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One of the easiest ways to live a blissful life is to make responsible choices regarding what you drink and eat. Truly, you are what you eat. Likewise, access to clean and filtered water is one of our fundamental requirements, and installing a whole house water filter ensures this is achieved.
Water filtration is essential to prevent water-borne diseases and illnesses. Moreover, whole house water filters improve indoor air quality and promote better day-to-day health.
The bad news, unless your water supply is from a well 800 feet or more below the ground, there is a big question mark on the quality of your water.
Does this mean you need a whole house water filter? And is the investment worth it? By the end of this guide, you will know.
So, here is our guide answering the question, are whole house water filters worth it?
Contents
TL;DR
- Depending on your water conditions and the particular filter model you are considering, a whole house water filtration system can very well be worth the investment.
- Make sure by having your water tested for pollutants and other parameters. Then, base your purchase decision on the findings.
Do You Really Need a Whole House Water Filter System?
Everyone who is struggling with tainted, turbid, and contaminated water would probably do good installing a water filtration system.
Not only does filtered water boost the immune system, especially for kids and aged people, when treated right it’s also free from chlorine and other contaminants which can cause unpleasant taste and odor.
But my water supply has been treated alright!
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your city water supplier is doing just the bare minimum to pass the EPA’s standards[1]. And to be honest, the EPA doesn’t have very high standards to begin with. It is perfectly okay with certain levels of arsenic and lead, etc.
Besides, the water that leaves the source has to make a long journey before it can reach your tap. What goes on in between is another question mark on its quality.
By far, installing whole house water filtration systems offers a more environmentally friendly solution to cleaner water. This is because you no longer have to spend money on bottled water that simply adds to pollution.
Of course, the answer to whether you really need a whole house treatment system lies in your water quality itself. Don’t judge by its looks, it can be deceiving!
We suggest getting an at-home water test kit or sending a sample to the laboratory for a detailed analysis. The real question is: what’s in your water?
Advantages & Disadvantages of Whole House Water Filters
Like all appliances, whole house water filters have a few strengths and weaknesses. Let’s weigh them together so you can make an informed decision.
Advantages
- The most significant advantage of whole house filtration systems is virtually clean and pure water from every tap in the house. They can remove numerous contaminants from your water, including heavy metals, chemicals, sediment, and microorganisms. Drinking, inhaling, or showering with contaminated water exposes you to an unparalleled risk and can prove fatal in the long run.[2]
- Not only do these filters clean your water, but they also make it more palatable. Your water is rid of unwanted tastes, smells and textures. As a result, your juices, coffee and sauces all start tasting better.
- These systems truly pay for themselves by saving you tons of money on plumbing and appliances repairs. If your water is chock full of sediment, iron or other culprits, they will either corrode your pipelines or form hard buildup. Similarly, your water-based appliances will also suffer due to the presence of minerals and dirt. You will undoubtedly save money and hassle of constant repairs to pipelines, dishwashers, washing machines and water heaters.
- Not to forget, filtered water will make your skin and hair healthy. By using filtered water, numerous people have seen a considerable improvement in skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Disadvantages
- Whole house water filters are not exactly budget-friendly. Some people don’t find it wise to spend thousands of dollars upfront when they can use cheaper point-of-use filters or buy bottled water.
- These systems sometimes require professional installation, which is again a significant added expense.
- They also require permanent changes to the plumbing. Those living in apartments or rentals cannot go down this route at any cost.
Are Whole House Water Filters Worth it?
Since we believe there is nothing more important than the health of one’s family, for us, whole house water filters are worth it. They are worth the cost and worth the effort required for installation and maintenance.
Some people may categorize the systems as a luxury; however, whole house filters pay for themselves in the long run. They save money on repairs, improve the health of your family and are eco-friendly.
Have you made up your mind? Look around for honest reviews and get the best system for your household.
Conclusion
In conclusion, most US households would benefit from a whole house water filter.
When choosing the correct setup, these systems provide filtered water free from harmful contaminants. They also protect your plumbing and appliances.
The main disadvantage is the high upfront costs.
All in all, we consider whole house water filters worth the required investment of time and money.
Further Reading
- Reviews: Whole House Filtration Systems for Well Water
- Best Whole House Water Filter Cartridge? 7 Reviews + Guide 2023
- Learn How to Clean a Whole House Water Filter!
- Whole Home Well Water Filters
- Top Rated Sediment Water Filtration Systems for Well Water
Resources
- [1] https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/drinking-water-regulations
- [2] https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/DRINKINGWATER/MONITORING/Documents/health/benzene.pdf
Outside of his writing work, Rory enjoys photographing the Irish landscape and making music!