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General Discussion => Welcome and General Discussion => Topic started by: pstu24 on June 13, 2017, 07:15:06 AM

Title: Fridge Water Filters?
Post by: pstu24 on June 13, 2017, 07:15:06 AM
I purchased a fridge when we bought our house in the fall, and I signed up for the warranty to be sure everything was covered.

Now I'm at the 6 month mark and they are trying to sell me replacement water filters for the fridge to ensure "fresh, clean water." Obviously filters need to be replaced, but how often does it make sense to replace these things? I'm all for being clean and healthy, but not for the dozens of dollars every few months they "suggest"
Title: Re: Fridge Water Filters?
Post by: inline five on June 13, 2017, 07:18:45 AM
Most have a gallon rating where they are effective. We pull about one gallon a day out of it, sometimes less. Simple math.
Title: Re: Fridge Water Filters?
Post by: Syonyk on June 13, 2017, 08:08:02 AM
The newer fridges have a sensor that will tell you when the filter needs replacement. Just keep a few spares on hand and replace on the sensor demand. Or when water flow is noticeably restricted.
Title: Re: Fridge Water Filters?
Post by: Chris22 on June 13, 2017, 08:12:18 AM
The newer fridges have a sensor that will tell you when the filter needs replacement. Just keep a few spares on hand and replace on the sensor demand. Or when water flow is noticeably restricted.

That's the key for me.  I ignore the flashing red light, but when the water slows to a trickle it's time to replace it.  I drink a crapload of water, and it's the main thing I drink, so if I have to spend $25 on Amazon every 6 months on something that basically fulfills all of my non-alcoholic drinking needs, so be it. 
Title: Re: Fridge Water Filters?
Post by: sisto on June 13, 2017, 09:22:12 AM
You can also install an inline water filter they are way cheaper than the specific ones you have to buy for the fridge. Then you don't need to replace the one inside the fridge as often. Then you just reset the counter on the fridge when it tells you to replace it. We drink a TON of water from the fridge, at least 2 gallons a day. I'm very picky about the taste and have had no issues doing it this way.
Title: Re: Fridge Water Filters?
Post by: Systems101 on June 13, 2017, 01:36:11 PM
The newer fridges have a sensor that will tell you when the filter needs replacement.

Keep in mind the "sensor" on some of them is "light up the sensor after N months".  So it is helpful to know exactly how your fridge behaves to know if you just ignore the sensor (or not)

Title: Re: Fridge Water Filters?
Post by: bogart on June 13, 2017, 01:40:11 PM
Do you need filtered water at all?  I live in a town with a great (tap) water supply/system and drink straight from the tap.  Your circumstances may be different, but if you're using a filter because you always have, it may be worth looking into the quality of your unfiltered water to see what it's like.
Title: Re: Fridge Water Filters?
Post by: WSUCoug1994 on June 13, 2017, 01:44:49 PM
I think changing the filters is important but it really depends on your water source and your water tasting preferences.  I personally don't believe it is worth adding an inline filter as that is likely overkill as then you have two filters to change.  Our fridge has the light that comes on when the filter is due - it is not based on time or volume of water - it is based on the number of times the fridge distributes water.  it could be 2 oz or 2 gallons and it would count only once.  We do two cycles with our filters meaning that we reset the "change filter indicator" but don't change the filter - so one filter goes through two cycles.

eBay is the best source for filters....