Unlike countertop and under sink water filters, whole house systems filter the water before it enters your home, resulting in clean, healthy and great-tasting water from every tap. They’re a good option for people who want to reduce chlorine, iron, PFAS or other contaminants that are found in their drinking water, as well as those who are concerned about the potential health risks associated with specific contaminant levels like arsenic or nitrates.

Cost & Installation

The whole house water filter installation is a little higher than point-of-use (POU) filters, but they’re often worth it for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your entire household’s drinking and bathing water is filtered. Plus, whole-home systems can save you money over time by protecting your pipes and appliances from scale buildup and reducing the need for expensive bottled water.

To find the best whole house water filtration system for your family, it’s important to get your home’s water tested. This will help you understand the specific contaminants that are present in your city or well water and determine which type of filtration is the right fit. You should also consider a system’s rated flow rate to ensure that your water pressure doesn’t take a hit, as well as the ongoing maintenance costs of replacing the filter.

Depending on the complexity of your filtration system, you can expect to spend between a few hundred dollars and a few thousand dollars on a system that will address your specific water quality issue. If you’re concerned about the initial investment, some homeowners choose to skip a whole house system and instead invest in a reverse osmosis system for their kitchen or a basic sediment/carbon filter for their main line.