Shopping for a new water filter can be overwhelming. There are several types of filters to choose from and they have fairly different features. When you are looking for a new water filter, it is a good idea to know a few details about your water usage. It is also helpful to know how you plan to use the water filter to benefit your family.
Some water filters require a significant amount of maintenance, while others practically run themselves. The price points vary based on the technology they include, too. Your decision should also be based on where you get your water – from a well, a municipal facility, or precipitation.
These six tips will help you choose the water filter that meets your needs the best.
- Understand the types of filters
There are several different types of filters. Some of the most unique models can be found at TheBerkey.com, where they manufacture filters that can remove contaminants in outdoor rainwater. They can be moved from one home to the next and they can even be taken on camping trips.
Other types of filters can be installed in the home at the point where water enters the house. Others are attached to faucets. If you attach a filter at the point where water enters your home, you can have filtered water everywhere, even in the laundry and bath. If you choose a filter that attaches to your faucet, then you can only filter your drinking and cooking water.
All of the filters function in different ways. Some technologies are more effective than others. The filters that use reverse osmosis can remove microscopic contaminants including fluoride and nitrates. These are the most effective and expensive types of filters. Others, like pitcher filters and faucet-mounted filters, use a carbon filter to remove larger contaminants. Carbon filters are more affordable, but they need to be replaced on a schedule set by the manufacturer.
- Know what’s in your water
It is wise to choose your filter based on what is in your water. If your home is connected to municipal water, you should be able to see what is in the water on the municipal website. But, you can still have someone come in to check your water to see your pipes are affecting your water.
If your water comes from a well, you should check for bacteria and other organisms. Homes near gas stations can have heavily contaminated water. There are testing kits available at hardware stores and big box stores, or you can hire someone from an environmental company to run a full test. If your water is full of microscopic contaminants, you might need to invest in a filter that can get to that level. Otherwise, something with a carbon filter or an outdoor filter might be the best choice.
- Understand how much maintenance you need to do
Some filters can be installed and left alone for a full year before any maintenance needs to be done. Others need to have the carbon cartridge replaced monthly. Water filters that require little maintenance tend to cost more upfront. Those that need monthly maintenance are less expensive to install, but can cost more in the long run.
To keep water filters working properly, you should always follow the recommendations from the manufacturer. If you have a large family that uses a lot of water, you might not want to buy a filtration system that needs to have the cartridges replaced frequently. Some filtration systems have several filters that move the water in different stages, so each stage needs different maintenance.
No matter what type of filtration system you buy, you should pay attention to it. Since water is important to maintaining your health and the health of your family, you should be sure your water filtration system is clean and has a new cartridge.
- Decide if you want a permanent or temporary filter
Some water filtration systems are meant to stay permanently, while others are easy to bring with you – even if you want clean water while camping. Faucet filtration systems can easily be moved from one house to the other, while gravity filters can also be taken on the road. While a water filter could increase the value of your home if you sell it, you probably won’t get the full value of the filter in the sale.
If you strictly want an outdoor filter, you should decide if you want a small one that you can fit in a backpack. Otherwise, the larger filters can be transported by a truck or car.
- Set goals for your water filtration
Your water filter goals should involve the degree of filtration you want. Ask yourself how clean you want your water? Are you ok with fluoride or other additives that municipalities put into the water? Or, do you want it to be completely fresh? These goals will help you decide exactly what type of filter you want and how much you want to spend on it.
With an outdoor filter, your goals are usually to make water safe to drink. Even though rainwater is generally free of contaminants before it hits the ground, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to drinking water.
- What installation is required
The amount of installation required could affect the type of filter you use. Even though water is the elixir of life, you do not want to break your budget buying an expensive filter. But, going over by a little isn’t a bad idea, especially when considering the importance of your health.
If you are buying an outdoor filter, you might want to consider how you are going to power the filter. Will you need electricity? Or will batteries suffice? If you need to replace filters, where are you going to get them? How much will they cost?
Some filtration systems are rather complicated and require installation by a professional contractor. If you are looking to stay within a budget, do not forget those costs, too.
