Just like any other consumable products, it makes sense to compare water filters costs before you buy one. Water filter comparisons should include retail price, rated capacity, replacement cartridge cost, frequency of replacement, cost per gallon, and the total cost (retail price plus replacement cartridge cost) over several years. After you have determined what contaminants are present in your water, this excel spreadsheet will help with comparisons of water filtration and purification prices so you can spend money on the most effective system for the best price.



How to use the water filter comparison spreadsheet:

1. Choose up to 5 water filter brands you will like to compare. The default brand names on the spreadsheet are A, B, C, D, and E.  Enter the names of filters of your choice for comparison;
2. As for model numbers or type, the default values are lower cases a, b, c, d, and e in place of model numbers or systems like countertop, under sink, whole house, or faucet mount filters. Enter your choices for model numbers or types;
3. Enter the rated capacity – gallons of water the system can filter before it become plugged and you need to replace the cartridge. Water usage or the level of contamination will determine how often filters will be replaced;
4. Enter how many times a year you have to replace the filter. For instance, if you need to change your filter every two months, then, you will need to replace filter cartridge 6 times per year. NOTE: the default value is 1 but you can enter your own value as described by the product manufacturer;
5. Important Note: THE BLUE-SHADED ROWS 8, 9, AND 10 SHOULD NOT BE MODIFIED. Enter all the data for the remaining filter brands and types.
6. Compare cost per gallon and filter cost per year.  Total cost in 4 years shows how much it will cost if you continue to use the filter for at least 4 years. (If you understand excel spreadsheet, you can also change to any number of years of your choice);
7. Filters are generally tested and certified by NSF, WQA, UL, or other independent institutions using the NSF/ANSI Standards or other better testing protocols.  If independent testing and certification is important in your decision-making, enter the certification organization;
8. Enter how many months or years the system is warranted. This may be an important part of your decision;
9. The contaminant section is also very important because a cheap or expensive filter is no good if it cannot remove the problem in your drinking water. Read filter descriptions carefully to see what the filter is designed or certified to remove.  Type “Yes” or “No” under each filter brand for wherever applicable so you can compare. You may add more contaminants in the blank spaces or you may type over any contaminant that is not applicable to your water problems.
10. Finally, you are ready to make the best decision. Below are some web links to help you start compare water filters costs.