Frequently asked questions about water purification, water testing & air purifiers in Windsor & Essex County
We get a lot of the same questions — and that's a good thing. It means people are thinking carefully before making decisions about their water, air, and home. Below are the questions we hear most often in our Windsor showroom, grouped by topic so you can find what you're looking for quickly.
Water Purification
How does reverse osmosis work?
Reverse osmosis forces water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. The membrane's pores are small enough to block dissolved salts, heavy metals, nitrates, PFAS compounds, and most other contaminants — while allowing water molecules to pass through. Most systems also include sediment and carbon pre-filters to protect the membrane, and a post-filter to polish the output before it reaches your tap. The result is drinking water that's significantly cleaner than what comes from the line.
What's the difference between an under-sink RO system and a whole house reverse osmosis system?
An under-sink system treats water at a single point — typically the kitchen faucet — and is the right choice when your goal is clean drinking and cooking water. A whole house reverse osmosis system treats every tap and water-using appliance in the home. It's a larger installation suited to homes with severe contamination, particularly rural properties on well water in Essex County. Most households get what they need from an under-sink unit. After a free in-home water test, we can tell you which approach makes sense for your specific water.
What is PFAS, and should I be worried about it?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — a family of synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment or the human body, which is why they're sometimes called forever chemicals. They've been detected in Great Lakes source water and in groundwater across Ontario, with agricultural and industrial activity in Windsor-Essex contributing to their presence in the region. Health Canada has established guidelines for acceptable limits, but municipal treatment doesn't remove all PFAS compounds. Well water users near agricultural land are particularly encouraged to test. High-performance activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis are the most effective approaches for reducing PFAS in drinking water. Our water purification page covers this in more detail.
How often do filters and cartridges need to be replaced?
This varies considerably by system type and water quality. Sediment pre-filters in high-iron or high-turbidity well water may need attention every few months. RO membranes in a typical municipal household generally last two to three years. Carbon media in a whole house system follows its own timeline based on volume processed. The honest answer is that guessing at intervals — replacing too often or not often enough — either wastes money or compromises your water quality. We track your system and let you know when service is due, so you don't have to guess.
What's the difference between a water softener and a water conditioner?
A traditional ion-exchange water softener replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, producing genuinely soft water throughout the home. It's the most effective treatment for hardness and requires periodic salt replenishment. A water conditioner — like the Origins WC400 or WC200 — doesn't remove hardness minerals but changes how they behave, preventing them from forming scale on pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Conditioners are a good fit for people who want to avoid adding sodium to their water or who prefer a system with no salt to manage. Both approaches solve the core hard water problem; which one is right depends on your water chemistry and household preferences. We cover both in our water purification and filtration section.
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Is well water treated the same as municipal water?
No, and that's an important distinction. Municipal water goes through treatment — chlorination, filtration, and monitoring — before it reaches your tap. Private well water in Essex County is untreated. Whatever is in the aquifer, in the soil around your well casing, or in runoff from nearby farmland is what comes out of your tap. Well water quality also changes seasonally and with nearby land use. That's why we approach well water testing more thoroughly and why we recommend annual testing for all well-water households.
Water Testing
What does a free in-home water test check for?
Our standard free in-home test checks for hardness, iron, manganese, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, chlorine (for municipal water), PFAS/PFOS, and bacteria (for homes on private wells). These are the parameters that matter most for drinking water health and plumbing longevity in Windsor-Essex. Every result is reviewed with you at the time of the visit — not mailed to you weeks later with no one to explain what it means. Learn more on our water testing service page.
How long does a water test appointment take?
Most in-home water tests take 30 to 45 minutes. That includes the testing itself at your tap plus time to walk through every result and answer your questions. You don't need to set aside your entire afternoon. We serve Windsor and all of Essex County, so scheduling a visit is straightforward wherever you're located.
How often should I get my water tested?
For homes on municipal water, testing every two to three years is a reasonable baseline — or any time you notice a change in taste, odour, or appearance. For homes on private well water, Health Canada recommends testing at least once a year. Wells can change with seasons, with what's happening on nearby land, and with the condition of the well casing itself. Staying on a regular schedule is the only way to catch problems before they become serious.
What happens if PFAS is found in my water?
First, we'll explain what the level means and put it in context. Elevated PFAS in your water is worth taking seriously, but the right response depends on the concentration and your specific situation. Reverse osmosis systems and high-performance activated carbon filtration are the most effective treatments currently available for PFAS reduction. We carry equipment specifically suited to this. The test result doesn't create a problem — it reveals one that was already there, and knowing puts you in a position to address it. Book your free water test if you haven't tested yet.
Air Purification
What is ActivePure technology?
The ActivePure Technology built into each Beyond Guardian Air is based on a variation of the technology originally developed for use in the Space Program and is recognized as the exclusive Certified Space Technology in its category. Products and services that display the Space Certification seal are guaranteed to have originated from technologies that came from space exploration. More detail is on our air purification page.
Do air purifiers actually help with allergies?
Air purifiers may help reduce airborne allergens, provided the product is appropriately scoped for the room. Factors that impact efficacy include choosing the right size air purifier for your indoor space, correct placement of the purifier, and amounts of allergens entering the indoor space. Because of these factors, customers who use whole house air purification systems tend to report better results than those relying on a single portable unit in one room. With the Aerus of Windsor team consulting on your purification solution, allergy sufferers in Essex County can have peace of mind they will have a personalized consult that ensures the right air purifier is placed in their home or business.
What's the difference between a residential and commercial air purifier?
The core technology is the same, but commercial units are built for larger square footage, higher air exchange rates, and continuous operating cycles in high-traffic environments. A medical clinic, dental practice, or restaurant has different demands than a family home. If you're unsure whether your space falls into residential or commercial territory, that's a question we can sort out before you commit to anything.
How much maintenance does a Beyond by Aerus air purifier need?
Beyond by Aerus units are designed to be low-maintenance. Most have filters that need periodic replacement and cells that are cleaned or replaced on an annual or as-needed basis depending on usage. We go through maintenance requirements with every customer when a unit is sold, and we're available for support if anything comes up afterward.
Vacuum Sales & Repair
Do you repair all vacuum brands?
Yes. We service all makes and models — Dyson, Miele, Hoover, Shark, Bissell, Kenmore, Rainbow, and more — regardless of where the machine was purchased. Our process is to diagnose first and give you a clear picture of what the repair involves before any work begins. If a repair isn't worth doing, we'll tell you that too. Full details are on our vacuum sales and repair page.
What does a vacuum tune-up include?
A standard tune-up covers filter inspection and replacement, belt check and replacement if worn, brush roll cleaning and condition assessment, clog removal from the hose and internal air pathways, and a suction performance check at the end. It's the kind of maintenance that restores a machine to how it's supposed to perform and prevents more costly issues from developing. Many people are surprised by how much difference a tune-up makes on a machine they thought was just aging out.
How often should I have my vacuum serviced?
For most households, once a year is a reasonable starting point. Homes with pets, heavy foot traffic, or residents with allergy concerns may benefit from service every six months. If your machine's suction has dropped noticeably or it's making sounds it didn't used to make, don't wait for a scheduled interval — bring it in.
What makes the Aerus vacuum line different from other brands?
The Aerus brand traces its history to 1924 under the Electrolux name. The machines are built with longevity in mind: parts are available, motors are serviceable, and a well-maintained Aerus vacuum can run for many years. Most mass-market brands are designed with lower upfront cost as the priority, and the tradeoff shows up when something goes wrong — either parts aren't available or the cost of repair approaches the cost of replacement. With Aerus, repair is genuinely viable.
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Service & General
What areas do you serve?
We serve Windsor and all of Essex County, including Kingsville, Leamington, Amherstburg, and Essex. For water purification, water testing, and air purification services, we come to you — installation and in-home testing are part of the service, not an extra. Vacuum repair customers typically drop machines at our showroom on Tecumseh Rd E.
How long does a water purification installation take?
Under-sink reverse osmosis systems and water conditioners are typically installed in a single visit, often in a couple of hours. Whole house systems and more complex installations take longer, and the timeline depends on your home's plumbing configuration and what's being installed. We'll give you a realistic timeframe after the water test and site assessment, so you can plan accordingly. We don't leave jobs half-finished.
Do you offer financing?
We do have options available for customers who prefer to spread out the investment. The details depend on the specific product or system, so the best approach is to contact us directly and we can walk through what's available for your situation.
Can you service a water system that was installed by someone else?
Yes. If you have an existing water purification system — from another dealer, a previous owner, or a big-box purchase — and you want us to take over maintenance or troubleshoot a problem, reach out and we'll assess what's installed and what it needs. We're not precious about only working on systems we sold. If we can help, we will.
We're Here When You Need Us
Still have a question that isn't covered here? Call us at (519) 944-7800 or drop us a message. We're straightforward to reach during showroom hours and happy to answer before you make any decisions.