Whole House Water Filter Report: Why It Might NOT Be Worth It

Here is Why a Whole House Water Filter Might NOT Be Worth It

A whole house water filter system might be overkill if you live in a small apartment with 1-2 people in the home. If this is your situation you might be better off getting an under sink reverse osmosis system. This will effectively treat all your drinking and cooking water direct from the kitchen faucet. It is also much cheaper and easier to maintain.

Following on from the previous point, it might not be a good idea to install a whole house system if you are only renting or will be  moving house in the foreseeable future because this type of device is not very portable.

A combination whole house filter that comes with a salt free softener is not suitable for a home with extremely hard water. Salt free systems are great because they can treat hard water without requiring salt but they are only effective on moderately hard water. For instance, Aquasana whole house and salt free systems are effective at treating hard water up to 25ppm (parts per million).

Whole house water filter systems require enough space with easy access to pipes and plumbing.

It is not one size fits all. There are different types of systems for different water issues. For instance, there are specifically designed whole well water systems for well water.

Do You Even Need A Whole House Water Filter?

Water filtration systems will help you safely remove heavy metals, rust, sand, dirt and debris from the water.

Not only does the filter system effectively reduce chlorine odor and bad taste, it also reduces the damage to home appliances caused by bad water getting into your system via a water pipe.

The best water filter system for the whole house also filters larger amounts of water than a household water filter. This is especially useful if you live in a big house.

The systems that I discuss in the following best whole house water filter consumer reports are also able to soften your water too.

Best Whole House Water Filter Consumer Reports

The filter replacements will be the main on-going cost of maintaining your whole house water filter system. So it’s important to make sure that you know the make and model of the filter replacement. Doing this will let you know how much it costs.

Also, this is the perfect time to know how many gallons of water the filter can process. Or at least how long it will last. This way you can know if you’re happy with the number of replacements and the costs. Some whole house water filters are relatively cheap but they make their money through very expensive filters.

It’s also good to know what the whole house filters are capable of filtering and if it’s right for your needs.

What’s Your Usage?

It’s a good idea to know how much water you consume. Knowing the level of consumption means you can buy the right level of water filter. For instance, a cheaper water filter might have a lower level of capacity meaning that you will need plenty of replacements. So despite the apparent cheap cost, it will be expensive in the long run.

Understanding these issues beforehand means that you’ll be able to strike the right balance between consumption level and the filter lifespan.

Longevity of the filter

This is good to know in terms of expiration dates. Especially if you don’t plan to use it immediately. Not all filter replacement cartridges store well and not all water filter cartridges have the same lifespan.

Best Whole House Water Filter Consumer Reports

If you are thinking about getting whole house water filters then you should bear in mind that not all homes need the same type of filter. Different filters are capable of doing different things. The type of filter that you need will depend on what type of contaminants are in your water supply.

For instance, if your water supply contains limescale you need to get a filter that treats hard water. The most effective way to treat hard water is to get a water softener.

However, most water softeners only produce soft water but don’t filter water too.

This is why you need to make sure that you get a water filter and softener combo for the best results.

And this is also the reason why this best whole house water filter consumer reports will not just review whole house filters.

In the following sections, I will be reviewing the best whole house water filters that can also soften your water too.

The Best Whole House Water Filter Consumer Reports

Here are what I consider to be the top whole house filters and softener combination.

These whole house filters will deal with both hard water and any type of contamination.

Also click on the links to see verified customer reviews on place’s like Amazon so that you can make an even more informed decision.

Getting a filter and softener combination means that the system will deal with every type of issue you can have with water.

Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water).	Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water).
Does NOT require electricity.	Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor.
Control Your System With An App:? NO	Control Your System With An App:? YES
- Powerful salt-FREE water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. - Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. - Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. - Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. - 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee. - Limited 10 year warranty.	- Powerful salt-BASED water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Also includes a multi-stage filter. - Easy installation (inside or outside) - Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for 4-6 and 7+ bathrooms also available). - 6 month money back guarantee. - Limited lifetime warranty.
$$$ Ships to US and CA.	$$$ Ships to US, CA and Puerto Rico.
Sale prices automatically applied by clicking this link.
If there is *no* sale try coupon code: AQGEEK50	Coupon Code: GEEK5

1. SpringWell Whole House Filter + Softener

Many people seek out whole house filters not realising that a filter can not treat hard water. Hard water is what causes white limescale deposits around your faucets and sinks. The only thing that can reliably treat hard water is a water softener.

Most of the best selling softeners like Fleck SXT are ONLY softeners.

This means they will perfectly treat your hard water and make it ‘soft’ but your soft water will still be full of contaminants.

Softener and filter combinations solves this problem.

This means that your device wont simply give you water that has that slippery soft water feel. It also means that you can directly drink the water that comes out of each faucet.

Unlike a stand alone water softener that creates soft water that you shouldn’t drink.

Apart from softening the multi-stage filter that is capable of removing contaminants from your water. Other benefits of this device include:

Benefits

The multiple stages include a carbon filtration element that removes most impurities that can affect the taste of your water.

Carbon filters are capable of eliminating many contaminants.

Includes the best selling softener model on places like Amazon with excellent customer feedback.

Both filters and softens water at the same time.

Based on the most popular water softener model. This means that it is easy to find troubleshooting help, installation manuals and answers for free online.

Designed to filter and soften the water in your home.

The device package will include all the parts and accessories that you need for professional installation.

Can supply enough treated water for a household with 1-3 bathrooms (or you can upgrade to a higher capacity model).

Problems

The installation can be difficult if you have no experience, so hire a professional plumber.

2. Aquasana 10-Year / 1,000,000 Gallon Whole House Water Filter

This water filtration system has filters that filter 1 million gallons or 10 years of water supply.

By way of exception, this filter for the whole house from Aquasana contains everything that is required for a professional installation. H

owever, installing this system is a bit complicated at home. Therefore, you may need to hire a plumber if you are unfamiliar with the plumbing installation process.

This Aquasana system can eliminate approximately 97% of the chlorine in the entire water supply of your home.

This can improve the taste of your drinking water and prevent hair and skin from being exposed to excessive chlorine.

Benefits

One of the highest volume whole house water filters on the market today as it can process 1 million gallons of water.

By far the most popular stand alone whole house filter with very good customer feedback.

Includes shut-off valves, full installation kit and all the accessories that you need.

A high performance water filter unit that will not affect water pressure.

Supplies high quality filtered water to all of your home and needs little or no on-going maintenance.

Problems

Technically, the system is not a water softener and is more of a filter, but provides high quality results, similar to a softener / filter combination. Also you can upgrade to add on a salt free softener that uses SCM technology to create “soft-water like” results.

3. Combination Water Softener Iron Filter For WELL Water

This is a water softener that also filters out iron, sulfide, manganese and other things which specifically effect well water.

It’s filters are very basic when compared to the other whole house filters on this list. And this makes it ideal for people who are very worried about hard water and iron in their water.

Aside from the filter and softening capabilities, it can also handle some common pollutants like rust, sand and manganese. It is able to do all of this without significantly affecting the water pressure in your home.

This filter and water softener system is relatively easy to install compared to other systems. The unit comes with self-installation instructions that can help those who are new to plumbing.

However, I always recommend that people use a professional plumber if you’re unsure.

Benefits

Grain capacity that can eliminate a extreme water hardness.

Very good option for people looking for a softener with iron removal capabilities.

Apart from iron it will also filter out limescale, water hardness, sand and manganese.

Comes with a digital meter valve, which makes it work a lot more efficiently because it allows for automation.

Problems

This can be a little difficult to install despite the promises on the marketing information. You should really hire a professional plumber.

= = = UPDATE: NEW PRODUCT ADDITION = = =

4. Aquasana OptimH2O Whole House Filter

This is a new addition to the list because it is by far the most powerful domestic whole house water filter available today.

It is the only water filter that removes lead from water by 99.62% (the highest level of lead removal of any machine).

Similar to the older Aquasana Rhino 1,00,000 gallon, you can add the SCM “salt-free softener” to this machine.

Adding this plus the UV filter (which removes viruses and bacteria).

The result of this is that the OptimH2O treats limescale (without salt), bacteria, viruses and the most powerful contaminants including lead by 99.62%.

Benefits

The most powerful filters that can even treat lead by 99.62% – this is IAPMO tested and certified.

Easy to change filters that use colors to indicate that it’s time to replace the filters.

Treats hard water issues if you upgrade to the optional Salt-Free Water Conditioner Scale Control Media (SCM).

The UV filter upgrade means that it will treat most bacteria and contaminants.

Comes with the IAPMO water quality platinum seal due its ability to also effectively treat PFOA/PFOS by 98% as well as chloramines and chlorine.

Problems

Although it can produce soft water like effects (i.e. it treats limescale) it is not a water softener like the Fleck or Iron Pro 2. This means that it’s probably not suitable for homes with extremely hard water.

Being the most powerful filter on this list also means that it’s the most expensive option on this list.

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Water Softener Consumer Reports WINNER: Aquasana Whole House Filter

This best whole house water filter consumer report is for anyone that wants to deal with all the water issues in their home with one device.

Instead of buying a softener and filter separately, the packages reviewed in this article are combination devices.

They will treat hard water, limescale as well as other types contaminants.

The best for very hard WELL water = SpringWell iron & manganese removal system with a salt based softener.

If you’re looking for a whole house water filter that is the MOST COMPREHENSIVE FILTER ON THIS LIST = Aquasana OptimH20 Whole House Filter + Salt Free Softener.

Now the most difficult thing for most people will be the high cost of these whole house filter machines.

If this is a concern then you should try the Aquasana couponcode: AQGEEK50 for 50% off with FREE Shipping on select items – but you must use the code to receive this.

Using AQGEEK50 will give you up to 50% OFF your entire purchase. Note that this is a temporary offer and will END SOON.

Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water).	Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water).
Does NOT require electricity.	Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor.
Control Your System With An App:? NO	Control Your System With An App:? YES
- Powerful salt-FREE water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. - Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. - Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. - Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. - 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee. - Limited 10 year warranty.	- Powerful salt-BASED water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Also includes a multi-stage filter. - Easy installation (inside or outside) - Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for 4-6 and 7+ bathrooms also available). - 6 month money back guarantee. - Limited lifetime warranty.
$$$ Ships to US and CA.	$$$ Ships to US, CA and Puerto Rico.
Sale prices automatically applied by clicking this link.
If there is *no* sale try coupon code: AQGEEK50	Coupon Code: GEEK5