Alen A375 Air Purifier
16 Stores $499 - $500
Water Filter Buying Guide
The term “water filter” can be a bit misleading, because there are drastically different types of equipment for filtering water that share the same name. Pitchers and faucet mounts filter tap water for drinking, while whole-house water filters reduce contaminants like sediment and rust in your plumbing. The type of water filter that you need depends on the type of contaminants in your water and how much water you want to purify. Whether you plan to filter pitcher-by-pitcher or every drop that comes into your home, Pronto’s Water Filter Buying Guide will help you find the filter system that’s right for you.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Test your water
Test your water before you purchase a water filter. The contaminants in your water will determine the water filter system that’s best for you. If you have more than one of the four classes of contaminants in your water, combine the appropriate water filter systems to remove them. Look for water filters that list NSF or other laboratory certification for the contaminants you need to remove.
Filtration methods and contaminants
Pair the water filtration method to your contaminants. Activated carbon water filters remove organic substances, industrial solvents and chlorine byproducts; distillation systems for microbiological contaminants and water softeners to remove heavy metals and sediment. Ultraviolet water filters are best at removing microbiological contaminants. Reverse osmosis water filters do the best job at removing the widest spectrum of contaminants, but they are expensive to operate and greatly reduce water efficiency and flow. If you have radioactive pathogens in your water, contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to learn the best way to filter them. http://www.epa.gov/ebtpages/water.html
Pitcher water filters
Pitcher water filters are the best choice for households of two to three people who simply need to filter drinking water. Be sure to factor in the cost and availability of replacement filters and look for pitchers with digital indicators that tell you when to change the filter.
Faucet-mount and under-sink water filters
Choose a faucet-mount or under-sink water filter if you have a large household or wish to filter water for cooking as well as cleaning. Faucet mount water filters install easily to standard faucets, but you’ll need professional installation for under-sink water filters unless you’re a skilled plumber.
Whole-house water filters
These water filters connect at the water main and filter all water entering your house. A water softener is a good choice if you have mineral-rich “hard water” that can clog and corrode plumbing or destroy laundry. Compare the life spans of whole-house water filters and try to choose a model that doesn’t force you to bring in a professional each time the filter needs changing.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
We like the Pur Ultimate Horizontal Faucet Mount Water Filtration System, which offers easy, tool-free installation and filters microbiological contaminants, many organic contaminants and inorganic contaminants. A handy on/off switch allows you to switch to unfiltered water if you need faster flow, and this water filter includes a display alert that tells you when a new filter is needed.
experts say
Advanced Water Filters—“If you are on a municipal city water supply your typical contaminants of concern will be chemicals, sediment and hardness minerals. The types of contaminants typically found in a private well water supply are sediment, iron and hardness minerals. In either case you should have your water tested to determine the exact composition.” Source: Advanced Water Filters
Spot Shopping Guide—“If you do decide to install a water filter system, it is imperative that you closely follow the manufacturer’s recommended filter exchange schedule. A dirty filter, clogged with dangerous pathogens, is not effective anymore and can itself become a threat to your family’s health.” Source: Spot Shopping Guide
Water Filters-Water Purifiers Guide— “Most home water treatment devices are certified by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) using ANSI/NSF standards. The standards require verification claims of contaminants reduction. NSF standards require extensive testing of a water treatment device before it is certified.
EPA does not certify a water treatment device. Simply because it has an EPA registration number does not indicate an EPA certification. Only NSF does the testing and certification.” Source: Water Filters-Water Purifiers Guide
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of water filters?
Ultraviolet disinfection is the best way to kill microbes and bacteria that can cause human ailments, but until now, that technology has been reserved for the home. The new Steripen takes UV purification outdoors in the form of a battery-operated UV light that can kill 99.9% of the microorganisms in a 32-ounce bottle of water in 90 seconds. Although expensive, the Steripen is a good water filter to consider for outdoor adventurers and emergency-preparedness kits.
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Water Filters) |
| $ | At the lowest price point, you will find pitcher water filters good for cleaning small amounts of drinking water. Look for replacement alert features and make sure that filters are readily available. |
Compare prices at 3 stores $20 - $25 |
| $$ | In the midrange, you’ll find faucet-mount and under-sink water filters that provide clean water for cooking as well as drinking. Match the filter type to the contaminants you need to remove and include the cost of professional installation for under-sink water filters. |
Compare prices at 3 stores $25 - $60 |
| $$$ | You’ll pay the most for whole-house water filter systems that clean every drop of water in the house. Factor in professional installation costs, look for longer filter life and try to find a system that lets you change the filters yourself. | |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Activated carbon filter
The most common type of water filter, also sometimes referred to as activated charcoal, made with specially treated carbon designed to absorb contaminants. It is most effective with organic substances.
Contaminant
A foreign substance contained in water. Four main classes of contaminants in drinking water are microbiological contaminants, organic substances, inorganic substances and radioactive pathogens.
Distillation system
A water filter system that boils water and captures the resulting steam in a reservoir to be used as drinking water. This system theoretically results in the contaminants being left behind in the boiling tank, but many substances have a higher boiling point than water and are therefore carried with the steam into the drinking water reservoir.
Hard water
Water with an exceptionally high mineral content, typically calcium and magnesium. These minerals cause the premature corrosion of plumbing and fixtures, give water an unpleasant taste and can damage laundry.
Reverse osmosis
A filtration process in which water is forced through specific membranes that allow water molecules to pass but trap larger contaminant molecules.
Ultraviolet disinfection
A filtration method where water is exposed to UV rays that kill microbiological contaminants. This step does not affect other types of contaminants, so it is often used in conjunction with other methods of filtration.
Water Softener
A large, in-line tank that mixes water with treatment pellets or beads that dissolve minerals and some inorganic substances in “hard” water.
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