Water heaters

For water softener, I used the electronic type, so it's not putting salt in your water. Something about polarity, I don't know physics...our water did improve, as far as soapiness, not feeling as 'slick', so seems like it works.
For hot water heater, I recently replaced my traditional, rated at $746 a year at 12¢ kwh, with a hybrid (so, uses same tech as a heat pump until demand requires the elements to kick in)...rated at about $108 a year at 12¢ kwh. Can't say on durability, yet. Good luck!