Whole House Water Filter System - Reduces Chlorine Taste & Odor

In this review of the AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System the bottom line is simple: this is a practical central filtration option for households that want cleaner, better tasting water at every tap without a softener. The system's main selling point is clear - it reduces 96.9% of chlorine taste and odor so drinking, cooking and bathing water feel noticeably fresher. Installation is approachable for competent DIYers, the filter element lasts up to six years or 600,000 gallons, and the overall design avoids backwashing or water waste, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy homes.

Key Features

• Chlorine reduction: Removes 96.9% of chlorine taste and odor to improve water flavor and reduce chemical exposure when drinking or cooking.
• Whole-home coverage: Provides filtered water to every tap in the house so showers, baths and appliances benefit from reduced chlorine off-gassing.
• Long service life: The central filter is rated for 6 years or 600,000 gallons, lowering the frequency and cost of replacements for a typical family.
• No water waste: Operates without back flushing or drainage, so it avoids the continual water waste associated with some systems.
• DIY-friendly install: Ships with a shut-off valve, hose adapter and nipple so many homeowners can install it themselves without a plumber.
• Not a softener: Designed to filter chlorine and improve taste and air quality, it is not intended to remove hardness, TDS, sulfur, or iron.

Who It's For

The AO Smith Whole House filter is best for families of four or more who want a low-maintenance central filter that improves drinking water taste and reduces chlorine exposure across the home. It suits homeowners on municipal or well water systems who are primarily concerned about chlorine taste and odor and want a long-lasting cartridge that avoids frequent changes.

Shoppers who need water softening or significant iron, sulfur or TDS reduction should look elsewhere; this unit does not soften water or remove those contaminants. Those who prefer an under-sink filter for only drinking water may also prefer a targeted point-of-use option over a whole-home unit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effectively reduces chlorine taste and odor for noticeably better tasting water throughout the house.
• Long filter life of up to 6 years or 600,000 gallons reduces replacement frequency and cost over time.
• No backwashing or drainage required, which makes it water-efficient and simple to maintain.
• Package includes key installation parts allowing many homeowners to complete a DIY install.

Cons

• Does not reduce water hardness, TDS, sulfur, or iron, so additional equipment may be needed for those issues.
• Some customers report build quality concerns like weak plastic threads and occasional leakage risk if fittings are overtightened.

Specifications

Brand	AO Smith
Primary function	Whole home filtration for chlorine taste and odor reduction
Chlorine reduction	96.9% of chlorine taste & odor
Rated life	6 years or 600,000 gallons
Includes	Central filter, shut-off valve, hose adapter and nipple
Maintenance	No backwashing, replace cartridge when spent
Not a water softener	Will not reduce TDS, sulfur, or iron

Our Verdict

The AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System is a strong value for households that want consistent chlorine reduction and improved water taste at every tap. Its long-rated life, lack of water waste and DIY-friendly package make it a cost-efficient pick for families, though buyers needing softening or iron removal should consider additional systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this soften hard water?
No. This system is not a water softener and will not reduce hardness, TDS, sulfur, or iron.

How long does the filter last?
The central filter is rated for up to 6 years or 600,000 gallons under normal use.

Is professional installation required?
Not usually; the package includes a shut-off valve, hose adapter and nipple and many homeowners can install it themselves, though additional tools may be needed.