Water Filtration

Why is it that the replacement water filter cartridge cost is never really mentioned when you initially buy a filtration system?  Because they probably don’t want you to know how much they cost!  Here’s a few tips that’ll save you some good money each year.

When most people browse around for a water filtration system, they often look for an inexpensive system- something they can pay a few bucks for TODAY and bring home to use.  Some go to their local department store, while others look online.

But I’m writing this article to inform you that it’s not always a good idea to buy the cheapest filtration system available (at least the cheapest one, initially).  And here’s why…

Let’s take Brita pitcher filters for example.  They are one of the cheapest units available on the market, which explains why they are the most popular.  There’s just something about a low price tags that gets everyone’s attention for some reason

Anyway, these pitcher filters are by far one of the cheapest systems to get, costing around $25.  But what most people don’t realize is that each replacement water filter cartridge needs to be replaced 2-3 times a month!  And at $20 for a 3-pack of filters, you’re talking paying over $240 a year plus the initial $25 it cost to get the pitcher in the first place (and these type of filters are the least effective kind!)

The point I’m trying to make is this:  In order to better see how much a water filtration system is going to cost, you HAVE TO factor in the costs of each replacement water filter cartridge.

An great way to find an accurate measurement of overall cost is figuring out how much it costs to filter a gallon of water.  So with the water pitcher example, each replacement water filter cartridge costs about $7.50 and it filters 30 gallons of water.  So along with the $25 it costs to get the system, you have to pay 25 cents for every gallon of water that’s filtered.

But let me just give you an idea as to how cheap it can really be to own a home filtration system.  I bought a quality home filtration system that removes over 99% of most contaminants in tap water for $100.  The filter it came with lasted for 6 months (filtering 500 gallons), and each replacement water filter cartridge costs $50.  So, by spending $100 a year to filter 1000 gallons of water, it only costs me about 10 cents to filter a whole gallon of water!

Now that’s cheap! So, needless to say, always remember to include the cost of the replacement water filter cartridges in your overall descision.

An Ezine article

Personal health is becoming a very hot topic these days and one of the ways to achieve this goal is to increase one’s daily water intake. The type of water consumed is a very important aspect of this goal. The bottled water industry has made has an enormous profit as a result of this trend however, it is not very convenient for the average person to continually purchase, stock, recycle and restock those plastic water bottles. Many are now opting to have a water-filtration system installed in their homes. But, how exactly do they work? Most filters work in different stages. The following is a breakdown of the three stages of a KDF water filter.

Stage 1: Mechanical Filtration - Mechanical filtration occurs during the first stage of filtration and filters out the large particles from the water. This filter will remove particles like silt, sediment and sand from the water. Many filters on the market utilize only mechanical filtration thus enabling the smaller, harmful particles to enter into the drinking water

Stage 2: Electrochemical/Oxidation-Reduction - During the second stage of water filtration the KDF filter employs the use of copper and zinc to create an electrochemical and spontaneous oxidation-reduction process to filter out the smaller, toxic particles in the water. This technology was patented in 1987 by Fluid Treatment Inc. creating a brand new approach to water filtration. This second stage of filtration can reduce the presence of chlorine by as much as 99% while reducing the use of silver during filtration which has been banned by the EPA.

Stage 3: Adsorption: Granulated Activated Carbon - Granulated activated carbon (GAC) is utilized during the third stage to filter out herbicides, pesticides and industrial chemicals commonly found in the water supply. Carbon’s permeability allows for incredible rates of adsorption and when combined with the two other phases makes KDF filters the best and safest way to filter water.

An Ezine article

The water filter installed in your home is supposed to help you by filtering and cleaning the water that reaches your faucet. Because today’s rivers and streams (even underground water supplies) are more and more polluted and the demand for fresh water in on the rise, water purifying plants cannot always offer you pure water.

To increase the level of protection for you and your family, you should install a cold water filter. But once you have installed such a water filter, it will not function forever. Water filter manufacturers specify that you should keep your filter in a good shape by avoiding damaging it and replacing it after its lifespan has ended.

Most people forget to replace the water filter and by doing so, they expose themselves and their family to more severe perils then by not having a water filter at all.

To understand why changing your water filter is vital, you should know how water filters work. Most modern water filters are based on the carbon’s property to absorb impurities from the water. The carbon filters are thicker then ordinary filters, taking the water longer to pass through all the filter’s layers, ending up with more pure and cleaner water.

The carbon water filter also absorbs bacteria and chemicals (such as pesticides) from the cold water in addition to the debris, but when the filter gets clogged, its purifying and cleaning properties will decrease. These sediments that gather in your water filter contain bacteria and other dangerous substances and if you do not change it at the recommended moment, you will end up with all these substances and debris in your cold water.

Replacing the water filter is fairly easy. Water filter manufacturers provide replacement filters at affordable prices, so buying them is not an issue. Changing the filter is also straightforward, as all you have to do is take the old filter out of its socket and put the new one in its place. Simply unlock the filter canister by turning its cap about one fourth turn to the left and redo the procedure, in the reverse order, to replace the water filter.

You can find the best prices for a replacement water filter either at online shops or in local hardware and plumbing stores. Just make sure you buy the exact replacement water filter for your particular type of cold water filter.

An Ezine article

The cost of water filter replacement cartridges is something you should consider before you buy a new system. If you review the company’s product performance data, the current price of their replacement water filter cartridges is a determining factor in the “cost of use”.

You may be surprised to learn that some of the cheaper systems have the most expensive water filter replacement cartridges, so the cost to use those products is quite a bit higher than their competitors’. Systems that cost less than 10 cents per day are easily affordable.

Some systems cost upwards of 25 cents per day, due to the higher price of their water filter cartridges or to the gallons of water that can be cleaned before the filters need to be replaced. It is reasonable to expect 500 gallons of water before you need to buy water filter replacement cartridges. 500 gallons is equivalent to about six months worth of drinking water for most families.

You should be wary of companies that claim their water filter cartridges are “maintenance free”. Usually, this means that instead of buying water filter replacement cartridges, you have to buy a whole new system every three months or so.

You should also pay attention to what contaminants the water filter cartridges can remove. Many systems only filter out chlorine taste and odor. While that’s important, there may be other things in your water.

One of the scariest contaminants is lead. You probably know that lead is a toxic metal that when ingested builds up in the body and causes brain damage, organ failure and a host of other health problems. Only the best water filter replacement cartridges block lead.

Another scary possibility is the parasite cryptosporidium. Treatment facilities use chlorine to kill most of the living things in the water supply, but cryptosporidium is resistant to chlorine, particularly during the microscopic “cyst” phase. Most water filter cartridges cannot protect you from cryptosporidium and other cysts.

Those are just two reasons that you need to read about the product’s certified performance before you buy. Sales pitches make all water filter replacement cartridges sound like the best thing ever, but you can’t fall for the hype. If you do, you are putting your health at risk.

Even if you buy a really good system, it becomes worthless if you do not replace the water filter cartridges regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s replacement schedule to the letter. It may seem like a hassle, but it’s the only way to guarantee the purity of your water.

One company is trying to take the hassle out of buying water filter replacement cartridges and others may follow suit, because it’s a good idea. As busy as people are these days and with all the things that they have to remember, the need to replace their water filter cartridges every 3-6 months (depending on the model and manufacturer) often takes a back seat to “more important” things.

What could really be more important than clean water is hard to say, but everyone has their own priorities. If replacing your water filter cartridges is not a priority in your life, or if you just have a hard time remembering, look for a company like Crystal Quest that offers automatic shipment. That way, you’ll get your water filter replacement cartridges on time, without any effort on your part.

An Ezine article

A lot of homemakers no longer use pitchers to dispense water. Several refrigerators already come packaged with built-in water dispensers for convenient water dispensing in the home. But just as there are pitcher filters that filter out the water dispensed by pitchers, there are also refrigerator filters that can be attached to your fridge to make sure you still get pure and clean drinking water.

Here are the top three brands and offers in the refrigerator filter market.

Maytag: Puriclean II for Pure Drinking Water

With 4.8 stars on Amazon, Maytag’s UKF8001 Puriclean II refrigerator water filter is a top-of-the-line fridge water filter from Maytag, a leading manufacturer of drinking filters. The Puriclean II line is an NSF-certified filter that can effectively reduce harmful contaminants in water and keep it from from unwanted taste and odor.

The Puriclean II effectively removes cysts, particulates, lead, mercury, and asbestos. The fridge filter also reduces the taste and smell of chlorine. However, it retains beneficial fluoride in the water to make sure you still harvest the benefits of pure and clean drinking water that your refrigerator dispenses.

The Maytag Puriclean II can be used with most Maytag and Jenn-Air refrigerators with special filter access inside. It fits into side by side, cabinet depth and French door refrigerator types. The filter needs to be replaced every 12 months to ensure maximum protection against most contaminants that threaten your drinking water dispensed from the refrigerator.

Whirlpool: KitchenAid Side-by-Side Quarter Turn Refrigerator Filter

Whirlpool is a trusted name among homeowners. Aside from the kitchen and cooking appliances it has become known for, Whirlpool also offers KitchenAid water filters that can work with Whirlpool and KitchenAid side-by-side refrigerators that come with built in water dispenser. The KitchenAid Quarter Turn Water Filter 4396508P is rated with 4.6 stars for effectiveness and reliability.

The KitchenAid waterfilter can remove the taste and odor of chlorine in water, and can also remove most contaminants such as mercury, lead, and particulates. The filter is easy to install and replace with its quarter turn feature. And without any drop in filtration quality, the water filter is able to retain beneficial fluoride found in water.

This model comes in a pack of two so you get more value for what you pay. The filter needs to be replaced every six months, which means the pack of two filters is enough to last you for an entire year. This is an extremely popular refrigerator water filter choice.

Crystal Quest Refrigerator Ice & Water Filters

Another leading band of refrigerator filter is Crystal Quest, which offers several different filtration systems in the market at a price that beats the others hands down. These extremely affordable refrigerator water filters can purify the drinking water dispensed by your refrigerator as well as the water used in making ice. They also effectively filter out contaminants including lead, cysts, and benzene, among many others, without removing beneficial fluoride as well as reduce the taste and odor of chlorine.

The Crystal Quest Refrigerator Ice and Water Filters only need to be replaced every six months to maintain their high level of water filtration quality.

To find out more about Crystal Quest refrigerator filters, simply run a search on Google or Yahoo and see for yourself.

Excerpted from an Ezine article

You hate the taste, you hate the smell, and you know it is bad for you. The harmful, disgusting water that you drink, clean and cook with. So what is the best solution on a reasonable budget? Get an under sink water filter. An under sink water filter eliminates the harmful contaminates in your water, it is simple to install, and it costs less than $10 a month!

Crystal Quest under sink water filters do an excellent job at removing the harmful contaminants that result in bad tasting and bad smelling water. They reduce the chlorine taste as well as the sediment and lead that are potentially harmful to our bodies.

These filtration systems install easily under your sink, and the filters last approximately 6 months or 500 gallons.

Another great aspect is that the filters are relatively inexpensive to replace. You can get one for less than $60 when most run $90 or more.

So, the overall price is really a steal of a deal when it comes to Crystal Quest under sink water filters.

An Ezine article

There are many online stores offering you host of water coolers made by different brands. At first glance and thought of buying a water cooler, you might be clueless. You might spend hours thinking about which cooler should I buy? Am I going in the right direction or not? Well, this article can assist you in buying a cooler that serves your needs perfectly. The market these days has water coolers by a variety of brands including Crystal Quest. All the brands offer customers products with latest features and urge the customers to go for their products.

But as the consumer, you have to be be alert and do an active research. The range of Crystal Quest Water Coolers is known for its top notch quality, pure water services and affordable pricing. These coolers are all Bottle-less or Point of Use Coolers (POU).

POU Water Coolers by Crystal Quest are quite popular. You can browse through the various types and styles of coolers and then decide where you are going to use the water cooler and its ease of use. Standard features are a must and all models offered by them have a security flood prevention ( smart valve ) built in. They are also U.L and C.E approved and unlike other cooler dispensers, meet the specifications of commercial units. Their energy efficient design helps to supply pure, uncontaminated water, with every drop.

Water coolers by Crystal Quest provide pure, natural water that is safe and hygienic. Potable drinking water is what you require and this is what these coolers provide. Whether you are using it at home or office, go for a model that looks good and does not cause any damage to your interiors. You can go in for a unit that can be mounted on a counter top or tall, slim and sleek unit that can be placed in a corner of a party hall or in various locations throughout the business world. Once you have invested in the right Crystal Quest water cooler, you won’t regret it.

An Ezine article

A water cooler for home! Do you really need one? According to the Pacific Institute, in 2008, 53% of Americans were worried a great deal about pollution of drinking water (Top Environmental Concerns of the American Public: Selected Years, 1997-2008).

If you don’t trust your city water, you do have a couple of choices: filter your water at Point of Use; or purchase bottled water. With bottled water, you can buy cases of little plastic bottles, contributing to landfill problems. Or, you can have chilled, ready to drink spring water from a cooler which holds 5 gallons of great tasting water.

So what is a water cooler anyhow? It’s a freestanding device that cools water for drinking. This includes both bottled and bottle-less water coolers.

Most floor mounted water coolers are around 3′ high. However, there are table-top models also available on the market, if you have room on your counter top or table.

There are basically two different types of water coolers available on the market:

Point Of Use water cooler: This cooler connects to your city supplied water system, and holds the water chilled, ready for drinking. Also called a bottle-less cooler, there are filtered and unfiltered units available.

Bottled-Water cooler: This cooler dispenses water from a removable plastic (or rarely, glass) bottle commonly positioned on top of the unit. Most bottles are 5 gallons, but 3 gallon bottles are also available on the market.

There are a couple of different types of bottled water available:

Spring water is the most popular. Spring water is generally defined as groundwater that flows naturally and discharges to the land surface or into a a stream, river, or lak About 75% of bottled water sold in the U.S. comes from natural underground sources, which include rivers, lakes, springs and artesian wells, according to the FDA.

Purified water, which may have been purified by any one of a number of methods, may have started out as plain old city water. The most popular method for this water to be purified include reverse osmosis, de-ionization, and distillation; various methods of filtration may also be used, depending on the bottler. According to a four-year study by the Natural Resources Defense Council about 25% of U.S. bottled water sold is purified city water.

Most water coolers have cold and room temperature water dispensing… more expensive units have a heater. Here are the types available:

Cold-Only Units: These units dispense either cold water only. They use a refrigeration unit to keep the water cold.

Cook-and-Cold Units: These units dispense both cold and room-temperature water, the latter primarily for use for cooking, hence the “cook” part of the title (no, the water isn’t cooked in the cooler!)

Hot-and-Cold Units: These units dispense both hot and cold water. Some units may even have a third tap for room-temperature water. These models have an electric heater and a refrigeration cycle.

You’re probably wondering, how hard is it to maintain one of these things? Well, not hard at all. It’s generally recommended that you clean the machine on every bottle change.

How to clean your water cooler:

• Unplug cord from electrical outlet of cooler.
• Remove the empty bottle from your cooler.
• Prepare a disinfecting solution by adding one tablespoon of household bleach to one gallon of water. I have personally used a stronger blend of bleach; just make sure you rinse your cooler thoroughly (as below). Other disinfecting solutions may be suitable. Some people have had good results with a combination vinegar/water mixture. However, I personally use bleach. You just have to be careful to rinse it extremely well afterwards!
• Pour the bleach solution into the reservoir.
• Wash reservoir thoroughly with bleach solution and let stand for not less than two minutes so as to be effective.
• Drain bleach/disinfection solution from reservoir through faucets.
• Rinse reservoir thoroughly with clean tap water, draining water through faucets, to remove traces of the bleach/disinfection solution. Repeat at the very least, four times.
• Lift off the drip tray under the faucets and wash the tray in mild detergent.
• Rinse well in clean tap water and replace on cooler.

And finally, enjoy your fresh, clean water no matter which type of water cooler you decide on!

An Ezine article

If, like many Americans, you have found yourself in a position where the water coming to your home is potentially harmful to you and your family, you have purchased a filtration system of some kind. There are many different types available and all work in a different way to help keep the water your family uses clean and safe. One thing most have in common, however, is they use water filter cartridges. With that comes, of course water filter replacement cartridges.

Ok, so you started to notice that your baby’s skin was much drier than a few months ago, or that your hair was just a little off-color, or the laundry wasn’t as white as you thought it should be. You did all of the right things. You got the water tested. You were able to find out exactly what was in your water that was making all of these things happen.

You searched for the right filter for your particular contaminants. You were thorough; you did research on the best filters available, you asked questions, and you got a good price. You carefully installed the filters, following the instructions to a tee. You even had the water tested after installation to ensure that the bad stuff was not there. You put your hand on your hips, smiled triumphantly and thought about how well you have protected your loved ones.

But beware. Your work is not yet done. Occasionally, you will need to order water filter replacement cartridges.
You have done a good thing, true, but these units are not “fire and forget”. They require a certain amount of care and maintenance. Most importantly, the water filter cartridges need to be replaced on a regular basis.

Instructions on replacing your water filter cartridges can most often be found in the owner’s manual you received when you purchased your water filter. If you have lost or misplaced the manual, most companies have websites that have any information you need. Be aware of the “shelf life” of your water filter cartridges and how often they should be changed, keeping in mind that certain environmental factors and frequency of use may affect the recommended replacement time frame. Also, be sure to get the right water filter replacement cartridges for your model.

When you bought your filter, you were smart enough to buy from a reliable manufacturer, so actually finding water filter replacement cartridges should be a snap, right? When you do buy the replacements, be sure to buy more than one per unit. It is definitely a good idea to order new water filter cartridges at the same time as when you install the last one. You do not want to wait until the cartridge in the filter is overdue before ordering new ones. After all of your hard work, you don’t want to expose you family to the harmful stuff you have been trying to protect them from, do you?

Excerpted from an Ezine article

Tap water is something you should try to avoid because its not as pure as you think it is. You see, tap water nowadays collects just about everything that is bad in our world - the numerous physical factors such as oils, and other types of particles.

The biological particles that can be anything from viruses to bacteria, and finally, the chemical compounds that are the worst ones yet - they are invisible, and can sometimes be deadly if you do not use some sort of water filtering system.

The clear thing is, none of these contaminants is helping you to live a long and healthy life, therefore finding the right water filter is almost imperative. For you to gain more knowledge on this subject, this article describes the main features of an undersink water filter.

Any undersink water filter is designed to treat tap water before it actually reaches the kitchen sink. This type of filtration will make sure that sediments, physical and chemical factors are removed from the water, thus making it purer and healthier.

Installation is often easy - if you are not generally afraid to change a light bulb, then you should have no problem installing an undersink water filter (on the other hand, if you are afraid, consider calling a plumber).

You see, most under sink water filters are actually screwed onto the valve that exists below your sink, therefore, when water is turned on, it will first go through the filter, and then reach your sink. The process is rather simple and logical, obviously.

Of course, not all under sink water filters do the same thing - the cheaper ones will only clean your water of sediments and similar physical particles, others may clean your water from any biological (bacteria and viruses) particles, and the top notch ones will ensure that all harmful chemical compounds are removed too. You can easily notice the difference by looking at the price tag or at the specification of the box.

Why use under sink water filters?

As with any other water filter, using an under sink water filter has the major advantage of clearing your water, making it healthier, not to mention drinkable. You see, very often, our pipes are rather old (only in newly built places the pipes are new and clean) and it would be very expensive to start replacing them.

On the other hand, using a filter will diminish the problem in a very cheap way. Under sink water filters may not be the best filter choice for you, however, they do avoid clutter in the kitchen (and in the bathroom), and they ensure an efficient filtration of the water that goes to your sink.

An Ezine article