Filtration
Catalytic carbon vs activated carbon
Catalytic, installed$1,200–$3,500published range
Standard carbon$850–$1,500installed
Activated carbon removes chlorine well but very little chloramine. Catalytic carbon is processed to break chloramine down, and it costs more.
| Activated carbon | Catalytic carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | Yes | Yes |
| Chloramine | Very little | Yes |
| Whole-house, installed | $850 to $1,500 | $1,200 to $3,500 |
How to choose
Find out which disinfectant you have. If it’s chloramine, look for an NSF/ANSI 42 chloramine reduction claim on the exact model. Contact time matters too, so size the system for your home’s flow.
These are published ranges and general guidance, not quotes. In the Bay Area, Soft Patagonian offers free water tests.
Quick answers
Does activated carbon remove chloramine?
Very little in typical home filters. Chloramine has to be broken down, which is what catalytic carbon is made to do.