Which Refrigerator Filter Do I Need?

How do you know when it’s time to change your fridge filter? It is recommended that you replace your refrigerator filter every 6 months. If your refrigerator has a “change filter” light, it’s most likely on a timer and is a great way to remember when it’s time to change your refrigerator filter.

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Why is it so important to change your refrigerator water filter?

The most common filter media used in refrigerator water filters is activated carbon. Activated carbon is treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny, highly absorbent pores that trap tiny microbes, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the water. Over time, the activated carbon filter will lose its ability to remove contaminants. This allows for bacteria to breed in your filter and can make you and your family very sick.

An easy way to determine if it’s time to change your fridge filter is if there is a change in the taste or if your water or ice starts to smell. You may also notice a change in water pressure.

Which refrigerator filter do I need?

Refrigerator filters are brand and model specific, so there is no “one filter fits all” when refrigerator filters. There are many refrigerator filters out there, but there’s no need to feel overwhelmed.

Finding out which fridge filter you need is easy! Use our Refrigerator Water Filter Finder and we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to find the right water filter replacement. Make sure you confirm things like whether you have a Samsung refrigerator and whether it’s a side by side. This information will be useful to you when you are using our Filter Finder Tool.

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Here’s how it works:

You can also figure out which refrigerator filter you need by locating the model number on your existing fridge filter or locating the appliance sticker inside your fridge. This sticker should tell you your refrigerator’s Model Number and Serial Number. You can simply type in this information on our website to find the refrigerator filter you need.

What is NSF?

NSF stands for the National Sanitation Foundation. The NSF is responsible for testing, auditing, and certificating products and systems to assure suppliers, retailers, regulators, and consumers that an independent organization has reviewed a product or system to comply with specific standards for safety, quality, sustainability, or performance.

When purchasing a refrigerator filter, you will want to ensure that the filter has been tested and certified by the NSF. There are a few different NSF certifications you will see when shopping for fridge filters. Here’s a simple guide to help you know what each NSF certification means.

NSF 42: This means that the filter has been tested and certified to reduce chlorine taste and odor.

NSF 53: This means that the filter has been tested and certified to reduce harmful contaminants that can cause health effects. This can mean contaminants including lead, mercury, and more.

How do I change my refrigerator filter?

Changing your refrigerator water filter is easy, but that doesn’t mean you won’t run into issues from time to time.

Before changing your refrigerator filter, here are a few things to consider:

Which type of filter do you have?

• Push-in filters are built into the appliance. They usually fit into a compartment within the refrigerator. These kinds of filters are usually located on the front bottom, behind the grille, or within the upper right interior. Push-in filters are generally easy to install.
• Twist-in filters are usually found in the upper right interior of the refrigerator, there will either feature a push-button release, or a simple twist release.
• Inline filters are attached to the back of the refrigerator. They are generally going to be found on older models or on refrigerators that do not come with a built-in filter.

Once you determine the filter type/location, follow these basic steps to replace it based on your filter type:

Push-in filter:

1. Remove the old filter by pushing the “eject” button or by twisting off the filter cap.
2. Remove the filter cap on the end of the filter you are replacing to reuse on the new filter.
3. Line up the arrows on the new filter and on the filter cap. Snap it into place by turning it clockwise.
4. Continue pushing the filter in, until the eject button pops.
5. Make sure the cap is secure.
6. Reset the refrigerator water filter indicator light if you have one.

Twist-in (base grille) filter:

1. Locate the filter cap in the base grille; turn it to the left to remove it.
2. Slide the filter handle on the end of the filter are replacing it to reuse it on the new filter.
3. After removing the new filter from the packaging, replace the filter handle and insert by twisting it into place.
4. Reset the refrigerator water filter indicator light if you have one.

Twist–in (interior) filter:

1. Locate the filter in the upper right interior of your refrigerator.
2. If there is a cover, open cover by either pushing or pulling.
3. Twist the counterclockwise to remove.
4. Insert the new filter and lock it into place by turning it clockwise until it stops, or you hear a snap. Make sure to not twist too hard!
5. Reset the refrigerator water filter indicator light if you have one.

Installing an In-line filter:

1. Turn off your cold-water supply.
2. Between the shut-off valve and refrigerator, locate an easily accessible portion of the tubing. Cut the tubing, by using tubing cutters for copper/plastic. Cut square not angled to avoid leaks. Smooth cut edges with steel wool or file them if necessary.
3. Remove the end cap on the filter and insert tubing. Lock into place by holding down the end cap.
4. Turn the water supply back on.
5. Hold filter over a bucket and run the water until clear. Do this for both ends of the filter.
6. Make sure to check for leaks before pushing your refrigerator back into place.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 when replacing an inline filter.

Don’t forget to flush your filter after you’ve changed it! Check out our blog on how to flush your refrigerator filter. Make sure to run a gallon or two of water through the filter and discard it before drinking the water. Flushing the filter will help get rid of any carbon residue from the carbon block in the filter.

Wish there was an easier way to remember to change your refrigerator filter? Once you’ve figured out which refrigerator filter you need, make sure you sign up for the FiltersFast.com Home Filter Club! This convenient refrigerator filter subscription allows you to set up an auto-delivery schedule for your refrigerator filter and will remind you to change your fridge filter when it’s delivered!

Looking for deals on refrigerator filters? If you sign up for the Home Filter Club now, you can save 10% of FiltersFast.com brand refrigerator filters and 5% off the manufacturer’s price for refrigerator filters.*

*Offers subject to change.

To learn more about our Home Filter Club subscription program, click here.

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Have a question about your refrigerator filter? Let us know in the comments.