Examining the 2022 Best Whole Home Water Filters

It goes without saying that fresh, clean, and safe drinking water is critical to your and your family’s health and general well-being. One guaranteed method of obtaining clean water is to get the finest whole home water filter, which is a beast at removing hazardous impurities. It not only makes tap water safe to drink, but it also removes the disagreeable odor and enhances the flavor.

Yet, with so many alternatives on the market, determining the best match for you may be difficult. Fortunately, this article will take you through all you need to know about home water filters so that you can make an educated selection. Continue reading!

1. Best Premium: Aquasana EQ-1000-AST

 

The Aquasana EQ-1000-AST whole home water filtration system provides the most bang for your money by combining lifespan and efficiency. It has been rigorously tested and approved to remove up to 97% of chlorine from drinking water.

Placed at the point of water entrance into a home, this filter enables you to enjoy clean water in all of your household appliances, including faucets, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. Moreover, the system considerably reduces the amount of sediment, herbicides, rust, pesticides, algae, silt, organic particles, bacteria, and heavy metals in the water.

The Aquasana EQ-1000-AST uses cutting-edge SCM technology to naturally modify the structure of hard water minerals. As a result, it prevents limescale from adhering to appliances and pipes. The Aquasana EQ-1000-AST features four filters, each of which plays a significant and distinct function in pollutant reduction and removal.

• Water conditioner without salt
• Post-filter
• Pre-filter for sediment
• Filter made of activated carbon

Although the system has a lifetime of one million gallons, this might be deceiving. It says that the filtration system may be used for up to a decade before the filters need to be replaced. Nevertheless, this is not the case since the pre-filters must be updated every couple of months. The remaining filters must be replaced every 6 to 12 months.

The salt-free water condition has a 1 million gallon lifetime before the media must be replaced.

Pros

• Up to 97% of chlorine and other pollutants are removed.
• Designed to improve filtering
• Longevity and coefficient
• Maintenance is simple.
• High-quality components and an assembly kit
• Purifies and softens water throughout the house

Cons

• Installation is difficult on its own.
• Filters must be replaced on a regular basis.

2. Best Overall: Pelican Water 10 GPM

 

This device meets NSF 61 and 42 standards and has the remarkable ability to successfully eliminate a slew of cosmetic impurities such as the odor and taste of chlorine. Moreover, it ensures that no lead is added to the water. The Pelican 10 GPM Whole House Water Filter is one of the most popular systems and comes in two sizes: 1 million gallons for houses with up to 6 bathrooms and 600,000 gallons for households with up to 3 bathrooms. Featuring a number of genuine certifications, like the ANSI

Since up to 97% of chlorine is removed from your water, you may shower and drink clean water, which not only promotes more supple hair and skin but also enhances your general wellness. Health, after all, is riches.

It also removes the need to buy bottled water since you can drink purified water right from your home’s taps instead of buying bottled water, which may be expensive in the long term. The Pelican 10 GPM uses a carbon series chamber in conjunction with a sediment pre-filter to successfully reduce chloramines and chlorine.

It also removes any leftover sediment as well as any undesirable smells or tastes from the water. Although the sediment pre-filter should be replaced every six months, the carbon series chamber should be changed every five years or so.

Installing it on the inside or outside of your house is a big benefit of this device that sets it apart from the competition. And the installation is a piece of cake, requiring just one person. You’ll find everything you need for installation, including fittings and a bypass valve. Just follow the step-by-step directions in the user manual, and you’ll be OK.

Pros

• There are two sizes available to best suit your requirements.
• Installation adaptability
• Easy to maintain
• It is simple to install on its own.
• 4 steps of filtering

Cons

• Fluoride is not filtered.
• Water flow is slow.

3. Spring Well

 

Are you looking for a certified whole home water filter that reduces a wide range of toxins present in water? The Spring Well unit completes your quest. To name a few, it employs carbon-certified media to eradicate PFOA, pesticides, chlorine, herbicides, chloramines, and PFOS.

The Spring Well filtration system’s 4-stage filtering procedure allows your water to come in touch with the filters for the longest duration of time. As a result, the filtering is more complete.

• Step 1: It removes suspended particles from the water such as silt and sand.
• Step 2: The water passes through a KDF medium that removes chemicals such as chlorine.
• Step 3: A coconut shell carbon medium removes chemical pollutants such as pesticides and herbicides as well as chlorine that were not removed in stage 2.
• Stage 4: It eliminates channeling while keeping the water in direct contact with the filters for a prolonged amount of time.

Like with virtually other whole-house water filtration systems, the Spring Well unit’s filters will need to be replaced on a regular basis at an extra expense. Every 6 to 9 months, the pre-filter will need to be replaced.

Pros

• Eliminates up to 99.6% of pollutants, including chlorine heavy metals.
• There is no need for electricity to work.
• Very little upkeep
• Certified components are used.
• Allows for more thorough installation

Cons

• Does not contain all of the installation components.
• Installation is a very involved operation that may need the help of a plumber.

4. Best Budget: iSpring WGB32B

 

The iSpring WGB32B whole home water filter gets the job done for a fraction of the expense of its competitors, thanks to a carbon coconut filter with a capacity of 100 gallons. It has an astonishing capacity to offer you with a year’s worth of crisp, clear water before requiring a filter replacement. The device is meant to remove up to 95% of the sediment and chemicals that give water its color or an undesirable taste and odor, such as chloramines and chlorine.

The multilayer sediment filter of the iSpring WGB32B removes big particles of rust, dust, and sand. There are also two coconut shell carbon block filters, which are fantastic at filtering even the smallest pollutants, such as chlorine particles as small as 0.5 microns.

This device removes impurities more effectively for a longer length of time thanks to a densely populated carbon-block filtering medium. You may also rest comfortable knowing that the filters have been rigorously tested by third parties to fulfill the high NSF criteria, particularly for chlorine removal.

Pros

• Do-it-yourself maintenance and installation
• Leaves beneficial minerals in your water
• Lifelong technical assistance
• Third-party testing is required.
• It has no effect on the water pressure.
• In comparison to other units, it is less expensive.

Cons

• Not as long-lasting as other models
• Installation is a hassle.

5. Best for Well Water: Home Master HMF2SMGCC

 

With three water filtration stages for eliminating fine sediment, carbon, and iron, you can rely on the Home Master HMF2SMGCC to provide exceptional results. As a result, it is ideal for both city and well water. Moreover, it includes huge filter housings that can endure even the most powerful water pressure.

With an average flow rate of 15 gallons per minute, the Home Master HMF2SMGCC can filter water faster than its rivals when the faucet is turned on.

This machine can remove particles by up to 3 PPM thanks to radical carbon filters. The filters are a beast at treating hydrogen sulfide, manganese, and iron via the adsorption process, eliminating stains as well as nasty aromas and tastes from the water.

It also removes rust, silt, grime, and chemicals such as herbicides and insecticides.

The filters only need to be replaced once a year, which is very common for a whole-house water filtration system. Several consumers realized that they could simply install this device without the assistance of a professional plumber. Just follow the simple step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be ready to go.

No system is flawless, no matter how good it is. Keep in mind that if your home’s water supply is chlorinated, the Home Master HMF2SMGCC may not be an appropriate choice since it does not filter chlorine.

Pros

• less expensive than comparable models
• Simple installation procedure
• Filters that are larger in size to enhance flow rate
• Amazing purification
• Well and municipal water are both acceptable.
• Can withstand high water pressure

Cons

• Not recommended for chlorinated water.
• Expensive replacement filters

6. APEX MR-3030

 

The APEX MR-3030 whole house water filter is perfect for houses with one or two bathrooms and is equipped with strong filters. With its hydrogen sulfide, iron, carbon block, and sediment reduction filters, this unit is a beast when it comes to removing chloramines, industrial solvents, VOCs, pesticides, chlorine, and insecticides from municipal water. This has been confirmed by independent third-party testing organizations such as the NSF.

The device offers a maximum of 15 GPM after installation and has a 1-inch outlet and input with minimal to no affect on water flow. The polypropylene sediment filter lets water to pass through to the carbon block filter, extending the system’s life. It does this by removing particles, rust, and sludge as small as 5 microns, preventing them from clogging the carbon block filter.

The APEX MR-3030 has a KDF media filter that is very effective in removing water-soluble metals such as mercury, nickel, and lead. Every filter has a six-month lifespan, which amounts to about 20,000 gallons of filtered water before it has to be replaced. This model includes a wall mount and is ready for installation in your home’s interior or outside.

Pros

• NSF approved
• Installation is possible on the exterior or interior of your house.
• Up to 99% of water-soluble metals are removed.
• To minimize space, a wall mount is supplied.
• It comes fully assembled and ready to use.

Cons

• Filter replacement might be difficult.

7. Express Water

 

NSF standards, so you can be certain that it will perform flawlessly as claimed. The Express Water is made of 100% food-grade, robust materials for long-term use. It has also undergone extensive testing to ensure that it meets ANSI standards.

The three filter housings featured in the unit (carbon block, KDF, and sediment) may be attached to a freestanding mount, making installation and maintenance (filter replacement) a snap. The filters work together to efficiently remove mercury, pesticides, sand, chlorine, lead, dust, sulfur, iron, arsenic, and other impurities from the water.

The Express Water whole home water filter has pressure gauges. They alert you when the water pressure has fallen enough to indicate that a filter change is required.

Pros

• Water pressure meter
• Made with durable materials
• It includes three filter housings.
• Easy to maintain

Cons

• Does not contain all of the installation components.

8. Best for Low Maintenance: 3M Aqua-Pure

 

If you’re looking for the greatest whole-house water filter that’s also low-maintenance, the 3M Aqua-Pure is your Holy Grail. You may quickly replace the filter with a single filter cartridge with a hygienic fast-change design without removing the machine.

With a 100,000-gallon capacity, this type can provide good service for up to a year before the filter has to be replaced. In addition to the 20 GPM water flow rate, the 3M Aqua-Pure is made of corrosion-resistant, heavy-duty material, which considerably increases its life.

The NSF has rigorously tested the system filter and certified that it meets its high criteria. Therefore you can rest easy knowing that the 3M Aqua-Pure successfully lowers a slew of health hazards (both non-aesthetic and aesthetic), ranging from particles to chlorine, which affects the smell and taste of water.

Pros

• There is just one filter to change.
• NSF criteria are met.
• Allows for simple and quick replacements.
• Made with corrosion-resistant materials
• Removes a variety of health contaminants

Cons

• Expensive filter in comparison to the cost of the unit

9. DuPont WFPF13003B

 

If you want to try out a whole-house water filter without spending hundreds or thousands of dollars, the DuPont WFPF13003B was made for you. It lowers sediment, extending the life of home equipment and pipes.

Because of the unit’s space-saving and thin design, you can install it in minutes without the need for expert assistance. Silt and rust particles are successfully eliminated with the help of a poly block cartridge. Also, the filter enhances the production of crystal pure water.

Pros

• Any 10-inch filter will fit.
• Ideal for those on a tight budget.
• A three-year limited warranty is provided.
• Improves the flavor and clarity of entering water

Cons

• vulnerable to leaks

10. Best Lightweight: Culligan WH-HD200-C

 

The Culligan WH-HD200-C is a lightweight whole-house water filter made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel that weighs about 3 pounds. You can see the filter in operation thanks to the transparent sump.

A housing wrench (to change the handle), pressure relief valve, filter life indicator, bypass, mounting bracket, and built-in shut-off are all included in the box.

Remember that the smaller opening piece provides a close fit on the top handle for maximum leverage. As a consequence, installing the Culligan WH-HD200-C is a piece of cake, requiring no plumbing knowledge.

Pros

• It includes useful components.
• The installation procedure is simple.
• Made of materials that are long-lasting, strong, and safe.
• A filter monitor is incorporated.

Cons

• Only works with specific Culligan filters.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Whole House Water Filter

 

It’s not simple to scour the internet for the most up-to-date information when you’re attempting to settle on the greatest product for your requirements. That is why we performed all of the difficult lifting.

This thorough shopping guide was created to provide you with information on everything you need to know to make an educated selection on the finest whole house water filter for your unique requirements. So, should we get started?

Water Consumption and Filter Capacity

A filter’s capacity is the amount of filtered water it can supply per hour (in gallons). As a result, the higher it is, the better the effectiveness of a filtering system. And the sooner you can get the advantages of drinking filtered water, the better.

Generic whole-house water filters, such as carbon-based analogues, do not waste water. Also, they have enhanced overall filtration capabilities. Since this water filter filtering technology does not flush any water away throughout the process, the water that passes through the filters is used around your house.

The capacity of a filter is determined by its quality in conjunction with the filter’s composition. While shopping for a product, check for the filtered water production rate in the specifications.

Type of Filter

As previously said, whole home water filters are classified into three types: next-generation technology, carbon-based, and reverse osmosis. Knowledge, as they say, is power. Hence, it’s important studying about the many filter types and the plethora of impurities they remove in order to choose the best suit for your home’s water quality.

Get a water quality report from your local water supplier if you haven’t already. The report includes a breakdown of the main constituents found in your drinking water. Compare these to the amount of pollutants in the nation.

Instead, you may test the quality of your home’s water using a water testing kit. They may be purchased online or at your local convenience shop. It will provide you with a clear indicator of the greatest amount of pollutants in your water. Once you know what’s in your water, you’ll know what kind of filter to get to remove these toxins.

Filter Lifespan

The lifetime of a filter is generally determined by the product’s model, quality, and manufacturer. Whole home water filters have varying lifespans depending on their composition and the impurities they are supposed to remove. Pre-sediment equivalents often have the lowest lifetime since they rapidly get clogged with bigger particles, preventing them from adequately filtering water in the long term.

As a result, these filters will need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Re-mineralization and carbon filters, on the other hand, typically have a lifespan of 6 to 12 months. A reverse osmosis membrane has the longest lifetime, lasting up to two years before needing to be replaced.

Finally, it comes down to doing your research on a product to determine when its filters need to be replaced. Some whole-house water filtration systems feature a greater number of filters than others.

As a result, when it comes to updating them, you’ll need to account for this. Remember that no filter is indestructible. Hence, whichever model you choose, be prepared to replace your filters on a regular basis if you want to get the most out of them.

Available Space and System Physical Size

Physical installation of your home’s water system is required. As a result, you’ll need to make room for it to be installed. Also, you will need to connect the device to your home’s main water connection.

Not only will you need enough space to store your whole home water filter, but you’ll also want fast and simple access to the system when maintenance or filter replacement is necessary.

Micron Rating

One micron is one millionth of a meter in length as a measurement unit. Since microns are so tiny, anything less than 40 microns cannot be seen with the human eye. To put things in perspective, a single white blood cell is around 25 microns in size.

Bearing this in mind, a water filter’s micron rating represents its capacity to remove impurities based on their micron size. A filter with a grade of 5, for example, has an incredible ability to detect particles as tiny as 5 microns. Nevertheless, keep in mind that this does not involve the efficient removal of these microns. This is why you should understand the distinction between absolute and nominal micron rating.

1) Nominal: It assesses a water filter’s capacity to remove certain particle sizes at a rate ranging from 50% to 90%. As a result, filters with a nominal micron rating of 5 may readily remove particles as fine as 5 microns with a 50% to 90% effectiveness.

2) Absolute: It describes a filter’s capacity to eliminate certain particle sizes with a minimum efficiency of 98.7%. Hence, if a whole-house water filter has an absolute micron rating of 5, it is more effective at eliminating particles with a diameter of 5 microns. It will remove at least 98.7% of the particulates in the water.

The micron rating of a product may be found in its specifications. Considering that particle sizes vary, a filter’s micron rating will reveal the sorts of particles that it can remove to the best of its capacity. A home water filtration system with a bigger kind of filter is typically the best choice for removing the most pollutants. Its filter is designed to remove various micron-sized particles.

Budget

There is a significant price difference between next-generation technologies, reverse osmosis, and carbon filters. The next-generation and reverse osmosis competitors cost hundreds of dollars, ranging from $1000 to $3000. Typical whole-house carbon-based filters are less expensive, costing between $300 and $600.

Yet, there are more expensive alternatives with additional functions like as UV filters or re-mineralization filters. Whole-house RO filters are the most expensive, with some costing more than $5000.

As compared to carbon-based alternatives, a reverse osmosis system is a far higher expenditure. Therefore, with a more flexible budget, you may determine if it’s worth it to spend the extra money to get the additional benefits that a RO filter brings.

Water Flow and Pressure

Your home’s water pressure is an important consideration since it directly affects the efficacy of your whole-house water filter, particularly a reverse osmosis system. You may believe that increased water flow or pressure is always the best option, but this is not always the case.

What you may not realize is that carbon-based filters function better with slower water flow since it allows the filters to remove particulates from water more completely over time. In contrast, 60 PSI water pressure is optimal for effective filtering with reverse osmosis filters. It allows water to reach the filters quickly enough to ensure the overall effectiveness of the operation.

This form of filtration needs enough water pressure to drive water through the RO at a suitable pace. You may test your home’s water pressure in PSI with a pressure gauge (available online or at your local hardware shop).

Certifications

The finest whole home water filter is certified by NSF International or the WQA. The genuine certification certifies that the filter performs according to the manufacturer’s specifications. It also ensures that a filter is worth every penny.

1) National Sanitation Foundation International

NSF International, being one of the most reputable certification agencies, informs consumers that an independent third party has extensively assessed a product’s production process and decided that it complies to the specified quality, performance, or sustainability, and safety criteria.

2) Association for Water Quality (WQA)

The WQA, as an independent authority, assists consumers in determining whether a water filter and other quality improvement goods reach a predetermined high degree of knowledge and requirements. Manufacturers may get genuine certification from this agency as proof to buyers that their items have been certified by a third party for legitimate purposes.

FAQ

Below are detailed answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

What Exactly Is A Whole Home Water Filter?

A whole home water filter, as a point-of-entry water filtration device, provides crisp, clean, filtered water for a complete household and its appliances. Its attached to your main water line, therefore letting you to enjoy in filtered water throughout your house. The best whole home water filters include three or four filtering stages, as mentioned below.

• A pre-sediment filter eliminates bigger particles of sand, dirt, rust, and dust from the water. It keeps the latter stage filters from being damaged by these sediments, which reduces their lifetime.
• A zinc or copper combination filter is a beast when it comes to removing impurities like lead, mercury, other dissolved metals, and chemicals like chlorine, which have a detrimental influence on the odor and taste of water.
• An activated carbon filter is designed to cover the most surface area feasible in order to capture a variety of impurities such as organic compounds in its pores, allowing only tiny water particles to pass through.
• A post-filter that polishes the water one final time before it enters your home’s plumbing. As a result, it removes any silt that may have gotten past the prior filters.

If your home has many water heaters, you will only need one whole house water filter. You may benefit from filtered water if you put it on your water pipe that connects to all of your heaters. Whole home filtration systems, like basic kitchen sink water filters, come in a wide range of types, each providing a specific function.

2. What Are the Many Kinds of Whole Home Water Filters?

The following are some of the most well-known varieties of whole-house filters that achieve comprehensive water purification.

The process of reverse osmosis

It’s worth noting that these whole-house water filtration systems are much more expensive than other options. They also have higher maintenance expenditures. However, they provide unequalled effectiveness in the removal of the broadest variety of impurities found in water.

Although standard carbon-based filters cost hundreds of dollars, reverse osmosis filters for a single house may cost up to $6000, depending on the model’s sophistication. Keep in mind that this sort of whole home water filter does not save water since the RO process wastes around 4 gallons each gallon of filtered water.

Technology of the Future

Next-generation technology equivalents, another prevalent form of whole home water filter, have the ability to extract dissolved solids and pollutants at the same level as reverse osmosis filters. This sort of filter not only saves money but also does not waste water throughout the filtering process.

Additionally, next-generation technology water filters are a more environmentally friendly alternative to reverse osmosis systems. But, keep in mind that they are far more expensive than the carbon-based alternatives. Hence, for good next-generation filters, you may expect to spend about $2000.

3. Do You Need A Whole Home Filtration System?

You could be considering installing a whole-house water filtration system. After all, drinking tastier, cleaner, and safer water from your kitchen faucet is definitely more appealing. But, you may be unaware that if your household’s water supply is a privately-owned well, the finest whole home water filter is a sensible investment. It ensures that the water is drinkable, odorless, clean, and ready for use.

4. When Is A Whole Home Water Filter Not Necessary?

Despite the benefits that a home water filtering system provides, you may choose a simpler solution. For example, the finest faucet water filter for your kitchen sink may be a countertop filter that attaches to your faucet or an under-sink filter that comes with its own faucet. You may also use a water filter pitcher, which does not need a connection to a tap and provides filtered water in minutes.

5. Why Should You Choose A Whole House Water Filter Over A Kitchen Sink Replacement?

Personal tastes are the only factors that influence your decision. Whole-house filtration systems provide all of the benefits of a kitchen sink faucet water filter plus a few more. Since whole-house alternatives filter out pollutants at the water’s entrance point into your home, you won’t be exposed to hazardous chlorine smells when bathing.

Additionally, it removes sediment from water before it enters your home’s pipework and potentially causes harm.

The best whole-house water filters have an extraordinary capacity to remove iron, preventing rust development in your home’s equipment. To be sure, these bonuses are fantastic. A whole home water filter, on the other hand, isn’t necessary if you’re only looking for fresh, clean drinking water. A faucet water filter will do the trick.

Closing Remarks

Installing a high-quality whole-house water filter is one of the most effective methods to improve the quality of water throughout your home. You may also safeguard your family’s health by investing in safe, clean water. So, get yours now!