Refrigerator water filters

Many refrigerator models these days come with a built-in water dispenser and filter system to ensure the drinkability of the water from its source, which is usually the same is the faucet. The fridge is a natural place to find chilled filtered water since this appliance preserves perishable foods safely day after day.

Different filters are available for refrigerators. They perform differently based on the filtering materials used, and according to the particular objections you might have with your local water source system. Here is a short guide on these filters and the benefits of using them in your home.

Carbon water filters
Carbon water filters are made up of activated carbon (charcoal) either in solid blocks or more commonly, in granular form. Carbon is often used in water filtration because of its ability to absorb or attract chemicals and substances in tap water.

Carbon is very effective in removing bad taste and smell. It removes chlorine, pesticides, color and trihalomethanes or THM. It absorbs micro-organisms that have a potential to become harmful to your health.

On the other hand, carbon does not absorb heavy metals like lead and copper and substances like fluoride. However, they do meet the NSF/ANSI 53 certification standards which assure that they are quite safe and effective to use.

Solid carbon blocks filter the water more slowly than does the granular form. It may not seem convenient because of the time it takes for filtered water to become available, but this allows the carbon surface to attract more contaminants. That is not to say, however, that granular carbon filters are ineffective. They also block contaminants and toxins efficiently and are the most commonly-used refrigerator filters.

Carbon water filters, in time become saturated with the chemicals and substances that they absorb, so it is wise to replace them regularly, preferably every 6 months depending on use. The more water is used, more often the filter should be chanced. Many refrigerators have an indicator to alert the owner when it is time to change the filter. This not only assures you of clean water, but also benefits your refrigerator filter system by keeping it clean and allowing it to work properly.

Fiber water filters
Some refrigerator filters use fiber filters which are made from rayon or spun cellulose. This type of filter traps particles like lead, rust and sediments. Fiber filters are only effective in trapping solid particles, but they cannot remove chemical pollutants or contaminants, that is why they are often use in combination with other types of filters.

If the only problem you have with your drinking water is sediment and solid particles, things like rust, then a fiber filter should be good enough for you. It will keep out the bad stuff that is visible, but will not do a good job at blocking the stuff that’s invisible.

Fiber water filters become saturated with sediment build-up after some time. This allows contaminants and bacteria to multiply and enter the outlet where water flows so it is necessary to replace refrigerator filters regularly.

Conclusion
All refrigerator water filters perform well in terms of preventing harmful toxins and substances from ending up in your drinking water. There are some which are better at it than others, and which filter system you choose will depend heavily on what problems you need to solve with your tap water.

As a consumer, make sure to shop around for the refrigerator filter that can best meet your needs and requirements. Do your research to be informed and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Chances are, by using a filter from a reliable manufacturer, you have already improved the taste, and increased the safety level of your drinking water.

Most municipalities make regular water content analysis publicly available. Understand that our tap water is safe to drink, and in many cases, safer than drinking that fancy bottled water. Taste should be the real measure here, and filtering for safety concerns should be treated only as an additional layer of protection.

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