What You Should Know About the RO System
Choosing the right RO system can be straightforward when you know what factors to consider, here are some basic information to help you know more about the RO system.
1. Know Your Water Quality
Test Water: Before you choose a water filter, you need to understand you water quality. Identify the specific contaminants present by testing your tap water. RO system can filter out varity of contaminants like lead, chlorine, nitrates, fluoride and etc., combine your local tap report and your testing result will help you choose the right filtration stages of RO system for your home.
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): High TDS levels indicate that you need a more powerful filtration system. For example, a reverse osmosis system with a sediment pre-filter may be needed if your water is hard.
2. Decide on the Types of RO System
The next step is made a decision on what types of RO system suitable for your home after you decide to purchase a RO system. There are three main types RO system on the market.
Under Sink RO System: If you have enough space under the sink in your home and can make simple modifications to the plumbing, you can opt for a water purification system, one of the more popular forms of water purification systems, which is installed under the sink and has a separate pure water faucet.
Countertop RO System: This is an emerging water purification system option in recent years, and these portable RO systems are perfect for renters or people who need a solution that doesn't require installation. Countertop RO water filter systems are very convenient because they don't have a fixed location, they can be moved around at any time, and can be put away when not in use.
Whole House Reverse Osmosis Systems: These systems are installed on the main water line and purify all the water that enters the home. These systems are more costly and require regular maintenance, but are suitable for situations where the entire home needs to have its water purified, such as in highly polluted areas.
3. Consider Water Efficiency
Traditional reverse osmosis system produce heavy waste water during the filtration process. Choose models with low wastewater ratios or “high efficiency” systems that use less water per gallon of purified water. Some advanced systems have wastewater ratios as low as 4:1, greatly reducing water waste.
4. Filtration Stages
Multi-Stage: Now many ro system features multiple stage filtration, such as sediment filter, PP filter, carbon filter, even with UV filter. If you want to remove odors, chemicals, or bacteria in addition to dissolved solids, consider a system with extra filtration stages.
Functional Filters: Because reverse osmosis removes both contaminants and essential minerals, some systems include a functional cartridge such as a remineralization filter that reintroduces beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium to improve the taste and quality of the water.
5. Seek More Functions
Temperature Available: Some countertop ro system features with temperature option, like instant heating, or cold water, allowing you to choose specific temperatures for making tea, coffee, or baby formula. This feature is especially convenient for households with diverse water temperature needs.
Adjustable Water Output: Some systems allow you to customize the amount of water discharged, ideal for filling large containers or controlling the amount of water used.
Smart Display: Many modern reverse osmosis systems are equipped with digital displays that monitor filter life, water quality, leak alarms and other system functions to make maintenance easier.
6. Maintenance Cost
Filter Replacement Frequency: PPC filter typically need to be replaced every 6-12 months, while the reverse osmosis membranes themselves have a life expectancy of about 12-24 months. Some models have longer filter life, saving time and reducing ongoing costs.
Replacement Costs: Consider the cost of replacing filters and compare between different brands. Systems that cost less may seem appealing up front, but over time, filters can become more expensive to replace.
7. Check for Certifications
NSF/ANSI Certification: Check to see if the system is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to ensure that the system meets certain standards for contaminant reduction, structural integrity, and safety.
Making Your Final Decision
When choosing a reverse osmosis system, start by determining what you care about most - whether it's maximizing contaminant removal, reducing water waste, ease of maintenance, or special features like instant heating. With these factors in mind, you'll be able to find the system that meets your family's needs for safe, great-tasting water. With the right reverse osmosis system, you can be confident in the quality of every drop of water!