Whole-House Water Filter Guide: What You Need to Know
How whole-house filtration works, when you need one, and what to look for.
What it does
A whole-house filter (also called point-of-entry or POE) treats all water entering your home. Every faucet, shower, toilet, and appliance gets filtered water. This contrasts with point-of-use filters (under-sink, fridge) which only treat water at one location.
When you need one
Chlorine or chloramine taste and odor throughout the house. Sediment or discoloration. High iron or manganese staining. Well water with multiple contaminants. If your concern is limited to drinking water only (e.g., PFAS, lead), a point-of-use RO may be more cost-effective.
Types and costs
Carbon filtration ($300-1,000): Removes chlorine, taste, odor, VOCs, some pesticides. Most common type. Sediment filtration ($100-300): Removes particles, sand, rust. Often used as a pre-filter. Multi-stage systems ($1,000-3,000): Combine sediment, carbon, and specialty media for comprehensive treatment. See our filter comparison.