Refrigerator Filters

Most refrigerators built in the last five to ten years come with water filters, which are advertised to reduce harmful contaminants, and in some cases even pharmaceutical traces such as Ibuprofen and progesterone (GEappliances.com, 2012). The problem is that these filters are often suggested to be replaced in six months by the manufacturer, and can carry a price tag of $60 or more. For a refrigerator that is expected to last 10 years, that amounts to $1,200 in filters!


The question is, do you really need a new filter every six months? And if so, is there an alternative to the product-branded filters offered by most manufacturers? 


To the first question the answer is almost always no. However, it is impossible to tell with certainty whether or not a particular consumer needs a filter every X amount of months. The best way to tackle this question is to consult a professional in water quality assessment or have the city come out to test water in a particular home. This will at least provide consumers with a basis for their water quality and the life expectancy of a standard water filter. A less exact method involves watching for a slow-down in pressure at the water dispenser (indicating that the filter is saturated), or looking for smaller than normal or hollow ice cubes. These signs indicate that the filter is coming to the end of its useful life and should be replaced.


As for alternatives, there are whole-house, reverse osmosis, and other systems that can provide filtration to the refrigerator and other faucets in the house. These systems often have moderate costs to install, but carry lower operating costs as filters are often cheaper than appliance branded versions. The other benefit is that they can be more appropriate in areas where water quality is especially low and broader filtration systems are needed.


Ultimately, the decision is personal. Water quality varies and so do personal preferences regarding the purity of water for drinking and ice production. Just remember, plugged filters can create problems for the refrigerator and should be bypassed if not changed on a regular basis.