5 most common mistakes when buying refrigerator water filters

Pollution of drinking water has become a disquieting issue in the US, and refrigerator water filters are needed to save the day. 

Purifiers ensure that the water from your fridge is always safe to drink, but here is the catch—you have to get the right one. 

A good purifier will not only protect your family from health risks but may also work without harming your appliance. So, how do you get the perfect one?

In this blog post, we'll share 5 refrigerator filter-buying mistakes you must avoid. This will help you to find the best filter on the market. Let’s dig in!

Top-5 most common fridge filter buying mistakes 

Here are 5 refrigerator water filters buying mistakes that you must avoid:

1. Not conducting a water test

Source: RephiLe water on Unsplash

Most refrigerator water filters use activated carbon filters to purify drinking water. But this doesn't remove all kinds of impurities. Without conducting a water test to know the properties of your water, you won't manage to choose the right filter for refrigerators.

1. Not checking compatibility 

It's ideal to buy a water filter that is of the same brand as your fridge. But if you're going with another brand, ensure that the specifications are compatible with your refrigerator. You can check the fridge manufacturer's website or owner's manual to get accurate specifications.

1. Choosing based on pricing 

Choosing a water filter based on pricing is not advisable. It's one of the refrigerator water filter mistakes people make when buying. The quality and effectiveness of a filtration system are not based on how much it costs. Rather, you should focus on the specs to find water filters for refrigerators that have the best quality—then work out a budget. 

1. Not checking for appropriate certifications

One of the top mistakes to avoid when purchasing a fridge filtration system is ignoring certifications. When buying refrigerator water filters, always check for the NSF mark from the Public Health and Safety Organization. Also, check for certifications from institutions like the Water Quality Association (WQA). These certifications show that the purifier meets certain standards for performance and safety. They also ensure other details like warranties are in order. 

1. Not replacing the filter on time

You'll spend more money and time looking for filtration systems and fixing your refrigerator if you don't replace your filters on time. For instance, if you didn't know that the recommended time for replacing your purifier is six months, you might leave it for a longer time, and it damages your appliance. When you eventually want to change it, you'll keep trying out different types of purifiers, thinking the issue is with the water filtration system and not the appliance.  

When do you need to replace the filter?

Ideally, six months is the recommended time to change the purifier. This is because more dirt and debris will clog the utility if it stays longer. When that happens, harmful properties will find their way back into your drinking water—even if it looks and tastes clean. 

How often to replace a fridge water filter also depends on the manufacturer's recommendation, usage, and water source quality. You can change the filtration system if you notice a decrease in water flow from your refrigerator dispenser, unusual test or odor, and dirt or discoloration in the fridge purifier.

How to choose the right filter for the refrigerator?

Here are 6 tips on how to buy a good fridge filter.

1. Note your refrigerator brand and model number 

Source: Anastasija Puskas on Unsplash

Noting the model and brand of your refrigerator is important because it helps you pick the right purifier. Additionally, you will be required to input the fridge brand and model when you're shopping online from companies like Filterway. This information is usually located on the inside of the refrigerator door or the back of the appliance. You can also check the copy of the manufacturer's manual you have or find it online if you've misplaced your copy. 

1. Determine the type of filter your refrigerator needs

Once you have your refrigerator brand and model information, you can determine the type your fridge needs. Most refrigerators use either an internal or external filter. External ones are inserted vertically, while internal ones are inserted horizontally.

1. Look out for the NSF mark

When choosing a purifier, make sure it's NSF certified. NSF certification ensures that it has been tested and complies with the laws and regulations for water safety.

1. Check the filter lifespan

Most purifiers have a lifespan of 6 months, while others may last longer. Make sure to check the lifespan so you know when to replace it.

1. Consider the filter material

Check that it is environmentally friendly and is made of high-quality material. The filtration medium determines the quality and performance of a purifier. For instance, most coconut shell-activated carbon purifiers contain pure polypropylene, while others are mixed with calcium carbonate to save cost. Choose only ones that contain pure polypropylene. 

1. Consider your water quality

Your water quality can vary depending on your location. If your water is particularly hard or contains a lot of sediment, you should consider a filtration system that is designed to handle these issues.

1. Decide between an OEM or replacement filters

Original Equipment Manufacturer purifiers are manufactured by the same company that built your fridge, while replacement filters are built by third-party manufacturers. You can get high-quality and well-performing filtration systems from any of these two manufacturers, so decide on the one you want to go with. 

Conclusion

Some of the mistakes you make when buying a fridge filter are choosing based on pricing, not conducting a water test, not checking the filter's compatibility with your refrigerator, not checking for appropriate certifications, and not replacing the filter on time. 

You must avoid these mistakes to get a proper replacement that gives you better water quality. Additionally, before you buy from any store, check online reviews. You need to buy from a reputable vendor with a good track record. Do you need water filters for the whole house or your refrigerator? Contact Filterway.