FAQ for Carbon Filter Cartridges

WHAT IS A CARBON FILTER?
Unlike a sediment filter, a carbon filter retains chemicals that are in water. It attracts and holds a wide range of harmful contaminants to reduce taste, odor, and chlorine.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD THE FILTER BE REPLACED?
It depends on the usage, but the filters should be replaced every 4 to 6 months. When past the capacity, dumping occurs. This is when the filter begins to dump the chemicals back into the water causing more damage to your system.

FILTERS ARE RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED EVERY 4 TO 6 MONTHS, BUT WHAT IF I HAVEN`T USED THE FILTER TO THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY? SHOULD I STILL REPLACE IT?
Yes. The filter will need to be replaced once it becomes less effective or not effective at all in performing its purpose. You can tell when it needs to be replaced when the filter no longer eliminates odors and taste. It should be replaced to prevent bacteria build up.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COCONUT AND COAL BASED FILTER?
Coconut Filters, when activated,  create millions of pores on the surface to increase the total surface area. It has undergone a steam activation process to create its carbon form. It mainly has micro-pores to meso-pores. This filter absorbs more than Coal Filters.  
Coal Filters is similar only it has meso-pores and macro-pores.

WHAT IS ACTIVATED CARBON?
Type of carbon processed with heat to make it extremely porous thus making it have an increased surface area available for chemical reactions.

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE IN PURCHASING DIFFERENT BRANDS OF CARBONS?
Yes and no. Different companies use different mixtures of carbon sources. Manufacturers may retreive their carbon source from animal bones, coal, coconut shell or even wood. Different combinations and treatments to the carbon changes how the carbon will react from types of chemical absorption to amount of absorption. For standard treatments such as chlorine, taste and odor, the difference is small and usually just varies on the amount of absorption which is rated in gallons. The one may concern is whether or not the carbon leeches anything into the water. As long as you purchase carbon from a reputable WQA dealer, than you will most likely avoid this concern.

WHAT CAN CARBON REMOVE?
Click here to see a list of removable contaminants.