How to Size and Select the Right Reverse Osmosis System for Your House

Assess Your Household Water Consumption

The first step in choosing the appropriate reverse osmosis (RO) system is to evaluate your household's daily water usage. Consider how much water your family consumes for drinking, cooking, and other household needs. Typical family usage can vary widely, so understanding your specific requirement helps in selecting a system that can reliably meet your needs without underperforming or overloading.

Determine Your System's Daily Production Capacity

Reverse osmosis units are rated by their daily water production capacity, often expressed in gallons per day (GPD). For example, a system designed to produce 50 GPD is suitable for small to medium households. Once you know your daily water demand, choose a system with a production capacity that exceeds this amount to ensure steady supply, accommodate future increases in water usage, and allow for system inefficiencies or water waste.

Match Capacity with Household Water Needs

Matching your household’s needs with the system's capacity prevents frustration caused by insufficient filtered water. If your household consumes around 40 gallons daily, selecting a system rated at 50 GPD will typically provide enough filtered water while maintaining system longevity. Larger families or households with higher water requirements may need a system with a higher rating to keep pace with demand.

Consider Storage Capacity for Convenience and Accessibility

Most reverse osmosis systems include a water storage tank to supply filtered water on demand. For household use, a tank volume that aligns with your daily consumption ensures you always have enough filtered water available without waiting. For instance, a storage tank of around 3 to 4 gallons is common for typical household needs and offers a balance between space and supply.

Why This System Fits

The Nelsen Classic Reverse Osmosis System is designed for optimal performance in this area, ensuring you enjoy clean, great-tasting water. When your system arrives, you’ll find everything you need to get started, including the reverse osmosis unit, water storage tank, and high-quality components for efficient filtration. It’s configured to effectively reduce impurities and enhance your water’s quality, catering to the specific water chemistry of your home. With its compact design, this system can easily fit in tight spaces, making it a seamless addition to your household. Plus, shipping is free within the US, so your journey to better water begins with ease.

Performing Your Final Selection

After assessing your household's daily water use, choosing a system with a suitable production capacity, adequate storage, and reliable components is key. This ensures your reverse osmosis system will serve your household efficiently, producing clean, great-tasting water right at your kitchen sink, whenever you need it.

Protecting plumbing, fixtures and appliances

Untreated water can lead to significant downstream damage in your home’s plumbing, fixtures, and appliances. Common issues include scale buildup from hard water, which can clog pipes and reduce water flow. Additionally, contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and other impurities can corrode pipes over time, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Protecting your plumbing system is essential not only for maintaining efficiency but also for extending the lifespan of your appliances, such as dishwashers and water heaters, that rely on clean water for optimal performance.

Implementing a reverse osmosis system like the Nelsen Classic can effectively mitigate these risks by producing purified water that is free of harmful minerals and contaminants. This protection allows your plumbing and fixtures to function correctly without the burden of constant maintenance or premature wear, ultimately saving you both time and money in the long run.

Well supply versus municipal supply

The source of your water supply plays a pivotal role in determining the appropriate treatment approach. If your home is supplied with water from a well, it may contain higher levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), bacteria, or other natural contaminants due to geological factors. In such cases, a reverse osmosis system is vital for ensuring the water is safe and suitable for consumption and cooking. Regular testing of well water is recommended to identify specific contaminants, enabling you to select a system that effectively addresses those issues.

Conversely, if your water comes from a municipal supply, it may be treated at the source but could still contain residual chlorine, heavy metals, or other impurities that affect taste and safety. A reverse osmosis unit is beneficial for removing these contaminants, providing you with cleaner, healthier water at home. Understanding your water source helps guide your decision in selecting the right system for your household needs.