FilterSmart FS1500 Whole House Filter and Salt-Free Softener Combo 12 GPM

The combo is the configuration that makes the most sense of FilterSmart's range, because the two halves cover each other's gaps: carbon does nothing for scale, TAC does nothing for chlorine, and most homes on hard city water have both problems. Bought together at 2,395 dollars they cost 349 dollars less than the FS1000 and FS500 purchased separately, which is a real if modest saving, and FilterSmart will also sell you the filter now and the conditioner later at no penalty. Operationally it is the same easy install as the single tanks doubled: no drain, no outlet, no backwash, and one sediment pre-filter every 8 to 10 months as the entire maintenance schedule. The limits are the same ones that apply to both halves and they do not go away by combining them. There is still no system-level NSF or WQA certification, still no published reduction percentage for any contaminant, and the conditioner still will not soften water or change a hardness reading. Carbon reduces neither lead nor PFAS nor nitrate, and the conditioner will foul on iron and hydrogen sulfide. Plan for about 30 in by 10 in of floor space and two tanks roughly 52 in tall. On the evidence available this is the right FilterSmart to buy if you are buying one, and the wrong brand entirely if you need a certified reduction claim.