No idea how often to change fridge water filter? Well, you’re not alone.
The problem is, you can’t turn it into a guessing game. Otherwise, you’ll be putting the health of your family at risk.
In that case, allow us to help you out.
Below, we’ll discuss when and how to change fridge water filters to ensure the quality of the water your family drinks each day.
Why Should I Change My Refrigerator Filter?
The most notable reason you should change your refrigerator water filters is to keep your drinking water safe and healthy.
That said, there are many other reasons, such as maintaining your appliance’s quality over the years.
Avoiding Pollutants
Most municipal water supplies are tested regularly to ensure that drinking water meets specific standards.
However, just because the water meets government regulations doesn’t mean it is safe for your family.
A clean fridge filter reduces trace elements, including excess minerals, from your drinking water.
It is also important to note that a water filter protects you from contaminants from your fridge, especially with a new filter.
As water travels through municipal water lines and the lines in your home, it can pick up trace elements that make their way into your cup.
By regularly changing your refrigerator’s water filter, you can reduce the amount of contaminants coming out of your fridge.
Improving Water Taste
Fridge filters are ideal if you are one of the millions that can tell the difference between tap water and filtered water.
Your water filter is specifically designed to remove the elements that give water a fishy, acidic, or even heavy metal taste.
Depending on the hardness of the water in your city, you might notice a new filter can make a massive difference in taste and make water more enjoyable.
Appliance Maintenance
The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is an appliance repair due to faulty refrigerator filters.
Repairs can be costly and time-consuming.
If you live in an area with hard water, you will need to replace the filter on your fridge to prevent scale buildup.
Over time, as water travels through the dispenser, minerals like calcium can build up in the pipes.
This can cause significant blockages on most refrigerator models, causing the water flow to slow or stop.
By replacing your refrigerator filters, you can avoid these repairs altogether.
How Often To Change Fridge Water Filter?
Most refrigerator models will have specifications for when you should replace the filter.
As some fridges have different technologies, specific models may require replacement less frequently than others.
That said, most manufacturers agree that you should replace the refrigerator water filter every six months.
It is important to note that these guidelines aren’t a one-size-fits-all approach, as every household is different.
The quality of the tap water and the amount of filtered water your household drinks can affect replacement frequency.
What Affects How Often I Should Change Refrigerator Filters?
Here’s a list of the most common factors influencing how often you need to change your water filter.
Rate of Consumption
One of the most prevalent reasons households change their refrigerator water filter is if they consume a lot of water daily.
Every filter has a specific lifespan, usually measured in either ounces or months.
For example, if your refrigerator water filter is good for up to 400 ounces, that’s when it will need a replacement.
The refrigerator water filter is used every time you take water from the dispenser.
This can lead to a faster build-up of contaminants in your filter in high-consumption households.
As such, you can expect to change your filter every two to three months in these instances.
Water Quality
Another massive contributor that determines when you need a new filter is your city’s water quality.
Some cities have harder water than others, meaning a higher amount of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and minerals.
The more contaminants in the water, the more strain is put on your filter.
Filter Age
As with any other appliance in your home, the older it is, the less efficiently it will work.
This theory also applies to your refrigerator water filter; the older it is, the less the water filter will purify.
So, whenever possible, always install a modern filter to protect your home’s drinking water quality.
When Should I Change My Water Filter?
With the general idea that most fridge filters are designed to last about six months, you can now know when a new filter is needed.
There are a few other things to look for to tell you whether a new refrigerator water filter is truly needed or not.
Poor Tasting/Smelling Water and Ice
Your taste and smell are highly valuable when deciding on the quality of your water filter.
If the refrigerator water tastes terrible, it’s time for a new filter. This can occur as a result of pollutants reentering your drinking water.
Most people find their water or ice smells like fish or has a fishy taste. You might also notice an acidic tinge or a mineral-like aftertaste while drinking.
Low-Pressure Dispensing
In a refrigerator water dispenser, the contaminated water comes from your water line, is brought through the filter, and then clean water comes out.
That said, if you’ve begun to notice the water pressure is lower than usual, it could mean the filter is clogged.
In this instance, you will need to replace the refrigerator water filter ASAP.
Slow Ice Making
Another common way to tell if you need to replace your refrigerator water filter is the speed at which your fridge makes ice.
Like getting a glass of water, your fridge uses the same water filter to make ice.
If it’s taking too long for the tub to fill, it could be that the filter is clogged, reducing the number of available cubes.
Indicator Light
If all else fails, a surefire way to know when it’s time for a refrigerator water filter replacement is its indicator lights.
All modern fridges have LED lights on the front or inside of the appliance. These lights illuminate when it’s time to change the filter and install a new one.
Depending on your unit, this indicator light could be red or blue. Most often, the light will be green if your filter is in working condition.
Check Your Fridge Filter Today!
Homeowners asking how often to change fridge water filter will be glad to know it’s not as often as you’d think.
With an average of six months per filter, you can get plenty of clean drinking water to enjoy.
Also, filters are easy to source and install, helping you avoid costly repair appointments.