If you are the kind that has been drinking tap water, you may want to consider adding whole house water filters to your collection of kitchen tools and gadgets.
A whole house water filter system connects the main water line from the city supply to filter it for household uses. It is one of the best and most energy-conserving home water filter systems. Typically, the whole house water filter system connects the city water, filters it, and splits it to different water outlets of the house.
Water filters help remove harmful contaminants like chlorine, lead, pesticides, and more, depending on the water filter’s capability. They can also improve the taste — and in some cases, the clarity — of the water.
Best whole house water filters
Aquasana Rhino 600,000
The Aquasana Rhino 600,000 has a unique dual-tank design that makes it easy to replace filters and comes with a six-year warranty. It uses a three-stage filtration system with sediment, KDF media, and catalytic charcoal filter setup that is certified to NSF/ANSI 42 and reduces water contaminants by up to 97%.
Aquasana also lines all its tanks with a bacteriostatic media that can reduce the growth of bacteria inside the tanks. If you live in an area with hard water or are off the grid and need UV filtering, Aquasana offers upgrades that can deal with both of those issues. The Rhino system is backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 6-year warranty.
But the best part about the Aquasana Rhino is its dual-tank system.
Most whole-house water filtration systems contain their Stage-2 KDF media filter and their Stage-3 catalytic charcoal filters inside one tank. The water flows down through the KDF filter within an inner tube inside the tank, and then is forced upwards through the catalytic-carbon filter before entering your water system.
Aquasana uses a two-tank system, with the Stage-2 KDF media filter inverted above the catalytic-carbon filter so that the water first flows upward into the KDF filter and then flows downward into the catalytic-carbon filter, before entering your house’s water supply.
GE GXWH40L High Flow
GE’s single-stage High Flow Filtration System (model GXWH40L) is about as budget-friendly as a whole-house water filter can get, but it’s also effective at eliminating sediment, chlorine, and rust. It uses granular activated carbon (GAC) and a sediment filter to get rid of particles while improving the color, taste, and smell of your tap water.
It is easy to install, and the clear sump allows you to easily glance at the filter to monitor whether it needs to be replaced. While this whole-house filtration system is much more affordable than others in its category, one thing to note is that you’ll need to buy replacement filters every three months or so.
Springwell CF+
The Springwell CF+ Whole House System is one of the best whole house water filtration systems because it removes 99.6% of all contaminants. It also has a 1,000,000-gallon filter lifespan, 9 gallons per minute water pressure, a six-month money-back guarantee, and a lifetime warranty.
As with most whole-house filtration systems, it uses a three-stage filtration system to purify your water and ensure it meets the industry water-quality standard. If your water supply presents a few more challenges than the standard municipal water connection, Springwell offers additional filtration systems that plug straight into the CF+. These include a water softener to remove excess mineral content (hard water) and a UV filter to kill bacteria for those drawing their water from streams, tanks, or other untreated sources.
While other systems typically flow between 5 GPM and 8 GPM, and the extra flow rate might not make a huge difference if you live alone, you’ll be thankful for the extra pressure the first time someone flushes the toilet while you’re in the shower.
Pentair Pelican PC600-P
The Pentair’s Pelican PC600-P is a good-looking system. It delivers clean and pure water and uses stainless steel tanks that hold its stage-2 and stage-3 filters. The filter setup inside is the same as with the Springwell CF+. The sediment filter is inside a plastic casing, the KDF media filter is in an inner tube inside the tank, and the organic compound filter surrounds the KDF filter.
You can also add whatever other attachments you need, such as a water softener, UV filter, and RO attachment.
However, it has no catalytic-carbon filter (only activated charcoal), no money-back guarantee, and only a one-year warranty.
US Water Systems Bodyguard Plus Filter
The Bodyguard filter comes with some big claims when it comes to protecting your home. Namely, their Magna 5-Micro pre-filter is the only filter on the market that has 100% filtration of sediment with zero bypasses! But the results don’t lie. This filtration process leaves you with great-tasting water that won’t cause build-up on your pipes.
In addition to their sediment pre-filter, they use a coconut shell-based carbon filter to remove cysts, bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals. On top of all of this, their filter is eco-friendly! It is designed to waste very little water so that you can protect your family while protecting the earth.
A.O. Smith AO-WH-FILTER
For households dealing with the unpleasant smell and taste of chlorine, the A.O. Smith Single-Stage Water Filtration System (model AO-WH-FILTER) is a great solution. Thanks to its advanced granular activated carbon filter, it claims to remove 97% of the odor for a full six years.
This water filter also reduces mercury levels and lowers turbidity levels, leaving you with crystal-clear water. While it won’t get rid of sediment particles or pathogens, it’s compatible with various add-ons, including A.O. Smith’s sediment filter, a UV sterilizer, and a whole-house descaler.
Express Water Heavy Metal
The Express Water WH300SCKS 3-Stage Filtration System addresses a long list of contaminants—including lead and organic matter—making it an effective option for a variety of households. With this system, your water will pass through a sediment filter first, which takes care of small particles and organic matter. Next, the kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF) process media uses an oxidation/reduction (redox) reaction to trace heavy metals, including lead, iron, mercury, and copper.
Lastly, your supply is deodorized with the activated carbon filter to improve its taste and smell. The carbon also reduces chlorine levels and takes care of turbidity, which is the clarity of your water.
The only things this whole-home filtration system don’t remove are bacteria and viruses. It can also be quite leaky, since some parts that connect to your plumbing are made of plastic and not as durable. However, this system otherwise has a sturdy, stainless steel construction that will last for years to come.
APEC Water Systems CB3-SED-KDF-CAB20-BB 3-Stage
The APEC 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System (model CB3-SED-KDF-CAB20-BB) is a solid solution for cleansing your water of lead. After removing sediment, rust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with an ultra-fine, pleated filter (which is washable for extended use), this model captures lead, iron, and other heavy metals with a KDF filter.
Finally, your water will pass through a carbon filter, which takes on hydrogen sulfide and chlorine to help leave you with crisp, clean water. This APEC system can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water before you need to change the cartridges. However, it doesn’t filter out bacteria that may still be present in your water.
iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage
The iSpring whole-house water filter system features a three-stage filtration process that effectively removes various water contaminants. It is designed for easy installation and comes with all the necessary components, including a mounting bracket and wrench. The transparent filter housings allow for easy monitoring of filter conditions, making maintenance straightforward. Filter replacements are relatively simple and can be done without the need for special tools.
Additionally, the system has a high filtration capacity, making it suitable for households with larger water consumption needs. The system can handle a flow rate of up to 15 gallons per minute, ensuring a steady supply of clean bathing, washing, and drinking water throughout the house without compromising pressure.
If your budget is tight and you don’t mind a lot of ongoing maintenance and manual adjustments, the iSpring 3-stage whole house water filter is your best pick because it effectively filters out sediments, dust, sand, large particles, silt, dirt, and rust that can clog your plumbing and appliances.
AQUASURE AS-WHF64D
The AQUASURE AS-WHF64D whole house water filter system comes with a 64,000-grain water softener, reverse osmosis under-sink system, and a sediment-GAC pre-filter. A total of five filters make this system a convenient solution for treating a home’s water supply. It can reduce chlorine, copper, fluoride, and iron by as much as 90%.
You can also feel good knowing that bacteria is filtered out through this system. The water softener system eliminates minerals like iron and magnesium, which can cause build-up on your home’s pipes and in appliances over time. It is a great option for homes with hard water who want to improve their water quality.
How do whole house water filters work?
Water filters, at their essence, are designed to filter all sorts of things from the water in your home. If you have city water, it is likely that the city uses harsh chemicals like chlorine to ensure the safety of your drinking water. While you won’t find much chlorine in a well water system, you run the risk of consuming too many heavy metals that can lead to kidney, liver, and intestinal problems further down the road.
Water filters are designed to remove things like:
- chlorine
- heavy metals
- volatile organic compounds
- bacteria
However, not all filters are the same. There are five different types of house water filter systems, and they all work in different ways.
Reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis is one of the most popular water filter options on the market. At its essence, it uses water pressure to force the water through a semipermeable membrane. This membrane allows the water to pass through while trapping sediments and contaminants behind.
Mechanical
A mechanical house water filter is a type of sediment filter that physically blocks sediment. Basic mesh filters will block large particles, but for maximum effectiveness, we’d recommend choosing a ceramic filter. When it comes to sediment filters, mechanical filters are just fine, but they will not remove other harmful contaminants.
Absorption
An absorption water filtration system typically relies on carbon to absorb the contaminants you typically find in tap water. A catalytic carbon filter is particularly effective when it comes to removing chlorine from your water. Also referred to as an activated carbon filter, the carbon can come from a variety of plant-based sources, such as trees.
Sequestration
Sequestration uses chemicals to isolate calcium and magnesium from the water by using food-grade polyphosphate. It will only decrease the calcium and magnesium, not eliminate them fully.
Ion exchange
If you have a water softener, then you have an ion exchange system! These filtration systems are used for homes with hard water. Ion exchange filters use sodium to remove magnesium and calcium from your water.
Types of whole house water filter systems
Based on the requirement, there are many types of whole house water filter systems available today in the market. Most of them work with the same mechanism and do not require an external power supply to work. The only division of types is based on the following variations:
- Flow rate: GPM (Gallons per Minute) determines the flow rate available to run through your split outlets at home. The filter system with layers is installed accordingly. If the GPM is less than 10, then it is not possible to install the whole house water filter system.
- Filter Size: The size of the filter is directly proportional to the duration of its run, the amount of water flowing, and pressure. An expert can identify the ideal filter size based on the GPM as well as the requirements of individual houses.
- Port Size: 1 inch is the ideal port size for a household. An ideal port size does create a bottle when fitted. Due to this, the pressure drops in the water after filtration is almost non-existent.
Requirements for whole house water filters
Even though they are really useful, one should know when it is required to install a whole house water filter system:
- Purpose: These water filters are useful for household water requirements like washing clothes, bathing, cleaning, etc. But for purposes like gardening, cleaning, etc. do not require such filter systems.
- Water purity index: If the water purity index of city supply water fits the basic household needs, this system is not necessary to install. But, if the city water is brackish or contains heavy metals and sediments, the system will purify it without any power supply either.
- Load: Whole house water filter systems are not limited to purpose but to the flow of pure water. They basically do not work through the power supply. The pressure from the city main line itself drives the water through the filter. If there is not adequate pressure from the city supply line, using this filter may slow down the flow of water.
Why do I need whole house water filters?
So, why exactly are water filtration systems necessary, anyway? After all, your water tastes fine. Well, while taste can be an indicator of your water quality, there are actually many invisible factors that could be affecting your water quality and your health.
Regardless of where you source your drinking water, it is possible that it could be carrying pathogens, pesticides, and even lead. All of these things and more are obviously detrimental to our health. However, unfiltered water can cause other problems. If you have particularly hard water, you might notice problems popping up, even with a water softener.
Hard water can be very drying. Because hard water makes it more difficult to rinse soaps off of your body, the residue can cause your hair to turn brittle and your skin to flake. It is also often very hard on your pipes. Unbeknownst to you, repeated exposure to hard water can cause limescale to build up on the inside of your pipes. This can eventually lead to blockages and decreased water quality.
While having a water filter for your drinking water is all well and good, your whole house will benefit from the installation of a filter.
How to determine which whole house water filter system is best for you
What it filters
It’s important to know what’s in your water that you want to filter out. Filter systems should remove, at a minimum, chlorine and sediment. After that, they can remove chemicals, volatile organic compounds, scale, minerals and metals. How much a filter system removes can vary greatly between manufacturers and the type of filters yours includes.
While some systems work by simply removing sediment from your water, others are more comprehensive and can include UV light exposure or other means to destroy or otherwise eliminate microorganisms on a molecular level.
Degree of filtration
The size of the impurities in water is measured in terms of microns. A micron rating is closely associated with a system’s filtration degree and identifies the purity level in treated water. Filter micron ratings indicate the largest size of particles that the filter allows to pass through.
A filter designed to capture five-micron particles won’t allow larger particles to go through the filter, but will let particles smaller than that pass.
Flow rate
Home filtration systems tend to impact the flow rate in a home. The flow rate determines how much water can pass through the filter at one time. A five GPM filter is typically adequate for one to two people in a one or two-bathroom home.
Generally, the finer the filtration, the lower the flow rate. This means cleaner water requires more time to pass through the filtering system. Whole house water filters that provide a high water purity are often physically larger to increase the flow rate or can be accompanied by temporary filtered water storage.
Filter capacity
A filter’s capacity matters because it will determine how often you need to purchase a new filter. Filter capacity and lifespan can vary depending on how much water you use and the quality of water you’re filtering. Filters become ineffective once they fill up.
As a general rule, the finer the filter media, the more often you’ll need to swap filters for a fresh one. For instance, a five-micron filter will need replacement more often than a 20-micron one.
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