Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter Review

The WHELJ1 from Whirlpool is a virtually maintenance-free whole house water filter. But does convenience come at a price? Is this the best whole house water filter on the market or among the best ones out there? Find out in our detailed Whirlpool WHELJ1 review!

Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter Review

Key Features of the Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter

Here are the most important key features of this whole house water filter. We will discuss them in detail in the paragraphs and sub-chapters below, but for now, let’s take a quick look over the main tech specs and features of this water filter system.

• Cost: $$$

• Warranty: 3-year on the electronics and 5 years on the tank

• Unit Lifespan: 10 years or 1,000,000 gallons

• Filter Lifespan: Same as unit

• Water Flow Rate: 6 gallons per minute

• Dimensions: 10.13 x 13.44 x 33.75 inches / 8 ounces

• Included components: 1 Bypass valve, 1 drain hose, 3 clips (1 spare), 2 hose clamps, 1 adapter elbow, 1 grommet, installation manual

• Filtration technology: Special sediment screen to remove contaminants from your water, together with a media bed able to filter particles up to 40 microns

• Certifications: NSF certified for contaminant reduction (sediment, chlorine, and other common drinking water contaminants)

• Innovation technology: The Filter Sense Technology automatically flushes and cleans its filter every 14 days

• Operation: The system comes with an easy-to-install bypass valve that maintains optimal water pressure throughout the home

Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter: Introduction

The Whirlpool WHELJ1 is a whole house water filter with a difference and goes about its job in its own unique way. Whirlpool decided that replacing filters is nothing but a nuisance, and with the WHELJ1, this is a thing of the past. In fact, this system is virtually maintenance-free and can be left to fend for itself.

It does this by using its trademark FilterSense technology which uses a filter media bed with activated carbon. Rather than replace the filters every few months, the unit’s automatic control system will flush, drain, and clean its internal filter every 14 days. In fact, if your water is particularly bad you can program the system to clean itself more frequently too.

However, by flushing and cleaning, unlike other whole house water filters, this system will produce some wastewater. Operating in this way also means that the filter media cannot be replaced, and after the units’ 10 years or 1,000,000 gallon life cycle, the system will need to be replaced in its entirety. However, as it doesn’t require filters to be replaced every few months like every other whole-house system, this isn’t as expensive as it sounds.

What Else Should You Know about the Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter

We continue this Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter review by discussing a few things about this unit’s performance, tech specs, features, and overall value as it compares with other similar products on the market.

With no filter replacement, hence no running costs (except electricity), then this works out as being a very affordable home water filtration system over its 10-year lifespan. In fact, if you work out a whole house water filter system’s average cost over 10 years (unit + filters), this makes this Whirlpool whole house water filter one of the cheapest whole house filters that we have reviewed.

There is one other thing that separates this Whirlpool water filter system from the rest, and that is that it uses electricity. Now, the impact on your bills will hardly be noticeable, but if your neighborhood was to lose power for whatever reason, then your house could be without filtered water.

It is an all in one unit, meaning it doesn’t take up much space. Whole house water filters usually need quite a lot of room, as you need plenty of space to maneuver when changing the filters. This model doesn’t need that space so can easily squeeze into a corner, or between two units. It’s a bit more attractive to look at than most other systems too, which aren’t enclosed like this is.

The Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter’s Performance

This Whirlpool whole house water filter specializes in the removal of sediment and chlorine from water. It does so using a charcoal media bed and screen. It has been tested to remove particles down to a size of 40 microns.

This figure lags behind some competitors, which offer filtration down to 1 micron, and occasionally even further. But, if sediment and chlorine are your only concerns, then this system is well equipped to deal with them. The carbon-based media will also work to improve the taste and odor of the water.

If your water has high iron or hydrogen sulfide levels then some additional pre-treatment might be advisable, or the system’s lifespan will be affected. In fact, as this system has no pre-filter to protect its main filter, it wouldn’t suit water that is heavily contaminated with larger particles (like iron) as this might cause clogging. An additional filter would be a wise investment if this is an issue.

For really heavily contaminated water supplies, something more robust like the iSpring WKB32B might be a better fit.

The unit uses 1″ connectors, which means that it shouldn’t create a noticeable drop in household water pressure. Those relaxing showers can still remain part of your evening wind-down.

The system is controlled electronically, and features a display screen and buttons on the top (image below).  With these controls you can control the frequency of system cleaning. Also, if there is a problem with the flow rate you can press the button for a manual clean.

By default, the system will flush itself every 14 days. You can make this more frequent if you have really bad water, or increase the length of time between cleans if you should desire. The whole self-cleaning process lasts about 3 minutes.

Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter’s Installation and Maintenance

The Whirlpool whole house water filtration system comes with almost everything you need for installation. Whirlpool says that installation is straightforward, but you will need to be pretty handy with your tools.

• You will also need two 1″ NPT female connectors, and some extra tubing to connect to your existing plumbing pipes.

I don’t know why they can’t just include these with the unit, but at least they’re not expensive. Two important considerations for installation are that the system needs power, and also a drain.

• The system needs the drain for the self-cleaning process and includes enough tubing to reach a drain within 10 feet of the unit.

• The power cord needs a 110V supply, and the unit comes with a 10-foot power cord.

The video below gives a rough idea of what will be required of you for the install. Note that the installation in the video is a little more complicated as it includes a water softener unit too.

As the system is pretty much maintenance-free, there isn’t much for me to say on this note. Be careful to monitor the system over the first month or two of use and adjust the self-clean frequency according to your situation.

The 14-day default setting may not suit the water composition of your area. Water high in the sediment will probably need a more frequent setting. The maintenance of the water filter unit is completely automated and the settings can be easily changed at the press of a button or two. The interface is intuitive and consists of just four buttons and an LCD display panel. It can be easily adjusted by even the biggest of the technophobes.

Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter’s Pros and Cons

Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter Frequently Asked Questions

Before we present you with our verdict of this Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter review, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions coming from users and potential buyers!

Does the Whirlpool WHELJ1 also soften water?

While there are Whirlpool water softeners out there that do a terrific job at water softening, this is a separate water filtration system that only cleans your water from most sediment and contaminants, also removing chlorine and odors from your drinking water.

If you feel you need to deal with limescale and hard water problems in your home once and for all, we recommend you test your water (it is a good idea also to learn what common drinking water contaminants you should remove from your life) with the help of water hardness test kits.

In case your water proves to have a high hardness level, we suggest you take a look at our guide describing the best water softeners on the market and how to buy the best one for your needs!

Does the Whirlpool WHELJ1 remove bacteria from your water?

This whole house water filter cannot remove bacteria and other waterborne pathogens from your water on its own. The proper technology to remove contaminants as small as such microorganisms is reverse osmosis. While rare, whole house reverse osmosis water filters do exist and they do an excellent job at cleaning your water from the tiniest and most dangerous impurities.

Nevertheless, even with a reverse osmosis water filtration system things may still be unclear when it comes to cleaning your water from all possible pathogens, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and so on. For this reason, most specialists, we included, recommend the use of a UV water filter to go with any type of water filtration system (whole house or under sink filtration system), especially if you rely on unregulated well water for your daily needs.

Is this Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter efficient against lead?

After the Flint water crisis, the lead in our drinking water became an issue of concern. Unfortunately, this particular Whirlpool whole house water filter functions with carbon water filtration technology, so it is not efficient against lead. For the most reliable lead removal technology, we refer you to reverse osmosis systems, as to date, they are some of your strongest allies against lead.

We can also recommend one of our top three choices when it comes to the best water filters for lead removal, remind you that one of them is an R.O. water filter system.

Whirlpool WHELJ1 Whole House Water Filter Review: Verdict

With no filters to replace, a more than decent price, and excellent tech specs and features, this model is one of the best whole house water filters on the market right now. A newer model coming from a reputable brand and a legend in home appliances, the Whirlpool WHELJ1 is worth every penny. It circumvents most issues users encounter with such massive water filtration systems for the entire home (mainly maintenance, filters’ changing, space, installation, etc.). Moreover, the enthusiast customers’ reviews make this product something to consider should you want to invest in a whole house water filter for both city and well water.

Do we value this Whirlpool water filter enough to give it a waterfilteranswers.com award? Find out more here!

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