Only the best whole house water filter can provide your family safe and clean drinking water. The right home water filters can also protect your water appliances, allows you to enjoy more refreshing showers, and lets you cook healthier meals. Cleaning fixtures is never a problem. You also get to reduce your clinic visits because of unsafe drinking water.
You do know that you can get all of these benefits if you choose correctly. This article will help you navigate the confusing world of choosing the right water filter for your whole house. Let us start with the twelve most exciting home water filter products today.
Culligan WH-HD200-C
Material | Stainless Steel |
Capacity | up to 24,000 Gallons |
Safety Rating | NSF/ANSI |
Table of Contents
Best Whole House Water Filter Reviews
1. Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Water Filtration
Culligan makes some of the world’s top rated whole house water filtration systems. It is a trustworthy brand that has been a mainstay in many modern homes. Its WH-HD200-C is one of the company’s bestsellers, giving you a platform for different water filtration and purification needs.
It is essential to point out that this filter is not a complete whole-house water filtration system. You will have to purchase one of the company’s compatible water filter cartridges, depending on what you intend to remove from your tap water.
For example, you can pick the CW-MF filter to reduce sediment, scale, coarse sand, and rust. If you need to improve the water’s taste and odor, a more appropriate filter is the SCWH-5.
This product serves as an essential platform for your whole house water filtration system. You can swap the cartridges anytime. It has a large port that will never restrict efficient water flow.
Replacing the home water filter is also as hassle-free as looking at the digital filter change timer. There is no need to keep a calendar about when you installed the filter and the likely replacement time. It also helps that the water housing has a bypass shutoff valve that makes cartridge replacement easy.
I like this product’s WQA certification against NSF standards. However, I think it would be better if it got the actual NSF certification. The good news is that WQA certified this whole home water filter for lead compliance (NSF 372), material safety (CSA B483.1), and structural integrity (NSF/ANSI 42).
- Versatile design to accommodate different Culligan water filtration technologies
- WQA certification using NSF/ANSI standards for peace of mind
- Large, 1-inch port for better water follow
- Features a digital filter change timer for more accurate filter change
- Bypass shutoff valve for effortless filter cartridge replacement
- Housing and assembly only
- Not NSF-certified
2. DuPont WFPF13003B Whole House Water Filtration
DuPont is one of the best whole house water filter brand you can trust in terms of reliability, durability, and filtration performance. If you look at its whole house water filter ratings, the WFPF13003B is the brand’s bestseller.
The company designed this whole home filtration system with homeowners and small offices in mind, with essential features to get the job done. It effectively reduces silt, rust, and other sediment found in water.
On that note, you can ensure drinking water that does not have that odd, rusty taste. Coffees and teas will taste more fabulous with this unit in your home. Bathing and cleaning should also never be an issue.
I like this product’s filter head and housing construction. It is tough, like any other product that bears the DuPont name. The ports are large, allowing you to optimize your water consumption. Its design is for people who have a rudimentary knowledge of basic plumbing. You can easily install this unit with only the most essential tools.
One of its greatest strengths is its friendly price. There is also a WQA certification to back up the product’s sediment removal capabilities.
- Ideal for home and office use
- Durable and reliable filter head and housing construction
- WQA certification against ANSI/NSF standards for peace of mind
- Affordable sediment pre filter for the whole home
- Easy to install design
- Lower filter capacity than other brands
- No effect on TDS
3. iSpring WGB21B Whole House Water Filtration
The best home water filtration system does not have to be complicated. It should be okay as long as it can guarantee that your water is free of common contaminants. If you believe in such a whole house water filter design, the iSpring WGB21B is for you.
The two-stage water filter system allows you to enjoy safe, clean and tasty drinking water. Making fabulous drinks and whipping up a delicious meal should never be a concern.
The product’s carbon block filter removes up to 90% of chlorine and other common water contaminants. Rust, dust, silt, sand, scale particles, and other sediments will never be an issue.
I like its large-diameter port, allowing you to enjoy more water with each use. This home water filter has a flow rate of 0.25 gallons of water per second, thanks to its 1-inch port. There is also a quick-release valve that hastens filter replacement. You do not need to wait for the system to depressurize.
You will also like the filter’s capacity of 50,000 gallons, which should last more than a year. The unit also comes pre-assembled, ensuring an effortless installation.
I have seen similar designs but with a friendlier price. Others have a three-stage whole house system and still cost less. Good news is, it comes with a 30 day money back guarantee.
You may be disappointed to learn that this product will not reduce total dissolved solids. For such a feature, you will have to get a reverse osmosis system.
- Combination of sediment filtration and carbon block for cleaner and safer water
- Large-diameter port for the improved water flow of up to 0.25 gallons per second
- An ingenious pressure release valve for ease of filter change
- 50,000-gallon filter capacity for improved economy
- Pre-assembled design for ease of installation
- No effect on total dissolved solids
- A bit more expensive than other whole house filters
4. Express Water Whole House Water Filter
Homeowners who need a whole house water filter for lead removal should consider this Express Water product. It is a three stage water filter that removes more water contaminants than any single or double-stage product can.
You should appreciate this product’s Kinetid Degradation Fluxion technology. It works like a magnet that attracts heavy metals, including arsenic, mercury, and more. You will never have that odd taste of heavy metals in your mouth as you drink water.
The first stage takes care of large particles, making it ideal for people living in the countryside or rural communities. Sediments can be pretty high in these household’s water. The system’s third stage removes whatever particles that passed through the first two filters.
I love this product’s straightforward and thoughtful design. There are dedicated buttons to release pressure in each canister. The clear sediment pre filter housing also makes it super-easy to monitor your filter’s current state. Knowing when it is time to replace the cartridge is a cinch.
Claiming your water filter can remove at least 80 contaminants is one thing. Having a reputable organization validating and certifying this claim is another. Unfortunately, this product does not have NSF certification for its performance.
At 65 pounds, you need an extra pair of hands to install this unit in your house. That is why it would be best to get a plumber to do it for you. On the plus side, this water filter’s Express Connect technology makes installation less challenging.
- 3-stage whole house filtration system
- Large port for improved water flow rate
- Durable and clear sediment filter cartridge housing for effortless monitoring
- Quick-release pressure valves for more efficient maintenance
- Express Connect technology for ease of installation
- No NSF certification
- Professional installation required
5. iFilters LWH-D Whole House Water Filter
Many households only want to have great-tasting water for them to drink and use in their cooking. If you are like these people, I suggest you buy the iFilters LWH-D Whole House Water Filter System. This filter is a compact and lightweight product that does an excellent job of transforming unpleasant-tasting water into an enjoyable drink.
A polypropylene sediment filter initiates the filtration process, removing large particles from well water. The water goes through the carbon filter, where the magic culminates in the most amazing drinking water you can have in your glass.
The advanced carbon filter media traps chlorine and odor and taste molecules to give you a liquid worth having in your coffee, juice, or tea. You can even make crystal clear ice cubes with this filtered water.
This device’s compact design makes it ideal for point-of-use or point-of-entry applications. You can install it under your sink to supply filtered water only to your kitchen. If you want the whole house to have filtered water, you might want to install it in the mainline.
I like its clear housing because it makes it easy to monitor filter status, making it easy to determine the need for a filter change. You will also find the materials and components to be of good quality because they are NSF-approved.
- Two-stage filtration for sufficient removal of common water contaminants
- Efficient removal of chlorine, odor, and taste for better-tasting water
- Versatile design for point-of-entry or point-of-use installation
- Clear housing for better monitoring of filter cartridge status
- NSF-approved components for quality and performance
- Not for removing microbes
- Modest flow rate
6. Culligan WH-S200-C Whole House Water Filtration
Picking the best whole house water filter can be nauseating if you do not know what you want to remove from your water. For those who want to eliminate only sediments and other large particles, I recommend the Culligan WH-S200-C.
This water filtration system removes rust, dust, sand, silt, and other large debris. Its filtration performance makes it a good candidate for the best whole house water filtration system for well water.
Municipal or city water undergoes substantial filtration. It is not the case with well water. You can have large debris in your fluid if you do not filter it.
I like this product’s universal filter casing design. You can swap the sediment filter for the brand’s other water filter cartridges, such as the CW-MF, P5, and S1A-D. At least, you can extend your system’s filtration performance.
Like many of the brand’s filter heads, this unit also comes with a removable filter timer. However, I think this is unnecessary because the housing features a transparent, shatterproof material. You will see if it is time for a filter cartridge change.
This unit can accommodate varying water pressures of up to 120 PSI and a maximum temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Other products have a lower temperature and water pressure threshold.
Installing it is never a problem because it already has all the materials you need. Moreover, the built-in mounting bracket can further simplify the installation process.
- Affordable sediment filter from a trusted brand
- Shatterproof, clear filter housing for better filter status monitoring
- Filter assembly compatible with other Culligan filter cartridges
- With pressure and temperature range for versatility
- Complete with mounting hardware and filter change monitoring system
- Not for TDS management
- Not recommended for managing aesthetic chlorine
7. Aquasana EQ-1000 Whole House Water Filter
The majority of whole house water filters have a mediocre filter capacity of no more than 100,000 gallons. Such systems require you to change the filter almost every year. Suppose you want a water filtration system that requires you to replace its filter media only once every decade. In that case, the Aquasana EQ-1000 is for you.
This advanced carbon water filter has a unique dual-tank design with the two tanks stacked on each other. It looks like a two stage whole house water filter but it is not.
It removes up to 97% of chlorine, chloramine, nasty odors, and unpleasant tastes. It also eliminates VOCs, such as pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and pharmaceutical byproducts.
It also has a KDF filter that removes heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and others. This filter technology also inhibits microbial growth. You will feel more secure about your family’s health whenever you have this system working for your home.
I love its whole house water filter cartridge because it can accommodate up to a million gallons of water. You will only need to check the connections to ensure there is no leak. As far as filter change goes, your next filter change will be about ten years from the time of first use.
- Removes up to 97% of chlorine, taste, odor, and other water contaminants
- Advanced Kinetic Degradation Fluxion technology to better remove heavy metals
- Long-lasting filter cartridge for better savings
- Smart upflow dual-tank design for more efficient filtration
- Easy to maintain
- Not for TDS reduction
- Pre- and post-filters require frequent replacement
8. 3M Aqua Pure AP904 Whole House Water Filter
Suppose you want a whole house water filter that can do more than remove common water contaminants. In that case, 3M’s Aqua Pure AP904 is a reliable choice. This unit can also remove limescale, extending your water appliancee’s service life.
Aqua Pure is so efficient in removing limescale that many people consider it the best whole house water filtration and softener system.
Of course, you all know that only a water softener or a water conditioner can effectively remove limescale. However, with many customers reporting substantial improvements in their water, who is to argue?
Do take note that this product only features a carbon filter technology. This home water filter system is not known as a water softener. However, real-world use indicates that this water filter system can protect water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers from limescale formation.
Its NSF 42 certification gives you peace of mind related to its chlorine, odor, and taste removal performance. Not a whiff of chlorine will take the pleasures of drinking clean and clear water away from you.
I love the stainless steel head because you will never have to worry about rust or corrosion. Aqua Pure also has a Sanitary Quick Change system for effortless housing removal during filter replacement episodes. The system gives you up to 20 gallons of water per minute, allowing you to enjoy an uninterrupted water supply.
- Recommended for sediment, chlorine, taste, limescale, and odor removal
- Stainless steel filter head for exceptional corrosion resistance
- Innovative Sanitary Quick Change design for effortless filter cartridge replacement
- 20 gpm peak flow rate for optimum water consumption
- NSF certification for peace of mind
- Not effective in removing particles smaller than 5 microns
- Average filter capacity
9. iSpring WGB22B 2-Stage Whole House Water Filtration
iSpring offers small households an efficient system for removing sediments and common contaminants from their water. The brand’s WGB22B is a whole house water filtration system that can eliminate more chlorine and other contaminants than any other system. It can remove a few heavy metals, too.
This two stage water filter has chlorine removal capabilities that produces water with none of the unpleasant taste or odd odors of chlorine. The system also filters up to 95% of rust, silt, and other debris that can get into your drinking water.
Because of its excellent sediment filtration, you might want to consider this product as your whole house well water filtration system.
You do not need to doubt the filter’s sediment and chlorine removal capabilities. While this product does not have an actual NSF certification, you will still be glad to know it is independent laboratory-tested. Its carbon filter performs as indicated.
I appreciate the water filter’s high-flow design because it can ensure sufficient water supply, regardless of the number of people using water simultaneously. It can deliver up to 15 gallons of water per minute through its large 1-inch diameter ports.
- Ideal for a family of four
- Removes up to 99% of chlorine for better-tasting water
- Removes up to 95% of sediments and other water contaminants
- High-flow valve design for optimum water consumption
- Independent laboratory-tested against ANSI/NSF standards
- Not for microbial elimination and TDS reduction
- A bit more expensive than other 2-stage filter systems
10. GE GXWH40L Whole Home Filtration
Most of the whole house water filter systems we have on the market are hefty and bulky. It is often best that you have an extra pair of hands to install them in your home. The GE GXWH40L is one of the most compact and lightweight whole house water filters you can ever buy, weighing a little over 4 pounds and is only 16.4 inches tall.
I also love its all-white design. Perhaps I am already tired of the usual blue color of most products. It gives this water filter unit a more refreshing vibe. Couple it with its transparent heavy-duty filter housing, and you get a system that is as elegant to look at as it is efficient in removing large particles.
Yes, this unit only removes sediments. As such, you will have to buy a different whole house water filter if you want to remove other contaminants.
This product does an excellent job of eliminating rust, scale, dirt, and silt from your water. None of these substances will ever interfere with your water-drinking pleasures. It should be perfect for filtering city water.
I also like the system’s remote filter reminder, although I find this component unnecessary. The housing is transparent enough to allow for visual inspection of the filter cartridge.
Speaking of the filter cartridge, I wish the company provided a more durable filter element. This filter can only last about three months. In other words, you will have to purchase either the FXHSC or FXHTC replacement filters at least four times every year.
- Premium-quality filtration system for more efficient large-particle removal
- Compact and lightweight design for hassle-free installation
- Transparent filter housing for better filter status monitoring
- Remote filter reminder for timely filter change
- Clean and modern design
- Short filter life span
- Sediment filter only
11. Reverse Osmosis Revolution Whole House Water Filtration
Whole house water purification systems should never cost you a fortune. Reverse Osmosis Revolution gives you that chance to own a reliable system that is more economical than other three-stage water filtration products on the market today.
Before we go any further, I need to emphasize that this product is not a reverse osmosis system. The company name is. I have seen some people thinking that this system can address their TDS concerns. It cannot because it does not have an RO media.
Like all three-stage filtration systems, this product starts with a sediment filter to trap large particles. Water passes through a carbon filter, removing chlorine, VOCs, a few heavy metals, and other common water contaminants. It can also address water cloudiness, unpleasant tastes, and offensive odors.
The third stage further filters water to give your family the best-tasting water they could drink or use for cooking. If the second stage removes unpleasant tastes, the third stage improves it. Drinking city water straight from your garden faucet should be a breeze with this whole house filter in place.
- 3 stage whole house filtration for more comprehensive contaminant removal
- 5-micron sediment filter for efficient removal of large particles
- Advanced carbon filter for reducing unpleasant odor and taste
- Premium GAC filter for chlorine, VOCs, and other water contaminants removal
- More affordable than other 3-stage whole house water filter systems
- Shorter filter lifespan than other brands
- Not a reverse osmosis system
12. AO Smith AO-WH-Filter Whole House Water Filter
AO Smith continues to wow the water filter-adoring public with its reliable whole house water filtration technologies. One of the company’s most trustworthy systems is the AO-WH-Filter.
This whole home water filter has a single-tank design that belies its exceptional water contaminant-removing capabilities. It also saves space because of its small 8.75-inch diameter footprint.
This product is at par with leading chlorine-reducing systems with its 97% chlorine-removal performance. There is no hint of chlorine smell or taste in your water, making cooking more enjoyable.
It can remove a few heavy metals, too. Concocting refreshing beverages and making crystal clear ice cubes should also be a breeze with this whole house water filter.
I am mostly amazed at this product’s exceptional filter lifespan. Most products on the market have a filter capacity of only 100,000 gallons, lasting just about a year or so. This water filter has a 600,000-gallon capacity, allowing you to use it for the next five to seven years. Installing it is never a problem, too.
What’s more, this product works well with different water supply sources. It can handle city or municipal water and well water from rural communities. While the company recommends it for small households of four people, I think this product will work well with large families, too. Just do not expect it to last six years, however.
This system is neither a reverse osmosis system nor a water softener. While it can improve water quality, it is not the best water filtration unit to protect your water appliances from limescale formation. You will also see no change in your TDS levels.
- Efficient, single-tank design for more efficient use of space
- Extra-long filter service life for more significant savings
- Ideal for municipal water, well water, or city water applications
- Recommended for all household sizes
- Easy to install
- Not for TDS reduction
- Not for softening water
What is the Best Water Filter for the Whole House
The best whole house water filtration system depends on what you want to remove from your water. In general, a whole home filter allows only water molecules to pass through a membrane and leave behind other molecules. Unfortunately, no single filter design can trap or remove all kinds of water contaminants.
The ideal whole home water filter should remove as many contaminants as possible. It should remove large particles, such as sediment, soil, silt, small rocks, and others.
It should also remove chlorine, arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, and other heavy metals, thanks to a carbon filter. A whole home water filter can also remove pesticides, pharmaceutical agents, VOCs, industrial solvents, and other chemicals used in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
Some systems can lower total dissolved solids to negligible levels, giving you cleaner and clearer water to drink. Other products work to kill harmful microorganisms in the water, such as bacteria, viruses, cysts, parasites, and fungi.
Some whole home water filter products remove magnesium and calcium to soften water. Other products may not remove these hardness minerals but prevent them from forming limescale.
How Do Whole House Water Filters Work
A whole home water filter allows water to pass through a membrane. The most common type, a carbon filter, has holes or pores that serve as a sieve. Any particle larger than the diameter of these pores will never pass through the membrane.
What differentiates a whole home water filter from an under-the-sink or a point-of-use water filter is its location. You can find a POU system near the faucet where you can obtain clean and safe water.
For example, you can have a filter right under your kitchen sink to filter water for cooking and drinking. Your other faucets may not provide you with filtered tap water.
You can find the best whole house water filter between your house’s main water line and the distribution lines. Because water from the main line passes through the filter prior to distribution, you get filtered water anywhere in the house. Your bathroom, wash room, utility room, dining room, kitchen, garage, and garden will all have filtered water.
What are the Different Types of Whole House Water Filters
A residential water filtration system can come in different types. You should pay extra attention to these types because they can help you determine the best possible filtration system to bring home.
- Sediment Filters
The most basic setup for a domestic water filtration system is a sediment filter. As the name implies, these whole house water filters remove large particles, including silt, rust, debris, and other sediments.
- Carbon Block Filters
Granular activated carbon filters remove small particles that pass through sediment filters. a carbon filter has pores that are as small as 0.5 microns to as large as 5 microns. Some high-end carbon filters offer a pore size of 0.1 microns.
You should know that bacteria often range in size between 0.5 and 5.0 microns, making carbon filters effective in removing these microorganisms. Just do not expect carbon block filters to remove viruses because these microorganisms are a hundred times smaller than bacteria.
Granular activated carbon filters also neutralize unpleasant water tastes and odors. Some systems are also effective in chlorine removal and the removal of other minerals and heavy metals.
Several whole home water filter products use a KDF filter that attracts heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and more.
- Reverse Osmosis Filters
These filters are ideal for homes that want to eliminate total dissolved solids. The system pushes water molecules against the concentration gradient to filter anything not resembling a water molecule.
- Ultraviolet Light Filters
Carbon block filters can remove bacteria, parasites, and other large microorganisms. However, they do not remove viruses and other small microorganisms. UV filtration exposes these microorganisms to intense UV radiation, disrupting their DNA and affecting their replication ability.
- Water Softeners
These systems are not filters in the strictest sense of the word. However, many homes use them to address limescale formation and extend their water fixtures and water appliances’ lifespan.
Salt-based water softeners replace hardness minerals in water for potassium or sodium chloride. The absence of minerals in the water gives it ‘soft’ characteristics. Water does not form limescale in water pipes and enhances soap and detergent cleaning properties.
Experts refer to water softeners that do not use salt as water conditioners. It does not remove hardness minerals in the water. Instead, the system binds them to a chelating agent to prevent sticking to surfaces.
- Combination Filters
If you have been paying attention, not a single whole house water filter system addresses all water contaminants. That is why the best solution is to combine at least two of the above-mentioned water filter types.
For example, a whole house water filter and softener combo will have a water softener component before the main filtration unit. The whole home water filter can include a sediment pre-filter to reduce the filtration workload of carbon filters. A reverse osmosis element and UV filter can also be a part of this combination.
It is essential to understand that filtration performance increases with a concomitant increase in filtration technologies.
- Well Water Filters
Well water has more minerals and dissolved solids than municipal or city water. Conventional whole house water filters may be unable to address the increased sediment and dissolved solid load. That is why there are manufacturers that design filters specifically for well water.
If you live in a rural community or where well water is your water supply source, this is the whole house water filtration you might want to get.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Whole House Water Filter
A whole house filtration system can be a great thing to have for any modern home. However, it would be best to learn the pros and cons of a whole home water filter to make a wise buying decision. You do not want to choose the wrong water home filter.
- Provides Filtered Water for the Whole House
One of a whole house water filter’s most significant advantages is its coverage. It filters the water that goes through the entire house. You can use filtered water in the kitchen to cook food, make beverages, and drink. The water going to your bathroom can provide you with more enjoyable showers while also making it easy to clean the bathroom tiles and fixtures.
Wherever you have a faucet on your property, you can rest assured that only filtered water will come out from it. Hence, you can drink the water coming out from your garden faucet or the one in your garage. You can also have filtered water straight from your modern refrigerator.
- Lowers Running Costs
This water filtration system’s whole-house coverage is also more economical in the long run. Many products have filter membranes that have exceptional filter capacity. We are talking about years of use before you need to replace the filters.
Point-of-use water filters often have filter media that requires replacement every six months to two years. Most whole house water filter elements have a lifespan of at least two years. High-end products can last up to a decade or so.
Because of the longevity of the filter elements, you also reduce the frequency of filter replacements. For example, you will only replace the filter once every five to ten years. Even if the replacement filter is a few times more expensive than POU replacement filters, you will still save more.
Remember, you are only replacing the filter elements of one whole home water filter unit. Try to compare that to having five POU filters. You will see how economical a whole house water filter system is in the long run.
- Improves Water Safety and Drinkability
The best whole house water treatment system can do more than remove sediments and common water contaminants. If you choose wisely, you can also eliminate harmful microbes that can make you and your family sick.
Some filters can also neutralize unpleasant tastes and odors in water, making it more enjoyable to drink. Making smoothies, coffee, tea, juices, and other beverages will be more engaging because you will not have any odd taste tainting your drinks.
Advanced whole home water filter systems can also remove industrial solvents, agricultural chemicals, and even pharmaceutical agents. Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, and other toxic chemicals will never wreak havoc in your life.
- Extends Water Fixture and Appliance Service Life
If you choose a whole house water filter system with a water softener, you also protect your water appliances. These whole home water filter products prevent minerals from sticking to the interior surfaces of water pipes. Since no minerals adhere to the surface, you prevent limescale formation.
Your dishwasher, washing machine, water heater, and other water-using appliances will perform optimally for many years. There is no need to buy another water appliance in the next few years.
No system is perfect. Whole house water filters also have their drawbacks, such as the following.
- Requires Professional Installation
Faucet filters and countertop water filtration systems are easy to install. Under-the-sink systems are also straightforward if you understand basic plumbing. It is not the case with a whole house water filter system. Most of them, anyway.
The majority of whole house water filtration systems require professional installation. First, these systems are bulky and heavy, often requiring substantial changes in that part of your home where you want to place it.
Second, you may need special pipe fittings to connect the device to your existing water line. Not using these pieces of hardware can undermine the water filter system’s integrity, leading to leaks.
- High Upfront Cost
While you can save in the long run, you will shell out a huge sum right up front. Everything depends on the product type you choose. Here is a tip: the more filter elements you have, the more expensive is the product.
On average, entry-level complete whole house water filters can cost you about $200 to $400. High-end water filters can have a $5,000 price tag. You also have to add installation costs, which typically range between $300 and $700.
Of course, there are less expensive alternatives. Unfortunately, they may require more frequent filter element replacements that can increase your running costs.
- Some are Not as Space-efficient as Other Water Filter Designs
Most whole house water filters are huge that they require ample floor space and vertical clearance. It may not be feasible for houses with cramped spaces to get this type of water filtration system.
Whole House Water Filter Buying Guide
This comprehensive buying guide should make it easy to determine the best home filtration system to bring to your family. Regardless of your water source, adhering to these simple guidelines will lead you to the right home water filter system.
- Check What You Want Removed
One of the most crucial considerations you will make is the water contaminants you want to remove. Home water filters can remove different contaminants. Others can inactivate or kill microbes, while other home water filters can soften tap water.
A coconut shell carbon media is perfect for removing unpleasant tastes and foul odor from water. These products work like other carbon filters that absorb these taste and odor molecules. Unfortunately, carbon filters cannot kill viruses, nor can they soften water.
A carbon filter media can effectively remove most contaminants, but it can never reduce total dissolved solids. You will need a reverse osmosis home water filter system if this is what you want to achieve.
Having a pre filter can also help in removing large particles. If your main concern is sediments, a pre filter media should be useful.
You can perform a whole house water filtration comparison to know what the different home water filters remove. If the filtration system can remove as many contaminants from your tap water as possible, it should be a good buy for your home.
The key here is to determine the water contaminant you want to eliminate. If you have no clue, you might not be able to pick the right water filter for your family.
- What Kind of Water Do You Have?
Do you have city water or well water? It is important to know that city water has fewer sediments and heavy metals than well water. You do not need a home water filter that has a large sediment filtration mechanism. A basic house filtration system is adequate.
Well water contains more heavy metals and sediments. Your home water filter should be tough to accommodate large quantities of these particles. You may also want to invest in a pre filter media that has taste-enhancing properties.
Well water also requires water softening for the home. Heavy metals can harden water, affecting the cleaning performance of soaps and detergents. You will also have problems with limescale formation and a slimy characteristic of your tap water.
- Determine Your Average Water Consumption, Water Pressure, and Flow Rate
You will want a home water filter that provides you with enough water for your home needs. As such, if you are using 20 gallons per day, you might want to check the whole home water filter if it can provide you this much water.
Water pressure is also important. Most whole home water filter systems can accommodate a maximum water pressure of 100 PSI. In comparison, others can accommodate up to 120 PSI of water pressure.
The flow rate is essential as well, although it is somewhat related to water pressure. Ideally, you will want a whole home water filter to give you ample water supply, regardless of the water source.
- Consider Your Budget
There are a few cost-related factors you need to consider when buying a home water filter. The first of these factors is the whole house filter unit’s purchase price. Here is a simple tip. The lesser the number of home water filter technologies a product has, the less expensive it is.
For example, a sedimentation system can set you back by around $50. Add a couple of carbon filters to the setup, and you can increase the price tag to about $100 to $150. If the whole house filter includes another filter element, you might shell out more than $200.
The good news is that the more filtration elements you have, the closer you are to achieving pure, contaminant-free tap water.
The second factor is the running cost, which is a function of the product’s filter life. As a rule, the longer the filter life, the less frequent is the whole house water filter replacement. You will never have to worry about buying replacement filters every several months. On average, home water filters have a filter life span of one year. Exceptional products can last six to ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most trusted whole house water filter brands?
iSpring is one of the most trusted whole house water filter brands because of its exceptional water filtration and purification performance and reliable customer service. You might also want to consider Culligan and Aquasana, two reputable brands in the water filtration business.
There are also trustworthy big-name brands, such as DuPont, 3M, and General Electric. Do not count iFilters and AO Smith out from your choices because this pair of brands make reliable products, too. Other noteworthy brands to try are Express Water and Reverse Osmosis Revolution.
What size whole house water filter do I need?
A 4.5-inch by 20-inch whole house water filter should suffice for an average household of four persons. In general, larger filters make perfect sense even for small families. These water filters offer sufficient water supply even with simultaneous use.
One primary consideration is the whole house water filter’s port diameter. A 1-inch port can supply your family with more water than a ¾-inch port. The larger the port diameter, the lesser is the water resistance. It allows water to flow effortlessly through your plumbing and the rest of the house.
If you have a large home, you may want to install a whole house water filter system with at least 1.5-inch ports and a minimum water flow rate of 25 gallons per minute.
How to install whole house water filtration system?
Most whole house water filtration systems come with their respective installation manual. It is always best for you to check it out before installing your system in your home. You might also want to check the system’s installation hardware completeness and whether you need additional installation materials.
The steps are straightforward.
- Lay down all the pipe fittings on a flat surface and wrap the threads with Teflon.
- Screw the pipe fittings into the water filter’s head cap. Use an adjustable wrench to secure them.
- Turn off your main water supply and open all faucets in the house to bleed your system and relieve pressure.
- Check where you want to install the whole house water filter.
- Cut out a pipe section wide enough to accommodate the water filter housing and its pipe fittings.
- Connect the water filter pipe fittings to your water line using the correct hardware.
- Install and secure the water filter into the head cap.
- Turn off all faucets and turn on your main water supply.
- Check the connections for signs of leaks. If there are none, you are ready to use your whole house water filtration system.
Can a whole house water filter be installed outside?
Yes. Most whole house water filters are point-of-entry systems. Typically, they’re installed inside the garage on the main water line or outside the home. But for proper guidance, check the manual that comes with the specific filter you have chosen.
How much does it cost to install a whole house water filtration system?
You can expect to pay around $400 to $4,900 to install a whole house water filtration system, depending on two things.
The first is the whole-house water filter you buy. High-end residential water filtration systems can cost you between $3,000 and $5000.
Of course, there are entry-level products that can set you back by $100 to $600. Commercial-grade water filtration systems can cost you anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000.
The more filtration elements a whole house water filtration system has, the higher its price. For example, a system with only a sediment filter will cost less than a product with a sediment pre filter, carbon block filter, and a reverse osmosis membrane.
The second factor is the installation cost. Professional plumbers can charge you between $300 to $700, depending on installation complexity. For example, you can expect a higher labor cost if there are substantial changes to your plumbing system.
Installing the system yourself should help you reduce overall installation costs. However, you may still have to purchase a few basic plumbing tools if you do not have any. Renting these tools or borrowing from your friends or neighbor should lower the installation cost.
How much does a Culligan whole house water filtration system cost?
It depends on the model of Culligan whole house water filtration system you will buy. Everything depends on the technology, filtration capacity, and the number of filtration media integrated into the system’s design.
For example, you can get the Culligan WH-S2000-C Whole House Sediment Water Filtration System for about $50 via Amazon. On the other hand, the brand’s High-efficiency Whole House Well Water Filter with the Cleer Well Water Whole House Filtration System can cost you several hundred dollars.
In general, Culligan products are some of the most expensive on the market. It is especially the case with the brand’s water softener line.
How to care and clean?
Always observe the manufacturer’s cleaning procedures and regular maintenance guidelines to optimize your water filter’s performance.
Clean the filter housing once a month because dust and other debris can accumulate over time. Inspect the connections during the cleaning process to ensure the absence of leaks.
Check the filter lifespan to determine when it is time for a replacement. For example, most granular activated carbon systems require a filter change after every five to six months. Chlorine-removal systems may need a new filter every two to four years.
You may also want a professional purification company to service your reverse osmosis system every six to twelve months. They can sanitize the RO system cartridges to keep them running smoothly.
Ultraviolet systems require UV bulb replacement every year. You must also check the quartz sleeve and the O-ring. In general, you should replace the O-ring at the same time you replace the UV bulb.
Water softeners may require a different maintenance schedule, depending on their type. Salt-based water softeners require periodic regeneration that can be as frequently as once every three to four days. Non-salt-based water softeners or water conditioners may require media replacement after every six to 12 months.
Where to buy?
Amazon remains a favorite among shoppers of whole house water filters, and for a good reason. This e-commerce giant has the widest selection of water filters for different buyers. They also offer exceptional customer support and shipping assistance to get the product to your doorstep.
A favorite of many is the whole house water filter system reviews. You can gain insight into the real-world experiences of real people using a particular product. It should help you make a wise buying decision.
Other notable e-commerce platforms to source your whole house water filter system include Lowes, Home Depot, and Sears.
Conclusion
Ideally, the best whole house water filter removes sediments, microbes, hazardous chemicals, toxins, and any substance other than water. It can also make your drinking water taste better and without that odd smell. If you choose wisely, you also get to save your water appliances and fixtures against limescale formation.
Unfortunately, not a single whole house filtration system is enough to address all water contaminant concerns. That is why it would be best to look at your water filtration system’s expandability to remove as many water impurities or contaminants as possible.
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