The Best Holiday Decorations Across the U.S., and How to Steal the Look

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The Pumpkin House

Halloween 2026 has come and gone, but it’s never too early to start thinking about next year! Known simply as The Pumpkin House, @jessicarchibald lines her roof, porch, and yard with hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns every Halloween season. The piles of pumpkins make a big impact both during the day and at night.

Steal This Idea: All you need is pumpkins! Attach faux pumpkins to long boards to make them easier to display on the roof.

Salt Lake City, Utah

The Kraken House

The Kraken House (@krakenhousenola) captured here by @amournola, uses blow-up decor to explore the haunted seas. The blow-up tentacles hint at a sea monster hiding beyond the windows, but the dramatic lighting is what really makes this house shine.

Steal This Idea: Skip the kid-friendly Bluey holiday inflatable this year, and attach these terrifying tentacles instead. Then turn up the drama with solar up-lights in green and purple.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Vintage Black Cat Porch

Can you believe this amazing black cat is a DIY project? To transform this front porch into a Halloween stage, @allset_bygabrielle hand-carved the cat figure out of wood and painted every detail.

Steal This Idea: In addition to the vintage-inspired cat, the spooky forest framing the door was made with a mix of dead branches and faux botanicals; providing texture and a subtle sparkle.

Cold Spring Harbor, New York

Spooky Gothic Entry

This front entry in New York City (photographed by @victoria.nycvisit) uses dark drapery, black roses, and a wide variety of unique pumpkins and squashes to create a gothic masterpiece. Trick-or-treaters beware!

Steal This Idea: It’s amazing what a few swathes of black and burgundy fabric can do. Drape the fabric around your front door to make an eerie entrance. Then use pumpkins and vases full of dark flowers to complete the look.

Upper West Side, Manhattan

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Golden Harvest Stoop

This viral townhouse @stoopandthecity, is dressed to the nines for every holiday. This autumn harvest display features patterned pumpkins and cascades of fall foliage. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or for those that prefer to skip the ghosts and goblins. 

Steal This Idea: Choose faux and glass pumpkins in a cohesive color scheme, and don’t hold back on the fall foliage. Use faux stems to make the display last all season long.

Upper East Side, Manhattan

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River Oaks Christmas Lights

When it comes to Christmas lights, you can’t find much better than the extravagant homes in the River Oaks neighborhood of Houston, Texas. Each home goes all out with sparkling lights on its exterior, wrapped around every tree.

Steal This Idea: The secret to this colorful tree, captured by @houstonhotspots, is wrapping the lights tightly around the trunk and every single branch. The technique takes time but makes a big impact. Use LED lights to cut back on electricity use.

Houston, Texas

Castro Street Christmas House

This famous house on Castro Street in San Francisco does not hold back! (Photo by @415urbanadventures.) Every exterior surface is covered in decor. The symmetrical layout keeps it looking classy instead of gaudy. And of course, the star of the show is Santa hanging in the middle, ready to deliver gifts.

Steal This Idea: The key element of this display is the garland covered in shiny Christmas ornaments. When you think you’ve gathered enough baubles, you’ll probably need even more!

San Francisco, California

Cascading Lights in Ohio

The historic mill in Clifton, Ohio, is known for its over-the-top Christmas light display, featuring over four million lights! While you might not have a historic mill to decorate, the lighting techniques can be used on your own home to dazzle the entire neighborhood.

Steal This Idea: The most memorable element of this display is the iconic red lights cascading down the hillside. Try laying strings lights in rows along your entire yard to get a similar look.

Clifton, Ohio

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Giant Red Bow

Make your house look like one giant Christmas present by adding a larger-than-life red bow. This Pittsburgh mansion is famous for its red Christmas bow that looks beautifully whimsical in the daytime and lights up at night.

Steal This Idea: You don’t need a mansion to recreate this look. Get your own giant red bow and hang it above your front door. Here’s one available on Etsy!

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Pink Christmas Cottage

One way to set your house apart for Christmas is to use a non-traditional color scheme —like pink! This darling cottage from @pinkdreamcollection is a frosted pink confection complete with pink trees and pink nutcracker figurines.

Steal This Idea: Pink or pastel Christmas decor will make your home look playful and unique. Use different shades of pink to add dimension.

Portsmouth, Ohio

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Light-Up Gingerbread House

This spectacular residential light display by Walter Hazard (@hazardsgingerbreadhouse) makes his home look like a technicolor gingerbread house. The secret is the wire-fencing frames he uses to create methodical light patterns. Visitors come from all over the area to witness the gorgeous lights in action.

Steal This Idea: We might not all have the same light-manipulation talent as Walter, but you can get the same grid-like coverage with LED curtain lights like these.

Highlands Ranch, Colorado

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If You See Cyan Lights on a Car, Here’s What They Mean

Colored lights play an important part in driving safety. Red brake lights mean a vehicle is slowing down, amber turn signals indicate someone is turning, flashing red and blue indicate an emergency, and yellow lights can mean a hazard or warning.

But what about cyan? Drivers might be noticing that color more often in the future as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently proposed new federal standards for these lights as automated vehicles become more common.

Learn what the color would mean, where it’s already appearing, and what drivers should expect in the future.

What Cyan Lights on Self-Driving Cars Mean and Why They’re Being Proposed

Cyan lights would indicate that a vehicle’s automated driving system is in control and no one inside needs to actively monitor the road. The lights could appear on cars with someone behind the wheel or vehicles that operate without a human driver.

On Oct. 23, NHTSA announced a proposal to establish federal standards for these lights, including their placement and brightness. The lights would remain steady rather than flash, and drivers would be able to see them from all sides of the vehicle. The proposal is part of a broader effort to update safety requirements for automated vehicles, including those NHTSA describes as “vehicles designed never to be driven by a human being.”

“As automotive technology continues to evolve, our safety standards must keep pace with innovation in ways that do not compromise public safety,” NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said in the agency’s release. “These proposed updates address unnecessary regulatory burdens for vehicles built without traditional manual controls while establishing clear performance standards for automated vehicle marker lamps. By aligning our regulations with today’s technology, we are paving the way for safe innovation and setting clear rules of the road for automated vehicles.”

Cyan would help other drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement recognize when an automated system is handling the driving. Unlike common driver-assistance features that help with steering or speed, these systems can operate without constant human supervision under certain conditions.

The lights wouldn’t give self-driving cars any special privileges or change how other drivers should behave around them.

Where Cyan Lights on Cars Have Already Appeared and When More Could Arrive

Mercedes-Benz has already received permission to use turquoise-colored lights on certain vehicles in California and Nevada. California approved testing on freeways, while Nevada allowed the lights on certain production vehicles.

The lights work with Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot system, which can handle driving under specific conditions. A driver still needs to remain available to take control when requested. The company has tested the lights near the outside mirrors and on the front and rear of its vehicles.

“Mercedes-Benz is committed to standardizing the color turquoise,” the company said in a release, explaining that the goal is to make automated driving systems easier for people to recognize around the world.

Those approvals came before NHTSA’s latest proposal, which could establish a consistent standard for other manufacturers across the country. For now, the new federal rules are still under consideration. Even if NHTSA finalizes them, carmakers wouldn’t have to install cyan lights on self-driving vehicles. Manufacturers that choose to use them would need to follow the new standards.

Under the proposal, the lights could turn on when the automated system is driving without someone monitoring the road. They’d have to turn off when a person is expected to resume that responsibility. Drivers wouldn’t need to do anything differently when they see cyan lights, but they’d have a clearer idea of who’s controlling the vehicle.

Sources

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Trump’s Transportation Department Makes Commonsense Updates to Vehicle Lighting Standards for AVs”

U.S. Department of Transportation, “Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 108 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles”
Mercedes-Benz, “Mercedes-Benz Receives Approvals for Turquoise-Colored Automated Driving Marker Lights in California and Nevada”
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Driver Assistance Technologies”

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How To Spot a Flood-Damaged Car Before You Buy It

With the average cost of a new car approaching $50,000, it can make more financial sense to buy used. But, while the lower price point is appealing, mechanic David Martin says to shop carefully and to check any used car for signs of flooding. “Engine computers, sensors, electrical connectors and wiring are vulnerable to corrosion, expensive to fix and could endanger lives,” he says. Not all cars that have been in a flood will be given a flood title, and unscrupulous sellers will mask this fact from would-be buyers. Ahead, learn how to tell if you’re buying a flood-damaged car, with expert-backed advice from Martin. 

Check for Water, Mud and Musty Odors

Use your nose to detect water damage inside the vehicle. “If the car smells musty or moldy, watch out,” Martin says. “Also, pay attention to cars that have strong air freshener or detergent scents. They could be used to mask flood-related mildew.” Additionally, look for silt or mud in glove compartments or under seats where it may have been overlooked during cleaning. Finding it is a tell-tale sign the car has been flooded. Also look carefully for condensation behind instrument panels and interior and exterior lights.

Look for Rust and Corrosion

Check for any rust or flaking metal on the car’s underside, especially on brake lines and around the fuel tank, Martin says. Lift the hood and look for corrosion on the battery terminals and engine components, then open the car doors and inspect the door hinges for signs of rust. 

Check the Upholstery and Carpeting

Vehicle upholstery and carpeting can reveal signs of flooding. Feel for dampness and look for stains, as well as loose, wrinkled or buckled carpeting. Additionally, pull seat belts all the way out to check for stains, mildew or mud and look for mismatched or recently replaced carpeting and upholstery.

Test the Electronics

Turn on the car and do a thorough test of the car’s electrical components. Check the power windows, door locks, seat controls, and backup camera. “Make sure all lights, the air conditioner, heater, wipers, turn signals, stereo and navigation systems work,” Martin says. “And test them more than once.” Even if an electrical component is working, check to make sure it’s working properly. Flickering lights and intermittent functioning can also be signs of water damage. 

Check the Vehicle History

Flood-damaged cars may be moved across state lines and retitled, so always get a Carfax report, which tracks a vehicle’s complete history regardless of location. Additionally, run the vehicle’s VIN number through the National Insurance Crime Bureau. “The service can identify whether a car has been reported stolen or labeled as salvage by insurance companies due to flooding,” Martin says. “But, while these reports can be helpful, they don’t cover everything.That’s why having a certified mechanic inspect a used car before you buy is a smart investment.”

Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Even if you don’t suspect a car has been flooded after looking it over yourself, a professional mechanic could catch subtle signs you missed, as well as any other mechanical issues with the vehicle. Ask them to specifically check for signs of flooding. 

FAQ

Can a flooded car have a clean title?

Yes, a flood-damaged car can still have a clean title and show no record of flooding in its history. 

Is it safe to buy a car that has been flooded?

No, not if you intend to drive it. Issues can continue to arise years after a flooding event that can impact the vehicle’s functioning. However, you could buy a flooded car with the intention of using it for parts. 

About the Expert

• David Martin is an automotive mechanic and owner of Martin’s Auto Repair in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Yes, Different Curb Colors Have a Meaning — A Guide to Decoding Them

What Do Red Curbs Mean for Parking and Stopping?

Red curbs generally mean drivers can’t stop or park there, even for a few minutes. That includes waiting in the car while someone runs into a store. They’re common near fire hydrants, intersections, and bus stops, where parked cars could block traffic or get in the way. Some red zones still allow buses to stop to pick up or drop off passengers.

What Do White Curbs Mean for Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers?

White curbs usually allow drivers to stop long enough to pick up or drop off passengers. They’re often found outside hotels, schools, and hospitals.

But they aren’t regular parking spaces. Drivers generally need to stay with their vehicles and leave once their passengers get in or out. Some cities have different rules, though. San Francisco, for example, also allows certain white curbs to be used for quickly loading or unloading goods.

What Do Yellow Curbs Mean for Loading and Unloading?

Yellow curbs usually mark loading zones. They’re often found near businesses where delivery drivers need somewhere to stop while dropping off packages or other goods. Commercial vehicles can typically use these areas for a short time, although some cities allow passenger vehicles to stop there, too. These aren’t regular parking spaces, and nearby signs usually explain how long drivers can stop.

What Do Green Curbs Mean for Short-Term Parking?

Green curbs generally mean drivers can park, but only for a short time. They’re common near businesses where customers might need to stop for a few minutes. The time limit isn’t always the same, so drivers should check the curb or nearby signs before leaving their cars. Some spaces also have parking meters or restrictions during certain hours.

What Do Blue Curbs Mean for Accessible Parking?

Blue curbs mark parking spaces for people with disabilities. Cities often place these spaces near building entrances to make them easier to access. Drivers need a valid disability parking placard or qualifying license plate to park in these spaces. Without one, they can’t use the spot, even for a quick stop.

The striped areas next to accessible parking spaces also need to stay clear so people have enough room to get in and out of their vehicles.

Sources

• California Department of Motor Vehicles, “California Driver’s Handbook, Section 6: Navigating the Roads (Continued), Parking at Colored Curbs“
• Los Angeles Department of Transportation, “Colored Curb Zones“
• Seattle Department of Transportation, “Curb Colors“
• San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, “Loading and Short-Term Parking“
• Federal Highway Administration, “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition with Revision 1“

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What Is “Heart Attack Snow,” and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Shoveling snow can be a dangerous winter chore. Icy walkways can cause serious falls, and prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to hypothermia or frostbite. Another safety concern is something called “heart attack snow.”

The name sounds dramatic, but it points to a real concern for people clearing sidewalks and driveways in winter. For those in snowy climates, understanding the risks of heart attack snow is important before picking up a shovel.

Understanding the risks can help prevent a routine chore from becoming a medical emergency.

Why Is Heavy, Wet Heart Attack Snow Dangerous to Shovel?

Heart attack snow is a nickname for heavy, wet snow that’s harder to shovel than dry, powdery snow. The name comes from the strain that lifting this type of snow can place on the heart. According to the National Weather Service, snow with a higher water content weighs more, making each shovelful harder to lift.

The added effort can quickly raise heart rate and blood pressure. Cold temperatures also cause blood vessels to narrow, making the heart work harder. The American Heart Association warns that this combination can trigger a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.

The association says the risks are especially concerning for “people who already have cardiovascular risks like a sedentary lifestyle or obesity,” including those with a history of smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. People who have previously suffered a heart attack or stroke also face greater risks.

Even lighter, powdery snow can be dangerous, especially when large amounts require repeated lifting or hours of clearing.

How to Shovel Snow Safely and Reduce the Risk of a Heart Attack

Before heading outside, people should warm up indoors and stretch gently. Dressing in layers helps protect against the cold, while staying hydrated is important even when someone doesn’t feel thirsty.

The American Heart Association recommends pushing snow rather than lifting it whenever possible. When lifting is necessary, smaller loads and frequent breaks can help limit physical strain. A snow blower can also reduce the amount of lifting, although operating one still requires effort.

Slippery surfaces are another concern. “Walking on ice is extremely dangerous,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency recommends using rock salt or another de-icing product to keep walkways clear of ice. Sand can also help prevent slipping.

People with heart disease or significant cardiovascular risk factors should have someone else handle snow removal, according to the American Heart Association.

Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack is equally important. Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, or discomfort in the arms, back, or jaw can all signal a serious problem. Symptoms aren’t always severe and can vary from person to person.

Anyone experiencing possible heart attack symptoms should stop shoveling immediately and call 911. The American Heart Association advises against waiting to see whether symptoms go away.

Sources

American Heart Association, “Snow Shoveling, Cold Temperatures Combine for Perfect Storm of Heart Health Hazards”
American Heart Association, “Warning Signs of a Heart Attack”
National Weather Service, “Winter Weather Preparedness”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Safety Guidelines: During & After a Winter Storm”

RELATED:

• The 5 States Where Winter Driving Is Most Dangerous
• Which States Have the Highest and Lowest Property Taxes?
• The Biggest Home in Each State That Will Stun You

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Step Up Your Game With a DIY Folding Step Stool

Cut your pieces

On the miter saw and/or table saw, cut the top step (A), all four legs (B), the guides (C), ad the bottom crossbrace (E). Set aside everything but the legs (B) until later.

Shape the ends of the legs

Using a compass with a pencil, draw 1-1/2-inch diameter half-circles at the bottom of each leg (B) to match the 1/2-inch width of the leg.

Use a disc or belt sander with a coarse-grit sandpaper (80 or 100-grit) to shape the ends of the legs by sanding up to the marked pencil lines for your arch. Once you have sanded to the line, work your way up to 220-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.

Drill holes in the legs and Guide rails

Use a drill press to drill:

• Hole 1: Drill a 1/4-inch hole through each leg, in the middle of the 14-inch-long leg, and centered from side to side in all four legs (B).
• Hole 2: With the first hole drilled, separate the legs (B) into two inside and two outside legs. On the outside legs, use a Forstner bit to drill 5/8-inch x 1/2-inch-deep holes, centered 3/4-inch from the top, on the side of the legs that will face inward. Then, drill a 1/4-inch hole all the way through the leg from the center of the 5/8-inch hole. The 5/8-inch x 1/2-inch-deep holes countersink the nylon lock nut and allow the legs to collapse into each other without obstruction.
• Hole 3: On the inside legs (B), use a Forstner bit to drill a 3/4-inch wide holes through the legs. Center these 1-1/2-inch down from the top of the leg and centered side-to-side.
• Hole 4: On the inside legs (B), use a Forstner bit to drill a 1/2-inch wide hole through the legs. Center these 2-3/4-inch up from the bottom of the leg and centered side-to-side.
• Hole 5: On the guide rails (C), drill a 1/4-inch hole through the guide rail, 1-inch in from the side and centered top-to-bottom.

Round over the edges

Using a router table or a router equipped with a 1/4-inch round-over bit, round over all the edges of the step (A) and all four legs (B). Be sure to use clamps to hold the pieces while making your passes with the router.

With all the parts machined, sand all the components to 220 grit and apply a couple of coats of a wood finish of your choice. Allow the finish to dry before moving on to assembly.

Connect the inside legs

Spread wood glue in hole 3 at the top of each inside leg (B). Insert the ends of the 3/4-in. dowel cross brace (D) and tap the legs on with a rubber mallet until D is fully seated.

Set the 1-1/4-in.-square cross brace (E) between the bottoms of the legs, with its bottom edge 2-1/8 in. up from the bottom of the legs. To keep the legs parallel while you drill, clamp a scrap the same length as the cross brace (E) between them at mid-height. Check for square.

Using hole 4 in each leg as a guide, drill a 1/2-in. hole about 1 in. deep into the center of each end of the cross brace (E). Glue 1/2-in. dowels, cut longer than the holes are deep, and drive them through the legs with a mallet until they bottom out in the cross brace (E).

Lock each of the four joints with a single brad nail through the leg into the dowel. Trim the protruding ends of all the dowels flush with a pull saw.

Attach the guide rails

Flip the top step (A) upside down. Position the guide rails (C) 1/2-in. in from each side and centered front to back, leaving 1-1/2-in. at the front and back. Trace around each rail.

Drill two 1/4-in. holes, 3/4-in. deep, centered on each outline. Keep the bit plumb when drilling (or drill at the drill press).

Insert dowel centers in the holes. Align each rail with its outline and press down to mark the hole locations. Drill matching 1/4-in. holes in the rails, about 7/8-in. deep. That’s slightly deeper than the dowel needs, which leaves room for glue.

Glue and insert 1/4-in x 1-1/2-in. dowels and secure the guide rails (C) to the step (A).

Connect the outside and inside legs

Thread 1/4-inch x 3-1/2-inch carriage bolts through hole 1 in the center of the legs to connect an outside leg to the outside of each of the connected inside legs. Put a washer between each pair of legs and secure with a nylon lock nut on the inside of the inside legs.

Connect the legs and step

Connect the two outside legs (B) to the sides of the guide rails (C) by threading 1/4-inch x 2-1/2-inch pan head screws through hole 5 in the guide rails and through hole 2 on the outside legs. Use a washer on the outside of the guide rails and pliers to hold the nylon lock nuts while you tighten them into the 5/8-inch countersunk holes.

Attach upholstery strap

The strap acts as a stop, limiting how far the legs can open. Wrap one end of an upholstery strap around the middle of the top cross brace (D) and staple it in place with a narrow-crown stapler. Open the stool until the seat sits level, then pull the strap snug and staple the other end centered on the underside of the top step (A). Use several 1/2-in. staples at each end so the strap holds securely.

FAQ

How wide should a step stool be?

A step stool should be about 11 to 16-in. wide to fit both feet comfortably side by side. For a portable or compact version, stay toward the narrow end of that range.

How tall should a step stool be?

A single-step stool should be 6 to 9-in. tall. That’s a good height for reaching into a truck bed, helping kids reach a tall bathroom sink, or getting to the top pantry shelves.

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Is a Reverse Osmosis Filter System Actually Worth It? We Break Down Every Cost

In this installment of The Upgrade, we dive into reverse osmosis filtration for the kitchen, its benefits and hidden costs — plus which households should invest in the technology, and who can skip it.

I’ve lived in some places with questionable drinking water. One town issued a notice that the municipal water supply had experienced a sewage incident. Another had an arsenic problem. I’ve also lived on well water, with concerns of contamination from nearby agricultural fields.

My solution used to be buying five-gallon jugs of spring water. But that was costly and a hassle, so six years ago, I switched to an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) filter for my drinking and cooking water.

Under-sink RO filters work like this: water passes through a series of filters, including an RO membrane, which removes dissolved substances — including lead, arsenic, nitrates, forever chemicals, chlorine, fluoride and sediment — down to 0.0001 microns. The cleaned water then comes out through a faucet, installed near the sink.

“Reverse osmosis provides the safest level of drinking water possible,” says international water filtration specialist Andrew D. Daily. “It strips out 100% of bacteria, cysts, dissolved solids, chlorine, rust, viruses and microplastics.”

But RO systems are also a considerable investment. So, we asked a range of health and plumbing experts for their thoughts on who should get an RO system, plus how to pick the right one. Ahead is what they said, how much RO systems cost up front and over time, and whether it’s worth the upgrade.

Upfront Costs of RO Systems

RO water systems range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000. The good news is that if you have basic plumbing knowledge and are comfortable drilling a hole in your countertop, installing one can be a DIY task. Otherwise, pro installation usually runs upwards of $300, not including add-ons like a refrigerator/ice-maker connection, leak protection, an additional electric outlet and other plumbing modifications.

Operating Costs of RO Systems

The biggest downside to RO systems is that they waste water. For every gallon that comes out of the faucet, somewhere between one-half and four gallons get flushed down the drain through the filtration process. That means if you use 5 gallons of water a day for cooking and drinking, the RO system wastes between 2.5 and 20 gallons.

Over a year, that adds up to between 500 and 8,500 gallons, depending on your RO system. On the low end, that’s only a few pennies more on your yearly water utility bill, but on the high end, it could be close to $100.

• Pro-tip: To reduce water waste, choose an EPA WaterSense-certified system.

Some RO water systems also require electricity. The amount of power they consume varies by model, but usually falls between 20 and 40 watts per hour. Since RO systems typically run for less than an hour a day, even if you live in a place with high electricity rates, they should add only a few dollars a year to your electricity bill.

Maintenance Costs of RO Systems

Maintaining RO systems is an easy DIY task, though some people choose to pay a pro to keep track of it for them. Expect to spend roughly the following for DIY maintenance:

• Filters: $30-$100, every six to 12 months
• RO membrane: $25-$60, every couple of years
• Holding tank sanitizer: $20 every year
• Checking tubing and fittings for leaks: $0, every year

Daily recommends buying only name-brand filters, even though they’re more expensive. “Name brands follow strict regulations,” he says. ”Generic China-based deals often do not provide the same protection.”

Longevity

A quality RO system can last 10 years or longer with proper maintenance. “Many parts, including filters, membranes, faucets and tanks can be replaced individually,” says plumbing expert Danielle Smith. “Once a system gets older, though, replacement may make more sense than repeated repairs.”

What Long-Term Users Say

“The biggest thing for me is convenience,” says environmental and wellness expert Helen Christoni, who has an AquaTru system. “We use water all day long, drinking it, cooking with it and filling water bottles. Once installed, it just became part of my kitchen and my family’s daily health.”

Herman Hartanto, founder of Tampa Fast Home Buyer, has a Waterdrop G3P600 in his kitchen ($429 retail). It’s a tankless model, a feature he appreciates since it takes up minimal cabinet space. He also likes the display with real-time reports on total dissolved solids (TDS) and filter health. His only complaint is the occasional noise it generates. “The pump that draws the water on demand makes quite loud noise, which I can feel clearly at night when everything is silent,” he says.

Personally, I’ve used two RO filter systems. My first one was an iSpring, which I chose because of its affordability. It worked well, but like Hartanto, I found the pump noisy (even though mine had a water-holding tank). My second one, which I’ve only recently installed, is a Waterdrop X12 Pro, which I chose to upgrade to because of its water-saving efficiency, ability to add calcium and magnesium back into the water, clear display and range of other premium features. So far, I’ve found it to be quiet, efficient, and free of quirks (though at $1,400 off-sale, the price is a bit of a shocker).

Alternatives to an Under-Sink RO Water Filter

Depending on what type of contaminants you have in your water, there are several alternatives to an under-sink RO water filter:

• Under-sink ultrafiltration (UF) systems reduce microorganisms, retain dissolved minerals, and cost significantly less, but don’t remove a full range of dissolved chemicals, heavy metals and other contaminants.
• Countertop and pitcher filters, like the Waterdrop CT01 and PT-72W Pitcher, improve taste and reduce chlorine, rust and sediment, but generally don’t remove many other contaminants.
• Whole-house systems treat all of a home’s water, instead of just one faucet and are best for removing rust and sediment, softening water and making it taste better. Some, like Clearsource, also remove viruses and microplastics.
• Countertop RO systems, like the AquaTru Carafe and the Waterdrop M6SL, are great for renters and students, as they offer the same filtration benefits of under-sink models, but without the need for permanent installation.

How to Choose an RO System

• Have your water tested to identify which contaminants you need to address, then look for a system specifically certified to remove them.
• Between models, compare water efficiency, space requirements, water pressure, display options, electricity and drainage requirements, flow rate, replacement filter costs, warranty and parts availability.
• Decide whether you need helpful minerals, like calcium and magnesium, added back to the water after it’s filtered.
• Consider upgrade features like a UV lamp, filter-life indicators, water-quality and flow-rate sensors and leak detection.
• Decide between tank vs. tankless. Tankless filters usually cost more and require electricity (some tank models do as well), but they take up less space, often provide higher flow rates and reduce concerns about stagnant stored water.

“Find out what’s in your water before buying anything,” says Smith. “Don’t choose a system based only on how many stages it has or how many contaminants the box says it removes. Instead, start with your water and choose the system around what you actually need.”

Who Needs an Under-Sink RO Water Filter?

If you’re worried about contaminants like microplastics, arsenic, lead, forever chemicals, pesticides and pharmaceuticals, then an RO filter is a good choice.

“Water quality can vary tremendously depending on where you live, and even your home’s plumbing can affect what ultimately comes out of your faucet,” says Christoni. “Reverse osmosis addresses such a broad range of contaminants, and with an under-sink system, that purified water is available all day long without having to think about it.”

For Daily, the biggest reason to invest in a RO system is microplastics. “The amount of microplastics found in human brains, blood and organs have been increasing yearly,” he says. “Although there is not enough information to prove a detrimental effect on our health, many of my clients choose a cautious approach to water treatment.”

Otherwise, Daily says that RO filters are overkill in most U.S. cities, where tap water is generally considered safe. Even in Mexico, where water is often contaminated, he usually recommends sticking with under-sink ultrafiltration systems, since they’re a fraction of the cost, don’t waste water and don’t require power or space for a reservoir.

Is the Upgrade Worth the Cost?

If you’re currently buying bottled water, then yes, an RO system will soon pay for itself. But, otherwise, it really just depends on what you want to remove from your water. If you have arsenic, nitrates, salts, microplastics, fluoride, sulfates and other dissolved solids (TDS), RO systems are a great solution.

Otherwise, a less-expensive ultrafiltration system might be a better choice. Either way, having an under-sink filtration system is a good way to ensure your family has access to clean water, both on a daily basis and after flooding events and other natural disasters that contaminate city and well water.

So, are you ready for the upgrade?

About the Experts

• Andrew D. Daily specializes in in-home water filtration in Mexico City and is the founder of Water Filters CDMX.
• Helen Christoni is an environmental and wellness expert specializing in indoor air and home health, and chief business officer at Ideal Living.
• Danielle Smith is CFO and COO at Gotelli Plumbing Company, a multi-generational, woman-owned company based in Northern California.

Sources

• Dr. Eric Roy is a water scientist with more than 20 years of experience. He currently works as head of science at Culligan.
• In-house experts at Waterdrop filters also shared insights for this article.

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