Which Water Filtration System Do I Need?
These days, it seems like everyone is talking about water filters, and for good reason. Filtered water makes a difference when it is used in cooking, cleaning, or just to drink. Water is slowly taking the crown from soda as America’s favorite drink. According to Beverage Digest, Americans are drinking more water than they used to, and consuming less soda. The increased availability of higher quality water helps people choose water over soda. While this is obviously good news health-wise, it’s also good news for the environment, because plastic bottle waste is still a major problem. If you want to have access to refreshing filtered water at home, there are a few ways to do it.
Can I Buy Filtered Water for my Home or Apartment?
Buying filtered water in reusable plastic bottles is one way to increase your access to filtered water. Going this route reduces plastic waste, but it presents storage problems. Filtered water in gallon jugs, 3-gallon bottles, 5-gallon bottles, or other types of containers take up a lot of space. Large bottles need a pump or a dispenser to use, and gallon jugs need to be refilled rather quickly. Not only that, but water is heavy and cumbersome to carry and transport. For these reasons, buying a filtration system is a better solution in the long term. But with so many options, what type of water filter should you buy?
Pitcher Filters
Just about everyone has encountered the pitcher-style water filter. The design is simple but can be inconvenient to some homeowners. You pour water in and wait for it to filter through a small carbon filter cartridge. The result is nicer water, but there are a few downsides. Pitcher-style water filters take a long time to produce better water, they don’t produce much water at a time, and the filters themselves don’t last very long. The cost of replacing a quality water filter for one of these devices is often high, so filters go unchanged, leaving water unimproved.
Faucet Filters
For a few years, faucet-mounted water filters were a big hit and still might be the right choice for some people. It’s easy to see why; they fit on the end of faucets, right where you need the water, filtering it as needed. This style of filter solves some of the problems presented by pitcher-style water filters when it comes to the amount of time it takes to get access to filtered water. Unfortunately, some of these filters are bulky and get in the way with dishes, while others are small and need to be replaced frequently.
Countertop Water Filters
Countertop water filters are a step up from pitcher and faucet filters because they use larger, more effective filter cartridges. These filter cartridges tend to last much longer, catch more contaminants, and produce tastier water. There is still a downside though, and it’s a deal-breaker for some kitchen setups. These water filters are designed for kitchen faucets but they take up valuable countertop space. They must be in reach of the faucet, sometimes restricting its movement. Some kitchen setups simply do not have the space for one of these units.
Under-Sink Water Filter Systems
By moving the water filter system under the sink, all of the problems of the countertop water filter go away. Because cabinets under sinks provide more space, you can fit larger water filter cartridges with more effective filtering potential and longer lifespans. Filter cartridge options go from basic contaminant reduction to single micron filtration and advanced reverse osmosis technology. Because of the variety, there’s a system for every budget, filtration preference, and family size. We can help you find an effective under-sink water filter system based on your needs and space available. We can also help you explore the possibilities of the ultimate water filtration option: the whole-home water filter.
Whole-Home Water Filters
Unlike all other water filtration systems, this is the only way to get filtered water throughout your entire home. Whole-home water filters are installed at your water’s point of entry, and are plumbed right into your water line. They tend to be installed in basements or storage areas where space is available and of lower priority. Choosing this option lets you enjoy fresh filtered water throughout your house. It doesn’t matter if you want to get a drink from a bathroom faucet, kitchen faucet, or anywhere else, all the water in your home is the same premium quality when you have a whole-home water filter.
How Do I Get a Whole-Home Water Filter Installed?
While most people can do some basic home improvements, a whole-home water treatment system is far more complicated. If you want the most advanced and effective water filter for your water’s needs installed in your home, contact us today! As your local factory-trained WaterCare dealer, we will conduct a free water test and talk to you about how you can improve your water, as well as provide a free installation estimate. Let us help you find the best way to get filtered water for your home!