What Factors Should I Consider When Buying an Online Water Purifier?
Buying an online water purifier can be a daunting task, but breaking down the important factors can make it easier. Here’s a simplified guide to help you understand what to look for when purchasing an online water purifier.
1. Water Quality
Know Your Water Source: Before buying a purifier, you need to understand the quality of your water. Is it from a well, river, or municipal supply? Is it hard (high in minerals like calcium and magnesium) or soft? Does it have contaminants like bacteria, viruses, or heavy metals?
Test Your Water: Get your water tested to identify the impurities present. This will help you choose the right type of water purifier. For instance, Reverse Osmosis (RO) purifiers are great for hard water with heavy metals, while Ultra Violet (UV) purifiers are effective against bacteria and viruses.
2. Types of Purifiers
RO (Reverse Osmosis) Purifiers: Best for areas with high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and contaminants like lead, arsenic, and fluoride. However, they waste a lot of water.
UV (Ultra Violet) Purifiers: Ideal for water that is microbiologically unsafe. They kill bacteria and viruses but do not remove dissolved salts.
UF (Ultra Filtration) Purifiers: These work without electricity and are good for areas with low TDS. They remove bacteria and cysts but not dissolved salts.
Activated Carbon Filters: Great for improving taste and removing chlorine and organic impurities.
Gravity-Based Purifiers: Suitable for areas with low TDS and no electricity. They are not effective against dissolved salts or heavy contamination.
3. Purification Capacity
Daily Water Consumption: Estimate your daily water usage. Purifiers come with different capacities; choose one that meets your family’s needs. For example, a family of four might need a purifier with a capacity of at least 7-8 liters per day.
4. Storage Capacity
Size of the Storage Tank: Consider the size of the storage tank. If you have frequent power cuts or need a lot of water at once, a larger storage tank is beneficial.
5. Maintenance and Filter Replacement
Easy Maintenance: Check how often the filters need to be replaced and how easy it is to do so. Some purifiers come with indicators that alert you when it’s time to change the filter.
Cost of Replacement Filters: The cost of replacement filters can add up. Ensure you know how much you’ll be spending on maintenance annually.
6. Brand and Certification
Reputable Brands: Choose purifiers from well-known brands that offer good after-sales service. Read reviews and get recommendations.
Certifications: Look for certifications from bodies like NSF, WQA, or ISI. These ensure the purifier meets certain standards of quality and safety.
7. Electricity and Water Wastage
Power Requirements: Some purifiers, like RO and UV, need electricity. If your area has frequent power cuts, you might need a backup or a non-electric purifier.
Water Wastage: RO purifiers waste a lot of water. Some advanced models come with water-saving technology. Consider this if water conservation is important to you.
8. Additional Features
TDS Controller: Some purifiers come with a TDS controller to retain essential minerals in the water.
Mineralizer: Adds essential minerals back into the purified water, improving taste and health benefits.
Indicators: Features like filter change indicators, tank full indicators, and UV fail alarms can be very useful.
Hot and Cold Water Options: Some purifiers offer hot and cold water options, which can be convenient but are typically more expensive.
9. Price
Budget: Determine your budget. Higher-priced models often come with advanced features and better build quality, but there are also many affordable options that provide good purification.
10. Installation and Space
Installation: Check if the purifier requires professional installation and if there’s an extra cost for it. Some purifiers are easy to install by yourself.
Space: Consider where you will place the purifier. Ensure you have enough space for it and that it’s convenient to use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right water purifier involves understanding your water quality, selecting the right type of purifier, and considering factors like capacity, maintenance, brand reputation, and additional features. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that you select a water purifier that meets your needs and provides safe, clean drinking water for your family.