1) Heard about bad smell in filtered water; also, (2) about difficulty in installing the replacement filter; (3) is changing every 6 months necessary
1775139
1. I have not experienced bad smell in filtered water. 2. It was easy enough for me to install or replace a new filter. 3. Replace the filter only when the light turns red, otherwise you are wasting money.
159223
I change mine every 6 to 9 months. It greatly depends on how wet the conditions are, and how good the inside filter does. All depends on how bad the system enviroment is.
1201867
The manufacturer suggests changing the filter every six months. I waited for a year. A light will come on to let you know the filters need to be changed. After you change them, you will need to reset the light.
204660
We replace our filter every 4 months or so, but we have it on our primary faucet. I think you would be able to "taste" a difference in the water when it needs to be changed. Only you will be able to judge how often you need to change it by the taste. Hope that helps.
2095671
Most of the filters say replace annually, bit it really depends upon your usage. I usually replace every other year and I haven't had issues with water quality...
745341
With this particular filter, we change it every three months, I hope this helps :)
1585513
Don't waste your money on this system. I used it for a few years. The filters are very difficult to remove. It was very stressful 2x a year changing the filters. The last time I could not get them out and returned the unit to the company. I lost 3-4 cartridges trying to get the unit to work with the help of their customer service. When I sent the unit back they would not replace the filters, even though they were new and it was their fault they couldn't be removed. So $150-200 lost. I bought a Multipure system (more expensive) and I've very happy with it so far. The water is great (better than with Aquasana). I haven't yet changed the filter. It lasts for a year. Don't waste your money on this system. I used it for a few years. The filters are very difficult to remove. It was very stressful 2x a year changing the filters. The last time I could not get them out and returned the unit to the company. I lost 3-4 cartridges trying to get the unit to work with the help of their customer service. When I sent the unit back they would not replace the filters, even though they were new and it was their fault they couldn't be removed. So $150-200 lost. I bought a Multipure system (more expensive) and I've very happy with it so far. The water is great (better... » Read More Don't waste your money on this system. I used it for a few years. The filters are very difficult to remove. It was very stressful 2x a year changing the filters. The last time I could not get them out and returned the unit to the company. I lost 3-4 cartridges trying to get the unit to work with the help of their customer service. When I sent the unit back they would not replace the filters, even though they were new and it was their fault they couldn't be removed. So $150-200 lost. I bought a Multipure system (more expensive) and I've very happy with it so far. The water is great (better than with Aquasana). I haven't yet changed the filter. It lasts for a year. « Show Less
289685
I've found that vacuuming the filter and cleaning extends the life of the filter, buy you'll eventually have to replace the filter
547381
It depends on your use but I try to change once a year. I have gone much longer though and have not noticed any degradation in the taste of the water. The filters really make a difference.
245876
I have not changed mine yet. It has been about 6 months. Once I got the bacteria established, I just rinse the sponge and carbon filter in the used water as I do partial water changes.
1089326
I don't know. They suggest replacing it every four months. The one I am currently using is over seven months old and I have no water quality issues.
1504500
[Sorry, I am having computer problems.] Re the filter. I guess it depends on the quality of your water. We are on a private well, and the water is very good. Our habit is to change the filters every 9 or 10 months. The plumber's rule of thumb at our house is to change things when the water starts to run slow - that could take a year. I'm too neurotic to wait that long! Lastly, there seems to be little water wasted in the process (maybe a small container's worth, about a quart). Best wishes, Lauren
578292
the instructions say to change it every two week but with my 2 cats constantly drinking I have to change it every week due to hair or bugs getting in it. I did notice that when I use filtered water I can go for 2 weeks. When I use tap water it starts to smell like aquarium water within a week and slim build up on the walls. I bought the reusable filter so I run it under water to take off any slim and I am able to use it for a month.
943526
We have two of the units and find that the filters cannot be cleaned and reused; instead, they must be replaced. It would be nice if re-usable/cleanable replacement filters were available.
1237393
Every 3 years. (6 washings)There is also a carbon filter that they recommend replacing.
613919
It is hard to say. The old filters used to have an indicator which was a no-brainer. I usually change mine every few (3) months or so (when I remember). If you notice the water filters more slowly, I would suggest to change it.
633963
I use this system at home, and a larger version (from a chemical supplier) in the laboratory that I manage. We routinely use the industrial version for a couple of years, because the water it is purifying has already been distilled, so the demand is low. There is no reason that the filters should not last for that time, assuming the useage is low enough. KLL