Choosing the best water filter is not an easy task. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. But there are some things you can do to make the process easier. The following article will help you choose the best water filter for your home.
Quick pick on factors to consider when choosing a water filter
- Contaminants in your water source
- Where to install a water filter
- Types of water filters
- Capacity
- Modern features
- Filtration rate
- Certification
- Replacing, annual, and maintenance costs
- Ease of use
- Permanent or nonpermanent
- Customer service and support
How to choose the best water filter
Contaminants in your water source
Every water source has contaminants. If your water source is tap water or public-supplied water, there are contaminants present, such as:
- Chlorine
- Fluoride
If your water source is another rather than tap water, there are impurities that you will find such as:
- Bacteria
- Virus
- Heavy metals
- Chemicals
- Volatile organic compounds
Bottled water has become the primary source of drinking water in the whole world, but this water also has contaminants such as chemicals that are present in plastic bottles.
Most bottled water is tap water which has impurities. Besides having impurities, empty bottles are thrown away daily causing pollution. Also, it is very expensive compared to water filters.
Choose a water filter that will help remove contaminants in your water source.
Where to install a water filter
There are two places where you can install a water filter: point of use (POU) and point of entry (POE). POU water filters clean water at a point of consumption this is filters installed under the sink, on the faucet, or either through a pitcher or at the countertop unit. POU is what every home requires most to make sure you have safe drinking water.
POE treats all the water that enters your home. It is installed in a particular place just after water enters your home.
Method of filtration
The water filtration method is not the same as water purification. Learn more about water purification methods.
Water filtration uses different methods such as:
- Sediment filtration
Sediment filtration helps remove contaminants such as sediment and suspended particles.
- Carbon filtration
Carbon filtration filters are made of granular activated carbon (GAC) or block carbons. GAC has an electropositive charge which attracts negative ions of contaminants and sticks to the surface of carbon material giving you clean water.
It uses a process called adsorption.
Benefits of carbon filtration
- Removes sediment in the water
- Removes tastes and bad odors in the water
- Reduces the amount of hydrogen sulfide
- Cost-effective but requires changing filters more often
Disadvantages of carbon filtration
- Not suitable for removing heavy metals such as fluoride, arsenic, and many others
- Not useful for removing inorganic impurities
- Reduces the water flow rate
- Kinetic degradation flux (KDF)
It is also called copper-zinc systems. It uses chemical processes and granules of zinc and copper to filter water. When water passes through copper and zinc granules, some of the impurities are drawn toward zinc, and others are attracted to copper. Then there is the chemical process that is added which releases ozone and compounds that kill contaminants like bacteria and organisms.
This method is effective when combined with other methods that utilize carbon and particulate
It uses Zinc- Copper formulation and a chemical process called oxidation formulation.
Advantages of KDF
- KDF eliminates heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and fluoride
- Effective for removing chlorine and hydrogen sulfide
- Remove certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses
Disadvantages of KDF
- For it to produce safe water it is combined with other methods to filter water.
Types of water filters
There are different types of water filters available in the market. These include.
- Whole house water filters
A whole house water filter is installed at the mainline water entry. It helps filter water for the entire house. Read our review on the best whole-house water filter.
- Undersink water filters
The under-sink water filter is installed under the sink and filters water that comes from the tap. It requires enough space under the sink.
The best under-sink water filters include:
- Inline under sink water filter
- Alkaline under sink water filter
- Under-sink ultrafiltration water filter
- Under sink water filter for well water
- Waterdrop under sink water filter
- Under sink water filter with faucet
- Under sink RO
- Countertop water filter
A countertop water filter is a unit that is placed on the tops of kitchen sinks, water filter stands, tabletops, and refrigerators.
Another form of countertop water filter is attached to the faucet and has a diverter valve that allows you to switch between filtered water and tap water.
The best countertop water filter include
- Glass countertop water filter
- Countertop with UV filter
- Countertop water filter for well water
- Stainless countertop water filter
- Countertop UF water filter
- Countertop water filter dispenser
- Countertop water filter faucet
- Countertop gravity
- Countertop RO
- Countertop Alkaline
- Faucet water filters
The faucet water filter is fixed or mounted to the faucet, but they don’t take up counter space. It has a valve that allows choosing between filtered water and tap water.
The best faucet water filter system includes
- Water filter pitchers
They are like jugs with filters that help treat a maximum of 10 glasses of tap water.
The best water filter pitchers include:
- Stainless steel water filter pitcher
- Alkaline water filter pitcher
- Brita water filter pitcher
- Water filter pitcher for hard water
- Activated carbon water filter pitcher
- Glass water filter pitcher
- Portable water filters
They are used for camping, traveling, backpacking, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Portable filters are water filter bottles and purification tablets.
- Hydro packs or emergency filters
This is an emergency water filter. They are used in times when there are floods, earthquakes, and severe and periodic water shortages.
- Shower and bath filter
They are installed in the showers. One of the reasons for considering a shower and bath filter in your home is the health risk associated with daily exposure to the chlorine by-product in tap water while bathing and showering.
- Refrigerators filter
- Alkaline
Capacity
The amount of water your family consumes every day determines the type of water filter you require.
There are some filters that give you a limit or unlimited amount of filtered water.
Modern features
Nowadays water filter comes with advanced technology such as a filter change indicator which alerts you it’s time to replace a filter.
Filtration rate
Some water filter slows down the water flow rate which makes too much time to get enough water you need for your family.
Other water filters speed up the water flow rate which increases water pressure, which is too strong and can damage the pipes.
The required water pressure rate is between 55-65 Psi.
Certification
To make sure you have a good water filter, make sure the filter is not only certified by the manufacturer but by an independent body such as NSF International and the water quality association. You can check the independent certification body available in your country.
Replacing, annual and maintenance costs
Most water filters are cheap, but the cost of replacing filters and maintenance cost is more expensive than the filters themselves.
Also, consider some water filtration method that wastes a lot of water if your water supply is from the Municipal you will end up incurring high water rates annually.
Ease of use
Most water filters do not require professionals to install them. When buying look for the water filter that has an installation guide and when you need to change the filter that is easy to change.
Permanent or nonpermanent
There is some filter that is installed permanently which is required you to drill holes to mount them and requires a professional to fix them. Permanent filters are not suitable for a renter or dorm resident because it requires permanent modification.
Others are non-permanent you don’t need the drilling of holes or modification to install them.
Customer service and support
Water Filters have a warranty range of six months to one year. If you have any questions regarding the issue, you need a manufacturer that has friendly customer service either in the form of email or call support.
Longevity and Warranty:
Consider the lifespan of the system and the warranty provided by the manufacturer. A longer lifespan and a comprehensive warranty can give you peace of mind and protect your investment.
User Reviews and Reputation:
Research customer reviews and the reputation of the filtration system and its manufacturer. Feedback from other users can provide valuable insights into the system’s performance, reliability, and customer support.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting a water filtration system that best suits your needs, ensuring you have access to clean and safe drinking water for you and your family.
Water filters are one of the essential gadgets every home needs to make sure you consume healthy and safe water. Before purchasing, make sure you consider the above factors to make sure you choose the best water filter for your home.
