How Much Does an Iron Curtain Water Filter Cost?

Last Updated on February 6, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

If you’re dealing with iron in your home’s water supply, you may be considering an Iron Curtain water filter as a solution. But before investing in this type of filtration system, it’s important to understand the full cost.

This article will break down the initial purchase price, installation expenses, operating costs, maintenance requirements, and overall value of Iron Curtain water filters.

An Iron Curtain water filter offers an effective way to remove iron from well water through an oxidizing filter media. By transforming soluble iron into an insoluble form, the filter captures iron particles and prevents them from reaching your taps and appliances.

But like any major home improvement project, there are various cost factors to consider.

How Much Does an Iron Curtain Water Filter Cost?

The upfront cost of an Iron Curtain filtration system will depend on several variables, primarily the size of your household and water usage. A basic system for a single family home starts around $2,500 for the filter unit itself.

Larger homes or properties with higher water demands may require units priced from $3,500 up to $7,500. Commercial systems for businesses can range from $8,000 to $30,000+.

Water Systems of Alabama, for example, lists the ProMate 6.0 Iron Curtain at a regular price of $2,695.00 and the ProMate 6.0 Iron Filter at a regular price of $3,095.00.

The specific media used in the filter will also impact costs. Some systems feature multi-media filters with layers of substances like Birm, Filox, gravel, and anthracite that target iron removal.

More advanced systems use proprietary medias like the Iron Curtain’s Inversand media, which tends to come at a premium price. Overall capacity, flow rate, and level of automation can raise costs as well.

Installation Expenses

In addition to purchasing the filter unit itself, full installation is recommended to integrate the system into your home’s water supply. Plumbing labor, permits, supply lines, bypass valves, and other materials can cost $500 to $2,000 depending on factors like complexity, accessibility, and local rates.

Larger scale renovations may be required as well. For example, creating space for the filtration system may involve electrical upgrades, masonry work, or moving water heaters.

These types of structural changes can drive installation costs up significantly. Experts recommend getting multiple quotes to find the best deal on professional installation.

Operating Costs

Ongoing operation of an Iron Curtain filter comes with minimal costs, primarily related to powering the system. The pump and backwashing process uses electricity, estimated around $3 to $10 per month for average residential use.

Regeneration also requires a small volume of water, typically 5% or less of the system’s flow capacity. This can marginally increase water bills.

Commercial applications with high-volume demand may see increased electrical and water usage costs. However, taking into account the value of clean water for your home or business, these operating expenses are usually negligible.

Maintenance Requirements

Regular maintenance is essential for any water filtration system. The Iron Curtain filter needs backwashing and media replenishment every 6-12 months. This involves inspecting and cleaning the filter media, checking water pressure and flow, adjusting settings, and confirming proper valve operation.

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Professional servicing averages $150 to $300 per maintenance visit. DIY maintenance is possible as well if you’re willing to learn the steps. The filter will also need new media after 3-5 years, costing $500 to $1,500 depending on tank size.

Replacement of internal gaskets, seals, and other parts may be needed over time too, usually running under $100 per repair. Having a service plan can offset some of these recurring maintenance expenses.

What is the Iron Curtain Water Filter?

Before analyzing the system’s costs, it helps to understand what the Iron Curtain filter actually is and how it works.

The Iron Curtain uses a process called oxidation filtration to convert dissolved iron into solid particles that can be filtered from the water. Water first flows through a layer of Inversand media, which contains an iron oxide coating. This catalyzes an oxidation reaction, transforming ferrous iron into ferric iron.

The insoluble ferric iron forms particles that are then trapped in the filtration media below. This underlying layer consists of substances like gravel, anthracite, and quartz that capture iron particulates. Periodic backwashing cleans out the filter bed and flushes away trapped particles.

This chemical process provides an efficient method for households and businesses to remove iron contamination from well water supplies. The Iron Curtain filter is NSF certified and capable of treating water with up to 10 ppm of iron.

Maintenance and Additional Costs

To keep your Iron Curtain filter performing properly, periodic maintenance is required. Here are some of the routine service needs and costs associated with upkeep:

• Backwashing – Every 6-12 months, the filter bed must be backwashed to remove built-up iron particles and other sediment. This maintenance averages $150 to $250.
• Media replacement – The Inversand media that enables the oxidization process needs replacement every 3-5 years. New media costs around $500 to $1,500 depending on tank size.
• Valves and seals – Internal gaskets, seals, valves and O-rings wear over time and may need replacement every few years. These small parts cost $50 to $100 for DIY repairs.
• Service plans – Many companies offer annual service contracts covering scheduled maintenance visits and discounts on repairs. Plans start around $200 per year.
• Filters – Pre-filters and post-filters should be swapped every 6-12 months at a cost of $50 to $100 each.

Proper maintenance is key to getting the best performance and life from an Iron Curtain system. Keeping up with service needs also helps avoid more costly breakdown repairs down the road.

Cost Comparison and Efficiency

Iron Curtain water filters fall in the mid-range of options for residential iron removal systems:

• Simple sediment filters: $50 – $500 (least effective for iron)
• Chemical injection systems: $1,500 – $3,000
• Iron Curtain filter: $2,500 – $7,500
• Manganese dioxide filters: $3,000 – $6,000
• Air injection oxidation systems: $4,000 – $8,000 (most complex installation)

While not the cheapest upfront, Iron Curtain filters provide excellent value for performance. The Inversand media removes up to 10 ppm of iron for around $.50 to $1.00 per 1,000 gallons treated. The system also filters sediment and minerals like manganese, sulfur, and arsenic.

The filtration process uses minimal water and electricity. And the filter media lasts for years with occasional replenishment. The Iron Curtain is among the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for dealing with iron, particularly for households with 5+ ppm.

Health and Environmental Benefits

Beyond the convenience of clear water, removing iron with an Iron Curtain filter provides health and environmental perks.

Iron residue on fixtures, sinks, and laundry can cause stubborn staining and promote bacteria growth. High iron intake from water can also lead to nausea, constipation, and metabolic issues over time. Children especially are susceptible to iron’s impacts.

The Iron Curtain’s effective filtration reduces these risks and side effects of iron exposure. Removing iron and minerals also softens water, limiting scale buildup in pipes and appliances. This optimizes the life of water heaters, washing machines, and other equipment.

From an environmental standpoint, the Iron Curtain system produces no chemical waste. The filtration process uses no salts, resins, or oxidizing agents that eventually discharge into the environment. This makes Iron Curtain technology among the most sustainable options for iron removal at the consumer level.

Final Words

Carefully weighing the upfront purchase price versus the long-term costs and benefits can help determine if the Iron Curtain system makes sense for your home or business. While not cheap, this filter offers value for iron removal that elevates water quality and reduces maintenance hassles in the long run.

How much does it cost to install a whole house water filtration system?

The cost to install a whole house water filtration system can range from $1500 to $4000 on average. The final price depends on several factors:

• Type of filtration system – Different systems have varying equipment costs, from $500 sediment filters to $3,000 advanced systems like reverse osmosis.
• Home size – Larger homes require bigger capacity tanks and filtration media, which raise costs. Systems for small homes start around $1500 while large homes can be $4,000+.
• Complexity of installation – Accessibility to plumbing, need for electrical upgrades, and other complications can add $500 to $2,000+ to installation costs. Simple installs are cheaper.
• Labor rates – Plumbing labor for whole house system installs range from $50 to $100 per hour on average. Total hours depend on the complexity.
• Additional parts needed – Extra equipment like shut-off valves, bypass units, and pre-filters can add a few hundred dollars in parts.
• Overall, most whole house water filter installations range between $2,000 to $3,500. But costs can be higher if extensive changes are needed to accommodate the system.

How long do Iron Curtain water filters last?

The overall lifespan of an Iron Curtain water filter system is estimated at 10-15 years for the main filtration tank. However, certain components require regular replacement:

• Filtration media – The Inversand bed that removes iron needs replacement every 3-5 years. Cost is $500 to $1500.
• Valves and seals – Internal gaskets and parts wear out every 3-7 years. Replacement valves and seals cost around $50 to $200.
• Pre and post-filters – These additional sediment filters need changing every 6-12 months. Each filter is around $50-$100.

With proper maintenance, the main Iron Curtain filter tank can operate efficiently for over a decade. But regular media replenishment, valve/seal repairs, and filter changes are critical. Following the recommended maintenance schedule optimizes performance and lifespan.

Do iron filters really work?

Yes, high-quality iron water filters like the Iron Curtain are extremely effective at removing iron from well water. Here’s why they work so well:

• Multi-stage filtration – The iron filter combines oxidation media with layers of sediment filtration to capture all forms of iron.
• Powerful oxidation – Iron Curtain systems use Inversand media that oxidizes iron into filterable particles very effectively.
• NSF certified – Iron Curtain filters are third-party tested and certified to reduce iron levels up to 10 ppm.
• Advanced valves – Specialty backwashing and regeneration valves optimize the filtration process.
• Removes other minerals – Iron filters work as water softeners and also remove manganese, sulfur, arsenic, and other common well water contaminants.
• Removes bad odors like rotten egg smell.

With regular maintenance, a quality whole-house iron filter like the Iron Curtain can keep water free of iron for years. The systems reliably restore clean water for households dealing with iron issues.