Are you searching for a water softener and carbon filter combo?
Then you should read this article!
Here you can find all the important info that will help you while buying a carbon water softener. I’ll describe 5 best models that are available on the market. Read about their technical specifications, features, functions, design, etc. You can compare these models and their features to decide which one is the most suitable for you.
Things To Know Before Buying Water Softener And Carbon Filter Combo
Where To Buy Them?
Water softener and carbon filter combo can be bought at the local and specialized stores. You can also find them at the official websites of the brand. However, I’ll recommend you to buy them from online retailers such as Amazon because they have the widest offer of models and the best prices.
Price Range
The water softener’s price range is determined with materials used in manufacturing, included features, technologies, system type, brand, etc. The carbon filter water softener system includes the additional feature of filtering, so it could be more expensive. In general, you’ll find these units in the price range between $300 and $3000.
Which System To Buy?
Do you need to choose a carbon filter before or after a water softener? It’s best to buy the combo model that combines the most from filtration and softening system. I recommend you to first decide on the type of water softening system: salt-based or saltless. Then choose the filtration system with the highest efficiency.
Replacing the Filters
When choosing a carbon water softener, it’s important to consider the longevity of the filtration system. You shouldn’t have to replace the filters every few months. The best are models which will last at least 2 years.
Warranty And Certificates
Choose the model which has at least a 1-year limited warranty on all parts. Longer warranty approves the quality of the model. Also, it’s desirable if the unit has certified construction that meets health and safety requirements.
The Best 5 Water Softener And Carbon Filter Combo Review
The Best Saltless Carbon Water Softener:
Nuvo H20 Carbon Filter And Softener
Dimensions And Weight
This Nuvo h20 carbon filter and the softening system is very compact and ideal for any house or apartment that’s small or regular-sized. It’s 10.5” long, 10.5” wide and 28.4” high. The unit weighs only 20.3 pounds, so it’s highly portable and easy to install.
Cartridge With Carbon Filter
Because of the innovative technology, this unit ensures clean and soft water without the need for salt, wastewater or electricity. The main part of this device is the cartridge that includes a carbon filter.
Capacity Of The Cartridge
The cartridge carbon filter can process up to 50 000 gallons of water. After that, the cartridge should be replaced with a new one. The replacement cartridge for the Nuvo h20 manor system is 4” wide and 20” high.
Certified Construction
The system capacity makes it suitable for a household with 4 or more people. Construction of the device is both FDA and NSF certified, which means it’s approved for its safety. The innovative technology makes this unit a saltless water softener.
Innovative Technology Of Saltless Water Softening System
It’s based on the chelation process in the water which lowers the pH level in the water. In that way, the hard ions such as calcium and magnesium adhere to the chelating agent in a proprietary formulation. It keeps the minerals soluble, so the water is soft and doesn’t cause mineral build-ups in house appliances.
- 4” high, 10.5” wide and 10.5” long
- weighs only 20.3 pounds
- uses chelation process to soften the water
- cartridge with carbon filter included
- certified construction
The Best Smart Salt-Based Softener And Filtration System:
Fleck Water Softener With Carbon Filter
System Capacity
This Fleck upflow activated carbon filter and the softening system has a capacity of 48 000 grains which means that it’s suitable for a household size of 2 to 5 people. The flow rate is up to 12 GPM (gallons per minute).
Full Installation Kit Included
With this Fleck water softener with a carbon filter, you’ll get the complete turn-key package that combines a water softener and upflow carbon filtration system. So you’ll get an installation kit with all tools and materials, together with installation guides and technical support.
Digital Control Valve With Meter
The Fleck 5600 carbon filter and softener are controlled with the digital valve meter. This is very user-friendly because the device is measuring the amount of water that is processed with the unit. Based on the information from the meter, the microprocessor of the control valve is starting the regeneration of the mineral tank.
Salt-Based System With Upgraded Resin
Unlike the previous model, this unit is a salt-based softening system which is one of the most efficient on the market. The unit has a mineral tank with the upgraded 10% cross-linked resin (ABC10). This resin ensures the exchange of salt ions with hard ions that are removed from the water.
User-Friendly Carbon Filtration
The control valve is covered with a 5-year limited warranty. The carbon filtration upflow design is user-friendly because there’s no need to backwash. Therefore, there’s no need for electricity, drain line or wastewater. The tank filter system has 1.5 cubic ft of carbon media.
- 48 000 grains system capacity
- 10% cross-linked resin
- 5-year warranty on the control valve
- tank filter with 1.5 cubic ft of natural carbon media
The Best Whole House Filter And Softener Combo:
Pelican Water GPM Whole House Carbon Water Filtration System And Softener
High System Capacity
This is a larger unit that’s ideal for the larger household which sustains up to 6 people. It’s convenient for the house with 4 to 6 bathrooms. It’s connected to the main water supply, and water for the whole house is softened and cleaned.
Whole House Filtration System
The whole house filtration system consists of 4 stages that result in the highly efficient removal of bacteria, viruses, chemicals, chloride and other contaminants. The first stage is 5-micron pre-filter system, The second and third stages are GAC or catalytic granular activated carbon media and the fourth stage is copper and zinc oxidation media (KDF-55).
Filter Longevity And Unit’s Dimensions
The filter is certified to process up to 1 300 000 gallons of water, so it will last up to 5 years. This Pelican water GPM whole house carbon water filtration system is 19” long, 32” wide and 59.5” high. It weighs 47 pounds, so it’s lightweight enough for easy installation.
Certifications And Other User-Friendly Features
The whole construction is approved with he IAPMO R&T and NSF/ANSI 42 certificates. Both systems don’t require electricity or drain and don’t produce the wastewater which is very user-friendly. However, this unit doesn’t include an installation kit.
Saltless Softening System And Package Content
Like the first model, this is also a saltless water softener which naturally softens the water without using the salt. The package includes four O-rings, four split rings, four quick connect nuts and four 1” plastic male NPT.
- 4 stage whole house filtration system included
- filters last for 5 years
- salt-free water softening
The Best Combo Filter And Softener For Home:
Tier1 Eco Series Filtration System And Softener
Highly Efficient Filtration
The included carbon and KDF water filtration remove up to 97% of chlorine while also reducing harmful contaminants such as lead, mercury, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, chloramine, and many more particles.
No-Maintenance Filters
Filters don’t require maintenance because no draining or back flushing is required. You should replace the pre-filters every 3 months in case you’re aiming for the best filtration and flow rate. These filters are combined with salt-free technology. However, these filters won’t reduce TDS (total dissolved solids).
Package Content
Package includes 8” wide and 44” high resin tank with carbon and KDF media blend, 8” long and 44” high resin tank with scale inhibiting media blend, and 10” long and 4.5” wide sediment filter with housing and bracket. You’ll also get required flex connectors, ball valve and nipples.
Capacity Of Salt-Free Softener System
The system capacity is large enough to soften and filter water in a household that has 1-3 bathrooms. Because of the saltless water system, this model doesn’t require electricity or drain installations. It saves energy and doesn’t produce wastewater.
Dimensions And Weight
Unlike previous models, this unit isn’t so lightweight because it weighs 91.9 pounds, so you’ll probably need help with the installation. The device is 53” high, 16” wide and 14” long, so it will fit anywhere in the house. Installation is fast and easy.
- salt-free technology suitable for 1-3 bathrooms
- 53” high, 16” wide and 14” long
The Best Magnetic Water Softener And Filtration Unit:
Magna Magnetic Softener And Carbon Filter System
Strong Pulling Force
This unit is unique in comparison to other models because its softening system is based on magnetic pulling. The magnetic softener has over 500 pounds pulling power for treating the water. Pulling removes hard ions from the water.
Neodymium Magnets Included
The system uses the highest magnetic pulling force for the reasonable value of the device. The manufacturer has installed rare earth neodymium magnets. The great user-friendly function is a redirection of processed water for 90-degrees.
Enhanced Softening Efficiency
In that way, the water causes a slight pressure drop in the tank which results in more efficient water softening with the help of a magnetic pulling force. Installation is easy and can be done within 2 hours. You’ll get a bypass valve needed for connection to the water supply.
Informative LCD And System Capacity
The device has a digital control head that allows you to adjust all the features of the program. Also, it has an LCD interface with all information about the softening and filtration system. The magnetic system is suitable for a household with 1-2 bathrooms that sustains 2-3 people.
Carbon Filter Included
The carbon filter is connected with the unit, and it allows the device to remove chlorine, chloramine, herbicides, pesticides, MTBE, and THM from water. That makes the water even cleaner and healthy to drink.
- 500 pounds pulling the surface
- carbon filter removes harmful chemicals
- suitable for 1-2 bathrooms
- includes neodymium magnets
- lowering pressure for enhanced water softening
Conclusion: Which Is The Best Water Softener And Carbon Filter Combo?
In my opinion, you should buy a Fleck 5600 model and Pelican model. The Fleck has a user-friendly upflow designed a filter with a 5-year warranty, while Pelican features a high-quality 4 stage filtration system. Fleck has smart technology of microprocessor metered control valve, while Pelican offers eco-friendly and beneficial whole house saltless water softening.
If you want to learn about more models offered on the market, and read useful buying guides, check out this review on the best water softener. In case you’re looking for small models for the bathroom only, read this review on
water softener for the shower. For more info on prices, read this article about whole house water softener cost.