{"id":19440,"date":"2018-04-02T08:00:50","date_gmt":"2018-04-02T12:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.filtersfast.com\/blog\/?p=19440"},"modified":"2026-09-18T10:21:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T14:21:00","slug":"how-to-figure-out-which-refrigerator-filter-you-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.filtersfast.com\/blog\/how-to-figure-out-which-refrigerator-filter-you-need\/","title":{"rendered":"What Filter Do You Need for Your Refrigerator?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Simple Guide to Refrigerator Water Filter Selection<\/h2>\n

The type of refrigerator filter you need depends on your refrigerator’s make and model. You can find your fridge water filter<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

\"refrigerator<\/a><\/p>\n

Can I use my refrigerator without a water filter?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>\u00a0inserted into the housing to close the circuit. This will allow water to flow through to the dispenser.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Always check your owner’s manual for instructions regarding filter use and make sure you understand the requirements for proceeding.<\/p>\n

When should you change your fridge filter?<\/h2>\n

Most refrigerator change filter lights are on a timer. Just because your refrigerator\u2019s water filter light isn’t on doesn’t mean it\u2019s not time to change it. Replace a refrigerator water filter every 6 months to maintain water quality and performance.<\/p>\n

\"refrigerator<\/p>\n

Why is it so important to change your refrigerator’s water filter?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

You can wait for your fridge\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Understanding NSF Certifications for Refrigerator Water Filters<\/h2>\n

You’ll also want to ensure that the refrigerator water filter you select will meet your current filtration needs.<\/p>\n

You can do this by looking for the National Sanitation Foundation<\/a> (NSF) standard certification on the filter. You may also see the American National Standards Institute<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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

You can find NSF standards<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Once you find the filter you need, installing it takes only a few minutes.<\/p>\n

\"Changing<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How do I change my refrigerator filter?<\/h2>\n

Changing your refrigerator water filter is easy, but that doesn\u2019t mean it won\u2019t come with a few challenges. Below are common issues that arise when replacing your refrigerator water filter, along with troubleshooting tips for each.<\/p>\n

What type of filter do you have?<\/h3>\n