Thursday 5 September 2013

What is the right time to change my refrigerator filter?

As the technology as evolved we are witnessing a change in each and every piece of equipment we use. Modern refrigerators are coming up with facilities of ice making and water dispensing. Water dispensing directly from refrigerator is cool idea for people who like to have chilled water instantly. Refrigerators having these facilities are more likely to have water filter unit.  Water filter units are having two types of models based on their working principle i.e. inline filters and canister filters. No matter whatever type of filter it is, it requires replacement timely. So the question what arises here that what is the right time to change my refrigerator filter unit? But before getting to the answer to this question let’s first understand how the filter unit works.

Refrigerator water filter unit uses carbon filters for removing the contamination of tap water supply. It blocks the various harmful elements like lead, mercury, chlorine, VOCs and other sediments. Now coming back to our question that is, what is the right time to change the refrigeratorfilter?

Filter units have a normal life span of 5-6 months depending on the use of the unit. The easiest of knowing the right time for replacement is when filter status light alerts that it is the time for replacement. Whereas no matter what type of refrigerator you are using, whether status lights are present or not it is always recommended to change the filter unit within a period of six months. Six months is just the norm, however the right time certainly depends on the use of the unit. Some people are having the tendency of changing the filters once the water starts becoming unbearable. However this is not a good practice as it causes an undue pressure on the refrigerator. Another way of knowing is when the flow of water starts decreasing. This is an indication that the water has start clogging within the filters and now is the right time to change it.


And before going for a change one should always look for a NSF certification of the new filter. NSF certification determines that whether or not, the new filter is going to be effective.  Before considering a new filter one should always check the compatibility of the filter with your model of refrigerator as there are numerous of filters present in the market. So my advice to you is that you fix a date which you can remember like a holiday or someone’s birthday and go for a check on the filters six months past that date.