How to Maintain and Replace Refrigerator Filters
A modern refrigerator is equipped with two types of filters – an air filter and a water filter. These filters play a crucial role in maintaining the performance and quality of your refrigerator. Over time, food and dust particles, mineral buildup, and bacteria can impact the performance of these filters. By performing periodic maintenance and replacing the filters when needed, you can ensure that your refrigerator continues to work optimally. The best part is that maintaining these filters doesn’t require much time or effort.
Finding and Troubleshooting Your Filters
In order to properly maintain your refrigerator filters, you first need to locate them. Most refrigerator water filters can be found either in the back, upper-right corner of the fridge interior or behind the front grille at the fridge base. Look for a button or knob that can be used to remove the filter. The water filter is usually a tube about as wide as your palm.
There are several signs that indicate it’s time to replace your water filter:
- Water coming from the fridge dispenser tastes or smells bad.
- There are black specks or debris in the water.
- The water has a cloudy appearance.
- The water filter light turns on.
- It’s been more than a year since the last water filter replacement.
While not all refrigerators have air filters, most newer models do. To find the air filter, check under the bin in the door panel, near the rear wall at the top of the refrigerator compartment, or anywhere along the fridge walls. The filter housing compartment is typically slightly raised.
Similar to the water filter, there are signs that indicate it’s time to replace your air filter:
- There’s a foul odor with no obvious cause when you open the refrigerator door.
- Newer food doesn’t taste fresh.
- Produce loses its crispness and freshness sooner.
- The air filter light turns on.
- It’s been six months or more since the last air filter replacement.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to change the refrigerator filter as soon as possible to maintain the optimal performance of your refrigerator.
How to Change a Refrigerator Water Filter
Changing the water filter in your refrigerator is a simple process. Follow these steps:
- Locate the water filter and determine the type of filter suitable for your refrigerator model.
- Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator.
- Depending on your refrigerator model, either push the button, twist the knob, or pull out the filter to remove it.
- Dispose of the old filter properly.
- Insert the new filter and make sure it is securely locked in place.
- Turn on the water supply.
- Run water through the dispenser for a few minutes to flush out any air or carbon residue.
- Reset the water filter indicator light if necessary.
With these simple steps, you can easily replace your refrigerator water filter and ensure that you continue to enjoy clean and fresh-tasting water.
Remember, by regularly maintaining and replacing your refrigerator filters, you are not only prolonging the life of your appliance but also maintaining the quality of the food and drinks that you store in it. So, take a few minutes every now and then to give these filters a little TLC, and your refrigerator will thank you with optimal performance!
When to Replace Your Refrigerator Water Filter
When it’s time to replace your refrigerator’s water filter, it’s always a good idea to seek assistance from a professional refrigerator repair service like Mr. Appliance®. Replacing a water filter can be complex and there is a risk of errors, so it’s best to avoid a DIY approach for the best results.
Here are the steps that an expert takes when replacing a refrigerator water filter:
- Place a towel under the refrigerator to catch any water drips.
- If your refrigerator has a twist-on water filter, twist the filter housing a quarter-turn counterclockwise and pull the filter straight out.
- If your refrigerator has a push-in water filter, push a button or the filter itself to release the spring and remove the filter.
- Replace the old filter with a fresh one and turn or push it in until it locks into position.
If your water filter is located at the bottom of the refrigerator or in the water line behind the appliance, the process may take longer and require professional tools and skills.
Knowing how often to replace your refrigerator water filter will ensure that your ice and water taste great. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to change the water filter every six months. However, if you have a touchscreen refrigerator with a filter indicator light, simply change the filter when the light flashes.
How to Change a Refrigerator Air Filter
Modern refrigerators are more likely to have an air filter. If you’re unsure, refer to your refrigerator’s owner’s manual or check inside the appliance for a flat or cylindrical housing.
Follow these steps to change a refrigerator air filter:
- Press one side of the housing compartment outward while pulling on the center of the filter to remove it.
- Dispose of the old filter.
- On the new filter, locate the side with the word “front”.
- Install the new filter with the word “front” facing outward.
- Reinstall the filter cover on the housing compartment.
- Depending on your fridge model, you may have a cartridge-style filter that requires you to remove the cartridge, replace the filter, and insert the cartridge back into the slot.
Regularly changing your refrigerator water filter and air filter will help keep your appliance in optimal condition. You’ll enjoy fresh, clean water and a refrigerator that is free from odors for months to come.
Solve your filter and water intake issues with Mr. Appliance
Is your fridge giving you trouble with its filter or water intake? Don’t worry, we have got you covered! With Mr. Appliance, you can easily schedule an appointment online or give us a call, and our local experts will take care of the problem in no time.