The ease and the benefits that come with filtering your own water at home make it a worthy investment. You end up with purified and healthy water, an option superior to buying bottled water.
The big question many homeowners have to find an answer to is the right type of water filtering system to use in their homes. Whichever option you choose to go with, whether a simple pitcher under your sink or the bigger whole-house filters, it is essential that you know what to look for when you go shopping.
The following guide will come in handy when picking the water filtration that suits your needs. While at it, bear in mind that certification is one important factor you don’t want to overlook.
Find out the contaminants in your water
The first and most important thing to know before choosing a filtration system is the contaminants that you will want to remove from the water. This will give you a starting point. The best way of doing this would be to get the water quality report, preferably from your water utility, or have the water tested.
This may require that you go to a local lab, or use a home testing kit. The most common water contaminant is lead, but there may be others.
What type do you prefer?
Upon finding out the type of contaminants you will have to deal with, the next thing to consider will be the type of filter you will use. Activated carbon filters are ideal for removing heavy metals, parasites, chlorine, some VOCs, and pesticides. They are mostly found in under-sink models and pitcher filters. The other contaminants should be removed using either reverse osmosis or distillation.
The good thing is that you can get a comprehensive list of water filters with the type of contaminants each can be used to remove from the NSF International. This is an accredited organization concerned with water safety and systems certification.
Decide where you will place your filter
Depending on your preference, you can either choose to have a whole-house filter, also known as a point-of-entry filter, or a point-of-use filter. The names can give you an idea of their locations, with the former filtering water before entering the house, and the latter filters water just before using it. Among the models under the point-of-use filters are under-sink systems, water bottles, and pour-through water pitchers.
The whole-house systems are ideal if you are seeking to remove mineral deposits, tastes or odors. It is worth noting that you need to choose a location for the water filter without damaging water pressure.
Confirm the NSF certification
Before you trust any water filtration system to purify your water at home, you will have to confirm the NSF certification just to be sure that you are dealing with the right product. This applies whether you are buying a simple water pitcher filter or a whole-house filtration system.
You will know that the product is certified and safe for use if it has the NSF seal.
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