The small parts that screw onto the end of a tap can be confusing. "Aerator" and "tap filter" are often used interchangeably, but they actually serve different purposes.
Aerator: the aim is saving
Aerators are the key to using the water from your taps more efficiently. Their main purpose is to mix water with air (aeration), increasing the volume of the stream and so reducing water consumption by up to 90%. That lowers not only your water bill but also the energy used to heat water. Aerators make the flow softer and splash-free, which improves comfort. But an aerator does not filter water chemically or remove limescale; its focus is efficiency and saving.
The saving is achieved simply but cleverly. As water flows, the air drawn into the aerator forms millions of tiny bubbles. In pressure-compensating models a flow regulator keeps the flow rate under control even when the water pressure is high. Our aerators come in a range of flow rates (L/min) for different needs, fit standard taps easily and carry a 5-year warranty.
Tap filter: the aim is removing coarse particles
Standard tap-end filters on the market serve a different purpose. Their primary job is to strain out visible coarse particles (sand, rust, sediment) that may be present in mains water. They can make water look clearer and protect your fittings. But because they do not aerate the water, they are far less effective than aerators at saving it.
These filters do not remove the taste or smell of chlorine, do not prevent limescale and do not purify water microbiologically. If your only problem is visible sediment or sand, a simple filter may do. If you need to deal with chlorine, limescale or more thorough purification, you should look at under-sink or more advanced systems. If your main goal is saving water and energy, the right answer is a high-efficiency aerator.
Side by side
- Main function: An aerator saves water; a filter strains coarse particles.
- Water consumption: An aerator reduces it substantially; a filter hardly affects it.
- Energy saving (hot water): An aerator provides it; a filter does not.
- Flow quality: An aerator gives a soft, full, splash-free stream; a filter usually leaves the flow unchanged.
- Cleaning effect: An aerator catches only very coarse particles; a filter catches sand, rust and sediment.
- Chlorine and limescale removal: Neither does this, apart from special filters.
In short
If your goal is lower bills, choose an aerator; if it is removing visible dirt from the water, choose a simple filter. If you need both, use an aerator for saving and add a separate filtration solution suited to the contaminants in your water.