It's always important to use the same filter type that is currently in your refrigerator. Most Owner's Manuals will provide you the water filter information specific to your model. You can also visit Filter & Parts and go to “Find Your Water Filter”.
Your refrigerator's water system functions within a specific PSI range. The water filter's PSI range must be compatible with refrigerator's range. Check your owner's manual for the water pressure or PSI range. It can vary between models and even between OEM and aftermarket fridge filters.
Testing your water to find out whether there are harmful germs or chemicals in it will help you choose a filter. If your water is free from harmful germs or chemicals, you may decide you do not need a filter. If your water has harmful germs or chemicals, choose a filter that removes those germs or chemicals.
Inspect the Water Filter Casing
If you've already installed the filter, you can often find the water filter model number engraved or printed on the casing itself.
The easiest way, though, is to simply look at the filter already in there and buy the same size. Often, home air filters will have a nominal size, which is a rounded figure and the one found printed on the filter, and an actual size, which is what you would get with a tape measure.
When planning to buy your filters, make sure to know the demand specifications provided by the manufacturer of your appliances and water dispensers in your home. For example, a typical showerhead has a flow rate of 2.5-5 gallons per minute while dishwashers and toilets have flow rates of 5 gpm and 3 gpm respectively.
The Best Water Filters
We found the iSpring RCC7 is the best under-sink option for most people. It scored at the top for contaminant removal and taste and is relatively inexpensive to operate. Our favorite pitcher is the ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Pitcher. It scored well for both taste and contaminant removal.
Many people believe this means they need to buy OEM filters - which for the uninitiated, stands for 'original equipment manufacturer'. This means they stick with the branded filters when in many cases a generic or non-manufacturer-branded refrigerator water filter would work just as well (or better) - and be cheaper.
Consumer Reports have shown that while some off-brand filters can perform reasonably well, brand name filters consistently outperform their generic counterparts in both filter quality and water purity.
Selvage is correct as to why they are more costly. The Everydrop filter does much more than the cheaper filters, reducing many contaminants that the others let through. (And the published data on Amazon and elsewhere from honest less expensive brands will not deny that fact.)
Because they're susceptible to the build up of dirt and debris, old fridge water filters may not be able to prevent contaminants from tainting drinking water as well. To ensure drinkable, fresh tasting water for your family, be sure to change your fridge's water filter every six months.
Sometimes affordable products can give you similar results, or even better if used properly. Usually, low-priced water purification systems are considered not to be effective. However, a machine can do a great job depending on the quality of the water.
Check the current filter: You can also check your current filter for a product or part number. You can then use this number to search for a compatible replacement online. Check the manufacturer's website: The manufacturers of refrigerators usually have a website where you can search for your model.
Most filters come labeled with two L X W X D sizes printed on the frame. Usually, there is a 'nominal' size that is printed in a large font and an 'actual' size printed in a smaller font on the frame.
The best type of water filtration system will depend on which contaminants are in your tap water, as each type of water filter removes different contaminants. The good thing is many water filters on the market use a combination of different filtration methods, as each filter can only remove so much on its own.
The higher the number, the more efficient HVAC air filters are. MERV ratings communicate minimum efficiency, which means they rate the very least performance homeowners can expect. HVAC air filters with a MERV rating between one and four offer minimal filtration.
An improperly sized filter won't capture all pollutants (too small) or restrict airflow (too large), leading to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, potential system damage, and poorer indoor air quality - which can trigger health problems.
It's ideal to buy a water filter that is of the same brand as your fridge. But if you're going with another brand, ensure that the specifications are compatible with your refrigerator. You can check the fridge manufacturer's website or owner's manual to get accurate specifications.
The ideal filter size for most homes is 4.5” x 20”, however, large homes may require a second unit in parallel. Filter life – sediment filter life will vary depending on the sediment quantity and quality.