Best Whole House Water Filters 2021

Did you know toxic and unclean water is killing more people than any form of violence? In fact, our tap water contains some of the most harmful chemicals.

Other than drinking, we use water for cooking, doing the dishes, cleaning ourselves and our home. So, investing in a water filter that collects water from the main source and treats it for all of these functions is essential.

The best water filter for your house should effectively eradicate toxins from the water, improve its overall quality, and ensure minimum wastage. Thus, we have done the research for you to help you choose a whole house water filter that suits your needs and budget.

But before getting into the product details, you must know some basics about whole house water filters. From its functions to who needs such a filtering system the most, we have answered all of your questions today.

So, without further ado, let’s get started…

What Is a Whole House Water Filter?

A filtration system used to remove contaminants from the primary source of your water supply is called a whole house water filter. Also known as a Point of Entry (POE) filter, these units are installed right at the water inlet.

So, whether you turn on the tap or shower, you can rest assured that the water is free from hazardous chemicals, dirt, and other unwanted stuff.

According to the type of water in your locality, you can choose from one of the five most popular types of whole house water filters. If your water contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, go for a whole house water softener. Additionally, you can install an ultraviolet purification system to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and so on.

On the contrary, if the water in your area is too acidic, you must opt for an acid neutralizer. Carbon filters are another popular option to remove chlorine from the water supply. Moreover, a sediment filter is sufficient if your water supply contains dirt, dust, and rust flecks.

Why a Whole House Water Filter System Is a Necessity?

The primary function of a water filter is to improve the quality of water for consumption and all other purposes. Irrespective of the main source of the water, it can be exposed to various contaminants, which can reach your internal organs and cause diseases. In fact, disinfectants like chlorine can cause more harm than good if ingested in large volumes.

Add to that the ongoing pandemic, and it becomes all the more important to be extra cautious of our health and well-being. If you invest in a multi-purpose water filter, it can remove chemicals and dirt, along with hardening substances as well.

Let’s find out the most common substances that can pollute the water supply…

1. Scale

If the water in your area contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, you may have noticed frequent blockages in pipes and appliances. This is because these hardening minerals mix together and result in scale build-up. Other than hardening the water, these pollutants shorten the lifespan of your appliances, utensils, and clothes.

2. Microbial Pathogens

Microorganisms like bacteria and viruses fall under this category. Needless to say, these pollutants are harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by our skin. Removing microbial pathogens is a must to prevent diseases.

3. Radioactive Elements

Elements like radon and radium are often present in water and air. They are the decayed remains of uranium found in soil. Continued exposure to such radioactive elements can cause lung cancer.

4. Organic Pollutants

Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs), Trihalomethanes, chemical pesticides, insecticides, and more form a large part of water pollutants.

5. Inorganic Pollutants

These include lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium, and so on. Their toxic nature not only makes the water unfit for consumption but also adds a foul taste and odor.

Since polluted water is damaging for pipes, utensils, laundry, and your skin and hair, it is best to purchase an environment-friendly water filter. So, you will be saving your family, the environment, and your money in the long run. Now, that’s what you call a win-win situation!

Who needs a Whole House Water Filter System?

The first step is to test the quality of water. You can use a water testing kit or guesstimate with your senses. Accordingly, you can tell if the water is too chlorinated, contains high levels of bacteria, has dirt and debris floating, does not form a lather, and so on.

Even if you notice just one of these factors, it is high time you get a whole house water filter.

Why Buy This Product?

1. Revolutionary Four-stage Filtration System

Here’s how the complex, four-layer filtration system ensures the removal of all forms of contamination and complete purification of water.

Stage 1

First, the municipal water flows through a Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) media, which plays a pivotal role in eliminating chlorine and other toxins. Since this is the first stage, some minute particles and chemicals may pass through it.

Stage 2

In the second step, a coconut shell carbon media actively expels organic pollutants that enter the water bodies. Such contaminants may include chemicals from pesticides and herbicides, VOCs, chloramine, chlorine, and more.

Stage 3

Next is SpringWell’s proprietary design media that removes more contaminants than any other water filtration system on the market. The elongated contact time between the water and the multi-layered filter allows the brand to make such lofty claims.

Stage 4

Lastly, the 5-micron sediment filter gets rid of sand, dirt, clay, and other particles that the previous layers might have missed. Long story short, the water will be free from chlorine, haloacetic acids, PFOA, PFAS PFOS, sulfur, and other organic chemicals.

2. Better Tasting Water And Food

Chlorine is a major cause of harmful, unnatural tasting water. This unit effectively removes chlorine and chloramine that cause bad taste and odor. Once you install this whole house water filter, you will be getting the best tasting water straight from the tap.

Additionally, this ensures better tasting food too. In fact, studies have proven that well-filtered water results in delicious meals and beverages. After all, water is the main ingredient in many dishes like soups, broths, stews, and more. Isn’t that a sweet deal?

3. Smooth Skin And Hair

Since this system removes dirt and toxins, your skin and hair will feel smoother and healthier. By getting an efficient water filter, you will be addressing the root cause of the problems instead of wasting money on countless skin and hair products.

Achieving better skin and hair naturally will also reduce the cost of frequent spas and facials in the future.

4. Uniform Water Pressure

The CF1 is designed for houses with 1-3 bathrooms. So, if that’s your case, you will be receiving 9 GPM, even if all the bathrooms are engaged at the same time. You must note that the minimum level of pressure is 8 GPM for a maximum of three bathrooms.

Consequently, if your house has more bathrooms, consider upgrading to CF4 or CF+.

5. Lifetime Warranty And 6-month Cashback Offer

Due to its high-quality carbons, innovative up-flow construction, and intricate filtration system, Springwell offers a lifetime warranty for the filter and its fittings. However, the warranty does not cover cases of maltreatment, carelessness, damage caused by fire or freezing, and so on.

Moreover, the trial period lasts for six months. Within that time, if you are unsatisfied, the company is willing to provide 100% cashback.

6. Low Maintenance

Although the installation may require some professional intervention, CF1 is a low-maintenance unit overall. The pre-filter must be changed regularly within 6-9 months, while the media requires a replacement once in every decade.

Why Buy This Product?

1. Powerful 3-stage Water Filtration System

Best suited for well water, this filtration system is equipped with three layers to combat 95% of water pollutants like chlorine, rust, sediments, chemicals from pesticides and herbicides, and so on. Let’s find out how each stage helps purify your water supply.

1. Stage 1

The first stage consists of a polypropylene sediment filter which removes large toxic particles found in well water. Contaminants larger than 5 microns such as dust, sediment, rust, and more are removed completely before moving to the next stage.

Stage 2

The following two filters are made of coconut shell carbon, which eliminates chlorine and organic chemicals. This stage is crucial for removing the bad taste and odor of chemicals from the water. Also, the first and second stages boast a capacity of 100,000 gallons each.

Stage 3

The last stage ensures further removal of leftover pollutants for maximum filtration and extended filter life. By removing rust particles, sand, sediment, and more, your filter will last longer and keep maintenance costs at bay. But unlike the first two filters, this CTO carbon block will require regular replacements since its capacity is just 50,000 gallons.

An interesting point to note is that both the carbon filters are tested and certified to meet the NSF/ANSI standards.

2. Large Ports For High Water Pressure

As compared to the first product, iSpring offers high pressure of up to 15 GPM. This impressive flow rate is possible due to its 1-inch inlet and outlet, which is wide enough to allow more water to pass through. It is safe to say that this unit promises the highest pressure at this price point.

3. Keeps Useful Minerals Intact

Unlike most RO systems, this whole house water filter does not decrease the amount of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). This implies that the filter allows some amount of healthy minerals to remain in the water. So, your body will not be devoid of the necessary amount of calcium and other useful particles that we get from drinking water.

4. Easy Installation And Maintenance

The packaging of this water filtration system includes a detailed instruction manual for DIY installation. All you have to do is mount it at the main point of the water supply. In case of any difficulties, you can always check out some YouTube tutorials for step-by-step guidance.

5. Long Warranty Period

Customers can register online to activate the extended manufacturer’s warranty of three years. Also, you will be entitled to receive lifetime tech support from the local support team for free. Their prompt customer care team is ready to help in case of any defects or damage to the product.

Besides the low maintenance and easy installment, the warranty deal makes this water filter a valuable investment.

Why Buy This Product?

1. Smart Design For Superior Filtration

Aquasana advertises its filter as an independently tested product that is equipped with strategically sequenced stages to ensure maximum purity. It actively removes chemicals that come from washed-off pesticides and herbicides. Even rust particles and other water-soluble heavy metals stand no chance with this high-quality water filter.

Its up-flow, dual tanks elongate the contact time between the water and the purifying filters. This vigorous filtration not only allows you to enjoy clean water but also prevents clogging and build-up. The brand specializes in all sorts of filtration products, so this unit is designed to allow customization by adding a conditioner, UV filter, and more.

Since this filter is not an RO system, it retains some essential minerals needed by the body. But if you are looking for a more robust water filtration system, you might want to look into other options. Overall, this whole house water filter is the best for improving the taste and consistency of water.

2. Low Maintenance And Easy Replacements

Maintaining this system by Aquasana is a no-brainer! All you have to do is replace the filters after a couple of months, depending on your water usage. If you plan to add the salt-free conditioner to the package, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of refilling salt and cleaning tanks.

However, we recommend being very cautious with filter replacements. If you miss out on it, more dirt and contaminants will stock up on the filters, making the structures inadequate for purification. This will further increase your maintenance and repair costs.

3. Uniform Water Flow Rate

Offering the industry standard water pressure of 7 GPM, this unit is ideal for 1-3 bathrooms. Even on the busiest of days, the sufficiently large filters allow constant pressure while you do your chores.

4. Natural Tasting Water And Food

You can install this filtration unit at the main water supply to enjoy its benefits throughout your home, even the kitchen. Filtered water is known to enhance flavors and decrease cooking time. Moreover, no chemicals are added in the process of purification, thereby delivering only superior-quality, natural water.

5. Unique Bacteriostatic Media

The bacteriostatic media included in this whole house water filter is made of copper-zinc and mineral stone. This tank eliminates 97% of chloramine and other heavy metals, preventing the growth of bacteria and algae inside the system.

Moreover, you can opt for a UV filter add-on that kills bacteria and viruses like E.Coli. Of course, this will charge you some extra bucks, but prevention is better than cure in times of a pandemic.

6. Strong Yet Lightweight Materials

The tanks of this filter are made of HDTE (High Density, Tri-Extruded), food-grade material. Thus, the rugged unit is built to last while being lightweight enough for easy maintenance and replacements.

7. Additional Benefits

Since this filter is customizable, you can choose to add a water conditioner and a UV filter for all-round protection.

The salt-free conditioner crystalizes hardening minerals, making the water soft and preventing scale buildup. Investing in this 2-in-1 unit will remove harmful chemicals, soften the water, prevent muggy laundry, skin and hair damage, and more.

Why Buy This Product?

1. Impressive Flow Rate

The massive 1-inch ports of this whole house filter provide the strongest pressure of 15 GPM. That makes the filter suitable for large households that receive well water. Even when all faucets are engaged, you need not worry about the flow rate decreases.

Due to the oversized circumference, blockages will also be at a bare minimum. This will save you from repair and maintenance expenditures in the future.

2. Easy Replacement Of Filters

If you are further concerned about the frequency of maintenance, fret not. All the filters in this system can hold a lot of dirt and sediment without causing any build-up and blockages. In fact, the tanks can filter up to 100,000 gallons of polluted well water. While the interval between each replacement varies according to your water usage, the filters usually last for more than a year.

Moreover, replacement is a breeze since you will not need any professional intervention. However, we suggest leaving enough space while installing the unit to allow easy removal and replacement in the future.

3. Innovative 3-stage Filtration System

Quite similar to our previous recommendations, this water filtration system features three stages. The reason behind most units featuring a multi-layered filter is to elongate the filtration time to eliminate even the tiniest pollutants found in well water. Let’s understand what each stage does…

Stage 1

First and foremost is the multi-gradient sediment filter that resists bacteria and holds three times more dirt than other similar products. This polypropylene filter contains four layers that remove particles of 25, 10, 5, and 1 micron, respectively.

Due to its massive dirt holding capacity, its replacement period can range from 6-12 months.

Stage 2

This layer consists of a radial flow iron reduction filter that eradicates heavy metals like sulfur, manganese, and iron. As a matter of fact, it removes iron of up to 3 PPM. Because of its metal removing properties, this filter also keeps a check on damages caused by rust.

Stage 3

Last but not least is the activated coconut shell carbon filter which gets rid of chlorine and other chemicals, which cause bad taste and odor. It can purify up to 95,000 gallons of water, so it can be used for an entire year by a family of four before replacement.

The brand purposely elongated the lifespan of the activated carbon filter to cleanse and purify water to improve the overall health of the users.

4. Excellent Purification Removes Bad Taste And Odor

This effective 3-stage filter gets rid of 95% of iron, manganese, sediment, and other impurities found in well water. Additionally, chlorine, chloramine, and other chemicals are eliminated to ensure natural tasting, odorless water. Since water is used in high volumes while cooking, using the filter will also add more flavor and facilitate faster, more even cooking.

You must note that if your home is not supplied with well water, it is better to look for another model named HMF2SMGCC. Moreover, water containing high levels of calcium requires a water softener or conditioner along with this unit.

Why Buy This Product?

1. Eliminates Chemicals And Heavy Metals

As mentioned before, WH300SCKS is equipped with three filters that churn out clean water for your everyday use. Here’s a brief description of each filter and its functions.

Stage 1

The first step involves a sediment filter that removes chunks of coarse dust particles, sand, dirt, and more. These particles don’t just contaminate the water but also cause blockages in your pipes, build-up on appliances, etc. This further shortens the lifespan of your appliances and calls for costly renewals and repairs.

Moreover, the sediment filter is constructed of food-grade polypropylene microfiber and consists of four layers that get rid of contaminants. While the outer layer traps larger particles, the inner layers eliminate impurities that are as tiny as just 5 microns. Together, these layers help remove the smallest of particles that can harm you and your family.

Stage 2

Next, the water is pushed through a Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) filter, which catches heavy metals that float in the water. Such metallic particles include iron, chlorine, chloramine, lead, sulfur, mercury, and so on.

The KDF filter is equipped with catalytic carbon and charged granules of copper and zinc, which absorb chemicals and prevent the breeding of micro-organisms. Moreover, it is sealed with a silicone ring and a thermally bonded cap which ensures durability.

Stage 3

The last stage is the Activated Carbon Block (ACB), which combats harmful chemicals from pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and more. Such pollutants are dangerous for your health and lend a bad taste and odor to the water. Thus, this stage is essential for improving the overall quality and drinkability of water.

Since the ACB filter is made of laboratory vacuum heated carbon, its large surface area provides longer, uninterrupted filtration. This block is also sealed with a bonded cap and silicone seal.

2. High-Quality Materials

In addition to the three-layered filter, other components of this system are also made of high-quality 100% food-grade materials. If you’re still doubtful about its quality, you may be relieved to know that this whole house filter is NSF/ANSI certified.

Overall, this unit is built to last with its ABS and PCE plastic and durable stainless freestanding mount.

3. Low Maintenance Filter

This water filtration system is designed to facilitate quick and easy maintenance. Simply twist the housings to open and drop the new filter. The three pressure release buttons further help in making the process even more convenient.

Also, the first stage filter is transparent, so you can keep an eye on it and check when replacement is due.

4. Fast Water Flow

The high-capacity triple-filter system ensures clean water without any drop in pressure. Similar to iSpring WGB32B and Home Master HMF3SDGFEC, this system also offers a uniform water flow rate of 15 GPM.

Depending on the quality of water and everyday usage, the life of the filter may vary. But on average, the filters can purify about 100,000 gallons of water, lasting over 6-12 months before replacement.

Moreover, this system is designed to save water as it requires no drainage.

Why Buy This Product?

1. Removes 52 Types Of Contaminants

Express Water claims that this filter removes up to 52 different types of impurities to provide fresh and clean water to its users. This is possible with its 3-stage filter described below-

Stage 1

The sediment filter forms the first level of filtration. It gets rid of coarse substances like sand, dust, debris, rust particles, and so on. The four layers within the sediment filter, built with precision-packed polypropylene microfiber, allow rigorous filtration and remove particles as small as 5 microns.

This multi-layered mechanism divides the filtration process, elongating the operating life of the system and preventing frequent replacements. Thus, you will enjoy filtered water for longer, uninterrupted intervals.

Stage 2

Next up is the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filter that sieves volatile organic chemicals, industrial solvents, and chlorine. These substances are not just bad for your health but also degrade the taste, odor, and look of the water. If you see cloudy, foul-smelling water running from the faucets, it is high time you invest in this whole house water filter.

Moreover, the GAC filter contains evenly spread carbon granules that enable maximum chemical absorption. Sealed with a thermal bonded cap and silicone ring, this filter promises long-lasting durability.

Stage 3

Lastly, the Activated Carbon Block (ACB) filter removes chlorine and other chemicals that lower water quality and drinkability. Its tightly packed carbon molecules provide intense filtration and long operating life. This filter is no different from the GAC stage in terms of durability.

2. Strong And Sturdy Materials

Thanks to its 100% food-grade ABS and PCE plastic construction, this water filtration system is tested and certified by NSF/ANSI standards. Other than that, each of the three housings is connected with industrial bonded flow connectors. Further, they are fitted to a stainless mount, which is reliable due to its heavy-duty construction.

3. High Capacity Filters For Fast Flow

It features sufficiently spacious filters which can purify up to 100,000 gallons of water before replacement. Its unique design provides high water pressure of up to 15 GPM at 45-80 PSI. So, even if you have uninvited guests staying over, you need not worry about any drop in pressure.

Furthermore, the filter does not drain any water, making it a relatively environment-friendly option.

4. Unique And Convenient Construction

On average, the filters will need a replacement after every 6-12 months, depending on your water consumption. Due to its efficient and straightforward design, WH300SCGS is pretty easy to maintain and replace. Its three accessible buttons help release pressure and remove the filter easily, while the pressure gauges facilitate convenient monitoring.

Moreover, the first stage or the sediment filter, is placed in a clear housing so you can determine the replacement time without disassembling the entire unit.

To wrap it up, you can choose to use the sturdy standing frame or install the filter without it. Depending on the amount of available space, you can customize the way you mount the product.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Water Softener

Now, you’re familiar with the best whole house water filters on the market. But choosing the best out of these top-notch options is another challenge. Well, fret not because we’ve made it easier for you by going back to the basics.

After all, you’re making this investment for your family’s health and well-being, and such important decisions should be made carefully. So, without further ado, let’s find out the characteristics of whole house water filters you must consider before making a decision.

1. Flow Rate Of Water

One of the most crucial factors that you must check is the amount of water pressure the filter offers to ensure convenient usage in the future. Although faster flow is not always favorable as it may imply that the water is not filtered well enough, it helps when all the bathrooms are engaged.

But you must keep in mind that slow pressure is beneficial for using a carbon water filter to ensure thorough filtration. You can use a pressure gauge to test the flow rate of your water supply.

2. Space Required

Imagine spending all of that money only to get a whole house water filter that doesn’t fit properly. What a bummer!

Thus, when looking for a suitable water filter, you must keep in mind the size of the unit. We recommend that you note down the dimensions of free space in your house beforehand. Keeping some margin of error also helps since you will need additional space during replacements and maintenance work.

3. Type Of Filter

Depending on the quality of water, you can choose the best type of water filter for your household. Consult the water supplier of your locality to get an idea of the different types of impurities present in your tap water. If you’ve got prior experience, you can even opt for a water testing kit that is readily available online.

The different types of whole house water filters are explained in the following parts.

A. Carbon-based Filter

This is the most common type of water filter which provides pure, filtered water for your entire household. A good-quality carbon-based filter must consist of at least three layers, although some units feature four stages.

The stages of filtration include a sediment filter, a copper/ zinc filter, an activated carbon filter, and a post-filter. Such a multi-layered structure helps catch large chunks of heavy metals as well as minute dust particles to improve the quality of water.

B. Reverse Osmosis

Most reverse osmosis (RO) systems claim to eliminate at least 99.9% of pollutants, including TDS. Suitable for well water and city water alike, RO units provide stronger and more thorough filtration. However, this means that it can get rid of some minerals and substances that are actually desirable in drinking water.

Since these systems are more efficient in purifying the water and preventing bacterial growth, they are relatively more expensive. Moreover, maintenance bills will also remain high.

Another drawback of these otherwise efficient filters would be the amount of water that drains out. The alarming ratio of the amount of filtered water to that of wasted water is 1:4. So, it is definitely not an eco-friendly variant.

C. Next-Generation Technology

A newer and more sustainable alternative to an RO filter is the next-generation filter technology. It strikes the perfect balance between vigorous removal of contaminants and minimum wastage of water. The pricing of these filters is also on the middle ground as they are cheaper than RO units but more expensive than carbon-based systems.

4. Filter Size

Whole house water filters with more water-holding capacity will last longer. It also ensures faster and efficient filtration so you can enjoy the goodness of clean water for longer. In this list, Springwell CF1 offers the maximum filter capacity of 1,000,000 gallons.

However, the operating period of a filter before replacement varies according to your daily consumptions, quality of water, and more.

5. Frequency Of Replacement

In addition to the factors mentioned before, the quality of materials used also plays a massive role in determining the lifespan of a filter. While comparing the different filtration stages, usually the first stage or the sediment filter gets clogged up with large particles easily. Thus, this filter requires quicker replacements, ranging from 3 to 6 months.

Most third or fourth-stage filters made of activated carbon last relatively longer. The replacement intervals of such filters may fluctuate between 6 and 12 months.

In this aspect, a reverse osmosis system has the edge over water filtration systems since the former needs a replacement every two years.

6. Micron Rating

A micron, also known as a micrometer, is a measurement unit that equals one-millionth of a meter. Usually, water pollutants are measured by microns, and the naked eye cannot see them.

Knowing the micron rating of a filter helps in determining the amount of undesirable particles it can remove. For instance, Home Master HMF3SDGFEC features a multi-layer sediment filter that removes contaminants of 25, 10, 5, and 1 micron.

The efficiency of filtration varies for products with nominal and absolute micron ratings. If a water filter shows a nominal micron rating of 10, it can remove pollutants of that size at 50-90% accuracy.

On the other hand, absolute nominal rating ensures 98.7% efficiency. All of these details are mentioned in the product description of the filters, so ensure that you read them carefully. Ultimately, it is best to opt for a filter that provides multiple stages to remove contaminants of varying sizes.

7. Certifications

Of course, every brand will claim its product to be the best in terms of quality and construction. That’s when the products need a third-party certification after being tested according to the WQA or NSF/ANSI standards. These certifications confirm the claims of the brand so the buyers can feel confident in their purchase.

A. NSF International

The NSF International requires a particular product to qualify the performance, sustainability, and safety standards, according to the test of a third party. Due to the direct intervention of an independent body, this certification holds more credibility, thus making it a popular standard for quality.

B. Water Quality Association (WQA)

This independent body certifies the performance standards of water improvement products. Customers can refer to the WQA certification of a product to know about its efficiency.

8. Budget

Albeit mentioned in the end, this factor is as important as others in finding a suitable water filter. Once you’ve decided on a budget, you can look for high-quality and functional products within that range.

Most whole house water filters may cost you anywhere between $300 and $600. Optional add-ons like a UV filter, a water conditioner, and more may carry additional charges.

Next-generation filters and RO systems cost more than $1,000, sometimes surpassing $5,000. If within your budget, we recommend you to opt for these options since they offer stronger filtration. However, maintenance costs and water wastage are some major drawbacks you will have to face.

Final Words

Water was once a natural, unlimited resource. But with growing urbanization and other human practices, the amount of freshwater has decreased considerably, with only a fraction of it being available for us. Thus, a whole house water filter that provides purified water without causing much wastage is the way to go.

With our top six picks and a detailed buyer’s guide, we hope you could find the perfect option for your household. Some of our favorites include Springwell CF1 for its enormous capacity, iSpring WGB32B for its high performance, and Express Water WH300SCKS to remove heavy metals.

Let us know your ideal product in the comments section below, and we’ll be back with another comprehensive guide soon.

Till then, stay hydrated!