Did you know that you can significantly improve the quality of your home’s drinking water by installing a reverse osmosis water system?
To ensure that you only get purified water straight from the tap, an RO system removes bacteria, chlorine, lead, and other contaminants. However, given the available variety, choosing the right system might be easier said than done.
Continue reading below to find out more about the different types of RO systems on the market and the main factors to consider when choosing the right fit for your home.
How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?
An RO system is designed to ensure that you get the cleanest and best-tasting water for home use – including drinking and cooking. To achieve this, the system relies on water pressure to move tap water through tiny pores in an RO filter membrane. The filter blocks contaminants while allowing water molecules to pass through. Up to 99 percent of contaminants like dissolved solids, chlorine and lead can be removed from tap water using an RO water system.
A countertop or under-sink set-up is a good fit for home use. Consider raising the water pH and adding more minerals by adding an alkaline filter to the system. This addition results in more balanced water.
Types of RO Water Systems
Alkaline and Standard RO water filters are your two main options when it comes to the types of reverse osmosis water systems according to Renewell Water.
Standard systems are not only cheaper but also more commonly used. However, in addition to removing sediments, bacteria, heavy metals and other contaminants, they also strip away some minerals that are beneficial to the human body.
To raise pH and make the water taste better, alkaline systems add various minerals – including calcium carbonate – to the filtered water. While they are considered to be the healthier options according to some people, alkaline systems are also more expensive than their standard counterparts.
How To Choose the Right Reverse Osmosis System
Research
Remember to do your research to find out as much as you can about different RO water systems before making a final decision. One of the best ways to identify the right set-up for your home is by sifting through available customer reviews. Customer feedback can give you a better idea of each system’s reliability and performance.
For the best outcome, it is recommended that you focus your attention on finding a system that is capable of filtering out all the contaminants found in your local water supply. The right system should be able to comfortably remove different harmful substances, including heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, pesticides and lead, among others.
Purchase Cost
If you are on a tight budget, some RO systems may be priced out of your range. To ensure that you get the most value for your money, compare the features of each product with others in the same price range.
Remember that cheaper products may not always be the best option. Some low-cost systems may not provide the best level of water quality or reliability. Cheaper products may be made using substandard components, filters, or membranes. This may increase the likelihood of failure – leading to frequent replacements or repairs.
On the other hand, some costlier options may come at a premium simply because they are manufactured by a well-known brand. This means that they may not deliver the expected performance.
To make sure that you get value for your money, be sure to find out whether the features and performance of the systems under consideration justify the price charged.
Cost of Replacement Filters
Most RO water systems require a filter change after every 6 to 12 months. As such, it pays to consider the cost of filter changes and factor it into the long-term maintenance cost of the overall system before making a final purchase decision.
You can make significant savings on the maintenance cost by opting for a system that uses affordable replacement filters. Low-cost filters come with several advantages. For starters, they encourage users to make regular replacements. Replacing filters regularly can enhance the performance of the system and boost longevity.
When shopping for a suitable reverse osmosis water system for your home, try to steer clear of products that require costly proprietary replacement filters.
Ease of Filter Change
In addition to choosing systems that support the use of low-cost replacement filters without negatively affecting performance, make sure that you look for something that facilitates quick and easy filter changes.
If you don’t want to endure cumbersome and messy filter changes, take the time to look for a system that supports a quick and effortless filter replacement process. “Quick-change” filters come with a user-friendly design that’s accompanied by simple instructions and requires no tool and/or minimal skills when it comes to filter replacement.
Environmental Friendliness
Are you committed to conserving water? Be sure to focus your attention on finding an eco-friendly RO water system. Traditional RO systems are associated with high wastage of water. In such systems, you need several gallons of tap water to produce just one gallon of clean filtered water. Fortunately, you can find environmentally friendly options that feature a state-of-the-art membrane that minimizes wastage.
Final Thoughts
There is a wide variety of reverse osmosis water systems designed for domestic use on the market. This means that you can find something that perfectly matches your needs and preferences. However, it also makes the work of identifying a perfect fit much harder. Fortunately, you can use the tips above to ensure that you make an informed final decision, and end up with the right RO system for your home.
