What To Consider When Choosing A Home Water Filtration System

No one can live without water; you use it for drinking, washing the dishes, doing the laundry, cooking meals, and taking a bath, among others. As such, it’s only justifiable to be concerned about its cleanliness and safety. 

In general, water from your tap may look clean and clear. But did you know that it may contain pollutants and impurities that you’d rather not consume? In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) found out that over two billion people in the world use contaminated drinking water. 

So, instead of second-guessing the safety and purity of your home’s water, it’d be best to invest in a water filtration system. This article touches on the basics of a home water filtration system, its benefits, and things to consider when choosing one for your home. Read on to learn more.

Water Filtration System: What Is It And Why You Should Use It?

A water filter is a system used to clean or purify your water. It uses chemical or biological processes or a physical barrier, or a combination of these three to filter out pollutants, contaminants, and unwanted particles from your water to ensure that you only use the purest water. 

Homeowners use a water filtration system thanks to the numerous benefits it offers. These include:

  • It provides cleaner and healthier water for daily use
  • It’s cost-effective
  • It’s eco-friendly
  • It boosts the efficiency and lifespan of your plumbing system including related water-using appliances

5 Things To Consider When Choosing A Water Filter

As you can see, the water filtration system offers great benefits to you and your family. If you’re ready to start shopping, here are some factors to consider:

  1. Water Contaminants

Before you start your search for a filtration system, you first need to understand the current quality of your water and what you’re trying to filter. This can help simplify the shopping process by narrowing down your options. 

To know which contaminants are in your water, you can use water testing kits that you can purchase online or at a local hardware store. If you want to save time and get a more reliable result, you can also hire a water specialist to do the testing. 

  1. Type of Water Filter

In general, there are so many water filtration options out there. However, they only fall into two categories:

  • Point-of-Entry

Also known as whole-house filtration systems, point-of-entry (POE) filters are complex and versatile systems. This type of water filter is installed directly to your main water supply line. Thus, you’ll get clean and pure water on all water fixtures and appliances in your home. 

  • Point-Of-Use

Unlike POE, a point-of-use (POU) filter is installed in a specific location only, often installed near kitchen faucets. These are single-purpose systems, filtering water from the area they’re installed in. 

  1. Installation

Depending on the type of water filter and your skills, you can install a water filter on your own or will need professional help. 

Most POU water filters are quite easy to install, as long as you have the right tools and the basic know-how on plumbing. That said, if you’re installing a whole-house water filtration system, don’t have the right tools, or have no idea how your plumbing works, it’s best to leave it to the professional. 

  1. Budget

A water filter can cost you a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand, depending on the type and whether or not you hire a professional for installation. 

If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to set a specific amount you can afford and compare products from various manufacturers. In addition to the price tag and professional installation cost, you also need to consider operating and maintenance costs. 

In general, water filtration systems are low in maintenance, although you will need to regularly change the filters to ensure their efficiency. So, make sure to include these extra expenses in your overall budget.

  1. Testing Certifications

You need to make sure that the water filtration system you’re eyeing can actually clean and filter your water. As such, you want to look for third-party testing, that provides you reliable proof that it does exactly what it says. 

For one, you need to look for the official National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) mark and certifications. The NSF is an international group that inspects and certifies systems and products like water filters. Having their seal of certification indicates that the water filtration system complies with and meets the predetermined standards of quality, safety, and sanitation, ensuring that it’s capable of treating contaminated water. 

In general, trusted brands and manufacturers often show it off on their products as a mark of quality.

Takeaway

As concerns about the quality of tap water continue to grow, more homeowners are looking for ways to ensure the delivery of pure, clean water in their homes. That said, installing a quality water filtration system can help ensure the water you’ll be consuming is free from harmful contaminants, providing you with numerous benefits. 

If you’re in the market looking for a water filter for your home, let the above factors guide you in your purchase.