Culligan Water Filtration
Culligan Water is the pioneer of water softeners and treatment systems. Known for its innovation, the company was the first to offer water softeners for residential use in 1936 and developed the first mass-produced reverse osmosis system in 1967. Since then, Culligan Water has become one of the most recognized brands in water filtration and treatment, including its popular bottled water delivery service to homes and businesses. Culligan Water offers its water softeners and filtration products through more than 600 dealers across North America. Continue reading for a breakdown of Culligan water softener costs by system type.
Overview of Culligan Water Softener Costs
The average cost to install a Culligan water softener is $1,800 to $6,500. This pricing includes value models up to high-end products with smart technology features in addition to labor costs. High efficiency, dual tank systems, and additional filtration features are on the higher end of the cost range. Homes in geographical areas with harder water or that require complex installations will also increase the total project cost.
Costs by Water Softener Type
Culligan offers several types of water softeners to appeal to a variety of household filtration needs and budgets.
Culligan’s Aquasential Select Series is the company’s most affordable water softener, available in six different capacity levels from 5.9 to 10.0 gallons per minute (GPM). High efficiency softeners offer higher flow rates, address higher water hardness levels, and provide water usage monitoring. Aquasential Smart High Efficiency softeners feature all of the benefits of the value and mid-range models with the addition of convenient monitoring and water management via the Culligan app.
| Performance Level | Product Series | Average Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Aquasential Select | $1,800 - $2,300 |
| Mid-Range | High Efficiency | $3,200 - $3,600 |
| High-End | Aquasential Smart High Efficiency | $3,500 - $4,100 |
Culligan also offers a monthly rental plan for its water softeners. Costs vary by Culligan dealer, with average monthly expenses ranging from $25 to $100. While water softener rental plans help homeowners avoid the larger upfront installation costs, they typically require a multi-year commitment (five-year agreements are common) and may end up costing more over time.
Costs by Water Softener Filtration Type
Culligan specializes in saltwater softeners with ion exchange technology. The brand also offers a salt-free water conditioner suitable for geographic areas with brine restrictions. Many homeowners choose to bundle water softeners with other filtration systems to better address their specific water conditions.
| Water Filtration type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Salt-based water softeners | $1,800 - $6,500 |
| Salt-free water conditioner | $3,000 - $3,500 |
| Twin tank water softeners | $4,500 - $6,500 |
| Reverse osmosis add-on | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Activated carbon filter add-on | $500 - $2,000 |
| Iron filtration add-on | $1,000 - $2,500 |
Factors That Influence Culligan Water Softener Costs
When shopping for a water softener, it’s important to include the total cost to own and operate it throughout its lifespan. Here are important factors to consider:
- Water Softener Type: Basic systems for low water hardness cost less, while high-efficiency or smart softeners with greater flow rates and mineral removal cost more.
- Water Hardness: Water hardness measures calcium and magnesium in your area, expressed in grains per gallon (GPG). The higher the GPG, the harder the water and the more it typically costs to treat.
- Labor Costs: Unlike many DIY-friendly brands, Culligan requires professional installation through its local dealers. Each dealer sets pricing based on regional labor rates, availability, insurance, and other overhead costs.
- Installation Complexity: Dual-tank systems and smart water softeners often take more time and labor to install. If the unit is placed in a hard-to-reach spot or needs electrical work, installation costs may increase.
- Salt Refills: Salt refill costs vary based on the softener’s efficiency, how much salt it uses, and where you buy it. On average, monthly refills range from $20 to $50.
- Regular Maintenance: You should clean the salt tank every few years to keep the system efficient. This service typically costs between $100 and $200.
- Extended Service Plans: Culligan offers a Premier Care Plan that covers basic maintenance, upkeep, and inspections. Availability varies by dealer, and the average cost is approximately $65 per month with a multi-year commitment.
- Additional Plumbing Work: Water softener installation involves hooking the unit into your home’s water supply and drainage system. Culligan typically includes this in their installation estimate, but if extra repairs are needed, additional labor costs may apply.
- Permit Fees: Most cities usually require a permit for water softener installation. Permit fees vary by city or jurisdiction, with the average cost ranging between $100 and $200.
- Replacement Costs: Most water softeners last about 15 years before you’ll need to replace them.
Culligan Water Softener Benefits
For homeowners who desire the convenience and peace of mind of a full-service water softener installation company, Culligan is a great option. While the initial investment is typically higher compared to competitors, Culligan water softeners come with the benefits of a national and reputable brand.
- Strong Warranties: Culligan offers a 10-year warranty on its tanks and five-year coverage on valves and component parts.
- Professional Installation: Its national dealer network ensures proper and safe installation.
- Custom Solutions: Culligan dealers provide specific product and installation recommendations to address a household’s unique needs.
- Extended Care Plans: Some regions also offer the Privilege Program or Premier Care Plan, an additional service that includes regular maintenance, extended service plans, and system inspections.
Culligan Water Softener Costs vs. Competitors
While Culligan may be a household name in water filtration and softening, many other water softener companies offer similar products. Here is how Culligan water softeners compare to a few of their competitors.
Kinetico
Known for its non-electric water softeners, Kinetico harnesses the power generated from moving water for efficient operation and to reduce energy consumption. Like Culligan, Kinetico is a premium brand that tends to come with a higher price tag.
Its water softener collections offer fewer choices than Culligan and are also organized by good, better, and best performance. The Essential Series is its value line and costs from $500 to $1,500. The Signature Series is a dual-tank system and ranges from $1,500 to $3,500. The brand’s high-end line is its Premier Series that comes with advanced features and higher flow rates, with prices ranging from $3,500 to $5,000 or more on average. While homeowners can install Kinetico water softeners themselves, the company recommends professional installation to ensure warranty coverage.
Fleck
Fleck by U.S. Water Systems features a smaller selection of water softeners for residential applications. Unlike Culligan and Kinetico, Fleck does not require professional consultations and offers specific product pricing on its website.
Its basic system ranges from $800 to $1,000, while twin tank models cost between $1,700 and $2,800. Fleck’s premium water softener offers higher flow rates and more advanced features with costs ranging from $1,300 to $1,800 on average. Recent customer reviews indicate Fleck softeners are generally DIY friendly and offer a good value compared to higher-priced competitors.
Is a Culligan Water Softener Worth the Cost?
A Culligan water softener is a premium option for homeowners desiring convenient and professional installation and long-term reliability. While Culligan is more expensive on average compared to its competitors, its collection of water softeners offers seamless compatibility with its other filtration systems for customized solutions that address many different water conditions. The brand’s longevity, reputation, and benefits make it a great option to improve a home’s water quality.
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