Drinking water is an essential part of our daily lives and it is important that the water we drink is clean and free of contaminants. To get clean water in your home, you will need a water filter and if you’re shopping for water filters, it is very likely that you’ve come across reverse osmosis water filters.
A reverse osmosis water filter is equipped with a semipermeable membrane you can A reverse osmosis water filter like under sink ro system is equipped with a semipermeable membrane. This water filtration system is more advanced than the typical water filters and it might be difficult for some homeowners like yourself to choose the best one.
Well, don’t worry because we will go through the buying guide for reverse osmosis filters in a while and you can use this to help you find the best reverse osmosis water filter for your home.
There are many reverse osmosis water filters on the market and by considering the aspects below, you will be able to find the ideal water filter.
Type of Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
Generally, there are two types of reverse osmosis water filters that you will encounter. The first type is the countertop reverse osmosis system which as the name suggests, is placed on top of your kitchen counter. The second type is known as the under-sink reverse osmosis system which is usually placed under your sink.
Countertop reverse osmosis water filters tend to be easier to install as compared to under-sink systems and they are usually more compact too. However, under-sink reverse osmosis water filters can filter more water than countertop systems.
Both types are good for providing purified water but you should choose the type that best suits your kitchen and home water consumption.
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How to Choose the Right Reverse Osmosis Water Filter?
Budget
The next thing that you should keep in mind is your budget. The prices of reverse osmosis water filters can vary based on various factors so it is better to set a budget first and look for the best reverse osmosis systems that are within the budget that you set.
Generally, the cost of reverse osmosis water filters ranges from $150 to over $1000, but the average price is around $250 to $500. The more expensive the system, the features it offers, whereas the cheaper options, tend to have fewer features, but still, get the job done.
Size
A reverse osmosis water filter will take up space in your kitchen, so it is important that you get one that will fit under your sink or doesn’t take up too much space on your counter. There is no point getting the largest reverse osmosis water filter only to send them back when you realize there isn’t enough space in your kitchen.
Capacity
When buying a reverse osmosis water filter, it is important to consider its capacity, or in other words, how much water can the system filter. Normally, the system will indicate how many gallons per day it is able to handle. The standard capacities that you will see are 50, 80, and 100 gallons per day.
The capacity is heavily dependent on the size of your household. If you have a small family, then a reverse osmosis filter with a capacity of 50 gallons per day will be enough. But if your household is large, then we would recommend going for systems with a capacity of 80 to 100 gallons per day.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of reverse osmosis systems is based on the number of stages they have. The more stages the system has, the more effective and thorough it is at filtering water.
However, it might not be necessary for you to get the highest number of stages because if the water entering your house isn’t as contaminated, then a standard four-stage reverse osmosis water filter will do.
Installation and Maintenance
The installation of reverse osmosis water filters will usually require the help of a professional, especially if you opt for an under-sink system. The difficulty of installation will also determine the cost and duration of the installation. This is why it is better to go for systems that are easier to install so you can save some money and time.
As for the maintenance of reverse osmosis water filters, they are generally quite straightforward since all you need to do is change the filter whenever it needs to be replaced. The replacement of filters can be done on your own and the cost of replacements is fairly reasonable too.
Conclusion
Buying a reverse osmosis water filter might be a difficult task, but with this comprehensive water filter buying guide, you will be more than capable of choosing the best reverse osmosis water filter for cleaner drinking water for you and your loved ones.
