RO stands for reverse osmosis, a water filtration process that removes up to 99% of contaminants from your tap water. RO systems can improve the taste, odor, and appearance of your water, as well as protect your health from harmful substances such as lead, arsenic, fluoride, and bacteria.
But with so many RO systems available on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we will explain the different types of RO systems, the benefits they offer, and the factors you should consider when choosing one for your home.
Types of RO Systems
There are various types of RO systems that can fit different needs and preferences. Some of the most common ones are:
Under-sink RO systems: These are installed under your sink and connect to your cold water line. They use a series of filters and a membrane to purify the water and store it in a pressurized tank. They also come with a dedicated faucet that dispenses the filtered water. Under-sink RO systems are effective, durable, and hidden from view, but they also take up space, reduce the water flow, and require professional installation and maintenance.
Countertop RO systems: These are standalone units that sit on your counter and plug into your faucet with a diverter valve. They use a similar filtration process as under-sink RO systems, but they do not have a storage tank. Instead, they produce filtered water on demand. Countertop RO systems are easy to install and use, portable, and space-saving, but they also have a lower capacity, produce more wastewater, and may not fit all faucets.
Tankless RO systems: These are a newer type of RO systems that do not have a storage tank. Instead, they use a high-pressure pump and a larger membrane to produce filtered water faster and more efficiently. Tankless RO systems are compact, sleek, and eco-friendly, but they also have a higher price, need electricity, and may generate noise.
Benefits of RO Systems
RO systems can provide several benefits for your health, your home, and your environment. Some of the benefits are:
Health: RO systems can remove up to 99% of contaminants that can cause diseases, such as lead, arsenic, fluoride, and bacteria. They can also improve the taste and smell of your water, making it more appealing and enjoyable to drink. Drinking clean and filtered water can help you stay hydrated, boost your immune system, and prevent dehydration-related problems, such as headaches, fatigue, and kidney stones.
Home: RO systems can protect your plumbing, appliances, and fixtures from damage caused by hard water, sediment, or corrosion. They can also prevent stains, scale, and odors from forming on your sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. Using filtered water can also improve the performance and lifespan of your water-using appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and coffee makers. Additionally, using filtered water can enhance the quality of your cooking, baking, and brewing, as it brings out the natural flavors and aromas of your ingredients.
Environment: RO systems can reduce your reliance on bottled water, which can save you money and reduce plastic waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans buy about 50 billion water bottles per year, and only 23% of them are recycled. By using a RO system, you can avoid contributing to this problem and help preserve the environment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a RO System
When choosing a RO system for your home, there are several factors that you should consider, such as:
Capacity: The capacity of a RO system refers to how much filtered water it can produce and store per day. It is measured in gallons per day (GPD). The capacity of a RO system depends on the size and quality of the membrane, the water pressure, the water temperature, and the amount of contaminants in the water. Generally, the higher the capacity, the better, as it means you will have enough filtered water for your daily needs. However, you should also consider your water consumption and your available space when choosing a RO system. For example, if you have a large household or a high water demand, you may need a RO system with a large storage tank or a tankless RO system. On the other hand, if you have a small household or a low water demand, you may be fine with a RO system with a small storage tank or a countertop RO system.
Filtration stages: The filtration stages of a RO system refer to how many filters and membranes it uses to purify the water. Most RO systems have three to six filtration stages, each with a specific function and purpose. For example, a typical five-stage RO system may have the following filters:
- Sediment filter: This filter removes large particles, such as dirt, sand, rust, and debris, from the water. It protects the other filters and the membrane from clogging and damage.
- Carbon filter: This filter removes chlorine, chloramines, organic compounds, and other chemicals that can affect the taste, odor, and color of the water. It also protects the membrane from chlorine damage.
- Reverse osmosis membrane: This is the heart of the RO system. It is a thin, semi-permeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass through, but blocks most contaminants, such as lead, arsenic, fluoride, and bacteria. It produces the purest water possible.
- Post-carbon filter: This filter polishes the water and removes any residual tastes or odors that may have passed through the membrane. It ensures that the water is fresh and clean.
- Remineralization filter: This filter adds back some beneficial minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, to the water. It improves the taste and pH of the water, as well as its health benefits.
Generally, the more filtration stages a RO system has, the better, as it means it can remove more contaminants and improve the quality of the water. However, you should also consider your water source and your personal preference when choosing a RO system. For example, if you have a high level of contaminants in your water, you may need a RO system with more filtration stages. On the other hand, if you have a low level of contaminants in your water, you may be fine with a RO system with fewer filtration stages. Additionally, if you prefer a more natural and mineral-rich water, you may want a RO system with a remineralization filter. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pure and acidic water, you may not need a remineralization filter.
Cost: The cost of a RO system depends on several factors, such as the type, capacity, filtration stages, features, and brand of the RO system. Generally, the more advanced and sophisticated a RO system is, the more expensive it is. For example, a tankless RO system with eight filtration stages and smart features may cost more than a under-sink RO system with five filtration stages and basic features. However, you should also consider the long-term costs of a RO system, such as the filter replacement, maintenance, and electricity costs. Some RO systems may have lower upfront costs, but higher ongoing costs, and vice versa. Therefore, you should compare the total costs of different RO systems and choose the one that fits your budget and needs.
Conclusion
RO systems are a great way to improve the quality and safety of your drinking water. They can remove up to 99% of contaminants from your water, as well as improve its taste, odor, and appearance. They can also provide health, home, and environmental benefits, such as preventing diseases, protecting appliances, and reducing plastic waste.
However, not all RO systems are the same. They differ in terms of type, capacity, filtration stages, cost, and other factors. Therefore, you should consider your water source, water consumption, available space, personal preference, and budget when choosing a RO system for your home.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to choose the best RO system for your home. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. You can read our next article to learn more about the time to replace your filters catrgidges! Thank you for reading!