Our family is serious about drinking filtered water. Los Angeles tap water looks clear and tastes acceptable, but what worries us are the invisible contaminants. We used to rely on a refrigerator water filter pitcher, but constantly refilling it became a nuisance. So when we had the chance to test A. O. Smith under-sink and whole-house water filters, we were eager to see how they performed.
Why Choose a Whole House Water Filter?
A whole-house system has always appealed to us because it treats water at the source. That means cleaner water not only for drinking and cooking, but also for brushing teeth, bathing, and watering plants. Filtering at the entry point protects plumbing and appliances while delivering safer water throughout the home.
We installed the A. O. Smith Single-Stage 7-GPM GAC Whole House Water Filtration System, available at Lowe’s. Priced around $299, it promises to reduce 97% of chlorine, along with improving taste and odor. The manufacturer rates it for up to six years or 600,000 gallons—roughly the usage expected for a family of four. Removing chlorine can noticeably benefit skin and hair, and it’s particularly helpful for young children whose skin is more sensitive.
For comprehensive protection, we recommend pairing the main unit with the A. O. Smith Whole House Sediment Filter to capture sediment, scale, and dirt, which helps extend the life of appliances and plumbing. For microbial safety, the A. O. Smith Whole House Sterilight UV Filter adds ultraviolet treatment that can inactivate bacteria and viruses—an extra layer of protection worth considering, even though it carries a higher price tag.
Kitchen and Bath Under Sink Water Filters
No single filter removes every contaminant, so combining systems can give you broader coverage. While the whole-house GAC system handles chlorine and taste issues, we wanted additional assurance for drinking and cooking water. The A. O. Smith Main Faucet Water Filter and the Dual-Stage Carbon Block Under-Sink Filter are effective choices for point-of-use filtration. The dual-stage option includes a brushed nickel faucet for a clean installation at the sink.
Both under-sink filters are designed to reduce up to 99% of 77 harmful contaminants, including lead, mercury, asbestos, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and chlorine—substances you can’t always detect by sight or smell but that can affect long-term health. A. O. Smith uses a Claryum® filtration process that has been tested by IAPMO and certified to NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401, plus P473 for additional contaminant reduction.
If you’re comfortable with basic plumbing, both under-sink units can be installed as DIY projects. A. O. Smith provides clear instructions, and professional installation for a plumber is straightforward and typically fast—often an hour or two. The company recommends replacing under-sink filters every six months, which is a manageable maintenance schedule to maintain performance.
Replacement filters are reasonably priced, which matters because you’ll need to change them twice a year. The convenience of having filtered water at the tap and throughout the home pays off in time saved compared to frequent pitcher refills, and in peace of mind knowing the water you use every day is cleaner.
A. O. Smith filtration products are available through Lowe’s stores and their online shop.
Choosing the right combination of whole-house and point-of-use filters can provide comprehensive protection for your family’s water. Whether your priority is improving taste and odor, reducing chemical exposure, or adding microbial protection, pairing systems gives broader coverage and long-term value.