{"id":4318,"date":"2024-09-11T11:42:43","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T11:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/?page_id=4318"},"modified":"2024-09-18T13:32:28","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T13:32:28","slug":"reverse-osmosis-vs-refrigerator-filters-which-is-best","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/reverse-osmosis-vs-refrigerator-filters-which-is-best\/","title":{"rendered":"Reverse Osmosis vs. Refrigerator Filters: Which is Best"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1726057377084{background-image: url(https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/reliableairnew_180222022.webp?id=4352) !important;}” woodmart_css_id=”66e18b09b762a” responsive_spacing=”eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2NmUxOGIwOWI3NjJhIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfc2VjdGlvbiIsImRhdGEiOnsidGFibGV0Ijp7fSwibW9iaWxlIjp7fX19″ mobile_bg_img_hidden=”no” tablet_bg_img_hidden=”no” woodmart_parallax=”0″ woodmart_gradient_switch=”no” woodmart_box_shadow=”no” wd_z_index=”no” woodmart_disable_overflow=”0″ el_id=”Ac-banner-sec”][vc_row content_placement=”top” el_id=”Ac-banner-rowxz” woodmart_css_id=”66977455441da” responsive_spacing=”eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njk3NzQ1NTQ0MWRhIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfcm93IiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=” mobile_bg_img_hidden=”no” tablet_bg_img_hidden=”no” woodmart_parallax=”0″ woodmart_gradient_switch=”no” woodmart_box_shadow=”no” wd_z_index=”no” woodmart_disable_overflow=”0″ row_reverse_mobile=”0″ row_reverse_tablet=”0″][vc_column width=”2\/3″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”top” el_id=”Ac1-banner-rowxz” woodmart_css_id=”6697745edd081″ responsive_spacing=”eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njk3NzQ1ZWRkMDgxIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfcm93IiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=” mobile_bg_img_hidden=”no” tablet_bg_img_hidden=”no” woodmart_parallax=”0″ woodmart_gradient_switch=”no” woodmart_box_shadow=”no” wd_z_index=”no” woodmart_disable_overflow=”0″ row_reverse_mobile=”0″ row_reverse_tablet=”0″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”” woodmart_inline=”no” text_larger=”no”]<\/p>\n

Reverse Osmosis vs. Refrigerator Filters: Which is Best?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_row el_id=”Rem-rowxz” woodmart_css_id=”66e18d13d8f95″ responsive_spacing=”eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2NmUxOGQxM2Q4Zjk1Iiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfcm93IiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=” mobile_bg_img_hidden=”no” tablet_bg_img_hidden=”no” woodmart_parallax=”0″ woodmart_gradient_switch=”no” woodmart_box_shadow=”no” wd_z_index=”no” woodmart_disable_overflow=”0″ row_reverse_mobile=”0″ row_reverse_tablet=”0″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”” woodmart_inline=”no” text_larger=”no”]<\/p>\n

Reverse Osmosis vs. Refrigerator Filters: Which One Is the Best?<\/h2>\n
\n

When it comes to improving the quality of your drinking water, many Cleveland homeowners choose either a refrigerator water filter or reverse osmosis water filter. R<\/strong>everse osmosis systems are the better option because, although they’re more expensive to install, they provide purer, better tasting water and have similar maintenance.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We’ll compare reverse osmosis and refrigerator filters in terms of:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Filtration process (and contaminants removed)<\/li>\n
  • Regular maintenance<\/li>\n
  • Cost<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    \n

    Want purer, better tasting drinking water? Call Global, at (216) 797-1230\u00a0<\/strong>to\u00a0schedule a free in-home water test.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    Our plumbers will answer any questions you have about refrigerator and reverse osmosis water filtration systems. They’ll also go over our\u00a0reverse osmosis systems<\/strong>, which have a 4-stage filtration process that helps eliminate contaminants to give you cleaner, clearer water to drink and cook with.<\/em><\/p>\n

    \n<\/div>\n

    [\/vc_column_text]\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[vc_column_text css=”” woodmart_inline=”no” text_larger=”no”]<\/p>\n
    Reverse osmosis filter solutions (RO water filters) are a convenient and economical way to improve the taste and purity of your drinking water.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Filtration Process<\/h2>\n

    Refrigerator water filtration process<\/h3>\n

    Many refrigerators today have built-in water dispensers that include a filter to remove contaminants.\u00a0Refrigerator water filters use single-stage activated carbon filters to remove contaminants.<\/strong>\u00a0Carbon filters use a process called adsorption, where contaminants adhere to the filter when the water passes through it.<\/p>\n

    The average refrigerator filter is designed to remove:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Lead and some other metals<\/li>\n
    • Chlorine and chlorine byproducts (like trihalomethanes)<\/li>\n
    • Volatile organic compounds<\/strong>\u00a0(VOCs)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Most refrigerator water filters can reduce the presence of, but don’t completely remove:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Dissolved substances (minerals, salts, and metals like iron)<\/li>\n
      • Some viruses and bacteria<\/li>\n
      • Arsenic<\/li>\n
      • Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances<\/strong>\u00a0(PFAS)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        You can upgrade to an advanced refrigerator filter that removes more contaminants than basic filters, but you’ll still be limited to a single-stage system that only filters water once.<\/p>\n

        Reverse osmosis water filters have more filtration steps, which means they’re more effective at removing contaminants from your water.<\/p>\n

        Reverse osmosis filtration process<\/h3>\n

        You can choose between whole-house (installed at your water supply) or point-of-use (installed beneath your kitchen sink) reverse osmosis systems.\u00a0Both models have a 4-step filtration process to remove contaminants from your drinking water:<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Sediment filter:<\/strong>\u00a0A basic filter that screens out sediments and particulates as small as 5 microns. (For context, the average human hair is around 70 microns in diameter.)<\/li>\n
        2. Carbon filter:<\/strong>\u00a0This pre-filter, which is similar to refrigerator filters, removes a wide range of contaminants that make water taste and smell better and safer to drink.<\/li>\n
        3. Reverse osmosis filters:<\/strong>\u00a0The heart of the system, the reverse osmosis filter is a semi-permeable membrane that allows water to pass through under pressure, but not the majority of other substances. It can remove contaminants and dissolved substances as small as .001 microns.<\/li>\n
        4. Polishing carbon filter:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>This\u00a0granular activated carbon<\/strong>\u00a0(GAC) post-filter removes many remaining substances to purify your water.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Like refrigerator water filters, reverse osmosis water filters vary in effectiveness depending on the system you buy. That said, according to the\u00a0CDC<\/strong>,\u00a0most reverse osmosis systems will remove common contaminants, including<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Lead<\/li>\n
          • Chloride<\/li>\n
          • Sodium<\/li>\n
          • Copper<\/li>\n
          • Chromium<\/li>\n
          • Chlorine and chlorine byproducts (like trihalomethanes)<\/li>\n
          • VOCs<\/li>\n
          • Dissolved substances (minerals, salts, and metals like iron)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            They’re also highly effective at removing:<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Protozoa (parasites)<\/li>\n
            • Bacteria (including Salmonella and E. coli)<\/li>\n
            • Viruses (including Hepatitis A)<\/li>\n
            • Pesticides and herbicides<\/li>\n
            • Arsenic<\/li>\n
            • Fluoride<\/li>\n
            • Radium<\/li>\n
            • Sulfate<\/li>\n
            • Calcium<\/li>\n
            • Magnesium<\/li>\n
            • Potassium<\/li>\n
            • Nitrate<\/li>\n
            • Phosphorous<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Both refrigerator and reverse osmosis water filters require a similar amount of maintenance.<\/p>\n

              Maintenance<\/h2>\n

              Refrigerator filter maintenance<\/h3>\n

              Maintenance on refrigerator water filters is relatively low effort.\u00a0You’ll need to replace the carbon filter every 6 months.<\/strong>\u00a0If you let the filter run longer than that, you risk contaminants getting into your drinking water.<\/p>\n

              However, keep in mind that water filtration systems are one more feature of a refrigerator that can break down. This means refrigerators with water filters typically require more repairs, and you could pay up to a couple hundred dollars for each repair.<\/p>\n

              Reverse osmosis maintenance<\/h3>\n

              Reverse osmosis water filters also require regular replacements. You’ll need to replace the:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Sediment filter every 18-24 months<\/li>\n
              • Two carbon filters every 6-12 months<\/li>\n
              • Reverse osmosis filter every 2-3 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                How often you need to replace the filters will depend on the water contamination level and how often you use the system.<\/p>\n

                Between the replacement filters and higher upfront installation cost, reverse osmosis systems will cost more than a refrigerator water filter.<\/p>\n

                Cost<\/h2>\n

                Refrigerator water filter cost<\/h3>\n

                Since refrigerator water filters come built into your refrigerator, you’re not\u00a0technically\u00a0paying an installation cost. That said,\u00a0refrigerators with water filters are usually several hundred dollars more than refrigerators without water filtration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                You can also\u00a0<\/strong>expect to pay between $40 and $100 a year in filter replacements<\/strong>\u00a0for refrigerator water filters.<\/p>\n

                Reverse osmosis cost<\/h3>\n

                The\u00a0cost of a reverse osmosis system<\/strong>\u00a0can range anywhere from\u00a0$200 to over $7,500<\/strong>, depending on whether you choose a point-of-use or whole-house reverse osmosis system and depending on its\u00a0effectiveness.<\/p>\n

                A point-of-use reverse osmosis system will cost between $200 to $1,500.\u00a0Your reverse osmosis installation cost will increase if you choose:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • \n

                  An under-the-sink model, as opposed to a countertop system.<\/strong>\u00a0Countertop models can run $100-$400, while the more convenient under-sink systems can cost between $300 and $1,500.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                • \n

                  A tankless system over a tank one.<\/strong>\u00a0Tankless reverse osmosis systems are more convenient, since you don’t have to wait for a tank to fill up and essentially have an endless supply of fresh, pure drinking water\u2014but that convenience will cost you several hundred dollars more.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                • \n

                  Advanced filtration.<\/strong>\u00a0Some reverse osmosis water filters remove more contaminants than others. More advanced filters will cost you more\u2014in both the upfront installation and filter replacement costs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  After installation, you can\u00a0expect to pay between $50 and $100 a year in maintenance and operation costs<\/strong>\u00a0for a reverse osmosis system.<\/p>\n

                  If you don’t want to foot the upfront cost of a new reverse osmosis system, but still want the purest drinking water for your family, Global offers reverse osmosis systems<\/strong> for only $29.99\/month.<\/p>\n

                  \n

                  Want Better Water With Reverse Osmosis? Call Global.<\/h2>\n

                  Call us today at (216) 797-1230 or schedule an appointment<\/strong>\u00a0for a free in-home water test.<\/em><\/p>\n

                  We’ve been offering the Global heating and cooling service in the greater Cleveland area for 17 years and counting. Our skilled technicians will explain the benefits of reverse osmosis systems over refrigerator filters and how to get the healthiest, best-tasting water in your home.<\/em><\/p>\n

                  [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  [vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1726057377084{background-image: url(https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/reliableairnew_180222022.webp?id=4352) !important;}” woodmart_css_id=”66e18b09b762a” responsive_spacing=”eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2NmUxOGIwOWI3NjJhIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfc2VjdGlvbiIsImRhdGEiOnsidGFibGV0Ijp7fSwibW9iaWxlIjp7fX19″ mobile_bg_img_hidden=”no” tablet_bg_img_hidden=”no” woodmart_parallax=”0″ woodmart_gradient_switch=”no” woodmart_box_shadow=”no” wd_z_index=”no” woodmart_disable_overflow=”0″ el_id=”Ac-banner-sec”][vc_row content_placement=”top” el_id=”Ac-banner-rowxz” woodmart_css_id=”66977455441da” responsive_spacing=”eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njk3NzQ1NTQ0MWRhIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfcm93IiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4318","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4318","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4318"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4318\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4878,"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4318\/revisions\/4878"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/charles-evans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4318"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}