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Why You Should Choose NSF Certified Water Filters

If you want to purchase a premium water filter for your refrigerator, you would notice that some products declaring the NSF Certification as one of the most outstanding features. So, what is NSF and why you should be better purchase water filter with NSF certifications? In this article, we will introduce the knowledge base you should know about NSF certifications and some FAQs about NSF certified products.

Introduction about NSF

What is NSF?

NSF is an independent, third-party agency that tests and also licenses water treatment equipment. They develop requirements for water treatment items as well as qualify them based on their safety and performance.

An integral part of their qualification is verifying the claims made by producers to ensure they are accurate. NSF rigorously tests items in their labs, utilizing sector requirements. They just license items confirmed to do what they assert.

NSF is identified worldwide as a leader in water high quality and also has been establishing criteria for water therapy products considering that 1944. NSF is noted as a World Wellness Company (THAT) Collaborating Facility for Water Safety And Security and Therapy.

ANSI and NSF

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is an international standards development agency. They develop the detailed requirements that a filter or other treatment system must meet. Their requirements are developed by subject matter experts and are based on industry standards and the state of science.

NSF Standards are recognized by ANSI, which is why you will typically see their certifications listed as NSF/ANSI.

Difference Among NSF Certifications, Standards and Class

NSF Certifications

NSF has two NSF standards that apply to drinking water treatment. NSF calls these filters “Drinking Water Treatment Units”. The NSF standards for water filters are:

  • NSF Standard 42: Aesthetic Effects – this includes chlorine, taste, odor, and particulates.
  • NSF Standard 53: Health Effects – this applies to contaminants that can cause disease and harm to your health.

Besides, NSF also has six standards for water filtration equipment.

  • NSF/ANSI 44: Water softeners
  • NSF/ANSI 55: Ultraviolet treatment systems
  • NSF/ANSI 58: Reverse osmosis systems
  • NSF/ANSI 62: Distillation systems
  • NSF/ANSI 177: Shower filters
  • NSF P231: Microbiological water purifiers

If you are using a particular type of water treatment system, such as reverse osmosis, you can check to see if it carries NSF certification. The following table provides a summary of NSF standards and certifications for water treatment technologies that you may have in your home.

NSF Standards

NSF has two standards that apply to contaminants that are removed. These are based on the nature of the compounds – aesthetics versus health effects. They also have standards that apply to the various types of treatment systems. This covers everything from reverse osmosis filters to UV lights.

NSF Classes

Classes are divisions within the standards. There are several. For example, Standard 42, mechanical filtration, has six classes. The classes apply to the filter micron rating. Here are the classes for the NSF Standard 42 – filter standard.

  • Class I: ½ -1 micron
  • Class II: 1-5 microns
  • Class III: 5-15 microns
  • Class IV: 15-30
  • Class V: 30-50
  • Class VI: 50+ microns

Why You Should Buy NSF Certified Water Filter?

When you see the NSF certification mark on a product, it means that the product has been independently tested by NSF and meets their strict standards for material safety and performance. It also means that the manufacturer’s claims about the filter’s performance are accurate – and this accuracy is verified with laboratory testing.

Quality Guarantee

NSF certification shows that the equipment you’re buying is made with quality products and building and construction. This is important, because it implies the filter will certainly last much longer as well as carry out better. It’s likewise one less thing you’ll have to bother with– trust that an NSF accredited product has actually been completely checked as well as is guaranteed to work as guaranteed.

Customer Benefits

When you acquire an NSF certified product, you are relying on their strenuous testing and analysis process. This means that you can be certain the item fulfills all safety and security and also performance requirements and also is made from contaminant-free products. You additionally recognize that the manufacturer’s insurance claims concerning the filter are precise– so you can feel confident that you’re getting what you spend for.

Having an NSF qualified water filter in your residence is important for 2 reasons:

  • NSF accreditation assurances quality materials and also building and construction
  • NSF accreditation implies the maker’s insurance claims concerning efficiency are exact– backed by lab testing.

The Cost

Filter producers pay NSF to license their products. Due to the fact that the qualification process is so complete as well as strenuous, the cost of certification can be high. Depending on the type of filter and also the insurance claims the producer makes, NSF qualification can cost as long as $100,000.

Other Certification Agency

WQA

The Water Quality Association is a not-for-profit trade association representing the residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment industry. They have been around since 1958 and have over 3,500 members. WQA offer certifications for products that filter or purify water.

The WQA certified product listings are available to help connect consumers with water treatment products that have been tested and rated according to the highest industry standards. Their Gold Seal Program is one way they do this. All listings have been carefully curated so that your family is always safe and healthy when it comes time for them get their drink on.

IAPMO

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IPMO) coordinates the development and adaptation of plumbing, mechanical, swimming pool codes to meet individual needs both in America as well abroad.

IMPO provides code development assistance, education and training, certification for professionals in the industry, product testing and certification, and product evaluations.

FAQs

Q1: Is NSF Certified Water Filter Remove 100% Containments?

The Answer: If a product carries NSF certification, does that mean it removes all of the contaminant? Surprisingly, it doesn’t. NSF verifies the manufacturer’s claims about contaminant reduction. They don’t necessarily confirm that the filter removes 100% of the chemical.

You have to review what the manufacturer is claiming, especially as it relates to treating contaminants that can have an adverse effect on your health. If they claim that the filter removes all of the contaminant, or at least to levels below the drinking water standard, then you can be confident your family is protected.

Q2: Can I Buy non-NSF Certified Water Filters?

The Answer: Probably It would be safe, but you won’t have the same level of assurance as you would with an NSF certified filter. I recommend looking for NSF certified equipment to avoid any problems after you’re bought an installed your treatment equipment.

Q3: Is NSF Mandatory?

The Answer: No, it isn’t. However, many retailers will only carry products that are NSF certified. It helps us as consumers buy products that have been tested and verified by a trusted organization.

Q4: Can NSF Certified Water Filter Remove All Lead?

The Answer: No, NSF certification only ensures that the filter is built to industry standards and meets the manufacturer’s claims. You will still need to have your water tested for lead content.

Q5: Dose NSF Certified Water Filter ensure the water safe to drink?

The Answer: Not really, NSF certification only guarantees that the filter is effective at removing certain contaminants from water. It does not guarantee that the water is safe to drink. However, the refrigerator water filter with NSF Certification would do the job better than the non-certified one. You would feel safer.

Final Words

NSF International is a not-for-profit, public health and environmental organization that has been testing water filters for over 70 years. NSF certification means that a product has met rigorous standards for performance, safety, and contaminant reduction. When you see the NSF mark on a water filter or other product, you can be confident that it meets these high standards.

There are many different NSF certifications and standards, so it’s important to understand what they mean. Not all filters are certified by NSF, but choosing one that is can give you peace of mind knowing that it will meet your needs. If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to reduce contaminants in your drinking water, an NSF certified filter is a great option.

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