Is There a Difference Between Refrigerator Water Filters?

It is normal to be concerned about the quality of your drinking water. Even though most municipalities swear by their water treatment methods, it helps to have refrigerator water filters for added safety. We are grateful for clean, chilled water in our kitchens, but replacing the manufacturer’s model can be a pain in the neck. You could find yourself searching through several stores for a compatible design, and even when you find one, there is no guarantee that it’s exactly like the one you’re used to. Luckily, you can buy refrigerator water filters online by following our guide on how to choose the right water filter.

Refrigerator water filters are not the same. Some improve the water taste and reduce chlorine levels while others remove noxious contaminants like pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and heavy metals. We will cover the factors buyers ought to consider when choosing a refrigerator water filter and the best features to look out for.

Compatibility with Your Refrigerator

Refrigerator water filters are not universal. As such, you need to make sure that the water filter fits in your refrigerator. Since most refrigerators have different types of connections, it is almost impossible to find a water filter compatible with more than two refrigerator brands. You can remove your old water filter and use the model number to check if the one you want to buy will be the right fit. This information is also available on your manufacturer’s website or the refrigerator user manual.

You need not worry about getting a home water filtration system or buying pitchers if you have an old-model fridge with no in-built filtration. Installing an inline system from your refrigerator to the water dispenser’s supply offers similar convenience and efficacy.

NSF Approval

NSF is an independent organization that tests and verifies consumer products to ascertain that they comply with specific quality, safety, and performance standards. They specialize in many areas including testing water products like refrigerator water filters. The following classifications display the NSF certifications for refrigerator water filters and what they mean:

NSF 401

If a filter shows an NSF 401 stamp, it means that it can remove harmful chemicals in your water, including detergents, pesticides, herbicides, and medicines.

NSF 53

Refrigerator water filters with an NSF 53 rating can remove a wide range of harmful contaminants such as asbestos, radon, mercury, arsenic, and other similar substances.

NSF 42

This is the least NSF rating you should accept for refrigerator water filters. Filters with this certification improve the taste of your drinking water, eliminate bad odor and reduce chlorine levels.

It is essential to note that these NSF certifications are not 100% accurate. As such, you may find two filters NSF 401 ratings that remove different amounts and types of contaminants. That is why we recommend researching these filters to ensure you buy one that meets your specific needs.NSF 372 and NSF 61 rated water filters prevent lead and toxic chemicals respectively from leaching into the water.

Installation

You can install most refrigerator water filters by fitting them into a chamber inside your refrigerator. Some twist-lock into a repository while others you can plug into a socket and secure them with the cover closed. This allows you to change the filter quickly without leaving your fridge door open for too long. Remember that most filters you buy online require you to flush any possible loose bits with a lot of water. This step especially can take all the wind from your day.

Replacement

Most filters start to wear out after six months of use while others last longer. It might help to choose a refrigerator water filter based on the size of your household and how much water you consume within a certain period. Some manufacturers also package two or more filters together with excellent discounted prices. You can always buy them in bulk to save money and ensure you have fresh drinking water for a long time.

Refrigerator water filters are different. They have unique certifications to indicate the contaminants they can remove or what they can do for your water. Save for the refrigerator light that notifies you to change your filter, it would be best to replace it as soon as you notice it takes longer than usual to fill a glass. It is essential to check how long your water filter lasts and to change it accordingly. This way you get to enjoy your drinking water without worrying about chemicals and funky tastes.