How to Replace the Water Filters on GE Refrigerator?

Is It Necessary To Change The Refrigerator Water Filter?

Yes. You are mistaken if you think you just have to buy a filter and not look after it later. Every device demands maintenance and care. After some time, water filters undergo wear and tear. Contaminants build up to cause blockage, and the filter becomes unfit for further filtration. 

The activated carbon block medium in refrigerator filters has countless carbon particles and a 0.5 μm pore size. This huge surface area absorbs the harmful dissolved solids like a sponge soaks up water, but only upto a limit. 

After filtering dirty water for months, the filter reaches a saturation level and needs to be changed. If you don’t replace the filter soon, the contaminants will start escaping into your drinking water, making it unhealthy. 

Where Is The Water Filter On The GE Refrigerator?

Different styles of refrigerators have different filter element locations. GE manufactures 6 types of refrigerators. Let’s see where the filter is placed in each one of them: 

• Bottom-Freezer Style - The filter is located at the upper right interior of the top compartment or the back of the fridge. 
• French 3-door Style - The filter could be located at the upper right interior, back of the fridge, upper left interior wall, or left door recessed. 
• French 4-door Style - The filter could be located at the upper right interior, back of the fridge, or in the left door panel. 
• Side-by-side Style - The filter is either located at the upper right interior of the fresh food compartment or the back of the fridge. 
• Side-by-side 4-door Style - The filter is located along the external water line connected to the refrigerator. 
• Top-Freezer Style - The filter could be located at the upper right interior of the lower compartment, back of the fridge, or upper left interior of the lower compartment behind the pitcher. 

How To Change The GE Water Filter?

GE Appliances has been manufacturing fridge water filters for quite some time. They manufacture different models of filters depending on the refrigerator type. Check which one you have and keep reading below:  

How to Replace the RPWFE Water Filter?

1. Usually, it's located at the upper left interior of the refrigerator
2. Open the filter compartment. You will see a filter housing. Press with your thumb, slide your pointer finger behind it and open. 
3. Pull the filter outwards to the right until it can't go any further, grab it firmly and pull
4. Take the new filter, push it into the slot, and slide it back to the left into place. 
5. Close the lid back, and you will hear a clicking sound. 
6. Run a couple of gallons of water through the line before using your dispenser.

How to Remove and Replace the MWF or XWF Filter Cartridge?

1. Before removing the old filter, place cloth beneath the filter to catch the water that may spill out while the filter is removed.
2. Grasp the filter, twist it counter-clockwise until it stops, and pull it out. 
3. Remove and discard the wrapping and plastic cap from the new filter.
4. Push the new filter cartridge into the slot and slowly turn it clockwise until it stops.
5. Your filter has been replaced; purge out the trapped air from the system and run a few gallons of water through it before drawing water for drinking. 

Can I Run My Refrigerator Without The Water Filter?

Depending on your refrigerator model, there can be two situations. In some refrigerators, if the filter is removed, the faucet no longer receives water supply, and you will not be able to draw any water. While in other refrigerators, there are two water lines. Even if the filter is not present, the water line connected to the faucet can be bypassed, and you can receive the same water as from the tap. 

But why would you want to run the fridge without its water filter? It’s not advised to do so because you will be drinking contaminated tap water which can make you sick. Moreover, in the long run, the heavy metals present in unfiltered water can corrode your refrigerator pipes internally, thus, damaging your appliance. 

When Should I Replace Water Filter?

We recommend every owner check and change the GE refrigerator water filter at intervals of 6 months. The filters suffer enough blockage or wear and tear by this time to need replacement with a new one.

Although, the replacement time varies for every household depending on the usage and water quality in that area. Highly contaminated water will wear out the filter faster. Similarly, more people depending on the same filter day and night will overwork it, making it retire sooner. 

Moreover, the seasons may also play a role in the functioning time of water filters. For example, in summer, when the temperature is high, water demand is more. So, the filters have to work more. On the other hand, in winter, water consumption is low; thus, the filter may last longer. 

How To Choose The Right Water Filter For My GE Refrigerator?

The right filter for your refrigerator is the right model of the right brand. Check the label on your refrigerator or user manual to know which filter you must purchase. Here’s where you can find out your filter model: 

How to Know the Model Number for my GE Refrigerator?

The model number of your GE refrigerator and its filter is mentioned in the user manual. But, as most of us tend to lose it, we look it up on the internet. Don’t worry; this section will help you know the correct model number, as mentioned in your product. Yes, a label is pasted or printed on the refrigerator carrying all its specifications. Here’s where you can find it: 

• Inside the freezer section, near the front, on the ceiling.
• Behind the crisper drawers.
• Near the temperature controls.
• On the right or left wall near the crisper drawer, inside the fresh food section.
• Bottom front edge.

Simple Refrigerator Buying Guide

What we often forget before making a purchase is making a list of things we should keep in mind. This section will guide you on this matter and help you make the best decision for your scenario and choose the best match for your home. 

NSF Certified or Not? 

Refrigerator filters must pass rigorous testing by NSF to check their filtration capabilities. Then, it issues an NSF standard certification as proof that the filter does what the company claims and that public health does not suffer. So, ensure that your refrigerator has an NSF certificate to rest assured. 

What Substances Can It Filter？

Another main point to check is whether the filter matches your area’s water quality. The higher the contaminant levels in a water supply, the better the filter you need. For example, NSF 42-certified filters can remove common impurities and chlorine. 

Total Cost

The initial purchase cost is not the only expense you have to bear. Every appliance demands regular maintenance. You have to replace the water filter every 6-months or so. So, keep the total cost in mind before sealing the deal. To save cost, you can go for aftermarket filters as they are cheaper than OEM. 

Do I Really Need to Buy them from the Manufacturer?

All OEM and aftermarket MWF filters help reduce chlorine taste, odor, and other potentially harmful contaminants from the tap water. They also maintain a necessary dose of healthy minerals like fluoride in your water supply. 

The advantage of the original OEM GE SmartWater MWF filter is its Standard NSF 42 and 53 certification. They have been tested according to NSF/ANSI International Standards for water purification to remove chlorine, chemicals, lead, cysts, turbidity, and other impurities.

Some good aftermarket filter manufacturers, like Glacier Fresh, are also certified with NSF standards 42, 53, 372, and IAMPO. They are of high-quality and perform just as effectively as the originals. In addition, Glacier Fresh filters are compatible with various refrigerator models, including GE, and are available at lower costs, making them economical. 

Summary

Now that you know the right method to change the GE water filters and which filter model to choose, you can make a wise decision. As long as you have a refrigerator with a water filter at home, you must make timely replacements to keep your drinking water clean and healthy. So, going with the aftermarket option to replace the XWF or MWF water filter is recommended, as it is economical in the long run. Check them out on our website now.