You might be surprised to know that the hard water coming into your house is full of contaminants that are making it hard and unfit for use. Using the hard water to wash clothes and bath can result in allergies and irritations.
Also, there are numerous disadvantages of using hard water. The water filter in your kitchen purifies the water, but about the supply coming in the bathroom and other areas such as the laundry room?
Most smart homeowners out there have considered the best whole house water filters to cope up with hard water. These filters work with the main supply, so the water coming to your house will be soft and free from contaminants.
We know buying a whole house water filter can be difficult, especially when you haven’t used one. Check these reviews to know the best water filters in 2020. Also, we have covered the buyer’s guide and FAQs as well so that you can quickly make a decision.
What is a Whole House Water Filter?
So you have heard about the water filter from a friend, and you don’t know what exactly it is? No worries, here is a simple explanation! A whole house water filter is a filtration system that screens the water entering your house.
The system works with the main supply, so all the faucets, showers, and other water dispensing items will provide screened water that’s suitable for use.
Benefits of a whole house water filter:
There are various benefits of using a whole house water filter, and that is why a lot of homeowners are considering installing the filtration systems. Below we have highlighted some significant benefits you will get by installing a whole house water filter system.
1. Makes the water soft
There are many impurities in the water, such as zinc and other metals that make it hard. Also, the water may contain chlorine as most areas have chlorinated water to remove the bacteria. By using a whole house water filter system, you will get pure water that’s free from these impurities and foul smell.
2. Easy to use
Using the water filtration system is easy, and you don’t have to use it in every room, such as a bathroom or kitchen. Just connect the system with the main supply, and you are good to go.
3. Extends the life of water appliances
Using soft water will enhance the lifespan of appliances such as the water heater and washing machine. This is another significant benefit of why you should get a water filter system today.
4. Better skin and hair
After using a water filter system, you will feel the difference in your hair and skin. Soft water is good for bathing and washing clothes.
Best Whole House Water Filters 2020: Reviews
Below we have reviewed the best whole house water filters that are highly popular. Check these detailed and unbiased reviews to make a rewarding choice.
1. iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
Here is a 3-stage water filter system from iSpring that has a capacity of purifying 100,000 Gal of water. The water filter is easy to use, and it starts filtering the water right after you install it with the main supply line. The three filtration stages comprise a sediment filter, carbon block, and iron-manganese filter.
The water has to pass through these layers, and that’s how it gets pure. The sediment layer filters out all the sands and other such contaminants with high density. The carbon block refines the water at the particle level, and it sucks all the bacteria and impurities.
The last stage, that is, the iron manganese filter stage, makes the water soft and fit for use. You can quickly replace any cartridge whenever required, so servicing the water filter will be easy as a breeze.
The best part is that the filter doesn’t intervene with the water pressure, so you won’t be facing issues like less water coming from the faucets and shower. When we talk about filtration, then he filer screens around 95% of the impurities from the water, making it the best option under $500.
- Easy to install
- Affordable
- Requires less maintenance
- Excellent water filtration capacity and filters around 100k of water without replacing the cartridges
- After-sales service isn’t that good
- Some users complained about leakage issues
Verdict:
If you have a budget of $500, then this whole house water filter from iSpring should be your choice. The filtration system is easy to install, and it delivers what it promises. You will easily find the replacement cartridges on Amazon, so order and replace them whenever required.
2. APEC Water Systems WH-SOLUTION-MAX10 Flagship Whole House Water
APEC is here with a water filter system that offers excellent performance by screening the water entering your home. The sleek filter system doesn’t occupy a lot of space, and that is another reason to love it. The system eliminates odor, chlorine, and VOCs, so it can be the best choice if you need soft water for bathing and washing clothes.
The system is 100% maintenance-free, so that makes it ideal for folks that are so busy in their lives. APEC has used a self-cleaning system that cleans the internal parts of the filters, and it keeps working without any issues.
The natural scale reduction system has a salt-based cartridge that attracts the contaminants from water to make it soft. You can even test the performance of this water filter by testing its performance using a ph test.
After installing this system, you can enhance the lifespan of the pipes and other plumbing appliances installed in your house. The system requires no electricity so that it will work even in power outages. There is a small meter attached to the filter system where you can check the hardness level of water and other details like when the cartridge needs a replacement.
- Ultimate performance and doesn’t intervene with the water pressure.
- The electronic control system allows you to adjust the water softness level.
- Ideal if you have around three bathrooms in your house.
- Long-lasting filters.
- You will find some good filters at a lower price than this one.
- Not suitable if you have more than three bathrooms in your home.
Verdict:
This whole house water filter from APEC can eliminate around 98% of impurities from water. The system works without electricity and remains clog-free. Also, you don’t have to spend time in maintenance as the system comes with an auto-cleaning feature that cleans the cartridges.
3. Culligan WH-S200-C Whole-House Sediment Water Filtration System
So you want to get rid of sediments that are causing clogging in the pipes? Or you hate the sand that ruins the freshly washed clothes? Well, you need a water filter like Culligan WH-S200-C that screens the sediments to make water fit for use.
The filter is affordable and houses a powerful battery, so there is no need to connect it with the wall outlet or any electricity source. The whole house water filter has a stainless steel outlet and inlet, which keeps corrosion at bay while requiring minimal maintenance.
You get all the accessories required to mount the water filter with the main water supply line. The digital monitor keeps you updated about when the cartridge needs replacement. Moreover, the shutoff valve prevents problems like overflowing, and it stops the water supply if the filter isn’t working properly.
You will love this water filter system for various reasons like the transparent chamber that shows how dirty the cartridge is, so you don’t have to rely merely on guesswork. The 3/4-inch inlet and outlet pipes ensure optimal water pressure.
- Reasonably priced
- Comes with an alert system
- Easy to install
- The transparent chamber allows you to check the cartridge’s health at a glance
- Doesn’t filter water with extreme hardness
- Suitable for small households only
Verdict:
Being on a budget doesn’t mean that you should settle down with a substandard filter. Get Culligan WH-S200-C and install it with the main pipeline to screen the water. The cartridge removes the sediments of all sizes, and you will get clean water suitable for bathing, washing and other purposes.
4. Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System
If the water in your area is highly contaminated, then have a look at Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System. This filter system has multiple filtration stages and can remove up to 97% chlorine and sediments from water.
The efficient system is capable of removing herbicides, mercury, lead, pesticides, VOCs, and much more, making the water ideal for use. The cost-efficient water filter comes with shutoff valves so you can stop the water supply whenever needed.
Maintaining the Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System is easy, and you can quickly replace the cartridges whenever required. Aquasana has used a sediment pre-filter, pro-filter, and activated carbon filter that removes almost all impurities from water.
You will be surprised to find out that the filtering capacity of this water filter is around 1,000,000 Gallons, so you don’t have to worry about anything. The system is perfect for medium and large households, and it doesn’t intervene with the water pressure.
You get all the required accessories and a pro install kit that makes the installation process easy. Lastly, the system screens mercury, lead, and other such harmful chemicals that make the water hard and unfit for use.
- Removes chlorine and odor from water
- Excellent screening process
- Comes with a thorough instruction manual so installation will be easy
- Salt-free water conditioner
- Pricey
- Installing the water filter takes time
Verdict:
Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System is an efficient system that’s perfect for households of all sizes. You will love how it purifies the water without intervening with the pressure. If you are ready to invest in a quality product, then this best whole house water filter should be your choice.
5. Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Heavy Duty Water Filtration System
Here is another affordable whole house water filter system that should be your choice if you have a small or medium-sized household. The easy to install filter has stainless steel reinforced outlet and inlet, so you don’t have to worry about corrosion.
Also, the filter features a shutoff valve that stops the water supply when the cartridge is not working so you will not get hard water. Another excellent thing about the filter is that it comes with WH-HD200-C housing that’s tested for the reduction of lead.
Culligan has tested the filter with multiple cartridges so you can quickly buy the replacement cartridge when you feel the need. The system has a transparent housing, and you will see the water getting filtered from the cartridge.
Plus, another benefit of the transparent chamber is that you can quickly find out when the cartridge needs a replacement by checking its shape. The pressure range supported by the filter system is 125 PSI, so all the faucets and showers will work great.
- Easy to install
- Affordable filter system and cartridges
- Reduces the number of sediments present in water
- Sturdy water chamber, and inlet/outlet connection
- Not suitable for big households
- The life of filtration cartridges isn’t that great
Verdict:
For all the homeowners out there, Culligan WH-HD200-C can be the best choice if you have a packed budget. The filter system comes with the required accessories so you can install it quickly. Lastly, there are multiple cartridge models compatible with this system, and that’s why this whole house water filter is the choice of thousands of people.
6. 3M Aqua-Pure 5621104 Whole House Water Filter System
3M Aqua-Pure is a popular water filter system that efficiently removes contaminants like chlorine and sediments from water. The water filter also eliminates the odor and scale. This is easy to install a system that comes with stainless steel water inlet and outlet that prevents corrosion and requires minimal maintenance.
The cartridge contains activated carbon that removes the impurities up to a great extent. Furthermore, you can replace the cartridge on the go, just by removing the blue water housing. A new cartridge can screen 100,000 gallons of water, which makes it an affordable water filter system.
You can quickly install the 304 stainless steel head on the water supply line, so there is no need to hire professionals for it. The max flow of water through the system is 20 gallons per minute, and you will never face low water pressure issues due to 3M Aqua-Pure 5621104.
The certified system works on the water with temperature ranging from 40-100 degrees Fahrenheit. You will see the dramatic change in the quality of water because the filter removes up to 85% of chlorine and odor from water.
- Removes almost all types of impurities including sediments and particulate matter
- Quick change cartridge
- Affordable to use as the cartridge lasts longer
- Backed up by excellent after-sales services by 3M
- No alerts for cartridge replacement
- Some users reported about cartridge leakage
Verdict:
3M Aqua-Pure 5621104 should be your choice if you want to remove sediments and other impurities from water. The capacity of the cartridge is excellent, so you don’t have to replace it after a few months. The filter doesn’t intervene with the water pressure, because of the bigger inlet and outlet.
7. iFilters 2-Stage Whole House Water Filter
iFilters is here with an affordable whole house water filter system that has a two-stage filtration process to screen water. The two chambers come attached to a single unit, so mounting the filter system is easy. The flow rate of this water filter system is around 3 gallons per minute, which is suitable for small households.
The transparent housing shows you how the water is getting filtered by the cartridges. The two stages remove sediments and chlorine while suppressing the odor so you will get soft water that’s fit for bathing and washing clothes.
The 3/4″ NPT port works with all universal water supply lines, and there is no need to do any major modifications to install this water filter. iFilters provided stainless steel screws with the device, and there will be no corrosion at all.
The filter device removes impurities up to 5 microns in size due to its high GAC filtration capacity that has efficient filters. The 100% NSF coconut shell carbon organically softens the water, so you are not using any chemicals.
- Highly affordable
- Works with multiple cartridge types
- Comes with corrosion-resistant screws
- No harsh filtration chemicals used in the filter
- Water pressure could below
- Not suitable for medium or bug households
Verdict:
iFilters 2-Stage Whole House Water Filter is a good option under $100. The water filter uses two cartridges that to eliminate the contaminants from water while dealing with the chlorine odor. The universal ports fit with any water supply line, so you don’t have to call professional plumbers to install it.
Factors to look for while buying a Whole House Water Filter:
You cannot buy just any water filter that suits your budget, and that’s where this buyer’s guide steps in. With this guide, you can quickly make a good choice by selecting the best whole house water filter.
1. Ease of installation
The first thing you need to check is how easy it is when it comes to installing the system. Always go with water filters that are easy to install so that you don’t have to spend time and money in getting it installed from professionals.
All the whole house water filters listed in this guide are easy to install, and you can follow the DIY installation process to get it ready.
2. Water filtration efficiency
The reason why you are buying a water filter system is to soften the hard water. These filters have around 98% filtration efficiency, and some of these even offer 99% filtration. Check how many filtration stages the filter has and then have a look at the filtration type like carbon filters and sediment filters.
You need a water filter that has better efficiency to screen the water, as it will remove most of the impurities from water to make it suitable for bathing and washing purposes.
3. Filtration capacity
The filtration capacity is how much water the filter can screen without changing the cartridge. Some filters can screen 50- 100k water depending on the type of cartridge it comes with. You will find a lot of water filters in this list with excellent water filtration capacity.
4. Ease of changing the cartridge
You have to change the cartridge after some time, as it won’t last forever. Go for a whole house water filter that allows you to replace the cartridge quickly so that you don’t have to struggle with it. All the water filters selected by us come with easily replaceable cartridges, so you don’t have to call professionals to change it.
A pro tip: When buying a whole house water filter, check if the spar cartridges are easily available. Most brands like iSpring and APEC sell spare cartridges as well, so you can purchase them from Amazon.
5. Warning alerts
The warning alerts are essential when it is time to change the cartridge. Without these alerts, it will be difficult for you to know the right time to change the cartridges. Some of these filter systems have alarms, and some have light warnings.
Always buy filters with warning alerts to enjoy your life while getting an uninterrupted supply of clean water.
6. Additional features
You will find some additional features like auto-cleaning, which cleans the internal system, so you don’t have to spend time cleaning it. There are some other features as well, like scale removal, which can be beneficial if you want to enjoy ultimate ease.
7. Budget
Best whole house water filters are available at a myriad of prices, so it would be great if you make your budget before buying one. Also, check the cost of the cartridge to make sure that you don’t have to spend a lot to keep the water filter system working.
FAQs: Best Whole House Water Filters
A: The cost of the cartridge depends on which water filter you buy. Some brands offer affordable cartridges, whereas some brands offer expensive cartridges. Always check the price of the cartridge before buying a water filter.
A: Generally, installing a whole house water filter is easy as all you have to do is connect it between the main supply line. The water will pass through the cartridge, and this way, you will get soft water that’s free from hardness, causing contaminants.
A: Yes, using a whole house water filter is safe, and you don’t have to worry about anything. The water screened through these filters is suitable for bathing and other such purposes, but you shouldn’t use it for drinking.
You should use different water filters that make the water potable and fit for drinking.
A: Some water filters can affect the water pressure, but the change won’t be dramatic. All the filters listed in this article won’t affect the water pressure so that you won’t face issues due to it. Usually, filters with multiple stages can impact the pressure as the water has to go through a lot before reaching the shower or the faucet.
A: It depends on the type of water filtration system you are using. Some usually remove all types of impurities, while some only remove a few types of contaminants. You have to check it beforehand so that the filter removes most of the impurities to make the water soft and clean.
A: The red Led light is the warning alert. The light notifies you when it is time to replace the cartridge. So whenever you see the light turned on or blinking gets a replacement cartridge and install it.
Conclusion:
These are the best whole house water filters you can buy to make water soft. Go through the reviews to make an informed decision. Also, we have listed a buyer’s guide and FAQ section to help you with more information about these filtration systems.
Go for branded filters only as you get the assurance of excellent after-sales services, and the availability of cartridges. The best whole house water filter in this list is Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System. However, if you are o a budget, then you should go for iFilters 2-Stage Whole House Water Filter.
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