How to Easily Pick a Water Filter for Your Home

The Type of Water You Have

The type of water you have will also determine the type of filter you need to purchase. If you have well water, then you’ll need a different filter than someone who gets their water from the municipal supply.

If you have a well, then you’ll need a reverse osmosis filter. As the folks at this URL explain, a reverse osmosis system can remove a range of contaminants from water. There are three different types of systems: standard, multi-stage, and powder. Standard filters use an activated carbon filter to remove chlorine from the water. Multi-stage filtration uses granulated carbon in addition to reverse osmosis and distillation filters. The granulated carbon will remove any remaining chemicals, algae, and bacteria.

If you have tap water, then a UV filter is going to be most effective. Although these filters don’t remove sediment or metals from the water, they can kill bacteria and viruses in the water. They work by using ultraviolet light to penetrate the cells of the bacteria and viruses. Once the light hits them, they are destroyed.

If you have city water, then a simple under sink pitcher is going to be most effective. These filters are either activated carbon or reverse osmosis systems. They’re designed to remove chlorine and other organic compounds from the water.

The Size of Your Home 

The size of your home will determine the type of water filter you need to purchase. If you have a single-family home, then a point-of-entry system is going to be most effective. A simple under sink pitcher might not be as helpful in a multi-story house or large apartment building. Point of entry systems are your best bet for filtering all the water in your home.

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that best fits your needs. If you have a large family or live in a multi-story home, then you’ll want to purchase a system with a larger filter capacity.

The Cost of the Filter 

The cost of the filter is also a factor to consider when purchasing a water filter. Some systems are more expensive than others. If you have a well, then a reverse osmosis system is going to be the most expensive even though it’s also the most effective at removing contaminants from the water.

If you have city water, then a simple under sink pitcher is going to be the cheapest. UV filters are also fairly affordable.

If you have well water, then a single-stage carbon filter is going to be in between the two prices. These systems are effective at removing sediment and chlorine from the water, but they aren’t nearly as powerful as multi-stage systems.

The Maintenance 

All water filters require some level of maintenance. Some systems need to be descaled on a regular basis, while others need to have the filter cartridges replaced. Be sure to read the owner’s manual thoroughly so you know what needs to be done to keep the system running properly. Here’s how to maintain different types of filters:

• Reverse Osmosis Systems – These systems need to be descaled every 3-6 months, depending on the hardness of your water. You can do this by using a commercial descaler or a solution of vinegar and water.
• Carbon Filters – These filters need to be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on the amount of use. 
• UV Filters – These filters don’t require any maintenance, but the bulbs need to be replaced every 12-18 months.

The Time It Takes to Filter 

All water filters take some time to filter the water. The time it takes for a filter to work will vary depending on the type of system you have. If you have a standard filter, then it will take about 15 minutes for the water to run through the system. Multi-stage filters can take up to an hour to filter the water. If you have a UV filter, then it will take about 5 minutes for the water to be filtered.

The Filter’s Life Span 

Another thing you need to consider is the filter’s life span. Not all filters last the same amount of time. Some filters only last a few months, while others can last up to a year. Be sure to check how long the filter is expected to last before you make your purchase.

When considering a water filter for your home, there are several factors you need to take into account: the size of your home, the type of water you have, the cost of replacement filters, and the amount of maintenance required, etc. By considering all of these factors, you can easily find the best water filter for your needs.