OP must have very hard water! Built our house in "89. 1900 sq ft, 2.5 bath/3 bedroom. Rented our 1st softener...lasted 25+ yrs but was a salt hog. Had a new one put in (same company) but we bought this one. Don't remember exact cost but it was less than $1500. Been in a few years now, works great. Regen based on usage not time...only 2 of us here now so 10 40lb bags lasts me well over a year