- Home
- Health
- Water Softener Guide
- Water Treatment
Private Sewers & Septic Systems
- About Private Sewers Sysytem And Septic Systems
- Lateral Root Notification Program
- Fats, Oil & Grease
- Spills & Black Water Valves
- Help Protect The Enviroment
- Septic Systems
- About
Is Investing in Harvey’s Water Softener the Right Move?
- Mark Alpers
- September 12, 2023
The Rundown on Harvey's Product Reviews
Firstly, when assessing Harvey’s water softeners, one can’t ignore the mixed bag of feedback found online. On platforms like Google, the reviews lean towards a mediocre score of 3.5 out of 5. However, this narrative changes a bit when you turn your gaze to platforms such as Amazon and Trust Pilot, where Harvey’s enjoys a rather impressive 4.5 out of 5.
But Hold On a Minute...
Before you jump on the Harvey’s bandwagon, ensure you have the necessary space for the installation and the right plumbing in place. Another consideration? The ongoing maintenance—like making sure the softener salt doesn’t run out, which is pivotal for the creation of soft water.
Still, it’s worth mentioning that these concerns aren’t unique to Harvey’s. If you’re residing in the UK and weighing the pros and cons of a water softener, Harvey’s has its merits.
Why You Might Need a Water Softener
Many regions across the globe grapple with the issue of hard water. Notice those pesky white residues at the bottom of your kettle or those stubborn white marks on your faucet? Yep, that’s hard water in action.
The Solution? A water softener—devices using sodium to transform that hard water into its soft counterpart.
The Perks of Soft Water
Imagine
- Kissing goodbye to limescale.
- Healthier hair and skin, free from harsh minerals.
- Longer-lasting appliances.
- Detergent and soap that lathers quickly and lasts longer.
- Pristine glassware, devoid of those limescale smudges.
Harvey’s Legacy in Water Softening
Founded in 1977 by Harvey Bowden, the brand has since etched its mark, not only in the UK but across Europe. Their flagship product? The Crown by Harvey Water Softener. Sure, it leans towards the pricier side, but its features might just make it worth your buck.
A Deep Dive into Harvey’s Crown Softener
Its design is simple—white and neutral, ensuring it blends seamlessly with your home interiors. Looking for its manual? Reach out to Harvey’s team at enquiries@harvey.co.uk.
Size and Space:
One of the first things you might consider when thinking of installing a water softener is its size. Will it fit? Will it be too bulky? The Crown by Harvey is quite compact. It measures roughly:
- Height: 490mm
- Width: 440mm
- Depth: 205mm
Notable Features & Specifications:
- Electricity-Free: The Crown Softener operates without the need for electricity. This means fewer worries about power outages or increased electric bills.
- Block Salt Use: Instead of the usual bulky bags of salt, this model uses compact block salt. This not only makes storage easier but also simplifies the refilling process.
- Round-the-Clock Softening: Thanks to its two-cylinder design, you can expect soft water at any time of the day. When one tank is in its regeneration cycle, the other ensures you still get soft water.
- Efficient Salt Use: During its regeneration process, the Crown Softener uses between 250 – 350 g of salt. This ensures efficient use of resources.
- High Flow Rate: The maximum flow rate of this softener stands at 55 liters per minute. This ensures a steady supply even during peak usage times.
- Water Conservation: Regeneration consumes only 17 liters of water. Plus, its precise measuring system ensures minimal wastage, making it an eco-friendly choice.
- WRAS Approved: The Crown Softener is in line with the Water Regulation Advisory Plan (WRAS) standards. This assures users that the product complies with the required water regulations.
Let's Talk Money
With a price tag falling between £850-£950, Harvey’s Crown Softener sits on the expensive side—especially when compared to brands like water2buy. But, with the added perks of not consuming electricity and the cost efficiency of its salt blocks, this investment might pay off in the long haul.
Harvey vs. Kinetico
While Harvey’s mainly caters to the UK market, Kinetico leans more towards the US. Both brands have their twin tank models, but reviews suggest Kinetico might not hold the same acclaim.
Harvey vs. Kinetico
Beyond the Crown model, Harvey also offers the M2 variant, catering to households of 1-5 individuals. Some of its standout features include:
- Block salt: Harvey even produces its own brand.
- Non-electric: The water network’s flow doesn’t require electrical input.
- Compact yet efficient: Despite standing at only 49 cm, it outperforms several larger models.
Harvey's Salt – A Cut Above?
Harvey’s block salt is often hailed as one of the top block softener salts out there. Convenient, consistent, and compact, each block mirrors the dimensions of a typical house brick and weighs around 4 kg. Plus, it’s versatile, fitting in softeners from various brands like Monarch, Twintec, and Minimax.
So, Is Harvey's Worth It?
To put it simply: yes. Its compact nature, twin-tank feature, and energy-saving mechanism make it an enticing choice. While it might be pricier, its long-term benefits might just make it a worthy investment.