Refrigerator water filters are an essential component of most modern refrigerators, as they help to remove contaminants from the water dispensed by the appliance. These contaminants range from chemicals and heavy metals to dirt and sediment, which can be potentially harmful if consumed. In this article, we will explore the various contaminants that fridge filters are designed to remove, and why it is important to regularly replace these filters.
Chlorine Taste & Smell
Most fridge filters are designed to remove sediment as well as chlorine taste and odor from your water. Chlorine is a common disinfectant added to the water by most municipalities which can give the water a bad taste and smell. Tier1 Fridge Filters use activated carbon to remove those tastes and odors as well as sediment particles from the water. Activated carbon is a porous material that has a large number of micro-pores across its surface area, which allows it to effectively adsorb and trap chemicals as the water passes through it.
Lead and Other Heavy Metals
There are some households that may require enhanced filtration because of additional contaminants in their water supply. Common contaminants that only some enhanced filters can remove are heavy metals. This includes lead, mercury, and copper, which can be present in city water as a result of industrial processes or corrosion of plumbing systems. Fridge filters for lead removal use advanced NSF 53 and 42 certified carbon to reduce 99% of lead and more. Tier1 Plus Refrigerator Water Filters are NSF Certified to reduce lead and mercury, as well as volatile organic compounds.
Normal Refrigerator Filter Life
It is important to regularly replace your fridge filter, as the filter media will become clogged over time and will no longer be effective at removing contaminants. Even worse, a clogged filter can actually encourage the growth of bacteria in the filter itself! Most fridge filters need to be replaced every 6 months or after filtering 300 gallons of water, depending on filter use frequency and the quality of the water in your area. Replacement refrigerator water filters can be tricky to pick out, which is why we recommend the Fridge Filter Finder to make choosing your new filter a quick and easy process.