Refrigerator water filters (I bet you didn't know this!)
Refrigerator water filters are a convenient replacement for bottled water. They bring fresh, clean water to the home while saving the fridge space that would otherwise be occupied by cases of plastic water bottles. In general, water filters are also a more cost-effective option, as bottled water tends to become expensive over time. Both a space saver and a money saver, a fridge filter is worth looking into, but with so many different types, the search can be confusing, as many filters are compatible with several refrigerator brands. The type of filter you choose depends on your refrigerator brand, as well as which contaminants reside in your water.
There are two major types of refrigerator water filters - inline and push-in - both of which are relatively easy to install. Inline filters are not only used to filter refrigerator water; they may also be attached to an undersink water line for sink water filtration. Inline refrigerator filters are installed by attaching one side of the filter to a house water supply line and the other side to a line on the back of the refrigerator. This option is good for older refrigerator models that do not already come with a water filter built in. However, most refrigerator brands today, such as Whirlpool, GE, Kenmore and Maytag, manufacture models that have built-in filters for both water and ice. These push-in filters are installed into a compartment that is built directly into the fridge unit, either inside the refrigerator itself, or underneath the freezer compartment. Installation is as easy as the name implies. Simply push the filter cartridge into the compartment and twist until it locks in place. If the compartment is covered, make sure to replace the lid.
Refrigerator filters are just one option for drinking water filtration. Other drinking water filters include undersink water filters, faucet filters and pitcher filters. However, a refrigerator filter is one of the most cost-effective choices, because it costs less, lasts a long time, and filters out impurities that other filters may not be able to remove. In most cases, refrigerator filter replacement should be done every six months, or sooner if the refrigerator water dispenser is heavily used or if water quality is low.
A refrigerator water filter cartridge typically uses more than one filter media, but the most common is granular activated carbon which is helpful in removing chlorine, bad taste and odor from your water. Some refrigerator water filters may also remove turbidity, lead, cysts, mercury, pesticides and other impurities. It is important to test your water before buying a refrigerator filter, in order to determine what type you will need. Most fridge water filters will not remove fluoride, which many people consider essential to good dental health.
Refrigerator water filters are effective at removing impurities and unwanted chemicals from water and ice before it is dispensed from the refrigerator door. Once your filter has been installed, you will have access to pure, chilled water that is perfect for both drinking and cooking.
