TL;DR
Choosing a bottleless water filtration system involves more than just comparing the appearance or price of different office water coolers. Businesses should consider filtration quality, access to plumbing, filter replacement, maintenance, installation, and the level of service included with the system. A good bottleless infuse water solution should provide reliable, great-tasting water while making ongoing maintenance simple for your business.
Not All Bottleless Water Filtration Systems Are the Same
When you’re responsible for choosing an office water cooler for your business, it’s easy to focus on the obvious questions. How much does it cost? Does it provide hot and cold water? Will it fit in the Breakroom? Those are important considerations, but they aren’t the whole picture.
A bottleless office water filtration system is something your employees, customers, clients, and visitors may use every day. The quality of the filtration, the design of the equipment, and the service behind it all play a role in the experience.
If you’re comparing vendors, here are some of the most important things to look for.
Start With the Filtration
The primary purpose of a water filtration system is right there in the name: filtration.
Ask what type of filters the system uses and what those filters are certified to reduce. Don’t be afraid to ask for specific information rather than simply accepting terms like purified or premium filtered.
For example, ClearView Water’s ION Water Cooler uses commercial-grade NSF 42 and 53 certified filters designed to filter substances including chlorine, dirt, lead, and rust in municipal water supplies.
The right filtration system can also improve the taste and smell of water, which can make a noticeable difference in how much employees enjoy using the office water cooler.
A good vendor should be able to explain what its filtration system does and why it is appropriate for your workplace.
Ask How the Water Gets From the Filter to Your Glass
Here’s a question that often gets overlooked: What happens to the water after it has been filtered? Some water coolers use reservoirs or storage tanks. That means filtered water can sit inside the equipment before it is dispensed.
Other systems are designed to filter water as it is dispensed. ClearView Water’s ION system, for example, uses a sealed water pathway where air does not come into contact with the water supply. Its design also eliminates the need for a reservoir that has to be cleaned and sanitized.
When you’re comparing systems, ask about the entire path the water takes, not just the filter itself.
Find Out How Often Filters Need to Be Changed
Even the best filtration system needs regular filter replacement. Filters don’t last forever, and a commercial system should have a clear plan for when they are replaced.
Ask the vendor:
- How often are filters changed?
- Who keeps track of the replacement schedule?
- Is filter replacement included in the service plan?
- Are replacement filters included in the monthly cost?
- What happens if a filter needs to be replaced earlier than expected?
This is where a professional service program can make a big difference. ClearView Water includes scheduled filter changes as part of its service program. Its system also includes a filter monitor that alerts the company when the system is ready for filter and service changes because you shouldn’t have to put a reminder on someone’s calendar and hope they remember to change the filter.
Understand What’s Actually Included in the Price
When comparing commercial water filtration vendors, don’t compare monthly prices without comparing what’s included.
One company may advertise a lower monthly rate but charge separately for filters, repairs, labor, or service calls. Another may bundle those costs into a single monthly program so make sure to ask for a complete breakdown of the agreement.
Consider asking things like:
Is the equipment included? Some businesses purchase their water cooler outright, while others prefer a rental or lease arrangement.
Are filters included? Find out whether replacement filters are part of the monthly service.
What about repairs? Ask whether parts and labor are included if something stops working.
Are service calls extra? Unexpected costs can quickly change the true cost of a water filtration system.
The goal isn’t necessarily to find the lowest monthly price. It’s to understand the total value you’re receiving.
Make Sure the Installation Is Done Professionally
A bottleless water cooler connects to your building’s water supply, so installation matters. Ask who will install the system and whether they are properly licensed and insured. Professional installation can help ensure the equipment is connected correctly and operating as intended.
ClearView Water uses licensed and insured plumbers for its installations, with a typical installation taking approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
This is one area where choosing a commercial water provider with an established installation process can provide valuable peace of mind.
Consider What Your Employees Actually Need
Different workplaces have different needs. A small office may primarily want cold drinking water, while a larger workplace may benefit from hot and cold dispensers or additional options. Some commercial systems offer hot, cold, ambient, or even sparkling water.
Think about how your breakroom is actually used. Do employees fill reusable water bottles? Is hot water useful for tea and coffee? Do customers or visitors use the dispenser? Would a countertop or freestanding model work better?
The best system is one that fits the way your business operates.
Look for a Service Relationship, Not Just a Piece of Equipment
Perhaps the most important question to ask is what happens after you sign the agreement. A bottleless water cooler with a filtration system is an ongoing service. You want a provider that will be there for the installation, maintenance, filter changes, troubleshooting, and questions down the road.
ClearView Water has been serving Colorado businesses since 2009 and provides bottleless water cooler services throughout the Front Range, including Denver, Centennial, Cherry Creek, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Boulder, and many surrounding communities.
A local provider will also understand the needs of businesses in the area and provide a more personal level of service.
The Right Water System Is About More Than Water
Choosing a bottleless water cooler system isn’t simply a matter of finding the right cooler. You’re choosing the filtration technology your employees and customers will use every day. You’re choosing how the system will be maintained, how often filters will be replaced, and who you’ll call when something goes wrong.
A quality bottleless office water cooler should provide more than convenient access to drinking water. It should give your business a dependable, professionally maintained solution that makes workplace hydration simple.
For businesses considering an upgrade from traditional bottled water delivery, that’s the real value of choosing the right commercial water cooler partner.
Contact ClearView Water today to start your free two-week trial.