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Maintaining clean drinking water
from your refrigerator's water filter dispensing system requires changing the
filter every six months. To
understand why, let us take a closer look at what factors contribute to water
filter failure.
Refrigerator water filters are
designed to purify a certain volume of water. Volume limitations, then, limit the life
of the filter, which varies depending on usage. Thus, life expectancy is based on
estimated usage and is determined by tests conducted by the filter
manufacturer.
For such a test, the manufacturer
such as Amana, GE, Maytag, and Whirlpool runs some amount of water
through a filter and tests the quality of the water at certain stages. When the quality of the water falls
below the measurements for a set standard, a “breaking point” for the
refrigerator water filter has been established.
These measurements are usually
performed in gallons, and water filter replacement is suggested after that
amount of gallons has been dispensed.
These tests, though, are
conducted using the water available at the test site. The refrigerator water filter
manufacturer cannot control the quality of water that the filter will be
handling in a particular household. Water quality around the country varies significantly, and this throws
quite a wrench in the validity of the life-expectancy tests.
According to the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), increases in the water table, seepage or septic waste,
and soil absorption of pollutants can all contribute to changes in water
quality. If you are a well-water
user, this is of particular concern.
Due to these environmental
concerns, and to regular maintenance issues, industry experts recommend
refrigerator water filter replacement every six months.
Refrigerator water
filter replacement is also recommended in the case of a decrease in the flow
of water, a change in the water's taste, or if your refrigerator has been
unplugged for more than two weeks.
An automobile manufacturer
recommends changing the oil in your car every three months or three thousand
miles. Motor oil is designed to
work effectively for three thousand miles under normal driving conditions. Yet, what the manufacturer considers
normal driving and what the average consumer considers normal driving may vary
significantly. Therefore,
regardless of mileage, three months is the maximum recommended time period
allowed between oil changes.
Pushing your car beyond its
recommended maintenance period comes with consequences that could affect you,
your family, and your investment in the automobile. Pushing your refrigerator's water filter
beyond the suggested replacement criteria also comes with consequences.
Poor water filtration could allow
the following contaminants into your next glass of water:
- Chemical contaminants from solvents, cleaners, petroleum
products and pesticides
- Metal contaminants such as lead and mercury
- Parasites not required to be removed by your municipality
under current EPA regulations
- Sediments
and rust that can cause discoloration or cloudiness
Proper water filtration also
protects the investment you made in your refrigerator by removing metals,
sediment and rust, which can damage lines and mechanical devices, such as an
icemaker. A visit from your local
appliance repairman is sure to cost more than replacing the refrigerator water
filter.
A good rule of thumb is to
replace the refrigerator water filter every spring and fall. Disciplined replacement at scheduled
intervals will ensure clear, crisp drinking water and extend the life of your
refrigerator for a cost of just pennies on the gallon.
Your
family's health and the longevity of your investments are at stake. To find the correct filter for your
refrigerator, you can click on the manufacturer link below.
Frigidaire
Water Filters
Amana - Amana
Refridgerator Water Filters
GE Water
Filters
Hotpoint Water
Filters
Jenn-Air Water
Filters
Kenmore Water
Filters
Kitchenaid
Water Filters
Maytag Water
Filters
Whirlpool
Refrigerator Water Filters
In Line
Universal Water Filter
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