One of the crucial elements that go into maintaining a refrigerator is ensuring that its water filter is working perfectly. The water filter in your refrigerator has a very important role to play, and when that starts malfunctioning, your refrigerator fails to perform at its optimal potential. The water filter in your refrigerator is essentially a basic carbon filter that purifies the drinking water dispensed from your refrigerator. Refrigerator filters are typically NSF 42 certified, which implies they can filter chlorine from water and improve the smell and taste. While all is good when the water filter is working fine, if it starts malfunctioning, the consequences can be detrimental to your health. Changing your refrigerator’s water filter frequently helps you avoid all that. If you are looking for a reliable water filter store, you will be able to find affordable water filter for your refrigerator here.
While the health implications of changing your refrigerator water filter are significant, there are numerous other reasons to do so. If you use the same filter for an extended period of time, it will no longer be able to filter out pollutants and other materials. If bacteria and minerals get through the filter, your refrigerator water will taste nasty, your ice will smell foul, and the filter will eventually clog. A clogged water filter might cause other issues with your refrigerator, including a lack of ice and poor water pressure from the dispenser.
Refrigerator water filters should be changed at least once every six months, according to manufacturers. However, several factors influence how often water filters should be replaced. How soon your water filter fills depends on water hardness, water quality, and how often you use the water dispenser and ice maker. So, how do you know that it’s time to change your refrigerator’s water filter? Here are some signs that you will need to look out for so that you can get your water filter changed in time.
Indicator Light
Most new-model refrigerators have an indicator that lights up when it’s time to change your water filter. Many are configured to turn on after a specified period of time has passed; however, some newer models can verify the actual status of the filter and only turn on when it is unclean.
It’s Making a Sound
A louder-than-normal sound is a not-so-subtle indication that your water filter is working overtime and needs to be replaced. If your refrigerator is making a louder noise than usual, it’s possible that your water filter is failing and needs to be replaced.
Consult Your Calendar
Most refrigerator manufacturers agree that you should change your water filter every six months. That is a standardized timing that seems appropriate and will help you identify any missed or abnormal functioning. However, refrigerators that are used more frequently may require the water filter to be replaced more frequently, so this timeframe may not be true.
Slower Water Flow
Is your water flow slow? Mineral deposits in your water filter may be causing your water to come out slower than it should. This means that your filter isn’t working properly and some impurities are passing into your drinking water. If your ice cubes are getting smaller and your dispenser is becoming slower, your water filter may have reached the end of its life.
The Difference in Appearance
Is the ice and water in your refrigerator discolored? The presence of dark, murky ice indicates that your water filter needs to be updated. You may also detect whether your filter needs to be changed by looking at the color of the water that comes out, which may be hazy.
Odor in Water
Is the odor of your water or ice bothering you? It could be an indication of a problem with your water filter. Smells can range from sour to sweet to fishy, and they can be light or extremely unpleasant. This could be caused by the accumulation of minerals, silt, and germs that are no longer being filtered out.
The Difference in Taste or Texture
Do you notice a difference in the taste or the texture of the water that you don’t like? An outdated water filter can change the flavor of your water, so if you notice a difference in taste, it may be time to get a replacement. You may also notice a strange gritty feel, which suggests that material has accumulated over time and cannot be filtered out.
Do a Test
If you’re afraid that your water filter isn’t working properly, a simple test could reveal the truth. If your water filter needs to be replaced, leave some filtered water in a glass for a time and sediment will accumulate at the top or bottom of the glass. This can be a clear indication that it’s time to change your water filter.