The Importance of Water Filter in Your Home
Many people do not realize just what is in the water that flows readily from their taps, and finding out can be shocking. A few of the ingredients include cysts, viruses, bacteria, uranium, radium, arsenic, fluoride and chromium. Another scary fact is that one of the most prevalent ingredients in tap water is actually dissolved toilet tissue. Yikes, no wonder people flock to the store to buy bottled water. For a cheaper alternative, let’s take a look at how a water filter might be more useful.
There are several faucet filters that have been approved for both commercial and home use. There are under-sink devices, refrigerator filters, countertop filters and shower filters, among other types. Whichever type of water filter you choose, most reputable companies offer reliable and efficient products. Each works in various ways, as some use ultraviolet light, reverse osmosis and submicron filtering and all are very helpful to consumers looking to get safe and clean water at home.
Companies that are murky on the specifics of their product should be avoided. If you call them regarding the details, you may learn that what they are offering is not a water purifier at all, but merely a filtering system that blocks some chlorine and eliminates odor. The company’s data sheets should include information about how effectively each contaminant will be addressed and removed. There are drinking water filtering systems that will remove all of them, but you have to be a smart shopper to find them.
You should also look at certification, if applicable. For example, for those companies that have excellent water quality performance records, California provides a department of health certification. To receive this certificate, extensive testing is required. If you see that a company has the certification, you can rest assured that you have found a quality, home water filter product that will work as it should.
Typically, a water filter system that costs less initially will end up costing more to use in the long run. Cartridges and filters generally have a short lifespan, which requires frequent replacements. Of course, there really is no such thing as a maintenance-free unit. There are a few disposable filters, but they cost even more and are mostly ineffective. For a kitchen countertop unit, a reasonable price to pay is around $125. You may have to pay more if you buy from a dealer or department store because of mark-up, since everyone wants to make a profit.