How to Choose The Right Water Filter For Your Home

More people are considering installing a water filter than ever. Whether they dislike the taste of their tap water, don’t trust that it’s safe, or are sick of dealing with mineral and limescale deposits, water filters are becoming more popular. But how do you choose which water filter to buy? In this post, we look at the various systems and recommend which one is suitable for you.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Water Filter

Before diving into each type of water filter, it’s important to know that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all system for everyone. We recommend identifying your specific needs to give you the best outcome. Do you want to remove minerals? Are you concerned about healthy water? Do you have well or municipal water? Answering these questions will help point you in the right direction.

The next thing to do is analyze your tap water. Many people trust their water is safe but are surprised by what testing reveals. There are many filters available, each designed to remove specific contaminants. Some remove chemicals, while others remove minerals, so it’s helpful to know precisely what’s going on with your water supply.

Types of Water Filters

As mentioned, various whole-home water filters and treatment systems are available, but here are the most common and what they do.

Carbon Filters

Carbon filters are the most popular, and you probably have experience using them if you’ve ever used a pitcher water filter. These filters use activated carbon to remove chlorine, odors, and some organic compounds. Whole-home carbon filters are large-scale versions of the smaller pitcher varieties.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Reverse osmosis systems filter water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants, like heavy metals, dissolved solids, and bacteria. While RO filters are pricier and require professional installation, they’re the most popular because they meet most homeowners’ needs.

UV Filters

Ultraviolet filters use UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms and are typically used along with other systems like an RO filter to provide comprehensive protection.

Water Softeners

Finally, water softeners remove the minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause hard water. Hard water is safe to drink but wreaks havoc on your appliances and home. Mineral buildup in coffee makers, washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can cause them to malfunction and fail prematurely. Moreover, hard water leaves ugly calcium and limescale deposits on your shower heads and faucets.

How to Choose the Right Water Filter

The first thing to ask yourself is what you want your water filter to do. If you’re concerned about safety and health, an RO filter will remove the contaminants that could make you sick. If you don’t like the smell or taste of your tap water, a carbon filter will solve that problem. And if you’re sick of the mineral deposits and other issues that come with hard water, a water softener is the best option.

Remember, however, you can combine systems to get the best bang for your buck. For example, many homeowners get a multi-stage system with a carbon and RO stage for maximum protection.

Another thing to consider is your home’s flow rate and capacity, and look for a system that can handle your needs.  For example, a higher flow rate is best if you have a household with multiple water streams.

Lastly, think about maintenance. Can you maintain the system yourself, or do you need a professional to do it? The bottom line is that it’s best to consult a water treatment professional and have your water tested to weigh your options better.

Call the Pros at Tri-Florida Treatment

Tri-Florida Water Treatment is the go-to water treatment and filtration expert in Auburndale, FL, and the surrounding areas. We have over 30 years of experience selling and servicing water filtration and treatment systems. Installing a water filter can give you healthier water, cleaner clothes, spot-free dishes, and reduced appliance wear and tear. Call us today for a free in-home water analysis at 863–965–1439.