Tap water purifiers: the 7 questions to ask when buying and the best...
Over the years, tap water purifiers have become a common sight in French kitchens.
Although the quality of tap water is closely monitored by the public authorities in France, and is subject to serious controls, there are significant differences from region to region.
These differences relate to the presence of traces and residues of pesticides, bacteria, limescale and chlorine. All these elements will have an impact on the taste and smell of tap water.
But are you overwhelmed by the different types of water purifier available on the market? If so, here's a practical guide to help you make an informed decision. We'll be comparing five types of water purifier: the carafe filter, the under-sink purifier, the on-tap purifier, the osmosis unit, and the UV-A purifier (the softener will be mentioned, but falls into another category) in answer to the 7 essential questions to ask yourself before buying.
You will find a summary table at the end of this article.
What is the quality of my tap water?
Read also: What is the average water consumption of French households?
What is my budget for a tap water purifier?
Water purifiers can vary considerably in price.
La carafe filter is the most economical choice, followed by on-tap purifier. The under-sink purifiers and theosmosis plant are more expensive, and the filter UV-A purifier represents a median solution.
With or without filter?
Let's start with the carafe filter, which is frequently the cheapest option. Models range from 20 and 60 euros. But beware, you'll have to add to that the regular cost of buying water filter cartridges. We'll come back to that later.
On-tap purifiers and under-sink filtration systems are another option, with higher costs. Depending on quality, materials and manufacturer, you can expect to pay between 50 and 300 euros for these models. You will also need to add the extra cost of regularly replacing the filters.
Then there's the osmosis unit and the water softener. A water softener is designed to reduce water hardness by removing limescale and other minerals. The price of osmosis and water softeners can vary considerably depending on the brand, model and capacity. However, you can expect to pay between a few hundred and a few thousand euros for these devices.
A water purifier with UV-A technology will vary between 100 and 500 euros depending on size and purification capacity. The advantage of this device is that you don't need to change the filter!
Read also: What is a water osmosis unit used for?
What type of purification do I need?
This question goes back a little to the first, on the water quality tap water in your community.
For example, if chlorine are high (and therefore produce water with odours and a bad taste), a purification method that acts directly on the chlorine should be favoured!
There are several treatment methods for purifying tap water, including distillationfiltration, reverse osmosis filtration activated carbon filtration or the UV-A purification.
Tap purifiers, under-sink purifiers and filter carafes mainly use activated carbon filters.
A reverse osmosis system uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants, while a UV-A purifier uses ultraviolet light. We refer you to our table at the end of this article to compare the different purification methods.
What capacity water purifier should I choose?
Water purifier capacity is another aspect to consider. If you have a large family, you'll need a water purifier with greater storage capacity.
Carafe filters have a limited capacity and need to be refilled regularly. On-tap and under-sink purifiers have a higher capacity, while osmosis and UV-A purifiers can treat a large volume of water.
A suggestion : Consider glass fountains for the home. Equipped with different technologies, such as UV-A radiation, they can meet your needs at home!
Read also: What type of water cooler is right for your business?
How much does it cost to maintain a water purifier?
As well as the initial cost, there are also maintenance costs to consider. Of course, the cost of maintaining a tap water purifier can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of purifierthe frequency of maintenance and the cost of spare parts.
The cost of replacement filters (for filter carafes, reverse osmosis systems or under-sink purifiers) can vary depending on the brand, model and additional features. They can cost from a few dozen euros to several hundred euros, depending on their lifespan and filtration capacity.
Please note: Some companies offer maintenance contracts for water purifiers, which include service visits, checks on the various parts of the appliance, filter changes and replacement of spare parts if necessary.
The UV-A purifier does not require consumables such as cartridge filters, making it economical in the long term. However, there may be costs associated with the electricity needed to power the UV-A system, although these costs are generally not very high.
Read also: Filter carafes: a good idea?
Does a tap water purifier consume a lot of energy?
Some water purifiers consume more energy than others. If you're concerned about our planet's environment and/or want to reduce your electricity bills, opt for a model that uses less energy. energy efficient.
Filter carafes and on-tap and under-sink purifiers do not consume energy, but produce waste through the filters. The UV-A purifier uses a small amount of energy, while the osmosis unit or softener will consume more energy.
But don't forget that the energy costs of certain purifiers are sometimes more than offset by the need to stop using plastic water bottles. Not only does the manufacture of plastic bottles consume a lot of energy, it's also an environmental disaster. And let's not even mention the waste that ends up in the ocean...(https://lavie.bio/quels-sont-les-impacts-environnementaux-des-bouteilles-deau-en-plastique-et-comment-les-eviter/)
Is the water purifier easy to install and use?
The installation and use of the water purifier in the home must be simple and easy. If the purifier requires professional installation, this will add to the cost.
By their very nature, carafe filters and tap purifiers are simple to install and/or use.
Similarly, a UV-A water purifier doesn't require any special skills to install, as all you have to do is plug it into a mains socket!
On the other hand, the installation of under-sink purifiers, osmosis units and water softeners will require the help of a specialist. professional.
Summary table
Carafe filter | Under-sink purifier | Purifier on tap | Osmosis unit | UV-A purifier | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Water quality | Removes sediment and chlorine | Removes sediment, chlorine and heavy metals | Removes sediment and chlorine | Removes sediment, chlorine and heavy metals | Removes sediment, chlorine, bacteria and viruses |
Cost | € | €€ | € | €€€ | €€ |
Purification method | Activated carbon filter | Activated carbon filter | Activated carbon filter | Semi-permeable membrane | Ultraviolet rays |
Capacity | Limited | High | High | Grande | Grande |
Maintenance costs | € | €€ | € | €€ | € |
Energy consumption | No | No | No | High | Low |
Installation and use | Easy | Recommended professional | Easy | Recommended professional | Easy |
There you have it! 7 questions and our 7 answers to help you choose the right water purifier. So the next time you're thirsty, you can take a sip of water with confidence, knowing it's pure, safe and tasty. Remember, your health is worth this investment!
Now that we've compared the various options and products, it's easier to choose the drinking water purifier that best suits your needs and budget. Whichever you choose, you can be sure of enjoying purer, healthier water.
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