How To Choose a Refrigerator Water Filter?

According to a new study, (55%) of Americans worry about contaminants in drinking water. Even though municipal water treatment systems treat heavy impurities, health-conscious Americans remain concerned that contaminants still flow through the pipes.

Fortunately, refrigerator water filters have provided extra protection to ensure that drinking water in your home is clean and delicious. However, the numerous filter options available often make it challenging to find the ideal choice.

In this article, we will discuss the best refrigerator water filters and their different functions.

How to Choose a Refrigerator Water Filter?

Firstly, consider compatibility. Check the refrigerator label for the model and search the manufacturer’s website or online resources to see compatible filters. After all, what good would a perfect filter do if it doesn’t fit your fridge?

Also, find the common contaminants. These may include chlorine, lead, and VOCs, and see the filters dedicated to eliminating them. For example, GAC (Granulated active carbon) eliminates taste and odor caused by the presence of chlorine.

Now for the budget considerations, weigh trade-offs between OEM (original brand) and generic options and choose within your budget.

Let’s see more tips for an informed refrigerator filter replacement.

What Are the Types of Filters for The Refrigerator?

Are all refrigerator water filters the same? Refrigerator filters provide clean and refreshing water. However, they operate with several filtration technologies. Let’s see the different types and their strengths:

• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): This is a common refrigerator filter for basic filtration. It features a significant internal surface area designed to trap contaminants like chlorine, thus eliminating taste, and odor.
• Carbon Block: These filters are an upgrade from GAC. They are a solid block of tightly compressed carbon granules. This denser structure provides finer filtration as it can target smaller contaminants like lead and cysts. They’re ideal if you’re concerned about more than taste and odor.
• Combination: This filter combine the best of both worlds: GAC to eliminate taste, and additional filtration media like ion exchange for tackling specific contaminants like lead or mercury.

When to change a Refrigerator Water Filter?

Most refrigerator filters can function effectively for 3 to 6 months. However, several factors influence the realistic effectiveness. Heavily chlorinated or contaminated sources will tax the filter’s capacity more quickly, requiring more frequent replacements. Also, households with high water usage put a strain on the filter’s ability.

Fortunately, even your senses can tell when to change a filter. For example, when your water flow drops, it could mean that the filter is clogged. A taste or odor could indicate that the filter no longer eliminates impurities. The appearance of the ice cubes can also offer clues. Cloudy ice cubes mean the filter is failing at removing impurities, potentially impacting the taste and clarity of your beverage.

So, mark your calendar for replacements based on manufacturer recommendations and your water usage patterns. You can also put a sticker on the filter with the replacement date so you do not forget. For example, your sticker can have “DEC” reminding you to replace it by December.

What to Take Into Consideration when Choosing a Refrigerator Water Filter?

What is the best refrigerator water filter, and how does one choose? Well, here are some essential factors to consider:

Contaminants

What are the major contaminants in your water supply? When you determine the components flowing through your pipes, you can find the filters designed to treat them. These are some of the most common impurities:

Chlorine: is a common disinfectant, responsible for that clean pool smell. GAC filters are ideal for removing chlorine.

Lead: is dangerous to the human body, especially for children. NSF International certified filters are ideal to eliminate lead.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Filters with activated carbon effectively eliminate these organic compounds.

You can also find contaminants like:

• Benzene
• Herbicides/ Pesticides
• Mercury
• Particulates
• Toxaphene
• Cysts

 

Flow and Function

When choosing a filter, consider its impact on the flow rate. While some filters boast thorough contaminant removal, their denser structure may slightly reduce flow. On the other hand, filters with a high flow rate may compromise some contaminant reduction functions.

NSF Certification

Before you get refrigerator filters for your home, check that are NSF International certified. NSF International is a globally recognized organization that ensures water quality standards. Filters with this certification have undergone extensive testing for safety and effectiveness. Here are two common standards:

• NSF/ANSI 42: These tests are designed for filters dedicated to removing contaminants that compromise the appearance. For example, filters designed to eliminate chlorine to improve the taste, odor, and clarity of your drinking water.
• NSF/ANSI 53: This standard offers more. It also tests for the filter’s material safety and its ability to remove health-related contaminants like lead, cysts, and VOCs.

Conclusion

Ensure the safety of your household with the ideal refrigerator filter. Prioritize filters with NSF certification and check for compatibility with your fridge model.

That is why, FilterWay offers reliable NSF-certified filters, like the GE refrigerator water filter. Contact our dedicated specialists at FilterWay today and enjoy crystal-clear water from your fridge.