Why You Should Change Your Refrigerator Filter Regularly

Why You Should Change Your Refrigerator Filter Regularly

To increase the lifespan of your refrigerator, there are some key maintenance steps you need to take. One of such key steps is changing your refrigerator water filter. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't take this step seriously, and they end up damaging their refrigerators in the long run. In this post, we will talk about the risks associated with not changing your filters, when to change the filter, and how to change the filters yourself.

How Often Should You Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter

Most manufacturers recommend changing the refrigerator water filter every six months. While this is the general standard, there are factors that can shorten this changing period. Some of these factors include; water hardness, incoming water quality, and how often your water dispenser is used. Homes with a lot of residents, or homes dealing with excess minerals and contamination may need to increase their filter changing frequency. If you are unsure about the quality of water supplied to your home, you can check with your community water supplier for contamination reports, or test the water quality yourself using at-home drinking water quality tests. Depending on how severe the effects of these factors are, you may need to change your filter earlier than 6 months. Keep reading for common signs that your refrigerator filter needs a change.

Signs You Should Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter

Below are the signs to look for that will show it's time for you to change your refrigerator water filter: Water collected from the refrigerator has a foul odor Ice and water collected from the refrigerator taste bad. There is a delay in ice making or the inability to make ice. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, then it's time for you to replace your refrigerator water filter.

What Happens If I Don’t Change My Water Filter?

One of the major outcomes of a weakened water filter is water with a bad odor or an unpleasant taste. Aside from this, a clogged water filter can affect the proper functioning of your refrigerator. It can impede mechanical function. For instance, your fridge may suffer a faulty ice dispenser due to a clogged water filter. Buying a refrigerator with a water dispensing unit is a significant investment and should be treated as such. An excellent way to avoid unwanted particles in your drinking water is to ensure you change your water filter regularly.

How A Refrigerator Water Filter Works

Most modern refrigerator water filters are constructed to remove bad taste and odors using activated carbon or charcoal block filtration. These filters are typically made up of a carbon block core, covered with a polypropylene-like material and plastic casing. The flow of water is mechanically driven through activated carbon block, trapping the contaminants and allowing clean water to pass through, a process known as adsorption. Activated carbon has a large surface area compared to its size— with one gram having a surface area in excess of 3,000 m2 (32,000 sq ft). This property makes activated carbon perfect for water filtration. Although smaller in size than most water filters, a refrigerator water filter can still remove a lot of contaminants and toxins.

What A Refrigerator Water Filter Removes

The list of contaminants filtered depends entirely on the filter you choose. Most filters remove chlorine taste and smell, rust, and sediment. However, there are also filters on the market with enhanced filtration capabilities that also filter benzene, mercury, lead, and other harmful contaminants. After you narrow down which filter model you need for your particular appliance, you can shop filters by contaminant filtration capabilities. The best place to start is with our Fridge Filter Finder, answer a few simple questions about your fridge and we will show you a comprehensive list of appliance-specific, compatible replacement refrigerator filters.

Steps to Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter

Changing your refrigerator water filter is an easy task that can be carried out by anyone with the right procedure. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to replace your refrigerator water filter:
1. Buy a replacement filter: The first step is to get a replacement filter. Go to a reputable seller to avoid falling prey to counterfeit products. Ensure you check your refrigerator model number so you can buy a compatible replacement filter. Additionally, it would be best if you made your purchase from a seller who can advise you on different filters, their capabilities, and their suitability for your household needs.
2. Identify the water filter location: Use your refrigerator manual to locate the water filter so you can remove it and install its replacement.
3. Disengage the filter: You should then remove the filter. Depending on the model of your refrigerator, you can either twist the filter a quarter turn and remove the filter or press the release button. You may want a rag nearby to catch any minor drips during this process.
4. Installation of new filter: Consult your fridge or filter manual for guidance on how to install the new filter as this varies depending on the refrigerator model. Most replacement filters are as easy to install as they are to remove.
5. Flush the new filter: Most manufacturers recommend customers run about 3-5 gallons of water through their newly installed replacement filter to flush it out before drinking.

The most important thing to remember is that you must replace your refrigerator water filter every 6 months or as necessary to ensure you have clean ice and drinking water. Replacing your water filter also prolongs the life of your refrigerator. Discount Filter Store has a massive selection of replacement refrigerators and water filters that are backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Shop Today.