What Filter Do You Need for Your Refrigerator?

A Simple Guide to Refrigerator Water Filter Selection

The type of refrigerator filter you need depends on your refrigerator’s make and model. You can find your fridge water filter by searching for your fridge’s model number or the part number of the existing filter. Fridge water filters are not one-size-fits-all and must be compatible with your fridge model.

Can I use my refrigerator without a water filter?

Some refrigerators may be able to still function without a filter. However, it depends on how the water delivery system is valved. You’ll want to reach out to the refrigerator manufacturer to confirm that the fridge operates without a filter.

Some refrigerators have a built-in valve that routes water directly from the home supply to the dispenser if there is no water filter. Other models may require a bypass filter plug inserted into the housing to close the circuit. This will allow water to flow through to the dispenser.

Bypassing a filter is up to you, but it can let unfiltered water flow through the dispenser. For this reason, we do not typically recommend running your refrigerator without a filter. Unless you have a whole-house filtration system.

Always check your owner’s manual for instructions regarding filter use and make sure you understand the requirements for proceeding.

When should you change your fridge filter?

Most refrigerator change filter lights are on a timer. Just because your refrigerator’s water filter light isn’t on doesn’t mean it’s not time to change it. Replace a refrigerator water filter every 6 months to maintain water quality and performance.

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

Refrigerator water filters commonly contain activated carbon as the filter media. Activated carbon is treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny, highly absorbent pores. These pores trap tiny microbes, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water.

Over time, activated carbon loses its ability to remove contaminants, and it will clog. When this happens, bacteria can breed in your filter. When this happens, it can impact the health of those who drink it.

You can wait for your fridge’s filter light to turn on. But if your water starts tasting or smelling different, this is a sign it’s time to change the filter.

Understanding NSF Certifications for Refrigerator Water Filters

You’ll also want to ensure that the refrigerator water filter you select will meet your current filtration needs.

You can do this by looking for the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standard certification on the filter. You may also see the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) paired with NSF information. These letters often appear together as NSF/ANSI. This indicates that NSF International has created the public health standards and that ANSI has approved the official national benchmark.

If you’re concerned about chlorine taste and odor, an NSF/ANSI 42-certified filter is exactly what you need. This third-party certification ensures the filter meets standards to reduce non-health-related contaminants, including particulate matter.

If lead and mercury reduction are most important, you’ll want to look for NSF/ANSI 53 as well. This certification confirms that third-party testers evaluated the filter and that it will reduce both non-health-related and health-related contaminants.

NSF/ANSI 401 is less common for refrigerator water filters, but covers emerging contaminants such as certain pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

You can find NSF standards information within the product description or on the filter itself. When you see these certifications, you can be certain that the filter has passed testing, is safe to use, and will perform as intended.

Once you find the filter you need, installing it takes only a few minutes.

How do I change my refrigerator filter?

Changing your refrigerator water filter is easy, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come with a few challenges. Below are common issues that arise when replacing your refrigerator water filter, along with troubleshooting tips for each.

What type of filter do you have?

• Push-in filters are built into the appliance. They fit into a refrigerator compartment, usually at the bottom front. They can also go behind the grille or in the upper-right interior. They are usually easy to install.
• Twist-in filters are just that. Commonly found in the upper-right interior, they will have either a push-button release or a simple twist release.
• An inline filter attaches to the back of the refrigerator to the incoming water line. Generally found on older models without a built-in filter.
  Once you determine the filter type/location, follow these basic steps to replace it:

How to Change a Push-in Filter:

1. Remove and discard the old filter by pushing the “eject” button or by twisting off the filter cap.
2. Remove the filter cap from the end of the filter 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 equipped.

Twist-in (base grille) Filter Instructions:

1. Locate the filter cap in the base grille; turn to the left to remove.
2. Slide the filter handle on the end of the filter to reuse on the new filter.
3. Discard the old filter.
4. After removing the new filter from the packaging, attach the filter handle.
5. Insert the filter and twist it into place.
6. Reset the refrigerator water filter indicator light if equipped.

How to Replace a Twist-in (interior) Filter:

1. The filter is located in the upper right interior of the refrigerator.
2. Open the cover by either pushing or pulling.
3. Release the old filter by twisting counterclockwise.
4. Insert the new filter and lock it into place by turning clockwise until it snaps.
5. Reset the refrigerator water filter indicator light, if applicable.

In-line Filter Install Instructions:

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

Filtered Water From Your Fridge….Finally!

After replacing your refrigerator filter, make sure to run a few gallons of water through it and discard it. This will flush the carbon residue from the filter. And that’s it…mission accomplished!

If you need advice on which filter to buy or help finding your part number, contact Filters Fast Customer Service. Call 866-438-3458
or email [email protected].