Reverse Osmosis systems are one of the most effective ways to get clean, great tasting water right from your tap. By removing impurities and contaminants through a multi-stage filtration process, an RO system can give you confidence that your water is safe for your family. Before investing in an RO system, here are a few key things to consider to ensure it’s a good fit for your home. 

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1. What is RO Water & What are the Benefits? 

A Reverse Osmosis system offers multiple benefits for your home and health. It improves the taste and odor of your water by removing chlorine and other substances that can affect flavor. Filtering out contaminants that may be harmful over time provides healthier water for you and your family. Cleaner water also enhances the taste of flavors in cooking and beverages like coffee and tea. It’s also an eco-friendly choice, helping reduce your plastic water bottle consumption and exposure to microplastics. 

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2. RO is Not a Whole-Home Filter 

Most residential RO systems are point-of-use, under the kitchen sink, not whole-home. That’s because RO filtration is slower and produces water best suited for drinking, cooking, and ice machines. If you want every tap in your home to have filtered water, you will need a larger whole-house filtration system and a separate RO unit for drinking. 

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3. Water Pressure Matters 

RO systems work best with a water pressure between 40 to 80 psi. Too low, and the system won’t work efficiently. Too high, and it could damage the membrane. In some homes, it may be recommended to have a booster pump for optimal performance. 

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4. Filter Changes Are Non-Negotiable 

RO systems use multiple stages of filtration, each with its replacement schedule. Pre-filters should be replaced every 6–12 months, the RO membrane every 2–3 years, and post-filters every 12 months. Staying on top of this maintenance is essential, as prolonging it can shorten the life of your system and reduce the quality of your water.

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5. Installation Space & Plumbing Access 

Before installing a Reverse Osmosis system, it’s important to ensure you have adequate space and plumbing access. Most under-sink RO systems require an area roughly the size of a small trash can to accommodate the filtration unit and storage tank. You’ll also need easy access to water lines and a nearby drain for wastewater discharge. Planning for space and plumbing access makes installation smoother and ensures your system operates efficiently and can be maintained easily over time. 

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6. RO Doesn’t Soften Water 

If you have hard water, our team recommends having a water softener in addition to your RO system. This will protect the filtration membrane from scale buildup and extend its lifespan. 

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7. Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Savings 

While installing an RO system is an investment, it often will pay for itself when factoring in the savings from cutting out plastic bottle costs. To make clean, great tasting water even more accessible, Halcyon offers convenient rental and financing options, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of Reverse Osmosis without the full upfront cost. 

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8. Professional Installation Is Worth It 

While some homeowners choose to install RO systems on their own, professional installation ensures the system is set up correctly, leak-free, and optimized for specific water conditions. A professional can also help integrate the system with existing plumbing or connect it to your refrigerator and ice maker. Halcyon has partnered with Action Plumbing to make installation seamless, so you can trust that your system will be installed properly and efficiently by experienced professionals. 

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Ready to Upgrade Your Water? 

Our team can help you choose and install the right Reverse Osmosis system for your needs. Contact us today for a free home water consultation and taste the difference of a Reverse Osmosis system!