Dec 09 , 2016
The Difference Between Faucet and Refrigerator Filters
While wed all like to think that the tap water we drink every day is clean, pure, and safe to drink as is, nothing could be further from the truth. The United States EPA has set standards for more than 80 different contaminants that can be present in tap water because of the health problems they cause. (Examples include but are not limited to aluminum, mercury, uranium, and even arsenic.) Tap water can contain trace amounts of pharmaceuticals, viruses, bacteria, and other organisms as well.
All things considered, its not hard to see why so many people are investing in filters for their homes, as a good one can drastically reduce the number of contaminants in the water your household counts on. However, determining which of the many types out there on the market are right for you can be a little more complicated.
Convenience, Affordability, Ease of Use
Modern people want it all when it comes to the products they use, and their water filters are no exception. They dont just want cleaner, better tasting, safer water to drink and give to their children. They want the process of making the switch from unfiltered to filtered water to be as simple and as affordable as possible.
Both faucet water filters and refrigerator water filters deliver when it comes to that convenience. Both are affordable and both are easy to use. Neither is a bad choice. However, one might be a better fit for you than the other, depending on your needs. Lets take a closer look at the pros and cons of each one.
Pros and Cons of Faucet Water Filters
Most people love the convenience of being able to turn on their kitchen tap and gain instant, unlimited access to clean water. Faucet water filters allow you to continue enjoying that convenience minus the chemicals, poisons, trace pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants. You simply remove the faucets aerator, attach the filter, and youre all set. Other benefits associated with faucet water filters, in particular, include the following.
· You can easily generate large amounts of clean, filtered water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, or any other use you desire.
· Most faucet filters have a valve that allows you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water if you wish.
· Most faucet filters contain multi-stage filters that make them incredibly effective at removing a wide variety of toxins, contaminants, and organisms.
As far as the cons go, theyre minimal. The filter does somewhat slow the flow of water from the tap, although usually not enough to bother the average person. Also, certain types of faucets require adapters in order to be compatible with the filters, which can make installation marginally more complicated.
Pros and Cons of Refrigerator Water Filters
Refrigerator water filters are just as convenient as faucet filters, albeit in a different way. Instead of getting your filtered water straight from your tap, you can get it from your fridge instead. This makes them a great option for people who want instant, continuous access to cold drinking water without having to fill and refill a pitcher.
If you have a refrigerator with a built-in water dispenser, you most likely already have a workable water filter built in. However, there are many upgrades on the market to consider as well, including smart water filters capable of filtering out more contaminants than average and producing better-tasting water. In many cases, installation is as simple as locating your existing refrigerator filter and switching it out for another with a couple of simple moves. Additional benefits of fridge filters include the following:
· You dont just get cold filtered water. Fridge filters continuously generate ice cubes made from filtered water as well. No trays to fill!
· You have your choices when it comes to the type of filter you pick as far as the filtration methods employed.
As far as the cons go, you need to choose your fridge filter with care and stick to high-quality options from trusted brands. Some of the lower end options arent as good at filtering as many contaminants as faucet filters will be. Also, installation may be more involved in regards to some fridges than others.
At the end of the day, neither type of filter is a hands-down better choice than the other. Both are effective, convenient, and affordable. Which is best for you mostly boils down to whether you prefer to get your filtered water straight from the tap or would rather access it cold and ready to go from your fridge.
