what is a whole house water filter system?
A whole house water filter system works to keep contaminants out of your water while removing sediment, bad odors and taste. It typically connects to your main water supply and filters out chlorine and other chemicals. Some filter systems include water softeners to reduce the impact of hard water.
How Does a Whole House Water Filtration System Work?
Whole house water filtration systems remove or destroy contaminants in your water supply as it enters your home. There are five basic ways a whole house filter may be used to do the job. Whole house water filters currently on the market use one or more of these methods to target and remove or destroy specific water-borne elements. Depending on what’s in your water will determine what type of water filter you need.
1. Water Softener
Water softeners are the most basic form of home water filtration. Many whole house water filters offer water softening as a byproduct of filtering. Water softening passes your home’s water through a synthetic medium to remove minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and others. Removing these minerals “softens” the water and reduces scale and mineral buildup on plumbing fixtures.
2. Sediment Filter
A sediment filter removes larger contaminants from your water. Typically a sediment filter is the first one in multiple-stage filtering and purification systems. Sand, dirt, clay, sediment pollutants and metals are all captured within the sediment filter before the water moves on to subsequent filtering stages that remove even smaller particles.
3. Carbon Filter
A carbon filter passes water through an activated charcoal medium, often after it has passed through a sediment filter. The carbon can remove very fine particles, including contaminants like herbicides, pesticides and chlorine, and eliminate contaminants that cause poor-tasting or smelling water.
4. UV Purification
Ultraviolet or UV purification destroys organic pollutants in water by breaking DNA molecules down. UV purification is typically the final stage in a whole house filtering system. Unlike a mechanical filter, UV light penetrates the cells of viruses, water-borne algae, bacteria, fungi and parasites and destroys the chemical makeup from within, rendering them harmless for consumption
5. Acid Neutralization
Many whole house filters also pass water through a calcium carbonate medium to neutralize highly acidic water. Whole house water filters that include acid neutralization are excellent for use with well-water potable water systems.
1. Water Softener
Water softeners are the most basic form of home water filtration. Many whole house water filters offer water softening as a byproduct of filtering. Water softening passes your home’s water through a synthetic medium to remove minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and others. Removing these minerals “softens” the water and reduces scale and mineral buildup on plumbing fixtures.
2. Sediment Filter
A sediment filter removes larger contaminants from your water. Typically a sediment filter is the first one in multiple-stage filtering and purification systems. Sand, dirt, clay, sediment pollutants and metals are all captured within the sediment filter before the water moves on to subsequent filtering stages that remove even smaller particles.
3. Carbon Filter
A carbon filter passes water through an activated charcoal medium, often after it has passed through a sediment filter. The carbon can remove very fine particles, including contaminants like herbicides, pesticides and chlorine, and eliminate contaminants that cause poor-tasting or smelling water.
4. UV Purification
Ultraviolet or UV purification destroys organic pollutants in water by breaking DNA molecules down. UV purification is typically the final stage in a whole house filtering system. Unlike a mechanical filter, UV light penetrates the cells of viruses, water-borne algae, bacteria, fungi and parasites and destroys the chemical makeup from within, rendering them harmless for consumption
5. Acid Neutralization
Many whole house filters also pass water through a calcium carbonate medium to neutralize highly acidic water. Whole house water filters that include acid neutralization are excellent for use with well-water potable water systems.
best whole house water filter system
Whole house water filters help keep sediments, harsh chemicals and smells out of your home. What a filter prevents from entering your water can vary, so it’s important to find a filter that caters best to your needs.
While all whole house water filters remove contaminants from your water supply, some work better for well water where rusty discoloration is common or can have a bigger impact on softening hard water. Whole house water filters are available with single or multiple filter stages. More contaminants and impurities are removed as the number of stages increases.
Unlike point-of-service water filters designed for use at a single faucet, such as in a kitchen or bathroom, a whole house water filter removes contaminants from all of your home’s water supply as it enters from the municipal system or well. Filtering all of your home’s water ensures that you’ll enjoy clean water from every source in the house.
There are numerous types, styles, sizes and variations available in whole house water filters. It’s challenging to choose the right one for your needs with just a few data points. To help you decide which one is best for your water-filtering needs, we evaluated more than 20 of the top contenders based on criteria ranging from price and flow rate to warranty protections and filtering quality and listed the top 10 here.
While all whole house water filters remove contaminants from your water supply, some work better for well water where rusty discoloration is common or can have a bigger impact on softening hard water. Whole house water filters are available with single or multiple filter stages. More contaminants and impurities are removed as the number of stages increases.
Unlike point-of-service water filters designed for use at a single faucet, such as in a kitchen or bathroom, a whole house water filter removes contaminants from all of your home’s water supply as it enters from the municipal system or well. Filtering all of your home’s water ensures that you’ll enjoy clean water from every source in the house.
There are numerous types, styles, sizes and variations available in whole house water filters. It’s challenging to choose the right one for your needs with just a few data points. To help you decide which one is best for your water-filtering needs, we evaluated more than 20 of the top contenders based on criteria ranging from price and flow rate to warranty protections and filtering quality and listed the top 10 here.
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the top 10 best whole house water filter systems
- 3M Aqua-Pure™ AP900 Series Model #AP904: Best Overall
- Aquasana Rhino® Well Water with UV Model #EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST: Best for Well Water
- G.E. Appliances System Model #GXWH40L: Best for Easy Installation
- SoftPro Water Systems Whole House Upflow Catalytic Carbon Filter: Best Compact Design
- Whirlpool Central Water Filtration System Model #WHELJ1: Best for Convenience
- G.E. Appliances Whole House Water Filtration System Model #GXWH04F: Best Budget
- Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter Model #WH300SCKS: Best for Simple Changes
- SpringWell Water Whole House Water Filter System 1,000,000 Gallons Capacity Model #CF1:
- Aquasana Rhino® 600,000 Gallons Model #EQ-600: Best for Small Homes
- Pentair Water Solutions Water Filter & Pelican Water Softener Alternative Combo System Model #PSE1800-P: Best Filter/softener Combo
HOW MUCH DOES A WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM COST FOR YOUR HOME?
Whole house water filtration systems come in various styles, capacities and price points to meet the needs of any family. The amount of filtration and purification your water needs to reach your desired water quality is the most significant factor affecting price.
A relatively simple sediment filtration system for a home can range in cost from $30 to $100 to purchase and install as a DIY project. Replacement filters for these systems typically cost under $40 and must be replaced after six to 12 months, depending on use and water quality.
Multi-stage, whole home, complete purification systems can cost between $1,000 and $4,000 or more to purchase and have professionally installed. The higher cost of these systems is justified by providing higher flow rates, larger filter capacity and less frequent filter changes. Accessories, such as reverse osmosis or UV purification options, are often available as add-ons if they’re not already included as part of the system.
Between those two extremes are large selections of additional one and two-stage filtration systems that cost between $100 and $2,000 that address specific filtration needs such as sediment removal or various levels of purification to eliminate micro-organisms or water-borne minerals.
The Main Stages of Whole House Water Filtration Systems
Whole house water filtration systems are also known as point-of-entry systems. The idea behind them is to remove or destroy contaminants and harmful pollutants from your home’s water before it can enter the rest of the water system in the house.
The whole house water filtration system that your home needs depends on the water source and your desired level of purification. There are several methods of filtering and treating water to achieve similar results. While systems and manufacturers vary in how they reach the goal, your system will include one or more of the following steps.
Sediment Removal
Sediment removal filters remove particles from water. This is the first step in the purification process in multi-stage filtration systems. These filters mechanically separate out solids by passing the water through a fine-mesh media and sending the clearer water to your faucet or the next filtering stage. Sediment filters are rated by the size of debris they can remove. Filters that can capture sizes down to around five microns effectively eliminate cloudiness in the water.
Fine Mineral Filtration
The second stage of filtration passes water through additional mechanical filters that may include activated carbon, fine membrane filters or carbon-zinc combinations to remove minerals, chemicals and metals, as well as having some ability to eliminate or destroy organics like algae, fungi and other microorganisms.
Purification and Bacterial Filtration
The final stage of water purification destroys or eliminates microorganisms like viruses and bacteria. A reverse osmosis system or exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) can accomplish this level of purification by capturing or destroying biological contaminants on a molecular level.
The whole house water filtration system that your home needs depends on the water source and your desired level of purification. There are several methods of filtering and treating water to achieve similar results. While systems and manufacturers vary in how they reach the goal, your system will include one or more of the following steps.
Sediment Removal
Sediment removal filters remove particles from water. This is the first step in the purification process in multi-stage filtration systems. These filters mechanically separate out solids by passing the water through a fine-mesh media and sending the clearer water to your faucet or the next filtering stage. Sediment filters are rated by the size of debris they can remove. Filters that can capture sizes down to around five microns effectively eliminate cloudiness in the water.
Fine Mineral Filtration
The second stage of filtration passes water through additional mechanical filters that may include activated carbon, fine membrane filters or carbon-zinc combinations to remove minerals, chemicals and metals, as well as having some ability to eliminate or destroy organics like algae, fungi and other microorganisms.
Purification and Bacterial Filtration
The final stage of water purification destroys or eliminates microorganisms like viruses and bacteria. A reverse osmosis system or exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) can accomplish this level of purification by capturing or destroying biological contaminants on a molecular level.
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How to Determine Which Whole House Water Filter System Is Best for You
What Gets Filtered
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, filter systems 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 are allowed to pass through the filter. 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.
Pre-sediment filters trap sand, dust and large metal contaminants from water, typically down to around 50 microns. Finer filters that remove and trap 20-micron particles eliminate those elements down to a size in which you’ll begin to see cloudiness disappearing. Five-micron filtering will remove any particles visible to the naked eye and eliminate many bacterias, cysts and some organics, while one-micron and smaller purification methods create very pure water.
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. However, frequent filter changing can be reduced in a multi-stage filtration system by starting with large-micron filtration and sequentially moving through finer filters.
Flow Rate
Home filtration systems tend to impact the flow rate in a home, or at least it’s a frequent complaint of homeowners who install them. 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. Meaning cleaner water requires more time to pass through the filtering system. Whole house filtration systems that provide a high water purity are often physically larger to increase the flow rate or can be accompanied by temporary filtered water storage.
Operational Temperature and Pressure Range
Whole house water filtration systems can only operate if adequate water pressure is available. Typically these systems require a minimum of 20 pounds per square inch (PSI) to function. Higher filtration levels require higher pressures. Most municipal water systems deliver somewhere around 35 PSI of pressure. However, homes served by private wells may have to ensure their well pump can deliver adequate pressure.
Water temperature can also affect water filtration. However, most homeowners don’t have much to worry about. Optimal filtering is achievable in a wide range of temperatures between freezing and boiling. A filter system located outdoors should only be considered in climates that don’t experience freezing weather.
Installation
Most water filtration systems can be installed by yourself. However, some of the higher-end models will need professional installation. Anytime you’re dealing with water, you’ll want to make sure you know what you’re doing because any error can lead to catastrophic damage to your home. If you’re not comfortable installing a filtration system, call Serenity Contractors Inc.
Maintenance
Water filtration systems vary widely in their maintenance needs, and the manufacturer can supply information regarding what your particular system will require. Single-stage systems may only require infrequent filter changes on a regular schedule, while complex, multi-stage systems could require regular backwashing, cleaning, regeneration and other maintenance that you can perform or hire a professional to complete the work.
Whole House Filter System Warranties
Warranties on whole house filtration systems are highly variable between manufacturers, products, what they cover and for how long. Warranties of one year are just as common as lifetime warranties. A typical warranty covers manufacturing defects and component failures, but doesn’t cover installation issues or filter changes.
Filter Certification
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) tests and rates water filters and has developed requirements for safety and performance. The number signifies that the order, requirement or protocol was established, and not focused on the rating.
NSF certification ensures that your water filtration system meets rigorous safety and construction standards. An NSF-approved system has been tested to ensure that it removes the contaminants it claims to, and won’t allow specific pollutants to pass through.
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, filter systems 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 are allowed to pass through the filter. 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.
Pre-sediment filters trap sand, dust and large metal contaminants from water, typically down to around 50 microns. Finer filters that remove and trap 20-micron particles eliminate those elements down to a size in which you’ll begin to see cloudiness disappearing. Five-micron filtering will remove any particles visible to the naked eye and eliminate many bacterias, cysts and some organics, while one-micron and smaller purification methods create very pure water.
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. However, frequent filter changing can be reduced in a multi-stage filtration system by starting with large-micron filtration and sequentially moving through finer filters.
Flow Rate
Home filtration systems tend to impact the flow rate in a home, or at least it’s a frequent complaint of homeowners who install them. 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. Meaning cleaner water requires more time to pass through the filtering system. Whole house filtration systems that provide a high water purity are often physically larger to increase the flow rate or can be accompanied by temporary filtered water storage.
Operational Temperature and Pressure Range
Whole house water filtration systems can only operate if adequate water pressure is available. Typically these systems require a minimum of 20 pounds per square inch (PSI) to function. Higher filtration levels require higher pressures. Most municipal water systems deliver somewhere around 35 PSI of pressure. However, homes served by private wells may have to ensure their well pump can deliver adequate pressure.
Water temperature can also affect water filtration. However, most homeowners don’t have much to worry about. Optimal filtering is achievable in a wide range of temperatures between freezing and boiling. A filter system located outdoors should only be considered in climates that don’t experience freezing weather.
Installation
Most water filtration systems can be installed by yourself. However, some of the higher-end models will need professional installation. Anytime you’re dealing with water, you’ll want to make sure you know what you’re doing because any error can lead to catastrophic damage to your home. If you’re not comfortable installing a filtration system, call Serenity Contractors Inc.
Maintenance
Water filtration systems vary widely in their maintenance needs, and the manufacturer can supply information regarding what your particular system will require. Single-stage systems may only require infrequent filter changes on a regular schedule, while complex, multi-stage systems could require regular backwashing, cleaning, regeneration and other maintenance that you can perform or hire a professional to complete the work.
Whole House Filter System Warranties
Warranties on whole house filtration systems are highly variable between manufacturers, products, what they cover and for how long. Warranties of one year are just as common as lifetime warranties. A typical warranty covers manufacturing defects and component failures, but doesn’t cover installation issues or filter changes.
Filter Certification
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) tests and rates water filters and has developed requirements for safety and performance. The number signifies that the order, requirement or protocol was established, and not focused on the rating.
NSF certification ensures that your water filtration system meets rigorous safety and construction standards. An NSF-approved system has been tested to ensure that it removes the contaminants it claims to, and won’t allow specific pollutants to pass through.
Reasons to Get a Whole House Water Filter System
Water Tastes Bad
A home water filtration system is a quick way to eliminate poor tasting water. Filtration systems will eliminate chlorine, which is often the cause of the poor taste. Additionally, whole house water filtration systems can remove or destroy harmful contaminants from your water, such as metals, sediments, chemicals, pollutants and microorganisms, to ensure that the water you use is safe for consumption.
Cloudy Water
Cloudy water could contain impurities, like sediments, that a whole house water filter can help remove. Cloudy water can be the result of suspended particles in the water as small as five microns. Although some sediment filtration can lessen water cloudiness, charcoal filtration can typically eliminate the condition altogether.
Impurities
Whole house water filter systems can help remove chemicals and VOCs. Some will even remove herbicides, pesticides, iron and heavy metals. Impurities such as algae, fungi, viruses and bacteria can also linger in untreated water. Comprehensive whole house systems can eliminate or destroy these elements as well.
High Chlorine
Levels Water filtration systems can significantly decrease chlorine levels in your water. Most can remove around 80%, while some can remove up to 99%, depending on the level of filtration your whole house system can achieve
Hard Water
Hard water is caused by the presence of minerals such as calcium and magnesium suspended in water. Many homeowners experience the effects of hard water, like mineral buildup on faucets and showerheads, in municipalities with water that contains these and other minerals.
Whole home water filter systems with a water softener function can reduce the impact of hard water. Some models feature salt-free water softening, and others don’t even use electricity.
A home water filtration system is a quick way to eliminate poor tasting water. Filtration systems will eliminate chlorine, which is often the cause of the poor taste. Additionally, whole house water filtration systems can remove or destroy harmful contaminants from your water, such as metals, sediments, chemicals, pollutants and microorganisms, to ensure that the water you use is safe for consumption.
Cloudy Water
Cloudy water could contain impurities, like sediments, that a whole house water filter can help remove. Cloudy water can be the result of suspended particles in the water as small as five microns. Although some sediment filtration can lessen water cloudiness, charcoal filtration can typically eliminate the condition altogether.
Impurities
Whole house water filter systems can help remove chemicals and VOCs. Some will even remove herbicides, pesticides, iron and heavy metals. Impurities such as algae, fungi, viruses and bacteria can also linger in untreated water. Comprehensive whole house systems can eliminate or destroy these elements as well.
High Chlorine
Levels Water filtration systems can significantly decrease chlorine levels in your water. Most can remove around 80%, while some can remove up to 99%, depending on the level of filtration your whole house system can achieve
Hard Water
Hard water is caused by the presence of minerals such as calcium and magnesium suspended in water. Many homeowners experience the effects of hard water, like mineral buildup on faucets and showerheads, in municipalities with water that contains these and other minerals.
Whole home water filter systems with a water softener function can reduce the impact of hard water. Some models feature salt-free water softening, and others don’t even use electricity.
