Understanding Your Home Appliances: Do I Really Need to Use a Refrigerator Water Filter?
Urban legends and household appliances and furniture go hand in hand. Some people refuse to remove mattress tags because they’re worried about legal trouble. Others don’t mix certain household chemicals because they’re concerned about making something dangerous.
You wouldn’t think that an object as common as a refrigerator water filter could cause problems. Despite that, people have plenty to say about the filters in their fridges.
We’re here to debunk the rumors we’ve heard about fridge filters once and for all. Here’s everything you need to know about your water filter and if replacement matters.
The Purpose of Your Refrigerator Water Filter
Have you thought about the purpose of your refrigerator’s water filter? Some people assume that it’s there to keep the water clean, but it’s a little more complicated than that.
You may think that your fridge has a complicated filtration system. In truth, anything from a top-of-the-line Kenmore refrigerator water filter to a random filter you buy off the shelf is just your average activated carbon filter.
Most people assume that their fridge filters sift out heavy contaminates. The truth is that most fridge water filters are there to improve water taste.
Refrigerator filters need to have NSF 42 certification in the United States. That means that they can only remove chlorine from water to help with the taste and smell.
Why Filter Replacement Matters
You now know that your fridge water filter isn’t protecting you from harm. Does that make you think that replacing filters isn’t important? The truth is that this makes replacement more important than ever.
Old filters can affect water quality. Remember, fridge filters may not be made to filter out certain materials. That doesn’t mean that those materials don’t find their way onto filters.
Your fridge filter comes in contact with a lot of contaminants. Pollutants, minerals, and pipe sediment can build up. That can affect the quality and taste of your water.
Those built-up contaminants aren’t just bad for us, they could also cause problems for your fridge. Eventually, those problem contaminants can find their way around the fridge and could harm your equipment.
Changing Your Fridge Filter the Right Way
As you can see, “big filter” isn’t behind messaging around why water filters matter. Replacing your refrigerator water filter is important for the quality of your water and the longevity of your fridge.
Most refrigerator manufacturers recommend that you change your filter every 6 months. If you notice that your water tastes or smells a little off before that 6 month period, it may be time for an early replacement.
The Secrets to Appliance Maintenance
Your refrigerator water filter is more important than you thought. As long as you keep up with replacements, your water quality and your fridge will thank you for it.
Do you have more questions about maintaining your most important home appliances? Browse our site so you can learn more about home maintenance.
