Help on Kinetico K5 pricing

[bingcherry]

I got a quote for Kinetico k5 for $2280 including tax and installation - I did not ask any extra filters, only the basic three. I live in Bay Area of CA, De Anza Water is the only dealer for my area The rep said if I purchased 4040 with k5, the price for 4040 can be lowed from $4500 to $3995, still no discount to K5. I was pretty shocked by the quote. Based on the research I had, isn't K5 coming around $1600 - $1800? I know it is an expensive system, well I am willing to pay that much for its quality and durability, but $2300 is just really high. My husband is now thinking just go ahead get a Costco Any suggestions and alternatives? Much appreciated!

[Andy CWS]

That is a bit much. K5s in this area go fro around $1800.00. There is currently a new RO out there that also has some of the features of the K5 including membrane rinse and water on water pressure...and at a much lower price.

Dealers price there wares by what the market will bare. I see one on eBay for $500.00

[bingcherry]

Andy -

Thanks a lot for the reply. Can you share a bit more info about this "new RO"? Is this a new kinetico product? And how would you compare this new system to K5? What is the price range for this new system? Honestly, I am willing to pay $1800 for a K5, I will see if the rep is willing to lower the price. On the other hand, I saw ppl post $1590 from a San Ramon kinetico rep (not sure if it includes the installation fee) - the city is only 50 miles away and has a different dealer (AAA Water). I called AAA water, unfortunately they are NOT willing to service us because we have a local one

[Andy CWS]

Well, the K5 is a remarkable drinking water system and pioneered a few features that provide great benefits. However, some dealers are pricing themselves out of business. Two of the key features are the membrane rinse system and the WOW (water on water pressure system).

Having a membrane that cleans itself has been used in industrial ROs for some time because of the great expense to maintain systems, but most companies have either found it too difficult to miniaturize it for residential use or just decided to expect owners to replace membranes. This feature provide a very long life with membrane and is able to produce higher quality water for much longer periods of time and to work with more challenging waters (not sulfur, tho.).

The WOW tanks system is has a number of remarkable advantages including very fast water production, less waste, more storage per tank size (3x) and high flow rate delivery, which is especially good for fridges or remote dispensers. Even better is that as the tanks empties, pressure is not reduced--water comes out at full flow until the tank empties... Moreover, the tanks tops off with even a glass of water and doesn't have to wait till you used 60%-+ of the volume before refilling. So you take a glass and the tank refills immediately leaving you always with a full tank...and again, the membrane cleans itself.

Until recently, Kinetico's K5 had exclusive use of these technologies. I sent you a PM.

[Wtd]

Andy,

Can you tell me what the new system that has the similar K5 features you mentioned above is?

[Andy CWS]

Two of the great features that the K5 has is the WOW (water on water) pressure tank which household pressure to drive water to the faucet. This serves a number of significant advantages over air-charged tanks. Also, the membrane cleans itself after every topping off of the tank. This great adds to the service life of the membrane. These and other features are no longer exclusively with Kinetico's RO.

[mncastro]

I've been an owner of the K5 system for about 2 years now. I have no complaints except for the price of the replacement filters. The replacement filters have been gradually increasing in price over the last 2 years (I replace them every 6 months). Last time the filters cost me $160 for the two filters. Unfortunately, I can't buy the filters anywhere else. This is getting ridiculous. I'm seriously considering replacing the system for something more economical. Andy, would you mind telling us what other system use the same technology or do you know other ways I can purchase the replacement filter at a reasonable price?

[Alex]

The Kenetico K5 system filters are proprietary replacement filters. This forces you to buy the Kenetico branded filters.

If you are looking to replace your Kenetico RO system, try the Aqua-Flo E50TFC-3SF Reverse Osmosis System.

Its an economical system that uses the same technology and produces the same quality RO water. Replacement filters are a fraction of the price of Kenetico.

http://www.filtersfast.com/AquaFlo-E...ter-System.asp

[mncastro]

Not only does Kinetico force you to buy their filters, you have to buy them at the store that sold you the system at their designated price. During one of my trip to Las Vegas, the Kinetico store near the strip was selling the filters for $30 less. They refuse to sell be their filters because I didn't live in their service area. Unfortunately the Aqua-Flo E50TFC-3SF does not have the WOW technology. It would have been a great alternative considering the price of the whole system is similar to the price of replacement K5 filters

[Alex]

Yes, that system comes with an air pressurized tank. Im not sure where to find the water pressurized tanks, which should be able to be installed separately.

[pawaterguy]

Yes, that system comes with an air pressurized tank. Im not sure where to find the water pressurized tanks, which should be able to be installed separately.

I would be surprised if it produced "the same quality" water. Kinetico is using a 75GPD membrane and gets some of the best TDS reduction I've seen in RO's. It produces fast and at a very high quality few can match. As for the original question...price will vary based on a few factors. Dealers have their pricing structures, sure. But, installation can cause the price to jump as well. Is there a crawlspace to run lines through? Walls to get through/around? Etc. Etc. Many variables play into price. It would be foolish for me to guess if that was a fair price or not for the product. One word or caution, though. Unless space is limited, never get the quad unit. Get two separate units. Easier to service = less cost to you later. Plus, if it's a dechlo/softener combo then you can't test for chlorine bleedthrough on the carbon between the carbon and the softener like you can if you install a dechlor and and 2040 (which is now an S650). Always get 2 units with a filter in between unless you physically can't fit them. If you can't afford it and want a more "standard" RO...ask about the K2. It's a basic RO with an air charged tank.