaters. “Hard” water contains a high mineral content (primarily calcium and magnesium that naturally occur in groundwater). Over time, hard water can cause scale to build up in pipes and plumbing, increasing your energy costs and shortening the life of your appliances.
AntiScale media is the environmentally-friendly way to prevent scale buildup. Through Template-Assisted Crystallization (TAC), dissolved hardness minerals in the water join together, forming microscopic crystals on the surface of the AntiScale media. Once formed, these crystals detach from the media and flow freely through the plumbing system, unable to form hard scale on internal plumbing surfaces.
- Independent scientific testing has confirmed Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) technology provides scale reduction of over 95+%. Testing was conducted under protocol based on DVGW W512 test to access control of scale formation.
Why is scale harmful to plumbing and appliances?
- It reduces the inner diameter of pipes and fittings, ultimately leading to restrictions in flow rate and pressure loss
- It can form on internal moving parts of valves and components, affecting their intended purpose or worse, causing safety failures
- Heating elements can become coated with scale, reducing efficiency and increasing operating costs
- Over time, scale becomes highly insoluble, making it extremely difficult to remove, which can lead to costly remediation efforts
Cost of Ownership
Conventional Salt based softeners and TAC conditioners are both whole-house water treatment solutions, but that’s where the similarities end.
Despite a similar upfront price, water softeners cost significantly more to operate. Not only do they burn through $250-$400 worth of salt annually, but they also waste water. Regeneration cycles send 70-200 gallons down the drain weekly. If you pay for water, expect your bill to rise.
Water softeners also require electricity to operate, another small but not insignificant monthly expense.
Health
Calcium and magnesium are not only good for you, but they also give water its characteristic flavor. Without them, your drinking water can taste flat. Like reverse osmosis filters, water softeners strip away these beneficial minerals. Softeners also add about 100 milligrams of sodium to your daily diet. It’s not much, but it can make a difference if you’re trying to reduce your salt intake.
Water conditioning systems don’t remove healthy minerals or add sodium to your drinking water, so it will taste like nature intended, and you won’t have to choose between protecting your health or your home.
Does TAC Technology Really Work?
There’s no shortage of suspicious devices marketed as “water conditioners,” so a healthy skepticism is warranted. But template assisted crystallization is a proven technology.
Arizona State University studied salt-free water softener alternatives and found that TAC reduced scale formation by more than 90 percent without chemicals or adverse environmental effects. Electronic and magnetic water conditioning systems reduced scale by less than 50 percent.
Chemical Scale Inhibitors (also known as NAC) introduce phosphate-based chemicals to inhibit scale. These systems work better in cold water applications but have a tendency to break down or fail in hot water. Similar to softeners, scale sequestering systems require the constant introduction of a chemical resulting in ongoing monthly costs to end users.
Magnets, electro-magnets, radio frequency and electrical current systems have failed to pass any scale control standards designed by internationally recognized third party testing agencies. While the manufacturers of these products quote in-house data to support their amazing scale control claims, none of these products have passed international protocol for scale prevention. “Buyer Beware” is the best advice one can take if considering these options.
