You asked, we answered! A while back we wrote a blog post on “How to Figure out Which Refrigerator Filter You Need” and we received a few questions about NSF certifications, types of filters and manufacturing differences which sparked us to write this blog post.
At FiltersFast.com, we take your filtration needs seriously and that is why we have certified air and water filtration experts on staff to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have.
Here’s what our Certified Water Specialist (CWS) had to say about manufacturing differences in filters and NSF standards.
Differences between OEM and aftermarket filters
There normally is a difference in design between the OEM original name brand and aftermarket filters. Aftermarket filters are designed to make a proper seal and function the same as original name brand models.
Where to find NSF Standards for filters
The NSF Standard for each filter should be listed in the description on FiltersFast.com. If a filter is WQA Gold Seal certified that should be listed in the description too.
NSF/ANSI Filtration Standards
NSF is short for the National Sanitation Foundation. NSF International is a global, independent, public health and safety organization with a mission to protect and improve human health.
- NSF has created standards for testing and certifying filtration levels. Manufacturers pay the NSF to test their filters. If they meet the requested standard they can use the NSF certification in their marketing materials. Because of the cost of testing many aftermarket filters are not certified. This is much more common among name brand products (sometimes called OEM: original equipment manufacturing).
- NSF standards have been created in conjunction with The American National Standards Institute. ANSI is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States.
NSF/ANSI 42: Aesthetic Effects
- NSF/ANSI 42 is one of the two main NSF standards that set the benchmark for evaluating safety and integrity of residential water filters. NSF/ANSI 42 establishes the minimum requirements for the certification of POU/POE filtration systems designed to reduce specific aesthetic or non-health-related contaminants (chlorine, taste, odor, and particulates) that may be present in public or private drinking water.
- The scope of this standard includes material safety, structural integrity and aesthetic The most common reduction claims addressed by this standard are chlorine, chloramines, iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, pH neutralization and zinc reduction. In addition, products certified only as components are found under NSF/ANSI 42 and are evaluated for material safety and, if pressure bearing, structural integrity.
NSF/ANSI53: Health Effects
- NSF/ANSI 53 is the second NSF benchmark standard that addresses reduction claims for residential water filters. This standard establishes the minimum requirements for the certification of water filtration systems designed to reduce specific health-related contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, lead, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and asbestos that may be present in public or private drinking water.
- The scope of this standard also includes material safety, structural integrity, and other health-related contaminant reduction performance claims. The most common reduction claims verified by this standard are heavy metals, inorganics and volatile organic chemicals
WQA Gold Seal Certification
- As an alternative, the Water Quality Association offers their own certification program. The WQA Gold Seal is a simple way to provide consumers with peace of mind that a product is certified to do what it claims.
- The WQA offers testing that certifies filters against the same standards set by NSF/ANSI.
- Gold Seal certification is more common amongst aftermarket products.
Resources:
Kory says
Hello,
Please use link to purchase the correct replacement filter for your model;
https://www.filtersfast.com/P-KitchenAid-WF-NL240-Refrigerator-Replacement-Water-Filter.asp
Thank you,
Kory says
Hello Mike,
If you experience a water pressure drop, that means it is time to change the filter.
Kory says
Hello,
At this point, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of the refrigerator for trouble shooting tips.
Thank you,
Kory says
Hello,
Please contact Customer Service at 1-866-438-3458 and an Agent will be happy to assist you.
Kory says
Hello Shirley, yes we can be reached at 866-438-3458.
Bonnie Warn says
We are having an issue trying to turn the filter when put in….is there something we that would make it easier. We even broke the black cap and had to buy another and still can’t turn it… any answer would help.
Francein Scott says
I have received my order from a week or so, and not sure I got the filter. I have order a year or so ago. I asked for the filters I have always gotten from your all. Not sure filter I received is right, could what I have ordered in past is what needed. WF710 is what was sent to me.
Thanks our you trouble.
Francein Scott
Shirley Rodekohr says
Do you have a phone number?
Every time I try to do the web sight I cannot get to the right link. My credit card number has changed, and it’s time for you to send another filter. I would be happy to give the new card number by phone. Thanks
MIke says
Do you list the pressure drop on the refrigerator filters? I notice a difference in water flow with different brands…
Karen Wood says
Need help in selecting water filter. Am disabled and not sure which to select. The refrig. is Whirlpool side by side. Manual says Base Grille Water Filtration System Model WF-NL240/NL240 or WF-L400/L400. Have a well. No city water. Thank you.
Karen