Conway SC Business

Refrigerator filters can theoretically last for years or only months depending on how much contamination is in the water as well as the how much water passes through the filter. Well water has a higher likelihood to contain contaminants than publicly treated water. This may necessitate more frequent filter changes. A good rule of thumb is to change the filter as called for by the manufacturer, but at least every six months.

How Do Refrigerator Filters Work?

The primary filtering agent used in water filtration systems is carbon because carbon can absorb many of the chemicals found in tap water. Most refrigerator water filters use granular activated carbon (GAC). This GAC attracts chemicals and impurities which can cause bad taste and odors, like chlorine and grit. Unfortunately, the average refrigerator filter is not able to filter the water of some of the more dangerous, health-threatening contaminants.

Because of the path by which water is channeled through GAC filters, the water is not in the filter for a sufficient amount of time to completely absorb those substances. Carbon is also not capable of absorbing heavy metals like lead. GAC filters can trap larger particles of heavy metals and sediments while allowing others to pass through to the output water. Failing to change the water filter every six months allows these unabsorbed contaminants to saturate the filter. Once the filtering material is saturated, it can no longer hold the contaminants and they can leak back into the output water. Allowed to go on too long and the output water may contain more contaminants per glass than the tap water had in the first place.

Refrigerator Filters Don’t Last Forever.

As technology has improved, more absorbent carbon-based filters called solid carbon block filters have been developed. These filters contain solid blocks of carbon to absorb more contaminants from the water. The water takes quite a bit longer to strain through carbon blocks than the carbon granules of the GAC filter so that there is sufficient time for the more health-threatening contaminants to be absorbed. These carbon block filters are able to absorb things like pesticides and other contaminants; they still can’t absorb heavy metals or agricultural by-products like nitrates or sulfides. The composition of the carbon blocks does allow them to retain heavy metals and bacteria from entering the output water. Failing to change even carbon block filters every six months can result in contaminants saturating the filter, allowing contaminants to leak into the output water.

If you leave a filter unchanged long enough, it can ultimately lead to a reduction of water pressure, which can cause problems with the ice maker and water in the door functions.

Some refrigerators use fiber water filters. These are filters made up of tightly wrapped rayon fibers or spun cellulose. These can trap sediments like rust and lead. Used alone, these filters do not reduce the levels of any chemical or health-threatening contaminants. But when used in conjunction with other types of filters, they do help reduce the concentration of sediments. These hybrid filters should also be replaced every six months to avoid the filter saturation that allows contaminants to enter the output water.

If it has been a while since you’ve changed your filter (like maybe never), give Blake a call at Conway Appliance Parts and Repair at 305 Laurel Street in Conway SC a call. He either has or can get the filter for your refrigerator and probably save you some money at the same time. His phone number is 843-254-7522 or you can email your make and model number to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .