What to Look For

According to Consumer Reports, whole house water filters are an inexpensive way to filter your water of sediment and rust. The best whole house water filter systems also filter for chlorine. When shopping for a whole house water filter, look for a system that can be relatively easy to add to your home.

Common Pitfalls

Whole house water filters must be installed where the main water line comes into your house. This requires that the plumbing in this part of your house be changed. If not done correctly, this can result in plumbing issues throughout your home. In addition, it’s important to note that whole house water filtration systems do not remove many fine-particle contaminants as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Where to Buy

You can purchase a whole house water filter system at your local home improvement store, such as Lowes or Home Depot. Specialty water companies such as Culligan also carry a variety of whole house water filter systems.

Cost

The cost of a whole house water filter system will vary with its installation method and filtration level. At Lowes, as of 2010, you can purchase a whole house water filtration system for $65 to $265. Specialty stores like Culligan price their systems on the basis of an evaluation of your home and therefore doesn't publish typical price ranges.

Accessories

Most whole house water filter systems require a periodic changing or cleaning of a removable filter. These filters can cost from $6.50 to $40 at most stores. Their cost should be factored into the overall price you calculate for your new water filtration system.