Water Filter Reviews
...The Question of Cost

You need to be aware of the fact that the price of the water filter does not represent the cost of filtering your drinking water. For example, an inexpensive faucet filter which needs to change filter cartridges every few weeks may cost more than an expensive filter which needs only one filter change per year!

When I see a van that says on it, "Rent me for $19.95", I realize through first hand experience that this advertised price is far from the real cost. Once they add insurance, taxes, and rate per mile, you risk paying $50 or $60 for using it, even locally, for a half day.

The information on this page will give you a general context of water filter reviews for evaluating the price of a water filter. It will also list the various elements to consider in calculating the real cost. We'll also discuss the difference between cost and added value. We want you to be able to get the best value for your money. Of course, this will depend on your reason for filtering, what you need filtered out, the particular type of filter you want, and how much you have available to spend on a filter.

The Big Picture

The following water filter review of filter cost comparisons is not comprehensive. Filters come in various kinds and various combinations. For example, the filter might be a "distiller" or might be a "distiller + carbon block". Following are just some of the combinations to give you a broad idea of what to expect in cost for different kinds of filters.

Now, let me give you an even broader picture in which to see water filter reviews by showing you the cost of bottled water. Remember that there is no uniformed standard of purity for bottled water. Studies have shown that about 25% of bottled water is actually treated tap water. You can actually be assured of a much better quality of drinking water by using a good filter.

How to Calculate the Real Cost

Here's where it gets a little complicated. For example, the initial cost of a pitcher filter may be just $20.00, but to properly maintain it for a year, changing the filter cartridge replacement every few weeks, may end up costing more than what you could have gotten a top of the line filter for. Besides, the top of the line filter would have given you a much better quality of water all year.

Here are some of the elements of cost to consider in calculating the real cost of your drinking water per gallon over a period of time.

• What is the initial price of the filter?
• How often do you need to replace the filter? How much does the replacement cartridge cost each time?
• Is there a cost for installing the filter? Do you need a professional to change the replacement cartridge?
• Does the filter use electricity? How much? All the time or only when in use?
• How long is the filter guaranteed to last you?

The Difference Between Cost and Value

There are certain things that add value to a filter. Consider the following components in estimating the value of the filter you are considering.

• Is there a money-back guarantee? For how long?
• Does the filter have the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) Seal of Approval? For removing what? (If not, I wouldn't even go there. Yet, to get this seal of approval it is costly for the manufacturer.)
• What is the length of the warranty?
• What is the scope of the warranty? (Some filters cover only certain parts of the filter with their warranty.)
• What is the reputation of the manufacturing company? (Will they still be around when you need replacements? What kind of service do they provide?)
• How many contaminants and which contaminants does this filter remove? (This means everything when it comes to value. Some filters remove only chlorine taste and others remove up to 50 or 100 different contaminants.)

To learn more about cost comparison and other criteria for comparison of filters go to water filter reviews.