If the problem is sediment then a rudimentary filter with the correct media, changed at the appropriate intervals, should suffice. Perhaps your Cuno is not the correct filter or you're not changing it as required. Are there pressure gauges before and after the filter so you can monitor the pressure drop across the filter? Is the filter media filtering down to the size of the sediment? Maybe you have other than a sediment problem.

If the problem is iron, manganese, or hardness then a simple filter will not do the job. You'd need a properly sized and setup softener and possibly a separate iron filter id the iron content in the water exceeds a softener's capability.

As always, successful water treatment begins with a comprehensive water test. Then you'll know what is in the water that needs to be treated.

We had a local plumber install the filter system, so we trusted he knew what to do for us. The guys at the plumbing supply house (where I buy the filters in 3-packs) are actually suprised we change the filter every three months; they said 6 months is usually the norm. There are no pressure gauges around the filter set-up, only a water stop lever besides the water shut-off lever by the well pump. When we change the filter, it is reddish-brown with a little grit on the bottom of the plastic container. This is very frustrating and expensive. It sounds like we have to start from scratch on this with some other companies/plumbers. Thank you for your input.

From your description it sounds like an iron problem.
As justalurker said, a "whole house filter" will not work.
A water test is recommended.
If your water is otherwise not objectionable, treatment could be provided for the coil line exclusively which would minimise treatment unit size and backwash requirements.

With respect to the VERY FEW plumbers who are knowledgeable regarding water treatment... when you want pipes assembled call a plumber. When you want water treatment seek out a water treatment professional and FOR SURE ignore the counter people at the plumbing supply regarding water treatment.

You are frustrated and wasting money because you sought out the wrong people to resolve your problem and your situation is not unique. In order to resolve your problem a comprehensive water test is required. When that wasn't done you took the wrong fork in the road.

Actually, with well water you should be doing routine (annual) testing for bacteria and nitrates to ensure the safety of your well water.

Whatever is causing the problem with your heating coil, every pipe, appliance, valve, fixture in your home, and your family is exposed to it also.

I know this is a crazy question, but can anyone give a ballpark figure of what a water conditioner system costs for treating this iron problem? Family of four, all of our water from this well. I realize we have to get the water tested, etc, but how much do we have to start saving for: $2,000? $5,000? I live in CT, where everything seems to be priced for the rich, LOL. Again, thank you for your help.

deedee,

The size, type, and complexity of the equipment required will be dependent on...

1. What is in the water that needs to be treated.

2. Number of people in your home.

3. SFR and plumbing requirements.

Without knowing all three variables there is no way to even ball park what you'll need. Could be as little as $500 or a few thousand.

How about this...

Get a water test from an independent lab. An independent lab has no agenda and won't be trying to sell you water treatment equipment. Go to http://www.epa.gov/safewater/labs/index.html to locate a certified lab near you. This is a MUST DO because without it everything is a guess. A quickie water test from Sears or a water softener company won't be as accurate (and possibly not as competent) as from a certified independent lab.

Hit the Yellow Pages and call at least three local water treatment pros. Make sure you call at least one of the big dogs like Kinetico or Culligan for comparison and at least a couple independent pros. DON'T TELL THEM YOU HAD YOUR WATER TESTED.

Give each an opportunity to offer suggestions and provide you with a quote to meet your water treatment needs. IGNORE ANY THAT DON'T TEST YOUR WATER THEMSELVES as they can't speak intelligently to water treatment without knowing what needs to be treated.

Ask lots of questions. Softening the entire house or just the water heater (bad idea)? Warranty, parts & labor or just parts, how long and on exactly what? Install, permits required, licensed plumber? Routine maintenance and costs? Do they stock parts? Response time for emergency (water leak) calls? If they don't explain things to your satisfaction that is a good indicator of how you'll be treated after the sale.

After they've gone use your water test to compare with theirs. Are all your treatment needs being addressed?

Ask your neighbors if they have any water treatment experience. They might tell you who's good or who to avoid.

Come back here and post the specific recommendations and hardware components with the costs and we'll give you our opinions.

Thank you so much, everyone. Justalurker, your advice is very much appreciated. I am glad I can have "second opinions" here on this forum so I don't just have to take one business-man's idea and nothing else.

deedee,

Quotes should be FREE and don't sign anything until after you get that second opinion...

"Softening the entire house or just the water heater (bad idea)? "

This statement bears some exposition.
IF your water is hard, the typical corrective is ion exchange softening. Such softeners will only tolerate a percentage of iron without fouling. Some claim treatment up to 10% using certain resins and ancillary chemical addition. IMO, below 5% is believable.

"Well, the coil is now blocked again with a reddish grit or sand."

That's why a water test is required; if the precipitate is indeed iron, you need the % to determine whether a softener is preferable to treatment specific to iron removal.

At what level hardness becomes objectionable is subjective. You don't appear to be complaining about it, so unless a softener covers all the bases of your problem, think hard before adding the maintenance and expense entailed.

Given you're in the NE, pay attention to pH in the water test. Acidic water will corrode almost all plumbing metals.

Most treatment units will obviate the need for the "whole house filter".

A water softener may be the best solution to prevent mineral buildup if your boiler is experiencing hard water issues. If you are concerned about contaminants in your water supply, you may need to install a water filter to ensure safe and clean water for your boiler.