Why Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement Matters

Fridge filters are on 24-hour operation to filter chlorine, lead and other contaminants. Eventually, the filters become blocked, lowering their efficiency in purifying your water. When that occurs, you may see that there is a change in taste, smell or a change in water flow.

The water filter of your fridge should be replaced regularly: 

• Enhances the drinking water.

• Keeps water pressure steady.

• Stops the growth of bacteria in the filter casing.

• Saves on the cost and space of a refrigerator.

Unless replaced in time, even old filters can begin to give back the impurities it has caught in your water, which is counterproductive.

How Often to Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter

The majority of refrigerator manufacturers have encouraged the replacement of your filter after every six months. This may, however, differ depending on the quality of water used at home, the rate of usage and the local conditions.

The consequence of not replacing it in time can cause clouds in the ice, bad taste and mineral deposits in the refrigerator water. Thus, the knowledge of the frequency of changing the refrigerator water filter is important to obtain pure and crisp water throughout the year.

Different Types of Refrigerator Water Filters and Their Replacement Cycles

The refrigerator water filters vary depending on their designs and installation methods.

Inline Filters: These are normally placed on the water supply line; they have a life span of approximately 12 months.

Push-in Filters: These are fitted in the more recent models of refrigerators; they need to be replaced every 4-6 months.

Twist-on Filters: These are universal and easy to install and are often changed every 6 months.

Premium filters like those at the Glacier Fresh are designed to be more efficient and have a long life with easy installation, which ensures cleaner better better-tasting water.

How to Know When Your Refrigerator Water Filter Needs Replacing

Although you may not remember what date you last changed your filter, there are a few telltale signs that you need to change your filter:

• The water is strange in taste and smell.

• There is a significant reduction in the flow of water.

• The filter indicator light becomes red or orange.

• Ice is either hazy or tasteless.

When you identify any of these symptoms, then it is time to change your filter.

Factors That Affect Refrigerator Water Filter Lifespan

Several elements can influence how long your refrigerator water filter lasts. Let’s look at the key factors that affect refrigerator water filter lifespan.

Water Quality

When the water supply in your house is full of dust, chlorine, rust or other heavy metals, then the filter will be forced to strain more in eliminating those contaminants. More contaminants can also be introduced by hard water and the old pipes, decreasing the efficiency of the filter earlier. Households in areas with poor water quality may need to replace filters more frequently. Sometimes, every three to four months instead of six.

Usage Frequency

How often you use your refrigerator’s water and ice dispenser directly affects the filter’s life. A large family or frequent users may run hundreds of gallons of water through the filter faster than a small household. Even if the filter still “looks fine,” heavy daily use can saturate it more quickly, causing reduced water flow or taste changes. As a rule, the more water you dispense, the sooner your filter will need replacing.

Local Conditions

Even the environmental and regional factors make a significant contribution to the length of your filter. Depending on your location and the age of the municipal systems, the frequency with which the pipes are maintained, and the time of the year, when the water in the pipes is changed, your filter can clog more quickly. 

Its performance can also be affected by high temperatures, high humidity and changes in water pressure. Always consider local conditions when deciding how often to change the refrigerator water filter, as your ideal replacement schedule may differ from the manufacturer’s average recommendation.

Filter Brand and Quality

There is a need to use a reliable brand in terms of its performance and reliability. The Refrigerator Filters Glacierfresh Refrigerator Filters are made to fit perfectly, to filter water remarkably and to install with ease (DIY). They are also compatible with all refrigerator models.

Their multi-layer carbon process eliminates chlorine, heavy metals and micro-particles and unpleasant smells, preserving the necessary minerals of a natural flavor. The filters are certified and have passed NSF/ANSI standards, which means that you have safe and clean water in your family.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Refrigerator Water Filter

Although the filters need to be replaced regularly, there are some helpful pieces of advice on how to make them more effective:

• Wash a new filter before use to wash out carbon residue.

• Clean the inside of your refrigerator and the water lines.

• Do not dispense warm water over the filter.

• In any case, the best tip is to use compatible replacement filters.

For GE refrigerator owners, understanding the difference between XWF and XWFE water filters is essential before replacing your filter. While both models are similar in shape and function, XWFE filters come with an RFID chip that allows newer GE refrigerators to detect compatibility automatically, preventing installation issues or warning lights. 

It is important to use compatible replacement filters, such as the Glacier Fresh Adq747935 Refrigerator Water Filter or the Glacierfresh XWFE Water Filter.

Glacier Fresh Adq747935 Refrigerator Water Filter

The Glacier Fresh Adq747935 Refrigerator Water Filter is a good quality replacement that fits in LG and Kenmore refrigerators. It applies the rated carbon block with high improvement in coconut shell filtration to eliminate chlorine, heavy metals, bad taste, odors, and preserve good minerals.

Features:

• Works with LG LT1000P and others.

• Until 200 gallons or a 6-month lifespan of water.

• Easy installation, only twist-and-lock.

• Lead-free safe water certified by NSF 42 and 372.

• Materials that are recyclable and green.

This filter keeps your domestic water fresh, clear and without undesired pollutants.

Glacierfresh XWFE Water Filter

The Glacierfresh XWFE Water filter can be used with GE refrigerators and offers the same quality at a cheaper cost than the OEM filters. It is effective in eliminating chlorine, sediment, lead and other pollutants to enhance the taste and clarity of water.

Features:

• Suits GE XWFE models of refrigerator.

• Activated carbon water filtration on high-quality non-odorous water.

• Quick replacement with easy twisting.

• Free of BPA and food safety certified.

• Built to endure a period of six months with consistent functionality.

This filter offers the best purification and reliability, which makes your fridge water and ice remain fresh throughout the day.

FAQs

What would happen should I fail to replace my refrigerator water filter?

The old filters also become ineffective and could allow the passage of contaminants or bacteria into the water, impacting its taste and safety.

What makes me sure that my filter is properly fitted?

The filter should be clicked or locked into position, and after installation, water leaks need to be checked.

Can I use non-branded filters?

Technically, many refrigerators can operate without a water filter if a bypass plug is installed. However, doing so means the water and ice will no longer be filtered, which may affect taste, clarity, and safety. For areas with hard water or old plumbing systems, running without a filter could lead to mineral buildup and unpleasant odors. 

What about disposing of the used filters?

The majority of Glacierfresh water filters can be recycled. Refer to local recycling instructions to dispose of them.

Conclusion

It is necessary to have an idea of how often to change the refrigerator water filter to keep the water fresh, healthy, and tasting good. A 6-month replacement is a rule of thumb; however, look at your water quality and usage patterns at home.

To ensure good performance, simple installation, and approved filtration, use either the Glacier Fresh Adq747935 Refrigerator Water Filter compatible with LG refrigerators or the Glacierfresh XWFE Water Filter that fits with the GE refrigerators.

By replacing them in time and having the reliability of Glacierfresh products, you can have confidence that your refrigerator will still be able to provide you with a supply of fresh, cold water, day after day.