Refrigerator water filters work by passing water through a filter media, usually made from activated carbon or other materials. The filter media traps and absorbs contaminants and impurities, such as chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. Refrigerator water filters can improve the taste, odor, and quality of your drinking water. However, they need to be replaced regularly, usually every six months, to maintain their effectiveness.
How Do Refrigerator Water Filters Work
Refrigerator water filters are located inside or behind your fridge, depending on the model and brand. They are connected to the water supply line that feeds your fridge dispenser and ice maker. When you press the dispenser lever or activate the ice maker, water flows through the filter before reaching your glass or ice tray.
Refrigerator filters work by passing water through a filter media that traps and neutralizes contaminants before it flows through the fridge dispenser and ice maker. The porous material of the activated carbon in the filter reduces impurities by absorbing contaminants.
Some refrigerator filters may also have other components, such as ion exchange resins, zeolites, or membranes, that enhance the filtration process. For example, some filters may use ion exchange resins to remove hard minerals or heavy metals from water. Some filters may also have a built-in water purifier that uses ultraviolet light or ozone to kill bacteria and viruses.
What Do Refrigerator Water Filters Remove
Refrigerator water filters can remove a variety of contaminants and impurities from your tap water, depending on the type and quality of the filter. Some of the most common contaminants that refrigerator filters can remove are:
- Chlorine: Chlorine is added to public water supplies as a disinfectant to kill harmful microorganisms. However, chlorine can also affect the taste and odor of water, making it unpleasant to drink. Refrigerator filters can reduce chlorine levels by up to 97%, according to Consumer Reports.
- Lead: Lead is a toxic metal that can leach into water from old pipes, plumbing fixtures, or solder joints. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for children and pregnant women. Refrigerator filters can reduce lead levels by up to 99%, according to NSF International.
- Mercury: Mercury is another toxic metal that can contaminate water from industrial activities, mining, or coal burning. Mercury can damage the nervous system and cause developmental problems in children. Refrigerator filters can reduce mercury levels by up to 91%, according to NSF International.
- Pesticides: Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests in agriculture, landscaping, or household settings. Pesticides can run off into water sources and pose health risks to humans and wildlife. Refrigerator filters can reduce pesticide levels by up to 94%, according to NSF International.
- Pharmaceuticals: Pharmaceuticals are drugs or medications that can enter water sources from human or animal waste, flushing unused pills, or improper disposal. Pharmaceuticals can have negative effects on hormones, metabolism, or behavior in humans and animals. Refrigerator filters can reduce pharmaceutical levels by up to 96%, according to NSF International.
How Effective Are Refrigerator Water Filters
Refrigerator water filters are effective at removing contaminants and impurities from your tap water, as long as they are maintained and replaced regularly. However, not all refrigerator filters are created equal. Some factors that can affect the effectiveness of refrigerator filters are:
- Filter type: Different types of refrigerator filters may have different capabilities and limitations in removing contaminants. For example, some filters may be better at removing chlorine than lead, or vice versa. Some filters may also have additional features or technologies that enhance their performance.
- Filter quality: Different brands and models of refrigerator filters may have different quality standards and certifications in removing contaminants. For example, some filters may be certified by NSF International or other reputable organizations for contaminant reduction claims. Some filters may also have longer lifespans or higher capacities than others.
- Filter maintenance: Different refrigerator filters may require different maintenance schedules and procedures to keep them working properly. For example, some filters may need to be replaced every six months or after a certain amount of gallons of water filtered. Some filters may also need to be flushed or primed before use.
How To Maintain And Replace Your Refrigerator Water Filter
To ensure that your refrigerator water filter works effectively and safely, you need to maintain and replace it regularly. Here are some tips on how to do so:
- Check your owner’s manual: Your owner’s manual will provide you with the specific information and instructions on how to maintain and replace your refrigerator water filter. You should follow the manual’s guidelines on the type, quality, and frequency of filter replacement. You should also check the manual for any troubleshooting tips or warnings.
- Buy the right filter: You should buy the right filter for your refrigerator model and brand. You should also buy a genuine and compatible filter from the manufacturer or a reputable supplier. You should avoid buying cheap or counterfeit filters that may not fit or work properly, or that may contain harmful substances.
- Replace the filter on time: You should replace your refrigerator water filter on time, usually every six months or after a certain amount of gallons of water filtered. You should also replace your filter sooner if you notice a change in the taste, odor, or color of your water, or if you see a warning light or message on your fridge display.
- Install the filter correctly: You should install your refrigerator water filter correctly, following the instructions on the package or the manual. You should also flush or prime your filter before use, running several gallons of water through it to remove any air bubbles or carbon dust. You should also reset your filter indicator or timer after installing a new filter.
Conclusion
Refrigerator water filters work by passing water through a filter media, usually made from activated carbon or other materials. The filter media traps and absorbs contaminants and impurities, such as chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. Refrigerator water filters can improve the taste, odor, and quality of your drinking water. However, they need to be replaced regularly, usually every six months, to maintain their effectiveness.
To maintain and replace your refrigerator water filter, you should check your owner’s manual, buy the right filter, replace the filter on time, and install the filter correctly. By following these tips, you can enjoy clean and fresh water from your fridge dispenser and ice maker.
