Appliances

Home Water Filters: What to Know and How to Choose Them

Up until a few years ago none of us paid that much attention to drinking a lot of water. But, with the ever-emerging health and lifestyle information, we’ve learned that drinking a lot of water on daily basis does wonders for our beauty, fitness and overall health. This is why we’ve all become obsessed with having at least one 5L gallon in our fridge daily.

However, buying bottled water on daily basis can get pretty expensive which is why filtering water in your home may just be the solution.

Choosing the right purification method is a pretty important task so we’ll guide you through steps that will help you pick the water filtration system that best fits your needs.

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You need to know what it is you are looking to remove from your water before you choose a filtration system.

The best way to find this out is to get a copy of your area’s annual water quality report. Your water utility has this data.

You must keep in mind that although the water seems to be clear, it’s still possible to be contaminated. An example of this isTDS in water, which can be very harmful for your body, so getting your water checked is very important. If you’ve got the expertise, you can test the water yourself. This is done either with an at-home test kit or with help of your water utility to find a local lab.

The most important thing is to find out whether your water contains lead. Any additional information is good too.

The type of filter you need

The type of filter found in many water pitcher filters and under sink models is activated carbon filter which are known to remove heavy metals (like mercury, copper and lead), pesticides, chlorine, parasites (like giardia) and some VOCs.heh_session14_fig3

Perchlorates is the other type of purification system that helps contaminants get removed.

Reverse osmosis system reverses the natural flow of water. This method wastes water, though.

Distillers heat water to the boiling point. They then collect the steam as it condenses, leaving contaminants behind. For better results, combine a distiller with a carbon filter for better results.

Decide the filter’s location

These are most commonly used types of filters:

    • A whole-house filter-Before water enters your home, the water is filtered
    • A point-of-use filter – Water is filtered just before using

Undersink or water pitcher?

Undersink models are more effective than water pitchers and bottles. This is due the added pressure forcing water through the filtration system.

But, if you are looking for a quick, inexpensive solution or you are a renter and don’t want to invest a lot of money in your filtering system, a water pitcher is the way to go.

For a more permanent solution, get an undersink model.

Make sure you are going NSF certified

When you are shopping for a water filtration system the most important thing to do is look for one certified by NSF International.

The NSF seal is the proof that a particular filter has actually been tested to ensure it actually removes the contaminants.

In the past, Whole House water filters have proven to be the best option. So, maybe you should look into it.

Regular inspections

With water systems like with any other piece of gadgetry for your home, regular inspections are a must. Gadgets can’t last forever, especially if they are not taken care of properly. This is why it’s important that you inspect your current system and see if it’s time for an upgrade.

Regulations have changed in recent years, so you happen to have bought your filter sometime ago, you’ll probably need to go along with the required changes.Milli-Q_Water_filtration_station

Proper maintenance

For a piece of gadgetry to last longer, it needs to be cared for properly. When it comes to water filters, regular changing is a must! Keep everything clean and running smoothly.

Some systems include an automatic timer or sensor which lets the user know when the time has come for a new filter. If you do not own one of those, the make sure you note the date on your calendar.

Your filter will last long if you change it promptly and according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Now that you’ve got some of the most important information on choosing a filter, we hope you’ll pick the right one and enjoy your fresh and clean water every day!

If you have any questions, please ask below!