Sunday, February 28, 2010

Should I Buy an expensive water filter?

Buying the correct and top quality water filters to prevent dirt and other chemical from entering your home is important for you and your family, but because there is so much demand for the systems, there are some pretty bad products discover in the market. Of course, the top companies are reputable and honest, but marketers or not to not always be trusted. Because these people will make the most outrageous claims and lies just to make you buy there product.

All that you want is something clean and pure to drink. And don't have to good through and hassle, because marketers know that’s what you want.

Try to ignore the business hype and look at the facts. Companies should provide product performance data for their drinking liquid separate system, but if you order digit from HSN or QVC, you module encounter that information missing. Remember to always look for product reviews, compare products and ask real people which is the better choice.

After buying a water filter you may learn that what you have purchased is not a purifier at all
Chlorine removal is fine, but not enough anymore. We have learned that drugs, hormones, pesticides, herbicides, benzene, gasoline additives and tiny bacterial cysts are all present in groundwater and become through the tap. Data sheets should include information most how effectively those contaminants module be removed.

Should I buy the most expensive water filter?

Price is no indication of performance. The most expensive systems are sometimes the least effective. Or least expensive water filter can be more effective than the other brand. Of course, you have to look for the ones on the other end of the scale, as well.

Remember water filters need cartridges too usually have a brief lifespan requiring frequent replacement. There really is no such thing as a maintenance free unit. There are some disposable ones, but they cost even more in the long run and are mostly ineffective.

A reasonable price to pay is around $125 for a kitchen countertop unit. Of course those systems become direct from the factory. You’ll pay more if you buy from a department store or dealer, because of mark-up. Everybody wants to make a profit.

Department of health credential recommend companies that have excellent performance records. Extensive investigating is required to receive this certificate. So, if a company has one, rest assured that you have found quality.

Why use water filters?

If you’re the same as other consumers not using right water filters, you’re in terrible trouble, and here’s why. Many People do not know what is in their tap water, and there in lies the shock.
And your water company will not tell you, A few of the ingredients in your tap liquid allow bacteria, viruses, uranium, radium, nitrate, arsenic, metal and fluoride. One of the most prominent ingredients in tap liquid is dissolved toilet tissue. Good reason? There should be added reason to consider using a water filter, to protect your health and the other people in your household, Long term.

Where does this filth come from? Some of it actually comes from uncolored sources much as sway formations such as rivers, ocean, rain...etc that find their way into our liquid supply. Some chemicals much as chlorine are actually settled into our liquid cater on purpose to kill off bacteria. The difficulty is, chlorine which can be linked to certain cancers.

Our local water treatment plants do try to do a beatific employ in making sure our liquid is safe, from contaminants. We are also faced with a dwindling cater of firm clean water, so some cities hit overturned to using reclaimed water. Reclaimed liquid includes the remains that is flushed in your toilet, and then is chemically aerated and used in our water supply. You should consider using a water filter.

There are some types and brands of water filters available in the market. The most expensive is not always best. Same goes for the cheapest. Some liquid filters are cheap and do a fair job, but they need replacement cartridges often, which end up being more expensive in the long run than higher priced water filters.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

House Water Filters – How to Choose the Best Water Purifier?

Many people are looking for house water filters and for a good reason — plainly said our tap water is not always safe to drink. Surely, it has been purified, but usually this water purification process is not enough to remove such dangerous things as bacteria, radio nuclides, metals and traces of pesticides and herbicides, which are often found in ordinary household tap water. Having a house water purification system will help you to ensure that water you and your family drinks is healthy and clean, but which type of filter is right for you?


Most effective types of home water purifiers


The most popular water filters are carbon water filters also called charcoal filters. They are made from coconut husk. This type of filter is pretty good – it removes most dangerous water impurities, but allows minerals that are beneficial to our health to pass. Carbon filters are not expensive, and a single cartridge lasts 6-9 month.


However, carbon water purifiers have some disadvantages. First, they can’t change the pH of your water, so if you know that the water in your aria is acidic, you might need another type of filter – simple carbon one won’t fix the problem. Another problem is, that if the filter was unused for several days it starts getting moldy, especially in hot summer month. If you feel that your filtered water tastes moldy, change the cartridge.


Reverse Osmosis water Filters – More sophisticated technology


This type of water purifier was developed for use in submarines to turn salty sea water into drinking water. But it does more that that – as water passes through a very fine membrane, most contaminants are removed. Reverse Osmosis water purifiers do their job extremely well, sometimes a bit too well. They remove every mineral, leaving just pure distilled water and as some researchers discovered distilled water is not the best thing for our health ether – our bodies need many minerals that usually come with hard (not purified) water.


UV water filters effectively kill all bacteria


Ultra Violet water filtration systems are a comparatively recent invention. As high frequency light passes through the water, it effectively kills all microorganisms. So UV filters are great for getting rid of bacteria, but they don’t remove any dangerous minerals. They are often used in hotels in countries, where the risk of contaminated water is high.


There are more water purification methods including magnetic systems, energetic water treatments, far infra red systems and water ionizers. They all are effective to a certain degree, but some of them are still experimental and are not yet used for house water purification.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

The Top Ten Health Benefits of Using House Water Filters

I don’t know a thing about you but I’ll bet that you are concerned about your health and that of your family. One of the most important aspects of maintaining good health is drinking fresh, clean water. Tap water is simply unsafe to drink. It is known to contain various harmful contaminants that are dangerous to your health. House water filters using carbon block or granular filtration technology can protect you from those risks and provide you with many other health benefits you ought to consider. Here are the top ten health benefits of using home water filtration systems.

1. Carbon home water filter systems prevent respiratory illness. The chemicals in tap water are released in the steam when you cook, clean, and bathe, and can severely affect the air quality in your home. Inhaling these chemicals can lead to respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis and in some cases even cancer.

2. Got allergies? House water filters are here to help. You will notice a huge reduction of allergy symptoms by using carbon home water filters because they prevent the chemicals in tap water from being released into the air.

3. Another symptom associated with breathing chemicals from tap water is fatigue. The chlorine in tap water can make you feel tired and lethargic. By using whole home water filter systems, you will notice your energy level dramatically improve.

4. If you have problems with dry skin, try using a carbon block or granular shower water filter. Within days of using a shower water filter, you will notice that your hair feels much softer. The chlorine in tap water strips your hair and skin of its natural protective oils, hence causing severe dryness and irritation.

5. It’s no coincidence that the rates of cancer skyrocketed when we started to use chemicals like chlorine, pesticides, and herbicides. According to the Ralph Nader Research Group, there are over 2,100 carcinogens in tap water. If you want to dramatically reduce your risk of getting cancer, use a carbon home water filter.

6. Children are especially susceptible to the dangers of drinking tap water. Their defense systems are not fully developed and they absolutely need clean water in order to flush out the harmful toxins that accumulate in their bodies. By giving your child filtered water, you can prevent him from getting developmental disabilities as well.

7. Back pain is often caused by a deficiency of body fluids. The pain, swelling, and soreness associated with backaches can easily be relieved with the sufficient intake of fresh, filtered water from carbon home water filter systems.

8. You can easily get rid of a stress-related headache by drinking a glass of filtered water. Your brain produces histamines when it detects a shortage of body fluids, leading to headaches. Drink plenty of fresh, clean water from carbon house water filters every day in order to prevent stress-related headaches.

9. Drinking clean water will help your body metabolize and get rid of excess fat. Drinking plenty of fresh, filtered water is essential if you want to achieve your weight loss goals.

10. Drinking water from carbon home water filter systems will help you detoxify. You are exposed to chemicals everyday through the food you eat, household chemicals, etc. and the only way to effectively flush out the toxins that accumulate in your body is through drinking clean, filtered water. Water is the body’s only means of detoxifying and preventing disease, making it especially important to use a carbon home water filter.

In conclusion, carbon block or granular house water filters have a great number of benefits to your health and that of your family. The best way to prevent disease and achieve well-being is by drinking and bathing in fresh, filtered water. Clean water is the foundation of good health. If you want to stay healthy for years to come, get out there and purchase a carbon home water filter.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Types Of Carbon Water Filters

Relying on specialists in water related problems and resorting to them to identify the type of problem you confront with is the best thing to do before buying a water filter. A professional lab will tell you within a short period of time the nature of the problem and whether you need to purchase carbon water filters, an iron water filter or others. There is no point in spending a significant amount of money without consulting a professional first, because there’s a big chance you’ll regret your decision.

Water equipment is necessary but this doesn’t mean that you have to pay a lot of money on a water system. Before you decide to purchase any equipment, we suggest testing your water and making sure that the system you opt for will treat your problem adequately. As long as you consult with water quality professionals and equipment suppliers, you will be able to identify with their help the best system that meets your individual needs. Once you have identified the type and the level of contaminants, you will be able to choose the water system you need.

All carbon water filters remove organic compounds and the effectiveness of such filters depends on the amount of carbon in the unit and how long the water remains there. If the water remains in contact with the filter medium for a longer period of time the more impurities are removed. However, we suggest replacing carbon filters cartridges when the problems of taste and odor reappear. The cartridges of carbon water filters can range from a few dollars to several hundreds and there are units that require professional installation. The most popular types of carbon filters, based on their location in the plumbing system, are: faucet mount, in-line, line bypass and point of entry.

The first category of carbon water filters is usually cheaper and it is attached to the faucet where the drinking water comes out, containing a small amount of carbon. The in-line filters are installed behind the kitchen sink, treating only cold water running from the tap, while warm, and hot water will remain untreated. The line bypass filters are also attached to the cold water supply line and the carbon water filters last longer because it treats only the water that is being used. The last category of filters treat all the water that enters the home and it is great for the treatment of volatile organic compounds that evaporate into the air. These are the most efficient filters but also the most expensive ones as far as cost and maintenance are concerned.

Another frequent problem is the contamination of water with iron; besides causing an unpleasant metallic taste, the iron also causes staining of fixtures and laundry. Unfortunately, an iron water filter can be quite expensive, requiring significant monitoring and maintenance but if you do a little research you just might find something cost-effective. Some advantages of the iron water filter are: the cost of competitive iron treatment systems, easy to replace cartridge, no backwashing required and not adding harmful products to the drinking water.

Furthermore, the iron water filter prevents the staining of laundry and plumbing system, the life of the filter is relatively long, the installation is simple and it doesn’t take a lot of time and its size is quite small so it doesn’t require a lot of storage. As you can see, each water filter is meant to treat a certain problem, so it is up to specialist to decide what type of filter you need.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Water filtering and pure drinking water

There are several water borne diseases, while organizing drinking water or serving water in different occasions, it is prudent to have a clear insight regarding proper water filtrations. It is a hard fact that we all are quite concerned about clean water intake but we do not have the proper information regarding the processes that we need to follow to drink pure water. All types of water supply that are made today are filtered water. Still it is advisable to keep a water filter for water filtering in a proper way.

Refrigerating the filtered water is often a challenge and especially while we arrange for cool drinking water for some occasions, refrigeration of pure water often becomes a problem. So, it is best to go for water coolers instead of taking the hassles of purifying water and then cooling it. The reputed water cooler manufacturers provide both purifying and cooling facilities. Even containers are not required for filtering the cool water; the water coolers are well designer and have proper water storage facilities. About 70% of our physical make up is made up of water and for this reason it is necessary to ensure proper water intake to keep our body functioning properly.

To be specific, water filtering is advisable since last two decades. The process of filtering water is not always same. There are different types of filters that provide de-mineralized water and it is not at all a good idea to intake such water. Human body require some of the minerals that remain within water and so the water filtering processes that maintains good taste of the water beside keeping the water minerals intact can be the ideal drinking water. It is indeed sensible to get a water filtering system that provides drinking water besides keeping taste of the water intact.

It is beyond question that water is indispensible to our lives. Our bodies are often susceptible to different water borne diseases. It is not that only the children are only affected by the water borne diseases but the adults also can have illness due to unfiltered water intake. It is a prudent idea to carry water bottles and filtered cool water within the bottles. Many people prefer that buying mineral water is the alternative solution of carrying drinking water. Actually the mineral water is costlier and always it is nice to maintain similar drinking water intake. Water filtering and clean drinking water is mandatory to prevent diseases like cholera and typhoid.

The advance water filtering system consist combination of filter, there are several parameters set by the Federal government for proper water filtering and while we buy a water filter, we must remember that the good water filters only ensures proper water filtering process. There are several online resources that provide in-depth information about proper water filtering. The cool water filters are now highly popular as both taste of the drinking water gets maintained and the water is also filtered properly. Before purchasing a water filter, it is necessary consider the different available options.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

How to Choose the Right Water Filter

A Guide To Aid Consumers In Choosing An Effective, Cost Efficient, Drinking Water Filtration Unit.

Purchasing a water filter in today’s marketplace can be confusing even for the most savvy of consumers. Hopefully this guide will assist you in making the right choice in purchasing any water filtration system.

There are over 400 companies that sell drinking water systems for the treatment of various contaminants. Water filters vary widely in quality, price, and performance. Although hundreds of companies make water filtration devices that can reduce chlorine from water, only a few companies offer drinking water treatment units that are certified to reduce a wide array of contaminants of health concern.

A few companies or their representatives claim their products produce PURE drinking water. I have yet to meet such an animal. No water filter produces PURE water, but some do reduce numerous contaminants to a high degree. Avoid any brand that makes such false claims.

Water filters are like everything else, quality costs money. Quality drinking water purification systems usually cost a few hundred dollars to purchase, but save money in the long run because they produce drinking water for a fraction of the cost as compared to cheap filters.

Cheap filters do little or nothing as far as purifying drinking water. One thing they are good for is costing the consumer a lot of money in purchasing replacement filters. A quality filter will give you years of service and save you money. As a rule of thumb – If it costs less than – Let’s say $200.00 – Put it back on the shelf. Do not worry, I am going to show you how you will save more than the $200.00….

Here are a few simple steps to purchasing a quality water filter that will be highly effective, cost efficient, and last for years.

Step 1 – Type Of System

Which application would be best for you – Counter Top – Undersink – Inline – or a Convertable type that can be used as a countertop or be installed undersink?

Counter Top Systems usually install by the use of a valve and rubber hose attached to your existing sink faucet. They do take up some space on the counter. Many people find this to be inconvenient.

Undersink Water Filters install conveniently under the sink and have their own faucet which should be installed at the corner of the sink. They save counter space. Sure beats having a monster sitting on your counter or a hose hanging off your sink faucet. This is the preferred type as it is not only the most convenient but can also be hooked up to an icemaker.

Inline Filters install directly in the line to any appliance that uses water such as an icemaking machine, coffee pots, water coolers, beverage machines, etc.

Convertible – Undersink/Countertop can be used as a countertop or installed as an undersink water filter.

Step 2 – Technology

Determine what you are trying to accomplish by using a water filter. Chlorine reduction only? Bacteria?

Or, do you want to effectively reduce bacterial cysts, chlorine and a wide range of chemical and organic contaminants at the same time. This is what a quality water filter can do.

Another thing to consider is – Do you want to remove the “Healthy Minerals” from your water? Minerals are good for your teeth and bones.

There are a number of different technologies when it comes to water purification. Here are some examples -

Loose Carbon – This is a bacteria factory. Loose carbon allows oxygen to exist within the filter itself which encourages, infact, enhances the growth of bacteria. These filters are very cheap to purchase, but expensive in the long run because the filters have to be replaced frequently.

Distillation – Can be effective on bacteria, sediments, solids, and any organic or chemical contaminant that will not evaporate. There are some chemical contaminants found in water today will evaporate, MTBE is a good example.

Ultraviolet lighting is sometimes used in conjunction with a filter to kill bacteria and has been found to be effective.

Reverse Osmosis – A membrane which reduces radium, fluoride, and numberous other contaminants to a high degree, but it does have it’s limitations. There are many contaminants found in water today that will pass through an RO membrane. Reverse Osmosis used in conjunction with a high quality filter can be very effective. Reverse Osmosis does remove the “Healthy Minerals”.

Reverse Osmosis alone is capable of reducing a number of contaminants found in drinking water today. Arsenic, barium, radium, giardia, cryptosporidium, entamoeba, fluoride, lead, nitrates, nitrites,
selenium and a few others…

Solid Carbon Block – This type of filtration reduces the widest range of chemical contaminants to a very high degree. Some are higher quality than others. The density and high quality of the carbon determine the effectiveness. Water passes through a high quality solid carbon block as a molecule instead of a drop. This means all the water touches the carbon. Therefore all the water is subject to proper filtration. Look for a carbon block which will reduce contaminants to at least 1 micron, preferably 0.5 micron. The smaller the number the better.

Any high quality solid carbon block will reduce a wide range of contaminants. Contaminants such as
lead, bacterial cysts, mercury, asbestos, mtbe, and many others.

Step 3 – Performance

Performance is the key factor. Actually the most important thing to look for in any water filter. Don’t waste your money on an ineffective water purification system that simply does not work.

****Carefully read the packaging. Determine which contaminants the manufacturer states the filter will reduce. The label on the product package should state exactly which contaminants it is capable of reducing based on standards set by NSF International.

**** So how do you know if the claims made on the label are correct? If the filters is not certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, put it back on the shelf. Quality water filter manufacturers put their filters through rigorous testing by NSF and are proud to advertise their certification.

**** NSF International tests and certifies drinking water treatment devices to the standard appropriate for the technology of the product. For filtration devices, NSF International may certify the product to improve the aesthetics of the water to Standard 42, the health effect of the water to Standard 53 or both. In addition, NSF has developed an additional testing standard for Reverse Osmosis units, Standard 58.

One other thing I want to mention, be sure the packaging states NSF Certified To Standard 53 for example. If it says “tested to NSF Standards” – This does Not Mean Certified.

If you want to see the actual certification, go to the NSF website: www.nsf.org - Click the consumer block and put in the make and model of the filter. If the filter is actually NSF Certified, you will be able to view the contaminants tested for and certified to remove. This way you can compare different certified filter’s performance.

Step 4 – Cost Efficiency

Quality water filters have a long filter life capacity. This is what Saves You Money. Look for a water filter that has a capacity rating of at least 6 months. Understand, this is an estimate. The actual life of the filter depends a lot upon the qualities of your water. If your water has a lot of solids the filter will clog sooner than it is rated. If your water has a high level of contaminants, it will become ineffective sooner. In most cases though, the filter life rating is conservative, meaning the filter will actually outlast the capacity rating. Always keep the filter changed at the recommended intervals, even sooner if possible.

Cheap ineffective filters actually cost more to operate. Having to frequently change the filter cost a lot of money in the long run.