Whole House Water Filters
Water filter systems can be divided into two groups: faucet devices and whole house systems. Whole house water filters are installed on the main water supply and treat all the water entering the home. They are based on the same principles as point-of-use filters but are designed to treat much larger amounts of water. Because they are larger and because they need to be professionally installed into a home's plumbing system, point-of-entry systems also cost more to buy.
When selecting a drinking water treatment device, consumers can rely on the standards developed by NSF International, an independent organization that develops standards for drinking water, as well as ways to test for those standards. NSF International can give you objective information about the quality of some drinking water filtering and treatment units. NSF not only evaluates the quality of water purifying units, but they can also offer comparisons and ratings on the amount of water systems can purify so you'll be able to judge whether a certain unit has enough output for your family or business.
Whole House Water Filters: Points to Consider
Points to consider when purchasing a drinking water system include the following: has the unit been certified by NSF International or by one of the state agencies that regulate drinking water treatment devices such as the California Department of Health Services? Have you looked at the label and noted which particular contaminants this unit can remove? How many gallons of purified water will you get per minute? Is the filter easy to replace, and how much will it cost? Is there a warranty?
The level of maintenance depends on the type of water filter. Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for maintenance. If you purchase a particle fiber filter or a ceramic filter, you should be particularly careful to watch the amount of bacterial build-up. Don't forget to flush your filters on a regular basis (always do this with cold water that has been purified). Don't use hot water or you might damage the filter.
