First established in California in 1995, APEC water systems are famous for their reverse osmosis (RO) filter units. (Related: How Much Does a Reverse Osmosis System Cost? (2022 Buying Guide))
APEC is short for Advanced Purification Engineering Corporation, a renowned American water systems manufacturer. They also offer whole-house water filters and conditioners. If you're thinking about purchasing APEC water systems, we're here to shed light on all its advantages and disadvantages (and everything you need to know).
Why Should You Consider APEC Water Systems?
Before anything else, here are a few reasons why choosing an APEC water system is a good idea.
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What to Look For in an APEC Water System
If you're 100% certain about buying an APEX water system, here's a quick buying guide to cover what you need to consider:
System Type
First, ask yourself which water system type you need at home. The most common filter types are as follows:
Filtration Stages
For your reference, the number and filtration stage type of an APEC system determines how well it can filter the water and the foreign contaminants it filters out. In particular, expect a 7-stage system to be much more effective in filtering out foreign contaminants than a 5-stage system.
The filter type will determine the system's efficiency as well. Case in point: a catalytic carbon filter system will do a better job than a standard system with activated carbon in removing chloramines and chlorine.
If you're using well water at home, it's best to look for systems with specialized filters to eliminate iron, hydrogen sulfide, and other common well water contaminants. Those who want to ensure no germs are lurking in the water can benefit from a system with a RO membrane or UV sanitizer– maybe even one with both.
Capacity
Before placing an APEC water system order, first, check its Gallons Per Day (GPD) figure. This refers to the total amount of filtered water produced by the system daily.
You'll need a higher GPD number if you have a big family. Calculate the amount of filtered water you need to determine the ideal capacity you need every day. Whole-house systems may have thousands to tens of thousands, while an under-sink system can get by with a capacity of 50 to 100 GPD.
Ease of Installation
Your chosen system type defines how easy (or difficult) it will be to install your APEC water system at home. Fortunately, most under-sink systems have an easy installation process, although time-consuming. Meanwhile, you may want to call a local professional with the right experience and expertise to install a whole-house system correctly.
Maintenance
It's also recommended to check out the needed maintenance for each water system.
Other than that, determine if the system uses any consumables that require regular replacing.
APEC Water System Positive Testimonials
“Excellent phone and in person customer service and EXCELLENT countertop portable water purifying system! - We needed a water purifying system that was budget-friendly, easy to install, that really worked (since I *hate* heavy tasting water) and was portable. It seemed almost impossible, and I was not about to start buying those huge 5 gallon bottles that'll injure your back any time you carry it to do a refill... (click link below for full review)” – Yelp
“I recently purchased one of these APEC RO systems for my home, after finally coming to the realization that my old Brita just wasn't really doing much. The system makes 30+ gallons of water a day – which is helpful so that you don't have to sit around waiting for the water in your tank to refill. I ordered and installed this APEC unit myself…and was very thankful to have such a supportive service staff at APEC to turn to. (If I had to do it all over again though, I probably would call in my plumber. It did require a little time and patience!)” – Health Guide for Women
“I have been wanting to get a good quality reverse osmosis system at home. After doing some research, I found a good system at APEC. I looked at the systems at Home Depot, Lowes, and Costco. Most of them have their own unique filter cartridges so you have to buy the replacements from them. They ranged from about $150-$200. Most of them were only 4 stages. The APEC has standard filter holders. Comes with an extra set of the first 3 pre-filters Made with top of the line NSF parts It doesn't flush the RO membrane like some system but uses 4:1 ratio for waste water The hardest part of the installation was drilling a hole in my porcelain sink for the facet. I got it installed and am very happy with the quality of the system.” – Ih8mud Forum
APEC Water System Complaints
To provide a fair verdict, we’ve also compiled some of the most pressing complaints from long-time APEC customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do APEC water filters last long?
Most APEC systems can last at least ten years with proper care and maintenance.
When should I change my APEC water filter?
The time to change your water filter depends on its type and size. The pre-filters for the under-sink RO systems last for one year while 3 to 5 years for the RO membrane. Filter lifespan is provided in gallons of water for a whole house system. You can determine when to replace each filter type by checking the user manual for instructions.