Choosing a Water Filter-
What You Need to Know...

There are several details you need to consider before purchasing a water filter.

Best Type of Water Filter:
Of the different types of water filters, most experts agree that a Reverse Osmosis water filter is your best choice. Reverse Osmosis filters remove the widest spectrum of contaminants than any other types of filters available.

Installation:
Make sure that the water filter you decide to buy is easy to install and de-install. (Check to see if the supplier offers a moving kit. You'll thank us later for this tip!)

Quality:
The most important! Since you'll be drinking the water and connecting the water filter system to your water lines, you don't want to worry about poorly designed systems that may give impure water, break down often, and even flooding your home. So ask questions about the quality of the materials used, the workmanship, and warranty.

Maintenance and Filter Changes:
Make sure this is easy to do, because changing the filters yourself will save you tons of money in the long run. Also, the maintenance schedule should not be too frequent (i.e. filters long lasting), and that filters are reasonably priced and are industry standard sizes preferrably. If the filters are "proprietary" sizes, then you'll be stuck with the same supplier for future replacements regarless of their prices.

Price, Quality & Service -- What difference does it make?

Generally, RO systems at the lower factory price range (below $80) are of lesser quality. We do not recommend them because of their frequent problems and shorter life-span. RO systems at lower prices use mostly China made components that crack and leak easily under pressure and over time.
Of course, prices should not be the only consideration as we do see many bad systems having high price tags. Very much like cars, there is quite a difference in the quality of RO systems although they may look similar or even identical to each other.

Typical problems with lower-priced or less quality systems:

- Shorter pre-filter life: 6 months vs. 1 year
- Shorter membrane life: dies in 1-2 yrs vs. 3-5 yrs.
- Lower rejection rate and possible brine water seeping into pure water side due to poor quality membrane housings! ----- so water is less pure (filtration is not as effective or thorough, resulting in high TDS readings)
- Leakage at fittings & auto shut-off device
- Poor quality tanks that leak pressure after 1-2 years
- Each system is not individually tested (often are mass-imported)
- Little or no technical support after purchase
- Cost more to maintain in the long run
- Little or no on-going technical guidance and support from the supplier.

So what should we look for in an RO system?

- Get a system with good quality parts and good workmanship -- it takes both to build a long lasting and effective water filter system.
Make sure every filter, membrane, filter housings, faucet, and tanks are all Taiwan made, best if they all are NSF certified. Stay away with sellers who do not wish to disclose their parts/filters brand and makes info.

- Get at least a 5-stage RO system. Anything less is not worth your time and investment. Stay away from 3-stage systems because you have to change the pre-filters every 4-6 month, while a good 5-stage system's pre-filters can last up to 1 year or more. It'll save much effort on your side in the future.

Choosing a Water Filter- What You Need to Know...

Choosing a Water Filter-
What You Need to Know...