Aug 08 , 2018
Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Refrigerator Water Filters
A glass of clean, cold water can be one of the most satisfying things on a warm summer day. With most experts recommending about eight glasses of water per day for optimal hydration and health, it is vital that your water is pure, delicious, and cost-effective. One of the most cost-effective ways to get clean, cool drinking water every time is to install a refrigerator water filter from a trusted brand, but how do you know which brand or type to pick? Read on for some of the top mistakes to avoid when purchasing refrigerator water filters.
1. Choosing the Wrong Fit
When you are preparing to pick your water filter, the most important step is finding the filter that is compatible with your model of refrigerator. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a universal water filter, so you need to know what type of water filter works with your fridge.
Whats the big deal? The worst-case scenario is that attempting to install the wrong filter could lead to irreparable damage to your refrigerator. Make sure you pick the filter that fits properly, or you risk leaks at the installation point. Leaks can lead to too much water in your system or on your floor. Excess water can cause water damage and mold growth in your refrigerator or floor.
2. Choosing the Wrong Brand
When you look at a list of available water filter brands, it can be a bit daunting at first. One of the easiest ways to decide on your brand is to go with the brand of your refrigerator. When you match your fridge to your filter, you have a better chance of knowing you are picking the filter with your refrigerator in mind.
Worst case scenario: picking the wrong brand means you could get an ill-fitting filter that doesnt taste right. When you pick your brand based on your refrigerator model, you also gain greater control over your consumer rights. If you went with the right brand and your water doesnt taste right, then exercise your rights as a customer and let your filter-maker know.
3. Choosing the Wrong Certification
The Public Health and Safety Organization created the label NSF certified to standardize the safety of your water filter. Your refrigerator water filter should be NSF certified to establish compliance with laws and regulations for water safety. If your product does not bear the seal, you should be wary.
Water that does not comply with water purification standards can make you sick. Lucky for you, almost all water filters are NSF certified because thats how water filter companies communicate their commitment to water purification standards. As long as your filter bears the NSF certified seal, you can basically take your water purification for granted. A company that meets NSF certification standards passes regular inspections. Failures result in product recalls.
4. Choosing a Cost-Ineffective Package
Make sure your water filter is cost-effective. In other cases, this might mean choosing the generic brand over a bigger name you know you can trust. When it comes to water filters, however, you should spend your money on quality and ensure cost-effective measures by purchasing increased quantities. You can save time and money by purchasing a double pack from most brands. Purchasing higher numbers of filters at once can reduce costs by removing multiple shipping charges, and it usually reduces the unit cost itself.
Whats the big deal? Who doesnt like to save money? Beyond surface level savings, replacing your filter regularly extends the life of your refrigerator and reduces the likelihood of water bottle purchases. Water filters might seem expensive, but replacing them regularly can help prevent buildup in your refrigerator and unsavory, unfiltered funk in your water. Purchasing bigger packages means you have a filter on hand for the next time your indicator light goes off, ultimately leading to time and money saved.
5. Replacing Your Filter at the Wrong Time
If youre reading this, you probably already know you need a new filter, and youre just trying to avoid pitfalls before settling on a purchase decision. However, one of the biggest mistakes to avoid when it comes to replacing your refrigerator filter is waiting too long.
Is your refrigerator filter indicator light on? Does your water dispenser dispense water more slowly or not at all? Does your fridge water not taste as good as it used to? If any of these are true for you, then its time to do yourself and your fridge a favor and get a new filter.
Whats the big deal? Keeping your refrigerator dispenser unclogged and free of buildup means it can quickly dispense tasty, cold water. When your funky filter leads to slow dispensing and unpalatable water, you start looking for water elsewhere, which can lead to additional expenses. Save time and money and keep your refrigerator fresh by replacing your filter when you notice a problem, which is possibly right now.
