The Filtered Files - Filters Fast

The Dangers of Purchasing a Counterfeit Filter

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Have you ever come across a price for a water or a refrigerator filter that is just too good to be true? While these filters may look the same as your original brand name filter, the truth of the matter is that you might be purchasing a counterfeit filter that can put you and your family at risk.

Check out this video to see what we found:

At FiltersFast.com we took it upon ourselves to get to the bottom of these too good to be true prices from sites like eBay.

We ordered EveryDrop Ice and Water Refrigerator 2 & 3 Filters from a seller on eBay and grabbed two of the same brand filters from our FiltersFast.com warehouse.

As you can see in the picture above, there are a few differences packaging-wise, but nothing to be alarmed about.

Upon further inspection, we noticed that the filter from our warehouse had a foil sticker indicating authenticity and the one from eBay did not. Some other differences that we noticed, were that the filters from eBay were wrapped in plastic inside the main plastic casing and the ones from the FiltersFast.com warehouse were not, but the warehouse ones did come with a magnetic security strip inside and the ones from the eBay seller did not.

As we took the filters out of the packaging there were a few obvious differences right off the bat. While at first glance they looked virtually the same, they were slightly different in color and the filter from the FiltersFast.com warehouse was clearly heavier than one from the seller on eBay.

After observing the things we could see instantly, we started to look at the differences in the mold. Whirlpool uses the same mold for each filter, so there should be NO discrepancies if it is an authentic filter.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences that we found in each filter mold:

Everydrop Filter 2 (orange cap):

  • The notches along the bottom of each filter were different in both size and length.
    • The eBay filter has numerous small notches close together
    • The warehouse filter had thicker notches and they were more spaced out
  • The numbers at the top of the filter was a different font and had a difference in raise on both filters
  • There were a few indicator dots at the top of the filter that were slightly different too

Everydrop Filter 3 (blue cap):

  • The eBay filter was a brighter white than the warehouse filter
  • There was a small size difference in the notches along the sides of the filter
  • The slider piece was raised more on the eBay filter than on the authentic Whirpool filter from the FiltersFast.com warehouse
  • There are markings at the top of the eBay filter that were more spaced out and had a deeper indent than the authentic Whirlpool filter
  • The authentic Whirlpool filter had the #33 on the top of the filter and the eBay filter did not

We were so startled at the differences between to the two filters on the outside that we didn’t stop there! We decided to cut the filters open and see what differences we could find inside! Here is what we found:

  • The carbon in the eBay filter was extremely loose and darker in color, while the authentic filter from the FiltersFast.com warehouse was more tightly packed and the carbon was lighter in color.
  • When the carbon was taken out the filter casing, the eBay purchased filter’s carbon crumbled, the authentic filter from the FiltersFast.com warehouse did not.
  • The carbon in the filter from the FiltersFast.com warehouse was a pain to get out because it was so tightly packed and had a few parts attached to the filter that limited the carbon’s movement. However, the eBay purchased filters were extremely easy to dislodge.
  • The material that the carbon was wrapped in were extremely different. You could tell that the eBay filter had a very low-quality wrap and than the one from the FiltersFast.com had an extremely high-quality wrap around it.

While these filters seemed virtually the same on the outside, the inside told a different story. The filters from the sellers on eBay were cheaper, but it was clear that the makers cut corners wherever they could. So why is this so important? When you purchase a filter from a trusted seller like FiltersFast.com, you are guaranteed to get exactly what you are paying for. If you are purchasing a product from a seller site, such as eBay, at a price that is too good to be true, you could potentially be putting you and your family at risk. But that’s not all, you could also be setting your appliances up for failure, which can become very costly down the road.

Where you order filters from is totally up to you, but we advise that you do some more research to ensure that you are buying exact filters you need. At FiltersFast.com we’ve made it our mission to provide you with high-quality filters at the best possible price. Check out our wide selection TODAY!

 

How to Figure out Which Refrigerator Filter you Need

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source: https://geekmagnet.org

That pesky change filter light is an all too familiar sight for many of us. Unlike air filters, you can’t easily tell when they need to be changed.

It is recommended that you change your refrigerator water filter every 6-months. For most refrigerators, the change filter light is usually set to a timer. Just because your refrigerator’s water filter light is on, may not mean it’s time to change it. Depending on the frequency at which you use your refrigerators water dispenser, it is totally up to you how often you change it.

Why is it so important to change your refrigerators water filter? 

One of the most common filter media used in refrigerator water filters is activated carbon.  The activated carbon is treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny, highly absorbent pores that trap tiny microbes, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) in the water.  After a time, the activated carbon filter loses its ability to remove contaminants, clogging with the material. Bacteria breeds in your filter, putting the very young, elderly or others weakened by illness at risk.

One sign (and easiest to recognize) that it’s time to change your refrigerator filter is the change in taste or odor to the water or ice. It’s more difficult to determine when the filter is no longer performing at an adequate level when other contaminants are involved. Some refrigerators make it very easy with a light that turns on to signal to you that it’s time to change. Some will automatically shut down after a specific amount of water passed through the unit.

How do I figure out which filter I need?

There are many water filters to choose from, but there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Every refrigerator that uses a drinking water filter was designed to fit specific models of filters. This makes buying filters easier than you think. Use our Refrigerator Water Filter Finder and we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to find the right filter for your refrigerator. Most of these can be installed in under a minute.

Thankfully, when you go the route of our Home Filter Club you can easily set up to have your refrigerator filter auto-delivered to your doorstep right when it needs to be changed.

How do I change my refrigerator filter? 

Changing your refrigerator water filter is easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t come with a set of challenges. Below are some common issues that arise when replacing your refrigerator water filter and troubleshooting tips for each one.

We’ve compiled a simple “How to Change Your Refrigerator Filter” instruction that will allow you to add this to your ever-expanding skill set.

  1. Know when to change the filter.  Most need replaced every 6 – 12 months depending on the use frequency.  If you have a larger family that uses a lot of water, it might not last as long. Your water and/ or ice may start to taste funny or different.  A lot of refrigerators will display an indicator light when it is time for a change.
  2. Determine which type of filter you have:
  • Push-in filters are built into the appliance. They fit into a compartment within the refrigerator usually on the front bottom, behind the grille, or within the upper right interior and are generally easy to install.
  • Twist-in filters are just that.  Usually found in the upper right interior, they will either have a push button release, or simple twist release.
  • Inline filters attach at the back of the refrigerator to the incoming water line. These are generally going to be found on older models that do not come with a built-in filter.

**One important note; before you discard your old filter, make sure to note the make/ model number so that you can obtain the proper replacement filter. **

Once you determine the filter type/location, follow these basic steps to replace it:

Push-in filter:

  1. Remove and discard the old filter by pushing the “eject” button or by twisting off the filter cap.
  2. Remove the filter cap on the end of the filter to reuse on the new filter.
  3. Line up the arrows on the new filter and on the filter cap.  Snap it into place by turning it clockwise.
  4. Continue pushing the filter in, until the eject button pops.
  5. Make sure the cap is secure.
  6. Reset Refrigerator Water Filter indicator light if equipped.

Twist-in (base grille) filter:

  1. Locate the filter cap in the base grille; turn to the left to remove.
  2. Slide the filter handle on the end of the filter to reuse on the new filter.
  3. Discard old filter.
  4. After removing the new filter from packaging, replace filter handle and insert by twisting into place.
  5. Reset Refrigerator Water Filter indicator light if equipped.

Twist –in (interior) filter:

  1. The filter is located in the upper right interior of the refrigerator.
  2. Open cover by either pushing or pulling.
  3. Release old filter by twisting counterclockwise.
  4. Insert new filter and lock into place by turning clockwise until it snaps.
  5. Reset Refrigerator Water Filter indicator light if equipped.

In-line filter:

  1. Turn off the cold water supply.
  2. Between the shut-off valve and refrigerator, locate an easily accessible portion of the tubing. Cut tubing, by using tubing cutters for copper/plastic. Cut square not angled to avoid leaks. Smooth cut edges with steel wool or file if necessary.
  3. Remove end cap on new filter and insert tubing. Lock into place by holding down end cap.
  4. Turn water supply back on.
  5. Hold filter over a bucket and run water until clear. Do this for both ends of the filter.
  6. Make sure to check for leaks

After replacing your refrigerator filter, make sure to run a gallon or two of water and discard.  This will flush the carbon residue from the filter.   And that’s it… mission accomplished!

If you need any advice on what kind of filter you have, part number or even installation assistance, you can contact FiltersFast.com, the experts in the air and water filtration industry.

Buyer’s Guide: Refrigerator Water Filters

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If the water and ice that comes out of your fridge has started to taste funny, you may be in the market for a new refrigerator water filter. It’s important to know exactly what you need before buying. That’s why we’ve put together a quick refrigerator water filter buyer’s guide to help you decide. Before you choosing your filter, research to find out which filters are compatible with your refrigerator model. This should help you narrow down the huge list on FiltersFast.com to just a few selections. Once you’ve narrowed it down, make sure you know what needs to be removed from your water and ice, and choose accordingly.

Perhaps you don’t currently own a water filter. If that’s the case, our Simple Guide to Home Water Filters can help you decide which type of filter is best for your household.