There are different types of filtration systems in the market. Some may be more affordable, but they aren’t as capacious and long-lasting as a whole house filtration system. Although more pricey, a whole house system can provide an entire house with filtered water through the pipes and only require replacement after extensive use.
How much does a whole house water filtration system cost would depend on the type of system, installation, and maintenance. But on average, it would cost $2,000.
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Common Types of Whole House Water Filtration Systems
Different types of contaminants can be present in water, and contaminants in water can vary among households. So there are a variety of whole house water filtration system types to cater to different filtration needs. Sometimes, the use of different types of water filters together may even be required.
Below are the common types of whole house systems and the cost for them:
1. Activated Carbon
An activated carbon filtration system makes use of a carbon-based filter with millions of tiny pores and crevices that absorb and trap particles and organic molecules.
This filtration system can effectively remove chlorine, chloramines, gases, chemicals, VOCs, and odor. It is widely used both for home and commercial purification.
Cost: $50 to $500
2. Reverse Osmosis
A reverse osmosis system filters water with a semipermeable membrane, wherein water is forced through to get rid of contaminants such as sediment, bacteria, minerals, and heavy metals. However, it can’t handle chlorine, so an activated carbon system is often used as a pre-filter for it.
Cost: $1,400 to $1,500
3. UV Sterilization
A UV sterilization system is equipped with UV light for effectively killing bacteria and viruses in water such as e.coli, giardia, cryptosporidium, coliform bacteria, cysts, etc. This system is often combined with a reverse osmosis system.
Cost: $800 to $2,000
How Much Is a Whole House Water Filtration System
With the inclusion of materials and labor, the average whole house filtration system cost is around $2,000.
A big determinant of the cost of whole house water filtration system is the type of whole house water filtration system you opt for. While there are simpler whole house systems in the market that would cost only less than $1,000, the more comprehensive systems can cost around $5,000 or more.
Whole House Water Filtration System Installation and Maintenance Costs
Unlike some water filter systems in the market, particularly point of use (POU) water filtration systems, which provide filtered water at the location they are installed, such as faucet filters, countertop filters, and under sink filters, whole house water filtration systems require professional installation.
A whole house system is not like the POU systems that often come with DIY kits and DIY installations can be easily done by simply screwing some connections to your faucet or sink pipes.
It’s a point of entry (POE) system, meaning it delivers filtered water coming from the main water supply line of your house where it’s connected, so it’s not as simple as dealing with POU systems.
The cost to install whole house water filter also varies. On average, the installation of a whole house system could cost around $500. But the cost of installation would also depend on the complexity of the process.
Typically, the installation of a basic carbon filter would cost around $100. Some other factors may increase the cost. For instance, if you’re going to have a reverse osmosis system installed, and there isn’t a way to flush wastewater in the plumbing of your house, that would cost you more for plumbing, which would be around $2,000.
Apart from installation, maintenance is also considered in the cost of whole house water filter. The annual maintenance cost of a whole house system can range from $50-$300.
This would depend on how many stages of filtration you have for your house, the filter types you have, and if you do the maintenance yourself or have a professional do it for you.
What a Whole House Water Filtration System Does
A whole house water filtration system delivers cleaner water to an entire house by filtering the water that comes from the main water supply line before the water is routed to the water appliances in your house.
It can remove various contaminants in water, thus, improving the water quality, appearance, and taste of the water. To cater to the needs of all the members of the household, a whole house system can handle flow rates up to 10 to 15 GPM or higher.
But it’s important to note that water quality varies among different sources, whether you source your water from the municipal water supply system, well, or spring.
Highly recommended for those who source from city water is a whole house carbon water filtration system, as it generally works well for multi-purpose purification for the whole house. This type of system effectively removes chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, and odor.
For those who have specific water issues, you would need to get a whole house system that can solve your problem whether you have bacteria, fluoride, iron, sediment, etc. You would have to choose a whole house system that is capable of getting rid of those contaminants in your water.
Equipping your house with a whole house water filtration system allows you to have access to filtered water everywhere in the house. That means the whole household can enjoy its benefits of healthier baths and showers, healthier skin and hair, longer-lasting, brighter, and softer clothing, and a longer lifespan for water appliances and pipes.
Test the Water in Your House
In order for you to get the perfect water filtration system for your whole house, you would first need to test the water in your house. This will help you determine what type of system is required for your water.
Two ways you can test the water in your house is by buying a water testing kit online to test your water yourself, or if your local jurisdiction offers laboratory water testing, you can have your water tested in the local laboratory.
Conclusion
How much does a whole house water filtration system cost? There are many factors in determining the home water filtration system cost, such as the type of system, installation, and maintenance. To know the type of whole house water filtration system to purchase for your home, test your water first.
When it comes to installation and maintenance, it’s always better to seek professional service, as dealing with a whole house system can be a complicated task.
A whole house system may be costly, but ultimately, it is an excellent investment.
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