Carbon Trust figures show that every 1 mm of limescale on any heating element adds 7-10% to its energy consumption. However, water conditioner units can reportedly clear heating elements of limescale and keep them clean, saving the household significant amounts of operational energy.

In addition to removing and keeping limescale away from heating elements to ensure energy isn’t wasted when producing hot water, the units are said to increase the reliability of household items such as washing machines and dish washers and minimise maintenance and replacement costs.

Samantha says: “As oil heating and cost of living prices continue to soar, households are running out of ways to save money on their bills. However, one way to achieve a more energy-efficient home is to install a sustainable water conditioner which can save households hundreds of pounds per year. This small device takes under an hour to install and requires no additional cupboard space. It not only prevents future limescale but also treats existing limescale in your system making cleaning your appliances easier. As well it provides softer water for healthier hair and skin.”

How does hard water affect my energy bills?

Hard water affects 60% of UK households – that's around 17 million homes. Households supplied with hard water suffer from limescale build-up on appliances, fixtures and fittings. While those living in a hard water area are likely to notice limescale build-up in the kettle and on taps, it’s harder to detect harmful limescale deposits in the washing machine, dishwasher and boiler. It’s the limescale in these appliances, especially the boiler, that can impact on energy bills.

Limescale build-up reduces the efficiency of heating elements meaning they have to work harder and use more energy to be effective. This not only increases energy bills but damages appliances, leading them to break down more frequently. If you live in a hard water area you can expect to replace your boiler, dishwasher and washing machine up to twice as often as a result of limescale damage.

Hard water can also make detergents and cleaning products less effective, so you have to use more to achieve the same result, adding up to £500 more to your annual shopping bills.

How do I treat hard water in my home?

While there are many limescale treatments available, they typically use harsh chemicals which are then washed down the drain and into the watercourse, and that’s bad news for the environment. However, water conditioners treat hard water as it enters the home by using a solid alloy core to create a powerful change to the structure of the minerals, ensuring they can't bond to surfaces as they travel through the house. This method doesn’t use salts, chemicals or energy, so there are no on-going costs or maintenance.

Research suggests that households can expect to see a significant reduction in their energy bills and their detergent usage. On average, households can save £400 to £500 a year for the 30 years that their unit is under warranty.