If you’re parched, you’ll probably grab a cold drink of water from your fridge. What you may not know, however, is that you need to change your refrigerator’s water filter regularly for the water to stay clean and free from contaminants. So, how often should you perform this crucial maintenance task?
First off, Quality Appliance Repair Calgary LTD takes pleasure in seeing your appliances back up and running efficiently – fridges, ovens, and dishwashers (you name it). Plus, by educating their clients, the firm hopes to help you avoid costly repair bills or even replacement of your prized possessions.
Hence, let’s get into the details to explain why regular filter changes are necessary. Essentially, experts recommend a refrigerator water filter change once every six months. Here are the potential reasons why:
1. Build-up of Contaminants
Water filters help remove chlorine, rust, sediment, lead, pesticides, and other particles from your home’s water supply. Over time, these contaminants can build up in the filter, making it less effective at doing its job.
Plus, the filter could clog up, leading to a drop in water pressure. If you notice that your fridge’s water dispenser is working slower than usual, you might want to replace the filter.
2. Bacteria and Microorganisms
Let’s face it, tap water often contains harmful bacteria and microorganisms. As such, your refrigerator’s water filter is arguably the first line of defense against these water-borne pathogens. However, the filter could get filled with bacteria, which may then leach back into the water.
Consequently, they may end up in your next glass of water, leading to health issues. Also, the bacteria can start to multiply if you don’t change the filter regularly. A new filter helps remove these contaminants and ensures you drink clean water.
Generally, fridge water filters are designed to reduce health hazards, but only if you replace them on time. Otherwise, you could be staring at a looming health crisis. Would you take your chances with a clogged filter? Probably not. So, replace it, and you can avert potential health issues down the road.
3. Bad Taste and Odor
Have you ever wanted to drink water and noticed it had a funny taste or smell? This could be due to the presence of contaminants in the water. Similarly, you may notice your ice cubes taste bad. A clogged water filter is often the culprit in such cases as it can’t remove contaminants effectively.
Suppose you’ve recently changed your refrigerator water filter and notice the water tastes or smells funny. In that case, it’s probably due to the filter flushing out built-up contaminants. To address the issue, run the water for a few minutes until the taste or odor disappears.
4. Prolong the Life of your Fridge
Undoubtedly, regular filter changes can prolong the life of your refrigerator. A clogged filter puts extra strain on the fridge’s ice maker and water dispenser, which could lead to a drop in its efficiency.
In some cases, your appliance might even break down completely. Similarly, the fridge has to work harder to pump water through a dirty filter, which could stress the appliance unnecessarily and shorten its lifespan.
Stick to Manufacturer Specifications
When changing your water filter, go for a compatible model specified by the manufacturer. For starters, an incompatible filter could lead to problems such as water leakage. Also, it might not fit properly, so it won’t work as intended. To avoid such issues, check your fridge’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website to find the suitable model for your fridge.
Also, most modern fridges notify users when it’s time for a replacement. For instance, some have an indicator light that comes on. Others have a digital display that shows how many days are left before the current filter reaches its end of life. That said, you may need to replace your filter earlier if:
- You notice a decrease in water pressure.
- The water or ice cubes start to taste or smell weird.
- Your water supply has more sediment than usual.
- The filter is put to hard use – for instance, if you have a big family or use the water dispenser a lot.
We invest loads of cash in our appliances, including fridges. And filter changes are one of the most straightforward and cheapest ways to keep them running efficiently for longer. So, don’t overlook or neglect this essential maintenance task. That way, you can enjoy fresh-tasting water and won’t have to contend with health issues occasioned by a dirty filter.