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8 Best Whole House Water Filter of 2024 to Improve Your Water Quality

14/08/24
Edmund
Written By: Edmund Yeo
Water Uni conducts in-depth research to guide prospective water filter users. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Are you looking for the best whole house water filter for your home's tap water? Our guide has got you covered. From budget-friendly to high-performance, we cover it all so you can keep your water clean and safe.

Overview of the Top Whole House Water Filters

How to Choose the Best Whole House Water Filter for Your Home

Choosing the right whole house water filtration system involves several factors. Start by identifying the contaminants in your water supply.

Private well users should test for bacteria, heavy metals, and other impurities using test kits or by hiring professionals. Public water users can check local water quality reports to find common contaminants like chlorine and chloramines.

Another critical consideration is the flow rate capacity of whole-house water filter systems.

Low-capacity systems can reduce water pressure and are not suitable for large homes. Choose a system that meets your household's water usage, measured in gallons per minute (GPM).

Systems range from 95,000 to 2,000,000 gallons, so match this to your household size and water usage.

Ensure the system you choose is NSF-certified to meet safety and performance standards.

Activated carbon filters are great at removing chlorine, organic chemicals and various impurities. Multistage systems offer more benefits by addressing multiple contaminants through different filtration stages and overall better water quality.

AO Smith Whole House Water Filter
AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System
Best for Budget-Friendly

#1 AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System

$339.00
The AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System is a great option for budget-friendly buyers looking for an effective and affordable solution.

Pros

Long filter life
Removes chlorine effectively
Affordable

Cons

Does not filter heavy metals
Limited bacteria removal
Designed for households of 4 or more people, this system can last up to 6 years or treat 600,000 gallons of water and is great value for money. 

Its multistage filtration process with activated carbon and ion exchange removes approximately 96.9% of chlorine taste and odor from the water.

However, the AO Smith system does not filter out heavy metals or bacteria, which could be a big limitation for some, especially if your water supply has high levels of these contaminants.

Rating:

Price: 5/5
Design: 4/5
Effectiveness: 3/5
Maintenance: 4/5
aquasana rhino
aquasana rhino whole house filter
Best Overall Performance

#2 Aquasana Rhino® WH-1000-CS

$1719.00
The Aquasana Rhino® stands out as the best overall performer in the realm of whole-house water filtration systems.
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Pros

Removes up to 99% of chlorine
Long lifespan
Comprehensive filtration

Cons

High upfront cost
Low flow rate
This system removes up to 99% of chlorine and other contaminants while making your water taste better. 

With 1,000,000 gallons or up to 10 years of life, it's cost-effective in the long run despite the higher upfront cost.

One of the best features of the Aquasana Rhino® is its advanced carbon filtration technology, which not only reduces chlorine but also targets sediments and other impurities. 

However, users should be aware that this system may reduce water flow rate by up to 97%, which could be a consideration for homes with high water usage.

Rating:

Price: 3/5
Design: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
Maintenance: 4/5

3m aqua-pure whole house water filter
Best for Easy Maintenance

#3 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filter

$435.07
The 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filter is for those who want easy maintenance.
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Pros

High flow rate
Easy filter changes
Removes sediment and chlorine

Cons

Moderate cost
Limited contaminant removal
Its Sanitary Quick Change (SQC) design allows filter change without tools, making maintenance a piece of cake. This system can filter 100,000 gallons of water and has a high flow rate of 20 GPM, which is good for large homes with high water usage.

The 3M Aqua-Pure removes 95% of sediment, rust, and chlorine, improving water taste and odor. However, it may not be the best choice for those who need full contaminant removal. 

Its easy installation and user-friendly design are big pluses for homeowners who want hassle-free water filtration.

Rating:
Price: 4/5
Design: 5/5
Effectiveness: 3/5
Maintenance: 5/5

ge whole house water filtration system
ge whole house water filter
Best for Basic Filtration

#4 GE Whole House Water Filtration System

$31.55
For basic filtration needs, the GE Whole House Water Filtration System is a good choice.
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Pros

Affordable
Easy to install
Improves water taste and odor

Cons

Limited contaminant removal
Does not filter heavy metals or bacteria
This affordable system improves water taste and odor, making it a good starter system for homeowners who are new to whole-house water filtration systems. It is easy to install, and most users can do it with minimal plumbing skills.

However, this system does not filter heavy metals or bacteria, which may be needed by some households. Despite that, it's a budget-friendly option for those who want to improve water quality without spending too much.

Rating:
Price: 5/5
Design: 3/5
Effectiveness: 2/5
Maintenance: 4/5

aquasana rhino whole house well water filter
aquasana whole house well water filter system

Best for Well Water

#5 Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System

$2298.00
The Aquasana Whole House Well Filter System is for homes with well water, which presents unique challenges.
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Pros

Great for well water
Removes heavy metals and bacteria
Improves water quality for cooking and bathing

Cons

Regular maintenance required
Higher initial cost
It removes heavy metals and bacteria, making water safe for drinking throughout the home. Users like how it improves water quality for cooking and bathing, as well as overall household water quality.

One thing to consider is the maintenance required to perform optimally, including timely filter replacement. While the cost is higher, the benefits of clean and safe well water make this system a good investment for rural homeowners.

Rating:
Price: 4/5
Design: 4/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
Maintenance: 3/5

pro+aqua elite whole house water filter 3 stage well water filtration system with gauges
pro aqua elite whole house water filter

Best for High Flow Rate

#6 Pro Aqua Elite Whole House Filter

$489.95
For households with high water usage, the Pro Aqua Elite Whole House Filter is the best choice.
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Pros

High flow rate
Durable
For large households

Cons

Higher initial investment
Regular maintenance required
For households with high water usage, the Pro Aqua Elite Whole House Filter is the best choice. It has a high flow capacity of up to 7 GPM without significant pressure loss, making it suitable for large homes. The system has commercial-grade materials for durability and performance to handle heavy water usage.

While the cost is higher due to the regular maintenance required to maintain its performance, users like this system's build and flow rate.

Rating:
Price: 3/5
Design: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4/5
Maintenance: 3/5

ispring whole house water filter system
ispring whole house water filter

Best for Customization

#7 iSpring Whole House Water Filter System

$431.00
The iSpring Whole House Water Filter System is for those who want customization.
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Pros

Highly customizable
Effective filtration
Easy monitoring

Cons

Complicated initial installation
Regular maintenance required
Its modular design allows the addition or replacement of filters, making it versatile to meet different water filtration needs. 

The system uses coconut shell-based activated carbon to remove chloramines, tastes, and harmful chemicals, making it a good home water filtration system. 

Whole-house systems and reverse osmosis systems can be considered for more advanced filtration options.

One feature is its transparent housing, which allows for easy monitoring of filter conditions and timely replacement. Although installation is complicated, the system is flexible and effective, so it's a good addition to any home.

Rating:
Price: 4/5
Design: 4/5
Effectiveness: 4/5
Maintenance: 3/5

aquasure signature series whole house water filter
aquasure signature series

Best for Large Homes

#8 Aquasure Signature Series Water Purification Unit

$1699.99
The Aquasure Whole House Filtration System is for larger households, it can serve up to 8 people.
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Pros

Great for large households
Effective contaminant removal
Automatic backflushing

Cons

Higher initial cost
Professional installation required
This system removes chlorine, heavy metals, VOCs, and other impurities, making the water clean and safe throughout the home.

One of its features is the built-in digital control head with automatic backflushing and self-cleaning. This makes the system more efficient and reduces manual maintenance. 

Although the cost is higher and professional installation is required, the benefits for large households are worth it.

Rating:
Price: 3/5
Design: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
Maintenance: 4/5

Understanding Different Filtration Methods

Different contaminants require different filtration methods, each with its own advantages. Granular Activated Carbon filter is good at removing specific organic chemicals and unpleasant taste or odor from water. This filter is good at reducing chlorine and certain VOCs.

Ultraviolet (UV) filtration systems use a UV filter to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms without adding chemicals to the water.

This is good for making sure your water is pathogen-free. Infrared filtration, on the other hand, uses heat to kill microorganisms and can be used in conjunction with other filtration methods.

For total water treatment, many systems combine multiple filtration stages. These multistage systems can address many contaminants to provide a thorough purification process that enhances overall water quality.

Knowing these methods will help you choose the right system for your needs.

Evaluating Costs and Benefits

Evaluating the costs and benefits of a whole-house water filtration system is important to making an informed decision.

These systems can range from $780 to $2,500, depending on the features and specifications. When calculating the total cost, consider not just the initial purchase price but also the installation and maintenance cost, which can add up to $3,600 in the first year.

Although the initial investment is high, the long-term benefit of the filtration system can save you a lot. Better water quality can increase the efficiency of household appliances, reduce bottled water consumption, and lower energy bills.

Annual maintenance cost is relatively low, around $120, so it's cost-effective in the long run.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Proper installation and maintenance are important to ensure that your whole-house water filtration system works efficiently. Some systems, like the AO Smith filter system, are designed for easy DIY installation.

Others may require professional plumbing assistance to avoid damage during installation. Always read the manufacturer's instructions and hire a professional if unsure.

Maintenance involves regular filter replacement and monitoring of the system. Most systems have pressure gauges to help you with that. To maintain optimal performance, replace the sediment prefilter every 6 to 9 months.

Always turn off the water supply before changing filters to prevent water spillage, and purge new filters by running a faucet for at least 5 minutes to remove any loose material before drinking the filtered water.

For systems not used for more than a month, turn off the water supply and drain the system to prevent freezing. Knowing your system's flow rate is also important; for high water usage, it should be at least 10 to 15 gallons per minute.

Verdict: The Best Whole House Water Filter

After reviewing the top whole-house water filters of 2024, two are our top picks: Aquasana Rhino® for overall performance and the AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System for budget-friendly buyers.

Aquasana Rhino® is great for those who prioritize water quality with its comprehensive filtration and long lifespan. The AO Smith system is great value for money, removing chlorine and improving taste without burning a hole in your pocket.

When choosing a whole-house water filter, consider the contaminants in your water, flow rate, and certification of the house filters. Maintenance is important to ensure optimal performance, and some systems are easy to install, while others may require professional assistance.

The best system for you will depend on your household needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best whole house water filtration system for home?
The Aquasana Rhino® is often considered the best whole house water filtration system for its superior performance. However, the AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System is a solid choice if you're looking for budget-friendly options. Ultimately, your selection should align with your specific water quality needs and budget.
Which whole house water filter removes the most contaminants?
The Aquasana Rhino® is one of the most effective whole house water filters, removing up to 99% of chlorine and other contaminants. This system is an excellent choice if you're looking for superior filtration.
Is a whole house water filtration system worth it?
A whole-house water filtration system is worth it as it enhances water quality, provides significant health benefits, and potentially offers long-term savings. This investment ensures cleaner, safer water for all home uses.
What are the disadvantages of a whole house water filter?
Whole-house water filters can be costly upfront and require regular maintenance. Moreover, not all systems effectively remove heavy metals and bacteria, so selecting one that suits your water quality requirements is crucial.
How long does a whole house water filter last?
Depending on the system, a whole house water filter can last anywhere from 6 to 10 years. It's essential to check the manufacturer's recommendations for replacement intervals.
Do you need to use a water softner for a whole house water filter?
If your water is hard, you need a water softener with a whole-house water filter. The softener addresses hardness while the filter removes other contaminants.
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