It isn’t easy to judge a water filter’s performance solely based on its price. It’s also impossible to say whether a more expensive filter is always better than one that costs less. Customers frequently inquire about Why Are Water Filters So Expensive? Or whether they should get a more expensive water filter or a filter that is more reasonably priced. Or will the least expensive filter suffice?
Pricing, in our opinion, should not be the most important factor to consider when purchasing a water filter system for your house or company. Instead, we advise our consumers to concentrate on the filtration technology or technologies provided by the filter system.
In this post, we’ll look at how the filtration technologies employed in filter systems are the most indicative of the quality and how some of these technologies influence the pricing of a filter system.
Why Are Water Filters So Expensive?
You’re trapped in a proprietary design, so you must buy the branded replacement item, which is why water filters are so expensive. They charge as much as they do because they can and because they want to profit. You might be able to find a compatible generic replacement filter.
Alternatively, you can install a generic filter housing outside of the appliance, where the water line links to the water supply. Few homeowners know how to accomplish this. Therefore they will pay $30 more per year for a branded filter rather than $120 once for a plumber to come and install a replacement.
The Primary Function Of Most Water Filters
Here’s a quick question: why do you think most people choose to buy a filtration pitcher or install water filters in their homes? One of the most common reasons individuals look into filters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is that they don’t like the flavor of their water.
When you drink tap water, you may taste the chemicals that keep it safe. Many of the most popular refrigerator and pitcher filters are designed to improve the taste because it’s such a common complaint.
Families may be concerned about lead seeping into their water due to poor plumbing, which is another major cause for using water filters. They may also be concerned that arsenic contaminates the water supply, but this is usually more of a problem for those with a private well.
Nitrates can also find their way into a well’s water supply, so anyone with a medical condition that has weakened their immune system should be cautious when selecting a water filter.
There Are Several Water Filter Choices
According to the CDC, when choosing a water filtration system, there are more alternatives than you may believe, and they aren’t all made equal. It all depends on what you require and the amount of time and money you have available.
Take, for example, those water filtration pitchers. Sure, they’re simple to use and don’t require any extra equipment, but if you drink a lot of water or make a lot of lemonade, iced tea, or anything else waiting for the water to filter will get tedious.
Refrigerator filters are excellent; most also filter the ice maker’s water. However, those filters must be updated regularly, which can be pricey. You can also install a faucet-mounted filter if you get most of your water from the tap.
However, some require professional installation, and you may find that it significantly slows down your water flow. Some may even necessitate changes to your current plumbing, so the first step is determining how far you’re willing to go. under-the-sink filters are the same, but it might be worth it if you want to save room while filtering all of your water.
Then there are a variety of whole-house water purification systems to choose from, which may be useful for those who use a well or have especially hard water. It will treat all the water that comes in, but it may necessitate professional installation and ongoing maintenance. Take the time to consider the advantages and disadvantages!
Conclusion
So, Why Are Water Filters So Expensive? Sticker shock doesn’t begin to describe replacing water filters. Whether pitcher or refrigerator, filters are pricey. Glacial Pure noted high-quality raw materials are only a portion of the cost of replacement filters.
Water filters require a lot of R&D and testing before being sold. It’s not just a single test but a series of tests for heavy metals, residual chlorine, particulates, etc. Consumer Reports investigated if pricey water filters are truly superior.
Culligan is the only aftermarket filter with valid credentials and test results (and a reduced-price tag). They didn’t have the same certifications as more expensive versions, suggesting you get what you pay for with water filters.
