Are you planning to buy a water filter and struggling to find the most reliable one? Then there is no need to worry. Because you are not the only one who is facing this issue, instead it is the problem of almost every homeowner out there looking to purchase a system.
The problem occurs due to the availability of different types of filtration systems from numerous brands or companies. So, you need to put in some effort in order to buy an effective water filter.
In this blog post, we are going to discuss five major things that you should look for in a filter before purchasing it.
Key Things to Consider in a Water Filtration System Before The Purchase
We know that there can be a number of things or features that you should take into consideration. But below we have only discussed the major five ones.
1. Water Quality and Contaminants:
Water quality and the contaminants in your supply are other important thing to think about. Different areas have water with varying issues. Some common problems are particles, chemicals from pipes like lead or copper, or cysts.
Check what your local water report says about quality. Picking a filter tailored to address your main concerns helps ensure it does the best job. Don't forget to also check if it reduces items like chlorine that can affect the taste. Knowing your water's issues aids in selecting the right system.
2. Determine the Filtration Technology:
The first thing you need to consider is filtration technology. Each water filter operates on a certain filtration technology. Some of the most common technologies are Reverse osmosis, UV, etc. Each technology works to remove certain types of contaminants from the water.
Due to this reason, it is highly essential to understand the type of impurities and contaminants that a filter can remove. Doing so will help you in ensuring whether it meets your needs or not.
Moreover, you should also pay attention to the accuracy or effectiveness of the water filtration system in eliminating contaminants. For this, you will have to read the manufacturer’s manual and also reviews from previous customers.
3. Filter Lifespan & Replacement Requirements:
Apart from paying attention to the filtration technology, you should also consider the average lifespan and maintenance requirements. Both these things can greatly impact the cost.
Do you know? Filters of different types usually have varying lifespans, ranging from a few months to several years. However, it is important to note that, there are multiple factors that can negatively impact the lifespan. The factors are water quality, usage, and regular maintenance.
Just like lifespan, the replacement requirements also vary depending on the filter type and the way you are using it.
So, before picking a water filter, it is necessary to determine how often it will require maintenance. This is because maintenance will not only take your time and effort but also cost you. The more often the filtration system will require maintenance, the more it will cost you.
4. Flow rate:
Flow rate is one of the most important specifications to pay attention to. The flow rate is a measurement of how quickly the system can filter water as it passes through. You'll want a flow rate fast enough that your family isn't waiting a long time each time someone gets a glass of water. However, a very high flow rate isn't always necessary either, especially for smaller homes or households.
Consider your average daily water usage and the number of people in your home to estimate what type of flow rate will work best. A good starting point is around 0.5 gallons per minute for most families.
Also, check if the listed flow rate decreases at all as the filter becomes used up - some systems have consistently high flow throughout, while others slow down over time.
5. Certifications and Ease of Use:
You should go with a filtration system that is certified. The certification will ensure the system is tested by an independent lab to remove certain contaminants. Water filters carrying certifications from organizations meet strict standards for filtering out particles and chemicals like lead.
Apart from certification, you also need to consider whether the filter you are planning to purchase is simple to install and use or not. If the filter is difficult to install, you may have to hire a professional, which will further increase the overall cost.
Due to this, it would always be go with one that comes with clear yet simple steps for installation and does not require any technical knowledge for operation.
So, these are five major things you should consider before buying a water filtration system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of contaminants & impurities a filter usually removes?
Most filters available online and in the market usually eliminate a wide range of contaminants and impurities such as bacteria, chemicals, viruses, sediment, heavy metals, and many more.
How often do I need to maintain my filtration system?
In order to know the exact time, you will have to read the manufacturer’s instructions. However, usually, a water filter needs maintenance every 3-6 months. The maintenance mainly includes replacing filters.
What is the average lifespan of a water filter?
If maintained and used properly, the average lifespan of a water filtration system is up to 10 years.
How you can I make sure that my filtration system is effectively removing contaminants?
There are multiple that can be taken in this regard. One way is by using testing kits to monitor filtered water quality. And the other way is sending your filtered water samples to a certified laboratory that will provide you with detailed insights about the water quality.
Wrapping Up
Water filters have become a widely popular option for safe and clean water. However, the problem is that the market is overloaded with many types of filters from different manufacturers. This makes it difficult to figure out the most appropriate one. In this article, we have explained 5 essential things that you should consider in a filtration system before making the final purchase.