What's the difference between a water softener and a water carbon filter

What's the difference between a water softener and a water carbon filter? We're in a hard water area and have been told to fit both.

A water softener is the cheapest and simplest way to treat water and is good for equipment such as dishwashers and laundry machines. It adds a slight amount of salt to the water, which greatly reduces the amount of limescale released when water is heated in the machine. However, the water is not suitable for drinking.

Meanwhile, a carbon filter extracts chlorine, discolouration and tainted smells and gives very good drinking water, with a good flavour. However, it doesn't remove hardness.

Since you're in a hard water area, you'll need both as they do very different jobs. Ideally, talk to water treatment specialists - depending on your equipment and the hardness of your water, they may recommend alternative systems better suited to your specific requirements.

For more advice

Visit www.cesa.org.uk and click on the link "CESA Buying Guides". For energy-saving advice click on "CESA Energy Saver".

If you have a question on equipment, send an e-mail to enquiries@cesa.org.uk