Filters Fast - Water and Air Filter Experts

It has long been known that ultraviolet (UV) light used at sufficiently short wavelengths can break down microorganisms and render them sterile and unable to reproduce. It is a fact that has contributed to the widespread use of UV technology over the years for germicidal irradiation and sterilization applications.

One area where UV light-based technologies are being used increasingly is for residential air purification purposes. The air circulating inside a residential heating and cooling system can be concentrated with dangerous contaminants, allergens and even disease-carrying bacteria including those associated with the flu and H1N1. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is 100 times more polluted than the air outside.

A UV Air Treatment System can greatly reduce this pollution and help combat the flu, H1NI and other threats by preventing viruses, bacteria, mold spores and other allergens from growing and circulating within a Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Ultraviolet irradiation can help sterilize up to 99.9% of mold and fungal spores on a HVAC system's cooling coils and close to 75% of airborne bacteria.

A UV air treatment system works primarily by causing photochemical damage within a microorganism that renders them sterile and unable to reproduce. This effectively neutralizes the threat of their being able to multiply and thereby can be very effective in combating diseases such as H1N1 and the flu. Ultraviolet radiation techniques have been used for years to disinfect medical equipment and are considered to be a widely applicable means of air disinfection as well.

Some UV air treatment systems are standalone units that use a fan to force air to move past a shielded UV lamp. But most UV air treatment units are installed directly inside forced air systems where UV generating lamps sterilize the air moving through it. Such UV air purification systems are typically mounted downstream of the air conditioner cooling coils as well as in the return air ducts, both of which are breeding grounds for mold and other bacteria.

A UV light installed inside the main heating and cooling system is ideal because on average air is circulated between 75 to 150 times through a HVAC system daily. Since UV light cannot pass through metal or glass, a UV air treatment system installed inside a HVAC system also poses little risk of direct exposure to the eyes or the skin.

Filters Fast filter experts are ready to answer any questions you have on installing UV systems.

Posted by Ray at 9:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just wanted to share some news on the Instapure F5 Faucet Filter, which was just named a Consumers Digest Best Buy. Since this title is awarded to less than three percent of competing models in each category, it's worth pointing out what makes this filter worthy of such a distinction.

Though the release doesn't specify exactly why Consumers Digest named it a Best Buy, we think it probably has a lot to do with the fact that the Instapure F5 reduces far more contaminants than most faucet filters. Most such filters reduce only the taste and odor of Chlorine, but the Instapure F5 also reduces 99.99% of microbial cysts, as well as lead. Given this, it's not surprising the filter was named a Best Buy, which Consumers Digest defines "as a product that offers the most value for a given amount of money." Filters Fast sells the filter for only $17.

Scott Wright, Instapure's chief executive officer, emphasized how just one faucet filter can reduce a person's dependency on bottled water.

"Every 200-gallon filter we put in the hand of consumers has the potential to eliminate 1500 plastic bottles," Wright said in a press release. "The Instapure filter is truly a green solution to help individuals reduce their carbon footprint."

Click here to see the Instapure F5, as well as our entire line of Instapure products.

Posted by Daniel at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

With the recent outbreak of H1N1 (also known as swine flu), many are fearful of travelling, especially when flying across international borders. That being said, there are precautions you can take when flying. CNN and MSNBC recently ran this article, which advocates using the Plane Clean Air Filter to protect against airborne contaminants while flying.

The Plane Clean Air Filter has been tested in an FDA certified lab and is shown to remove 99.5% of all airborne bacteria, viruses and allergens from your airstream. It mounts easily to the overhead gasper nozzle in most planes. The air from these nozzles passes through an electrostatically-charged filter media that is capable of removing viruses, bacteria and other particulate matter from an air stream. The filter fits Airbus, Boeing, and other manufacturer's nozzles that have similar shapes to Boeing and Airbus.

Air flow velocity can be controlled by rotating the housing which in turn rotates the gasper. Once the desired air flow rate is achieved, the air stream can be directed onto the user's face by turning the air exit nozzle.

At the end of the flight, the filter can be detached easily and placed in its storage case. Replacement adhesive gaskets and filter media can be purchased when required. Filter replacement packs come with a single replacement filter and two (2) adhesive gaskets good for a total of 10 flights for only $6.95 (or about $0.70 per flight).

Learn more about the Plane Clean Air Filter here.

See a video of the Plane Clean Air Filter here.

Posted by Daniel at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

It's a question we've been bombarded with since yesterday morning, when the Associated Press published an article stating that United States manufacturers and drugmakers have legally released 271 million or more pounds of pharmaceuticals into water sources that often provide drinking water.

During this "PharmaWater" investigation, the AP identified 22 compounds present in drinking water. Included in these compounds are such chemicals as lithium, antibiotics, sedatives, mood stabilizers, sex hormones, skin-bleaching cream and chemicals used to combat head lice and worms.

Yet while drugmakers and manufacturers are certainly responsible for a large portion of the pharmaceuticals in our water, consumers of the pharmaceuticals are just as responsible for depositing pharmaceuticals back into the water supply. After taking these pharmaceuticals, consumers excrete the unabsorbed remainders into the toilet, where they enter the water supply. Flushing drugs down the toilet is a more direct way of doing this, and one that is surprisingly common.

Perhaps the only thing scarier than all of these pharmaceuticals in our drinking water is that there is currently no filter that removes pharmaceuticals from tap water. While companies are currently working on filters that remove pharmaceuticals from water, none do as of yet. Some theorize that filters using activated carbon may work, as the carbon has been shown to capture organic substances that may be found in pharmaceuticals. But as of now, the testing for pharmaceuticals is too insufficient to say whether or not this is the case.

So while we cannot say for certain whether these filters remove pharmaceuticals, we can say that many of our filters do remove contaminants that we know can be harmful to your health, such as arsenic, lead, chlorine, cysts, total dissolved solids, toxic heavy metals and bacteria.

Give us a call to discuss your specific filtration needs. Better yet, consider purchasing one of our many home testing kits, which will tell you exactly what is in your water (again, except for pharmaceuticals).

Then, when you know what's in your water, give us a call and we'll suggest a filter that will remove the undesired contaminants.

Posted by Daniel at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With warm weather now gracing much of the country, many are heading to the great outdoors to camp, hike and fish. Depending on how great these outdoors are, keeping hydrated and finding clean water sources can be paramount.

You don't want to be burdened with carrying bottles upon bottles of drinking water, but at the same time, you don't want to risk drinking water from streams, lakes and rivers, which can contain waterborne protozoa such as Giardia.

The Katadyn Exstream water bottle allows to drink such water without consuming bacteria and harmful contaminants. The bottle uses an advanced Virustat technology to kill 99.9999% of waterborne viruses. Just dip the bottle into any water source and you instantly have safe and delicious drinking water.

I know what you're thinking: doesn't that take some of the fun out of "roughing it"?

Well don't think for a second that MacGyver himself would prefer a paper clip, a piece of gum and some fishing line over this water bottle. When you're outdoors and clean drinking water is scarce, this water bottle can be a lifesaver.

Katadyn also makes a variety of pocket filters, siphons and emergency water tabs to ensure you'll be safe and hydrated when on your next camping or hiking trip.

Posted by Daniel at 9:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There are many reasons not to drink bottled water. But I can think of none so disturbing as the possibility you might be drinking a snail's aphrodisiac. This according to a Wired Science article citing a German study that discovered snails bred at a much faster pace in water from plastic bottles than they did in water from glass bottles.

The study attributes this to the plastic bottles leaching active chemicals into the water - chemicals that mimic natural sex hormones. These hormones, however, apply to humans as well.

Now before you go touting the benefits of an aphrodisiac as inexpensive and readily-available as bottled water, think of the consequences. The xenohormone residue found in the study's water can lessen virility in boys and cause the early onset of puberty in girls.

So until I find snails reproducing in my kitchen sink, I'm going to continue filtering and drinking my home's tap water. It's much cheaper, ecologically responsible and, most importantly, I can rest easy knowing I'm not overpopulating the world with gastropods.

Posted by Daniel at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Adorned in colonial waistcoats and tri-cornered hats, the men piloted their boat into Boston harbor to dump the unfairly priced beverages back into the rolling sea beneath. It was nothing short of a political revolt, an act of resistance urging the masses to take action against the injustices under which they had suffered for far too long.

We all recognize this scene as from the Boston Tea Party in 1773. But some Boston residents witnessed this demonstration just a week ago, and it wasn't tea and taxes that was being protested against: it was bottled water.

Activists from the Think Outside the Bottle campaign performed this demonstration to draw attention to United Nations World Water Day on March 22. More specifically, it was an effort to convince more people to drink tap water, rather than its comparatively overpriced and ecologically-irresponsible equivalent.

So, America, rise up against your oppressors! Know your enemy, bottled water, and choose your weapons wisely. Whether you are looking for faucet filters, Brita pitchers, or even undersink or reverse osmosis systems, Filters Fast has everything you need to fight the good fight!

Posted by Daniel at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Despite the many studies and reports exposing bottled water as nothing more than tap water, one man is proving that our country might not be ready to tap out just yet: even when the water is blatantly marketed as tap water.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported on Craig Zucker, the founder of a new bottled water called Tap'd NY. As the name suggests, Tap'd NY takes as its source the same reservoirs and lakes that provide New York City with its tap water. The only real difference between the two? Price, of course, and one well marketed bottle.

A quick glance tells you this isn't your parents' bottled water. Rather than spell out the unnecessarily long word "Tapped," the company has chosen to eschew needless letters in favor of a simple apostrophe. It's a testament to the widely known fact that alternative spellings or abbreviated words just sell better.

The label also touts that "No glaciers were harmed in making this water."

To be fair, some of the nation's finest tap water does flow through New York City's faucets. But that begs the question--why would anyone buy Tap'd NY if they can get the very same water in their own home? A BPA-free plastic bottle or glass decanter allows you to take this water wherever you go.

If you live in an area with off-tasting tap water, there's a solution for that, too. You can filter the impurities from your tap water with any number of filtration systems, depending on the quality of your water. Our Brita pitcher systems, for example, are a great way to rid your water of the taste and odor of chlorine, as well as other contaminants.

The end result is water that often tastes better and is more healthy than its bottled counterpart, not to mention at a fraction of the cost. Better still, you won't be contributing to the millions of bottles that go unrecycled every year. You know, so you don't harm any glaciers while making your water.

Posted by Daniel at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Filters Fast recently added the AquaFresh WF290 and WF287 to our line of Aqua Fresh filters. Aqua Fresh makes several filters that are compatible with name brand refrigerator filters, such as GE, Whirlpool, LG, Hotpoint, Maytag, Samsung and Frigidaire.

Below are the Aqua Fresh models we carry and the popular, name brand filters they replace:

• WF282 replaces: GE GSWF and others.
• WF284 replaces: Frigidaire WFCB, WF1CB and others.
• WF285 replaces: Whirlpool 4396508, 4396510, Brita WPRF-100 and others.
• WF286 replaces: Whirlpool 8171413, Sears 46-9002 and others.
• WF287 replaces: GE MWF and GWF and others.
• WF288 replaces: Maytag UKF7003AXX and others.
• WF289 replaces: Samsung DA2900003B and others.
• WF290 replaces: LT500P, LG 5231JA2002A and others.

All Aqua Fresh water filters are pressure tested in the OEM receivers they are designed to fit. If you’re looking to replace your namebrand filter with a less expensive but comparable filter, consider Aqua Fresh compatible filters.

Posted by Daniel at 2:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sea monkeys captivated many of us as children. We would pour them into their artificially constructed habitats and watch them float about, tiny specks that didn’t really do much of anything except hold our interest for a few minutes.

How little we knew.

It turns out sea monkeys—also known as brine shrimp or Artemia salina—could reduce heavy metals in water, according to an article from the Daily Forty-Niner, the student paper of California State University, Long Beach. Roger Acey, a chemistry professor at the school, noticed some brine shrimp living in a water solution with a high level of toxic metal. He and his team later learned that the shrimp contain a protein that binds to toxic metals in the water—such as arsenic, lead or mercury—all while allowing healthy metals and minerals to pass through.

Acey produces the protein by placing a cloned gene from the shrimp into bacteria. He and his team received patents for the gene and protein sequences, as well as for using the technology to remove metals from water.
Acey plans to use this technology in the design and production of a water faucet filter and hopes to develop a prototype device in the future.

Until then, however, you might just want to consider our line of faucet filters. They might not help you recapture your childhood love of sea monkeys, but they will be just as effective at removing toxic metals and other contaminants from your water, as well as the taste and odor of chlorine.

Posted by Daniel at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

In addition to our air filters for the home, Filters Fast now offers our own line of air filters for industrial and commercial applications. This new line of industrial filters consists of low-cost replacement and compatible filters for many popular brands, such as American Air, Airguard, Farr, Filtration Group, Glasfloss, Honeywell, Koch, Precisionaire, Purafil, Purolator, Trane, Tri-Dim, Trion and White Rodgers.

We have filters to match almost any application. These are just a few examples of industrial or commercial applications that our filters are ideal for: hospitals, schools, office buildings, general industrial, warehouses, computer rooms, paint booths, restaurants, health clubs, pet stores and veterinary clinics and doctor’s offices.

Of course, these are by no means the only applications that could benefit from our filters. If you’re looking for cost-effective way to improve your company’s indoor air quality, chances are we’ve probably got a filter for you, and for less than you're paying now.

Our filters are tested and certified to ASHRAE standards and are offered in MERV 8, 11, 12, 13 and 14 ratings, depending on the application. Here are just a few examples of the industrial filters we now offer, which can all be found here:

• Pleated Panel Filters
• Rigid Cell Filters
• Synthetic Bag Filters
• V Cell Filters
• “Odor Killer” Carbon Pleated Panel Filters
• Pleated Inserts and Bulk Rolls

Let us know if you don’t see your filter type in the above list, as we can probably get it. This includes ring panel and cube filters for HVAC and paint overspray applications.

In addition to our large selection of filters, we also offer custom sizes and gasketing, as well as large quantity discounts. To find out if our filters can save you or your company money, give us a call at 866-438-3458 or e-mail us at sales@filtersfast.com.

Posted by Daniel at 4:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brita has long promoted its pitcher water filters as an eco-friendly alternative to bottled water, and with good reason. A single pitcher filter can replace 300 standard bottles of water, which greatly reduces the amount of plastic water bottles that are not recycled.

Unfortunately, there is no option to recycle the Brita pitcher filters, which are encased in No. 5 plastics, a plastic not recycled in most communities.

Until now.

Due in large part to online campaigns like Take Back The Filter, Brita has partnered with Preserve’s Gimme 5 program to take back and recycle 100 percent of the filter casings. Preserve will use the recycled filters in its line of eco-friendly household goods.

Through the program, which started in January of 2009, consumers can drop off their old Brita filters at participating Whole Foods Markets across the country. You can also choose to mail your filters to Preserve.

For a list of participating Whole Foods Markets and detailed instructions on how to recycle your old Brita filters, click here.

See Filters Fast's complete line of Brita pitchers and pitcher filters here.

Posted by Daniel at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With Spring on its way, many are getting ready to cultivate their home gardens. Homegrown fruits and vegetables are often less expensive and healthier than their store-bought counterparts, as they are usually not grown with the same harmful pesticides and chemicals.

But this attempt at a more organic and healthier approach to gardening can be counterintuitive if you are still watering your garden with your garden hose. The chlorine found in your home’s water can be considered a toxic substance when it is used to water your garden, as chlorine reacts negatively with many natural compounds.

The Rainshow'r Gard'n Gro Garden Filter System is a completely non-toxic de-chlorinator that promotes healthy plant nutrition and growth in your garden by eliminating the harsh toxic effects of chlorinated water. The Gard’n Gro system attaches to your spigot and removes 85% of the chlorine from your garden hose water. It also preserves helpful microorganisms found in the soil, and will not harm ladybugs, lacewings and other beneficial nematodes that naturally ward off pest populations.

If you are into hydroponic gardening, consider the Rainshow’r Green Knight Hydroponic Dechlorinator, which promotes hydroponic plant growth by removing the toxic effects of chlorine from garden hose water by using Quartz crystals to aid plants in the absorption of nutrients. Like the Gard’n Gro, it screws directly onto your garden hose and removes 85-90 percent of Free Available Chlorine (FAC).

Posted by Daniel at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Your home or office building probably doesn’t cough a lot. It doesn’t register a fever, nor does it complain of a tummy ache or go through a box of tissues every hour.

It doesn’t convey any sign of illness, but your building may very well be afflicted with Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), according to the Environmental Protection Association. The EPA uses the term to “describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.”

SBS could be to blame if building occupants are plagued with the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Coughs
• Irritated eyes, nose or throat
• Dry or itchy skin
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Fatigue

Most of these symptoms go away very shortly after leaving a sick building. One of the more common causes of SBS is inadequate ventilation. Since most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building—carpeting, upholstery, copy machines and manufactured wood products, just to name a few—it is critical to ensure your building’s HVAC system operates at local standards.

Often this means increasing the ventilation rates or adding local exhaust ventilation. But there are other ways to clear the air. More efficient air filters, such as our MERV 11 and MERV 13 filters, can trap the smaller particles inexpensive filters cannot.

So while the building you live or work doesn’t show signs of illness, the people inside it might. If you or others in your home or office display any of the symptoms above and don’t know why, consider upgrading to a MERV 11 or MERV 13 air filter.

Posted by Daniel at 4:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Filters Fast is more than happy to exchange those old, dirty air filters for newer, more efficient models. But don’t get rid of those disgusting things just yet. They could help you win a $500 gift card.

American Home Shield (AHS), a home warranty provider, is stressing the importance of changing your air filter with a photo and video contest. With their photo contest, AHS hopes to find “America’s dirtiest air filters.” To enter, send a photo of you with your dirty filter to AHS, who will then choose one weekly winner to receive a $25 Sears gift card through Feb. 28.

The video contest requires a bit more work, but with a greater reward. Entrants must produce a video of no more than 90 seconds that explains why it is so important to change your home’s air filters on a regular basis. The grand prize winner will receive a one-year home warranty from AHS and a $500 Visa gift card, with the second and third place winners receiving $200 and $100 gift cards, respectively.

Don’t be shy. AHS wasn’t when they made their animated video of President Obama, who stresses that changing the nation’s air filters is “the change we need.”

Check out http://www.ahsvideocontest.com/ for the official rules and reasons for changing your filters.

Posted by Daniel at 1:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Chloramine has gotten a bad reputation. If you're like most people you think chemicals in your water is a bad thing. But what most people don't realize is that water must be treated chemically otherwise it is simply unsafe for humans to ingest. Among the many chemicals used to "treat" water is Chloramine. Chloramine or NH2CL is used in very low concentrations as a disinfectant and is safer and more stable than chlorine. Chlorine is more likely to dissipate from the water before it reaches you, totally negating it's purpose of disinfecting water. For these reasons Chloramine is normallly considered a safe way to treat water by municipalities.

Continue reading "Chloramine" »

Posted by Katie at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

America is the number one consumer of bottled water in the world according to James Owen from National Geographic News. The Energy Information Administration states that the average annual price for gasoline in the U.S. is $3.02 while some bottled water companies charge up to $6.40 per gallon! Imagine 30 years or more from now with the combined amount of money spent on supposedly pure bottled water and also the amount of waste produced from the un-recycled bottles that destroy the Earth. Some bottled water when tested reflects no difference in quality than the actual tap water as it began. From an environmental, frugal, and forward-thinking point of view, having an in-home filtration system is advantageous.

With an in-home filtration system, the consumer can have confidence that their drinking water is safe and clean and can enjoy the convenience of not lugging cases of bottled water home each week. One of the major bottled water companies actually states on their website that the water is filtered by reverse osmosis but is then "enhanced" with special minerals. Why not purchase an in-home reverse osmosis system that will truly offer freshly filtered water? An in-home system provides the consumer with bottled water quality water or better because it is filtered at the source of the consumer's faucet. The reverse osmosis process involves high water pressure through microscopic pores of the filter that will reduce the contaminants to virtually pure water free of contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, and cysts that are commonly found in drinking water. A popular system by Pentek is the RO-3500 which has 3 different stages of filtration for $280.00. The pre-filter should be changed every 3 months while the post-filter lasts one year. Total price for system maintenance per year is around $35.00. The thin film membrane change is signaled by the indicator light which can be anywhere between 2 and 5 years depending upon water quality. The membrane unit is $87.95. Another reverse osmosis system by Hydrotech is the 4VTFC75GPB which has 4 stages of filtration and is only $298.99. Replacement filters should be changed every 6 months which means about $70.00 a year to maintain this system’s high filtering ability. Another type of advanced filtration system is the 3M WV-B3 which is a single stage system for $268.00. This system will reduce 99.99% of chlorine, sediment, cysts, bacteria.

Filters Fast is a great company to purchase such filtration systems because of their reliability and wide selection based on each individuals' needs. For competitive pricing, remarkable customer service, and clean water, let Filters Fast serve all of your water filtration needs. Not sure about your water quality or what to purchase? Call the experts to find out what is best at 866-438-3458 or visit our website at www.FiltersFast.com.

Posted by at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What are total dissolved solids and where do they originate?
Dissolved solids found in water are any substances other than the pure hydrogen and oxygen elements that compose the water. These dissolved solids include minerals, salts, metals, organic waste and suspended solids such as wood pulp. The amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) present in the water can cause water to be unsafe to drink. The source of these contaminants are mostly from agricultural runoff, surface runoff or are due to the natural weathering of rocks and soils. The average TDS level of tap water is between 170-400 parts per million (ppm). TDS levels between 300-500 ppm are considered high and may contain harmful contaminants that may be hazardous if consumed.

How can you tell what level of TDS is in your water?
We offer a variety of meters that are used to measure the level of TDS in your tap water and your filtered water. These meters can be helpful in determining when will be the most accurate time to replace your filters if a filtration system is installed. Most reverse osmosis membranes have a lifespan of 2-5 years. Because this is such a vague filter lifespan, it is difficult to actually judge when it should be changed. Using a TDS meter, you can calculate the rejection rate of the reverse osmosis membrane and determine exactly when the replacement filters and the membrane should be replaced. The consumer can be reassured through the TDS meter that the filters are being replaced as soon as they are at capacity.

What is the rejection rate?
The rejection rate is calculated when the TDS level of the filtered water processed through the RO system (RO product water) is measured and is subtracted from the TDS level of the unfiltered tap water that bypasses the RO system (pre-RO feed water). That result is then divided by the pre-RO feed water and then is multiplied by 100. For example, if the TDS level of the filtered water is 25 ppm and the TDS level of the unfiltered water is 350 ppm, this is what the equation would look like:

350ppm - 25ppm = 325ppm

325ppm / 350ppm = 0.92

0.92 x 100 = 92% Rejection rate

What TDS meters do we offer?
The CT-1 meter has an L.E.D. light that indicates when the filter should be changed. When it turns red the filter has met its capacity and should be changed. This unit includes 2 AA batteries. The DM-1 is an inline filter that measure the feed water and the product water on the same unit and it has 1/4" quick-connect inlets. The hand held TDS meters that we offer are the TDS-3 and the TDS-4. The TDS-3 has a built-in digital thermometer and a carrying case with a belt clip. The TDS-4 or the Pocket Size TDS meter is the smallest TDS meter on the market and has a 3-year limited warranty.

Posted by at 9:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Depending on your travel destination, you may be exposed to a number of different diseases. Exposure depends on the presence of infectious agents in the area. The risk of becoming infected will vary according to the purpose of the trip, the standards in accommodation, hygiene and sanitation, as well as the behavior of you, the traveler. Some diseases can be prevented by vaccination, but there are some that have no known vaccine.

The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes 80% of all travel diseases to contaminated drinking water. When traveling to many countries, precautions should be taken to avoid sickness from small organisms in food and water. Many countries still fertilize with human waste, making it very important to take steps so that you don’t become sick.

Food and water-borne diseases are often transmitted by consumption of contaminated food or water. The risk of infection is reduced by taking hygienic precautions with all food, drink, and drinking water that is consumed. Some proper precautions are as follows:

• Tap water and ice cubes should be avoided where water quality is uncertain.
• Bottled water may even be questionable, and should be avoided if it arrives open or unsealed, as it may be filled from a local water source. Only drink bottled water if it is industrially bottled, or sealed.
• Fruits that don’t have a peel, raw vegetables, and salads should be washed with disinfected water.
• Brush you teeth with germ-free water. Don’t forget, if you need to take any medication, make sure the water you are using is germ-free, as well. Gastrointestinal upset may affect the effectiveness of your medication.

There are also a number of proactive steps that you, the traveler, can take to protect yourself. In the past 5-10 years, a number of water filtration products have come onto the market for travelers. These products are often small, compact, and provide the necessary filtration you would need when traveling abroad.

Perhaps the most popular brand on the market is Katadyn. Katadyn produces a number of products for every type of situation. Whether you are on an expedition, an overnight backpacking trip, or simply need a personal water bottle, Katadyn has the products that you will need. All Katadyn products will remove bacteria, cysts, viruses, and sediment from your drinking water, making it safe to consume and use. You can find these products at our online store, FiltersFast.com, under Katadyn.

Essentially, the best thing you can do when traveling abroad, is to be aware of your surroundings and to take proactive steps to protect yourself. Before you leave, be sure to have a plan for water, food, and anything else you require for survival. Traveling abroad can be an exciting adventure! So have fun and be safe!!

Posted by at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Product Testing & Certification

NSF International, also known as the National Sanitation Foundation, has become well known as an independent third-party certifier for the drinking water industry.

NSF International has established consensus standards and testing protocols for drinking water treatment devices used by all other testing laboratories. Once a system has become “NSF Certified”, then the consumer can feel confident that the system will perform up to the manufacturer’s claim. For comparison purposes, I’ve listed each NSF International standard, which has been adopted by many states, for drinking water treatment systems.

NSF Standard 42

NSF Standard 42 deals with any claims of taste, odor, color, and other aesthetic effects, which includes the reduction of chlorine and particulate matter. The classes are as follows;

1. Taste, Odor and Chlorine Reduction

Many water municipalities use chlorine for water disinfection. Unfortunately, this often produces an undesirable taste or odor, as well as Trihalomethanes, a know carcinogen. Certified drinking water treatment devices have been grouped into the following categories based on the efficient reduction of chlorine throughout the life of the system.

CLASS I – Reduces chlorine by 75-100%
CLASS II – Reduces chlorine by 50-74%
CLASS III – Reduces chlorine by 25-49%

2. Particulate Reduction

Water that appears cloudy or turbid is caused by particulate matter found in the water. Drinking water systems that have been Certified for particulate reduction have been shown, through testing, that they will reduce specific sized particles. Drinking water systems are Certified as meeting one of the following categories;

CLASS I – 0.5-1 micrometers (sub-micron)
CLASS II – 1-5 micrometers (extra-fine)
CLASS III – 5-15 micrometers (medium-fine)
CLASS IV – 15-30 micrometers (fine)
CLASS V – 30-50 micrometers (medium coarse)
CLASS VI – 50 micrometers or large (coarse)

NSF Standard 53

Contaminants that are considered potential health hazards, such as microbiological, chemical, or particulate (cysts) in nature, fall under NSF Standard 53. Any water system that attempts to reduce or remove specific contaminants from a public or private drinking water source will be Certified under this standard. It should be noted that, while a system may be effective in reducing or removing one or more contaminant, in this standard, it is not required that they control all contaminants. The contaminants included under this standard are as follows;

1. Chemical and Heavy Metals

Includes chemical and heavy metal contaminants, such as lead, lindane, 2, 4, -D, asbestos, trichloroethane and others.

2. Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)

VOCs are chemicals that are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They are delivered from a variety of paint thinners, cleaning supplies, pesticides, office equipment, correction fluid, craft materials, such as glue, and permanent markers.

3. Turbidity

A cloudiness or haziness to water, or other fluid, caused by suspended solids that can’t generally be seen by the naked eye. The effectiveness of water disinfection can be decreased by increased turbidity, simply because bacteria can become attached to the suspended solid.

4. Cysts

Cysts are pockets that contain single cell parasites, which are very resistant to chlorine. Cysts can cause disease, often accompanied with symptoms, such as abdominal cramping diarrhea. The most common cysts are Giardia and Cryptosporidium, both of which originate from sewage or animal waste.

5. Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

TTHMs are a byproduct of chlorinated water that contains natural organics. Decomposition of leaves, wood, grass, and mineral waste can result in the formation of humic compounds. TTHMs form when organic compounds combine with chlorine and have been known to cause cancer.

6. Organic Compounds

Organic compound chemicals can often enter drinking water as a result of misapplied agriculture chemicals, spills or industrial discharge.

NSF Standard 55

The NSF Standard 55 covers Ultraviolet Drinking Water Systems. The specific contaminants tested are:

CLASS A – Disinfection

Designed to disinfect water that is microbiologically contaminated, but meets all other public health standards. Not intended to treat water that has a confirmed contamination source. This type of system is unable to turn wastewater into safe drinking water. This type of system should be installed on water that is visually clear.

CLASS B – Disinfection

This system contains ultraviolet lights that will need to be replaced periodically, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The ultraviolet lamps provide a supplemental bactericidal treatment for both, treated and disinfected, drinking water that has been deemed safe for human consumption by the local jurisdiction. The system is designed to reduce normally occurring non-pathogenic microorganisms only.

NSF Standard 58

The NSF Standard 58 covers Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems.

NSF Standard 62

The NSF Standard 62 covers Distillation Drinking Water Systems. The specific contaminants covered under this standard are:

1. Arsenic
2. Barium
3. Cadmium
4. Copper
5. Fluoride
6. Hexavalent Chromium
7. Lead
8. Mercury
9. Microbiological Performance
10. Nitrate/Nitrite
11. Selenium
12. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
13. Trivalent Chromium

Posted by at 3:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Compared to other pleated filters, fiberglass filters and reusable/washable filters, the Filtrete electostatically charged filters have the greatest advantages. Fiberglass filters were not designed to reduce microbial particles, but were only meant to protect the furnace from debris. The Filtrete filters will actually improve the quality of the air in the household as well as protect the furnace and air conditioner.
Electrostatic media is a much better quality than fiberglass media because of the electrostatically charged fibers in the filters, which are positively-charged and negatively-charged and act as magnets to microscopic air particles passing through the filter. Because the Filtrete air filters are pleated, this allows for better filtration because there is more media surface present than with non-pleated filters. Filtrete filters are antimicrobial, which means that they will not allow bacteria, mold or mildew to grow.
Other pleated filters and fiberglass filters should be changed every month, while the Filtrete brand filters should be changed every two three months depending upon the individual household air quality. If there are pets and cigarette smokers present in the household or if ceiling fans are ran continuously, the filters may need to be changed more frequently. The reusable/washable filters may not need to be replaced for years, but are more expensive and when washing the filters, particles that have been filtered may enter back into the environment. The Filtrete furnace filters that we carry are the Dust and Pollen Filter (Blue Series), Micro Allergen (Red Series) and the Ultra Allergen (Purple Series).

Posted by at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ceramic materials are made from the Earth. More specifically from the remains of silicon shells left by algae that settled to the bottom of the Earth's waters years ago. These deposits were discovered when the Earth's bodies of water dried up. The discovery of this “Diaomaceous Earth” had sparked new ideas for technological uses, especially in water filtration. The ceramic filter is very beneficial because it filters out a variety of contaminants that may be present in the water while the essential minerals remain. About 99.88% of contaminants known to cause water-born diseases are filtered out by ceramic water filters.
Depth filtration is the unique way that contaminants are filtered from ceramic unit. With this advanced level of filtration comes a quality is extremely cleanly and virtually contaminant-free. Doulton filters contain within their ceramic shells about 80,000,000 pores in which to trap bacteria and other harmful contaminants that could be present in household drinking water. Pure silver incorporated throughout the ceramic filter prevents bacteria from growing. Silver plays an important role in the maintaining of cleanliness within the filter. When silver comes into contact with water, the silver gives off ions. The bacteria cells takes in the ions and it then become neutral.
Some of the ceramic filters that we have available are actually reusable. To clean these filters for reuse, simply brush off the outer layer of contaminants under running water with a small brush. Some filters may be reused up to 60 times before its filtration capabilities have been exhausted. When the filter has been used down to a diameter of 1.75", that is a good indication that it should be replaced. These ceramic filters should not be cleaned with any type of chemical agents in order to ensure the cleanliest of filtration.
We carry three different brands of ceramic filters: Pentek, Franke and Doulton. The Pentek ceramic filter is the CRE-1, which has a 1 micron rating and is reusable. The FRX-02 is the Franke brand of ceramic filter that we carry, which has a 0.2 micron rating but is not reusable. Some of the Doulton Ceramic filter that are reusable are listed here: DS-1000, Imperial OBE, Sterasyl OBE.

Posted by at 4:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

KDF process media, original known as Kinetic Degradation Fluxion, are high-purity, granulated copper and zinc-based alloys that treat water through a process based upon the principle of redox (oxidation reduction). KDF’s unique combination of copper and zinc creates an electro-chemical reaction. During this reaction, electrons are transferred between molecules, and new elements are created. Some harmful contaminants are changed into harmless components. Free chlorine, for instance, is changed into benign, water-soluble chloride, which is then carried harmlessly through the water supply. Similarly, some heavy metals such as copper, lead, mercury and others, react to plate out onto the medium’s surface, thus being effectively removed from the water supply.

There are many benefits to using KDF media. KDF media are 100% recyclable and contain no chemical additives. KDF will enhance performance, reduce maintenance, and extend the life of your current filtration system. They will also help control microorganisms by creating an environment that’s deadly to microorganisms and that interferes with the ability of many other microorganisms to function. KDF media will also help extend the life of granular activated carbon, a media that is often used in conjunction.

KDF media can be broken down into two (2) principle products: KDF 55 and KDF 85. KDF 55 granules are most effective in removing 99.9% of chlorine and water soluble heavy materials from point-of-use (POE) treatment systems of municipal water supplies. KDF 85 granules effectively reduce iron and hydrogen sulfide and can be used alone or to protect existing water filtration/purification technologies in POE treatment of groundwater supplies. There is also KDF-F (Fines), which can be incorporated into carbon blocks for chlorine removal, bacterial control, and similar applications.

Posted by at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When your water heater heats your water this can cause calcium carbonate to precipitate out and settle at the bottom of your tank. This can cause sediment build-up that will slow pressure down and the build-up can cause corrosion that will decrease the life of your pipes and appliances. Steam pockets can also form under the sediment when the burner comes on and this can cause popping and other noises.

To prevent these problems try using a product such as the AP430 to protect your hot water heater. The Aquapure AP430 hot water filter system installs directly on the 3/4" pipe leading into your hot water heater. The AP430 will extend the life of your hot water heaters or tankless hot water sytems by stopping scale build-up and corrosion. The AP430 Hot Water System Protector not only increases the effeciency of your hot water sytems so they run cleaner, but it also saves you money on maintenance costs.

And the replacement cartridges will only cost you about $30 every six months! Compare that cost to having to replace your hot water heater or corroded pipes and it's a no brainer!

Posted by Roxanne at 1:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

More and more homes in America are starting to use some type of water filtration to remove particulates and chlorine from their drinking, cooking, and shower water. But, many forget the water that is used to irrigate gardens. Just as chlorine can seep into our skin during a shower, it can seep into the soil and food that we grow in our garden.

Chlorine is designed to kill living organisms, such as fungi and bacteria that can contaminate your water source. However, a healthy soil is made up of beneficial bacteria, molds and various forms of fungi (the very things that chlorine was designed to kill). A plant's survival is based on the nutrients it receives from its water and soil. Organic farmers and gardeners have known for years that the safest way to protect their plants and the environment from insects, disease, and pests is through the use of beneficial bacteria. Therefore, you need a way to remove the chlorine from the water without harming the beneficial insects and bacteria that make your garden thrive.

The best way to remove chlorine from a water source is with a carbon filter. There is currently a carbon filter made especially for garden irrigation. The Gard’n Gro Garden Filter system promotes healthy plant nutrition and growth by enhancing the effectiveness of non-chemical pest controls, protecting ladybugs, lacewigs, and beneficial nematodes, and removing up 85% of the chlorine in the water. You can purchase the Gard’n Gro Garden Filter system at our online store, www.filtersfast.com.

Posted by at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There are many misconceptions concerning water filtration--- # 1 being that there is a "Best Filter" out there. It's not unusual for a person to call me up and say "My water is horrible. I need the best filter you have." Unfortunately it's not that simple. And if you choose to ignore this you'll most likely end spending a ton of money on a system you don't need and might not even solve the problem.

First of all, filtration systems can be divided up into two main categories: Point of Use and Point of Origin. Point of Use refers to the actual place you will be getting your water from for drinking, cooking, ect. Point of Origin signifies the place at which water enters your home or building, usually the pipe coming from the city grid or your well.

When deciding to install a filtration system in your home you need to decide -- Am I just concerned about the water I drink or am I concerned about ALL of my water. For instance, some people may have a well that brings sediment into their household water. It can get in the washing machine, drinking water, shower water, ect. If this is your problem, you'd be looking for a whole house or Point of Origin filter (and perhaps a point of use filter as well). On the other hand, maybe you don't have any sediment problems. Maybe you are just concerned about the little nasties in your water that you can't see, but that you know are there. In this case you would be looking for an under-sink or Point of Use filter system.

So, once you determine if you're looking for POU or POO you can delve a little deeper into the problem. Let’s tackle Point of Use first since this is the most common concern amongst people who want to filter their water. By the way, if you’re reading this CONGRATS to you on deciding to look into home filtration verses bottled water. Home filtration really is the way to go, and you can read more about why here. But back to the point—of use that is.

So now you’ve decided you want a Point of Use filter and you go online and do some research. Now you’re even more confused than before --- there are so many choices!!!! So how do you know which one is best for you? First thing you should do is get your water tested!!! Is a boxer ever able to connect with his opponent if he can’t see where he is? No. So what makes you think you can filter your water without knowing what it is you’re trying to filter out? We offer a variety of test kits for you to choose from that are quick, easy ways of finding out what’s in your water. By determining what the problem is before you solve it you can save yourself a lot of time and money!

I hear some of you saying to yourself, “But my neighbor said I need a reverse osmosis system. He says it’s the only thing that can purify my water.” ANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNK! Incorrect. Thanks for playing. Reverse Osmosis is considered in the filtration industry to be a “Top of the Line” filtration system and it does indeed filter out solvents in the water that regular under-sink or mechanical filters cannot. However, these systems are quite expensive and personally I wouldn’t want to purchase and maintain one unless I knew for absolute certain that I needed one. People with medical conditions should consult their doctor before purchasing an RO system. Reverse osmosis can remove minerals and nutrients from water that may be needed as part of a healthy lifestyle or recovery.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you need an RO system: Are you trying to remove Fluoride, Arsenic, or Cyanide from your water? Is what you are trying to remove actually dissolved into the water? Are you paranoid and will not be satisfied unless you know you’ve got a top of the line system? If you answered yes to any of these questions you need to go ahead and invest in an RO system because that is what you will need to meet your filtration requirements.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Many people do not realize this but a good under-sink filtration system can remove TONS of common contaminants from your water. Another upside to these systems is that many of them take standard size filters, so when you need to change your filter you can find one to suit you even if your current filter has been discontinued or upgraded to a newer part number.

So let’s say that you’re on city water but you do have some really fine sediment in your water. Probably rust from old pipes. But you’re real concern is the massive amounts of chlorine that the city puts in your water. Yuck! It stinks and it’s undrinkable as far as you’re concerned. Well (assuming you’ve had your water tested and these are the only two things you’re concerned with) you wouldn’t need a reverse osmosis system at all. A filtration system such as the OT32 by Omni Filter could solve all of your problems. The OT32 is a dual housing system that comes with a CB3 carbon block filter and an RS2 string wound filter. Now honestly, if you know that chlorine is your only issue when it’s time to change your filter get a GAC1 and an RS2. The GAC1 is less expensive, but in this case would suit your chlorine removal needs just fine. Meanwhile the RS2 sediment filter is taking care of that light sediment problem you had. And what’s left you ask? Nothing but great tasting drinking water!

Although the scenario above is quite funny and informative the truth is most people have bigger issues with their water than chlorine & sediment. The fact is that EPA and local standards still allow trace amounts of contaminants into our drinking water. And bless your heart if you have a well—literally anything could be in there! Again—this is why it’s important to have your water tested. But let’s go through another scenario just for fun…

Let’s say that you’ve got a well. You’ve had it tested (as all wells should be) and your iron levels are ok but still causing some staining on your appliances and in the bath tub. Also, you’ve found some bacteria and pesticides have seeped into your water as well. What you’re going to want is both a whole house filter and an under-sink filter. Here’s why. Whole house filters are not designed to produce drinkable water. They are basically designed to reduce sediment or bad odors from your household water. They normally have a higher micron rating than an under-sink filter, such as a carbon block, which is designed to make drinkable water.
________________________________________________________________________________________
.micron = A unit of length. One millionth of a meter or one thousandth of a millimeter. One micron equals 0.00004 of an inch. More specifically in terms of water filtration the rule is the lower the micron rating the more that is filtered out.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there! Cysts such as Giardia & Cryptosporidium are commonly found in tap water but cannot be seen by the human eye. Point of use filters, such as the CBC-10 will remove over 99% of these cysts which would pass right through a whole house filter.

Back to the scenario above. Since they don’t have hard water but are having some issues with iron they can use an Iron Filter to get rid of the staining. However, this iron filter will have to be preceded by a sediment filter. The sediment filter is needed to extend the life of the iron filter. In other words, if you don’t want the iron filter clogging up every other week spend a little extra money up front to install a sediment filter. With these two systems in place you’ll be ready to install your under-sink system for drinking water. A system such as the US-1000 would be appropriate in this situation.

There are other factors to be considered when trying to pick the best filter for you such as how big your home is and how many people use the water there. If you have a large home with 3 to 4 people using water daily you need to look at 20” filter housings. These housings provide for higher flow rates than 10” filter housings and therefore don’t have to be changed as frequently.
If only 1-2 people live in your home you may be able to suffice with a housing that takes standard size small filters, such as the AP101T by Aqua Pure.

You may find yourself in a situation where you want filtered water but you do not own your home or cannot afford the filtration that would suit you best. Luckily you still have options for home filtration that are affordable and still less expensive than bottled water. For instance, the Brita On Tap Faucet Filtration System removes over 15 different contaminants, providing excellent filtration for a fraction of the cost. If you are over-dosing on chlorine in the shower try a shower filter, such as the AQ-4100 by Aquasana. If you’re clothes are coming out of the wash dirtier than when they went in try a washing machine filter.

All of these products can be easily installed and used to make the water in your life safer and healthier.

In summary---Get your water tested. Find out if you need a POU or POO or both. Consider the size of your home and your budget. And finally shop at www.filtersfast.com because we’re going to sell you what you need --not just the most expensive products on the market!

Posted by Roxanne at 4:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The GE Freshsaver Filters are used in GE Arctica Refrigerators to help keep vegetables and fruit fresher, longer by absorbing some of the Ethylene gases that are created by ripening and decaying fruit. By reducing this gas, you can increase the shelf life and reduce the shrinkage of your fruits and vegetables.

The GE Freshsaver Filters come in a pack of 2 and can be purchased at our online store, www.filtersfast.com.

Posted by at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

LG 5231J2006B ( popularly known as Sears part 46-9990 ) to our inventory. This LG filters, like all of our filters can be purchased online at www.filtersfast.com for our everyday low price.

LG LT600P is a 300 Gallon Capacity Water Filter for side-by-side and bottom mount refrigerators. This filter fits most LG Side-by-Side & Bottom-Freezer refrigerators, and all Kenmore "795" Series refrigerators - including the Kenmore Trio (three-door or "French door") models with the water dispenser on the outside of the refrigerator door.

The LG 5231JA2006-B reduces:

99.9% of Particulates Class I
97.6% chlorine taste & odor
91.2% of Mercury at pH 8.5
96.7% of Mercury at pH 6.5
99.35% of Lead
95.9% of Atrazine
96.3% of Benzene
93.06% of 2,4-D
99.09% of Lindane
99.99% of Cysts
99.3% of Turbidity

Posted by Roxanne at 3:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Filters Fast is considering adding a new auto ship program for all of our filter lines and wanted to get feedback from consumers prior to implementing the system. Any comments on how you would like a filter auto charge/ship feature to work? Our thoughts are to have a subscription page on your account that you can log into and change your ship frequency, update your billing information as well as your shipping information, you could cancel your subscription and add products as well. The goal is to take one item off of your to do list for good. Any features that you would like to see that would make this feature more useful and more likely to be used by most customers?

Continue reading "Automatic Filter Shipping Option" »

Posted by Ray at 3:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Want to know what the EPA standards are for drinking water? Curious to find out just how much pollution the goverment will allow us to consume? Want to find out what's in the water where you live? Here are some interesting and informative links concerning water standards and contamination.

http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/standard/setting.html

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/40cfr141_02.html

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html

Posted by Roxanne at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

About 10 years ago the bottled water industry took off and has been showing record sales ever since. Everyone has there own reasons for drinking bottled water whether it’s convenience, health-concerns, taste, clever marketing, ect. But the clear consensus among most people is that they don’t trust the water that comes out of their tap. The bottled-water industry is riding this phobia straight to the bank with sales in the billions every year. So are bottled-water drinkers really getting a safer product or are they just paying for the illusion of safety?

Did you know that the FDA regulates the bottled-water industry and often adopts the same standards set by the EPA for municipal tap water? A common misconception is that people think when they buy a bottle of water that it is “pure” or void of any and all contaminants. This is not true. The FDA has established allowable levels for over 80 physical, microbiological, chemical, and radiological contaminants in bottled water. (Code of Federal Regulations: Food and Drugs 21 CFR 103.35)

For the moment let’s just ignore the fact that the Bottled Water Industry doesn’t require testing for a number of contaminants such as Cryptosporidium, and Giardia and instead consider what they do filter out. Fluoride. Many municipalities add Fluoride to their water because of its positive impact on tooth decay and the fact that it helps promote strong teeth. This can become an issue in small children who need Fluoride but only drink bottled water. Although, there are filtration systems that can remove fluoride most do not for this exact reason.

Another interesting fact that bottled-water companies don’t put in their advertising is that in many cases the bottled water they sell comes directly from municipal water sources. So they are literally taking the water from the same source your tap water comes from, putting it through the same treatments that your local regulatory body puts your tap water through, and then selling it to you at an inflated price. And when I say inflated, that is an understatement. Depending on where you live and what brand you’re loyal to, bottled water costs between $.80 and $2.00+. It only costs these companies pennies per bottle to manufacture so they are making upwards of 90% profits on every sale.

Check out these stats that show how much bottled water costs vs filtration:

Bottled Water
- 1st Year $440.40
- Subsequent Years $440.40
- Five Year Avg. $440.40
- Five Year Total $2202.00

Under Sink Single Filter
- 1st Year $99.95
- Subsequent Years $29.99
- Five Year Avg. $43.98
- Five Year Total $219.90

Under Sink Double Filter
- 1st Year $189.95
- Subsequent Years $69.97
- Five Year Avg. $93.97
- Five Year Total $469.85

Reverse Osmosis System
- 1st Year as little as $263.85
- Subsequent Years $67.80
- Five Year Avg. $117.01
- Five Year Total $585.05

Bottled Water
- 1st Year $440.40
- Subsequent Years $440.40
- Five Year Avg. $440.40
- Five Year Total $2202.00

1. Based on the USDA 1194-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII), the average ingestion of water is 0.951 litres/person/day (0.251 gallons/person/day). From this it can be determined that an average household of 4 people would consume approximately 367 gallons of water per year (0.251 gallons/person/day x 4 people x 365 days/year).

Municipal water systems serving 25 people or more are subject to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. This means the water is constantly and thoroughly tested for harmful substances. If there is a problem, consumers will be warned through the media or other outlets. (http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/402_h2o.html).

Even though tap water may look or smell different that doesn’t always mean it’s unsafe. Viruses, which are the most harmful impurities in water, are tasteless and odorless. You can purchase a water testing kit for under $20 that will tell you exactly what is in your water. This is why having a filtration system comes in handy. Once you know exactly what’s in your water you can then select a filtration system that meets your needs. This will not only save you loads of money but can provide you with a sense of security knowing that you’re drinking safe, uncontaminated water.

Posted by Roxanne at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Benefits of refrigerator water filters.

Posted by Ray at 3:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here is a link to a previous article written to help explain why you should change refrigerator water filters every 6 months.

Posted by Ray at 3:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Let’s start with a few definitions of water filters.

From WordNet - a filter to remove impurities from the water supply

From Wikipedia - A filter is a device which removes impurities from water by means of physical barrier. Filters are used to treat water for irrigation, drinking water, aquariums, and swimming pools.

A Water Filter can be best described as a device used to remove something from water. You can use a hat, shirt, paper, carbon, string or pretty much anything else as a water filter. A hat or shirt are not exactly going to be the best filter, but it will filter out large items like fish, tadpoles, sticks, and maybe some dirt.
Most people think of water filters as the pitcher filter or faucet filter that they have in their house, but there are many other kinds of consumer water filters as well. Many homes have point of entry water filters which are also called whole house water filters and/or point of use filters also referred to as under sink water filters, shower filters, faucet filters, refrigerator and icemaker filters.
The question is, what do these water filters filter out of your water? The answer depends on two factors, what contaminants are in your water and what the filter you choose is rated for. To find out what contaminants are in your water, you will need to have your water tested using a drinking water test kit. Just because you have tap water does not mean that your water has safe levels of contaminants as contaminants can pass through city filter systems at times and some may even come from your own pipes! The EPA has standards for allowable level of contaminants in your water and in some cases these levels are not as low as you might think. Chlorine is used as a disinfectant in public water systems which is why most tap water smells and tastes like a swimming pool. Only you can decide what contaminants and at what levels you are comfortable with. Once you know what contaminants you would like removed from your water, you should choose a type of water filter specifically designed to reduce it from your water. For example, if Chlorine is a concern for you and your family, you will need a carbon based water filter. Recent studies have shown dangers to showering in highly chlorinated water as well as drinking it, so a point of entry, whole house, carbon based water filter system may be the best choice. If Arsenic is your main concern, then you will need to look at point of use reverse osmosis water filter systems.
Every impurity can be reduced by some means of water filtration but it is first important to understand what you are trying to reduce to pick the correct water filter system. Water filters come in many types such as pleated polyester, carbon wrapped paper, GAC (granulated activated carbon), Carbon Block, string wound, Polyspun and more. We will cover the difference, strengths and weaknesses of each type above in a future topic.

Posted by Ray at 2:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome to Filters Fast Ask the Water Filter Experts. We hope to clear up any questions about water filtration and assist consumers in making informed decisions on the many water filtration choices available. If you have any questions that you would like answered, this is the place to post them. We will open up new topics based on the comments left on this topic, so post away. We will cover any water filtration topic or question regardless of water filter brand, type, or water conditions.

Posted by Ray at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)