5) How often do I need to change the filter and at what cost?

Over time, you will need to replace components of your system. For instance, we recommend that you change your pre-filters every 3 years (although they will normally last longer than this). We also recommend that you change your membrane and post-filter every 6 years. Realistically, you may also need a new tank in 6 years, but the Amtol tanks have been known to last 10 years or more.

To put the cost of our system into perspective, your only expected costs for the first 6 years will be the $360 purchase price (tax and shipping included), one sediment filter at $1.81 and one carbon filter at $12.56. (This averages out to $5.20 per month.)

For the first 12 years, your only additional major costs should be:

3 sediment filters at $1.81 each: $5.43
3 carbon filters at $12.56 each: $37.68
1 membrane: $41.22
1 post-filter: $8
1 tank: $45.99

Total: $138.32

If you take the initial purchase price of $360 and add the $138.32 figure, that totals $498.32. If you divide that by 12 years, our system will cost you an average of $41.53 per year or $3.46 per month.

We haven't seen a competitor come close to these overall prices. We receive feedback from customers about other systems. Sears sells an R.O. system that is less expensive than ours, but a customer reported that Sears recommends that the membrane and filters be replaced every six months. Sears sells a replacement membrane for $119 and the pre-filters for $39 each. There's no telling how long it will be before the faucet or tank need to be replaced either.

The system which Costco sells is about $160 plus $12 tax. They also
recommend that the membrane and filters be changed every six months.