Having clean and safe water is vital for every home. This can be achieved by installing water filter system at your home. However, most people face challenges in choosing the best water filter system for their homes. Whether you want to use water filtration pitcher, Under-sink filter or whole-house water filter, you will need to have an in-depth knowledge of water filter systems.
In this article, we are going to provide you with tips of on how to Choose the Best Water Filter Systems for Your Home. Having an in-depth knowledge of water contaminants, water filtration technologies and the basic of water filters will help make a wise purchase decision.
Contaminants in water
It is important to note that different water filtration systems may not effective filter out some contaminants. Therefore, you should identify the type of contaminants in your water. This will help you buy the right water filtration system that will remove such contaminants. NSF provides the list of common water contaminants. Moreover, NSF has suggested the most efficient technologies that reduce various water contaminants. Therefore, you will have to perform a test to know the type of contaminants present in your water. After that, you use the results to choose the most effective system that will meet your needs.
Common Water filtration technologies
All filters use the same technology, but not all technologies are effective. For instance, ion exchange reduces magnesium and calcium but will not remove other contaminants. On the other hand, mechanical filters will effectively remove sediments but cannot reduce chemical contaminants. Moreover, carbon filters can remove chlorine, mercury, lead and asbestos.
Types of water filters
These include Pitchers, Under-sink, and whole-house filters.
Pitchers
These basic water filtration systems require not set up since water move into the system via gravity. Therefore, you have to refill the pitcher as you use the water regularly.
Under-sink Water Filter
This system filters water using a secondary faucet on the kitchen sink. Under-sink water filter system treats water just before consumption.
Whole-house Water Filters
This is the most advanced system that treats water at the point of entry into the house. The water from the municipal line is treated before flowing into the entire home.
Salt-free water softener
This is ideal homeowners who want to avoid scale build up in the pipes or home appliances. Just like water filters, salt-free water softeners are installed on the home’s water line.
Water filter certification
Usually, water filters are subjected to stringent quality measures to ensure they serve the intended purpose. In this case, the best water filters should have NSF seal. NSF is an international organization that test water filtration systems determine their compliance with the required standards for quality, performance or safety. Therefore, you should consider water filters with NSF seals as they are reliable.
Water filter costs
The prices of various types of water filter systems vary greatly. Therefore, you will not expect to buy pitchers, Under-sink or whole-house system at the same price. If you need the basic and the cheapest water filter system, then you should consider pitchers. On the other hand, you may take into account the under-sink water filter if you want the convenience of getting filtered water at your sink. However, this option is more costly than pitchers water system. Otherwise, Whole-House filter system will deliver high performance. In this case, you will enjoy clean water throughout your house. Whole-house system is the most but it worth the value of your money.
Conclusion
Water filter systems are very vital in our homes. Without clean water, your family is at risk of getting water-borne diseases. However, it can be a daunting task to Choose the Best Water Filter Systems for Your Home.
The initial step is to determine the type of contaminants present in your water. This will guide you in choosing the system that will reduce specific contaminants in your water line. If Lead is a major contaminant in your water, you will have to consider the system that will effectively remove that contaminant.
Moreover, the filtration technology and the type of water filter system are things you should consider. Whether you choose Pitcher, Under-sink or whole-house water filter system, you will have to check for the NSF seal. The systems that are certified by NSF will serve the intended purpose. Conclusively, the above tips will help you get the best water filter system in the market.
