You buy a fridge and you think it will have a water filter.. Some models do not have one. This is a thing that happens to people. Not every refrigerator comes with a water filter. It depends on how old the fridge's what it looks like and the brand. Lets look at why some fridges have water filters what kinds of water filters are there and what you can do if your fridge does not have one.
Do Fridges Have Filters Built-In?
A lot of fridges have water filters built-in especially the ones with water dispensers or ice makers on the outside.. Not all of them do. The basic kind of fridge like the top-freezer model and some older ones do not have water filters. You can usually find water filters in the expensive French-door and side-by-side models. This is because these models are about making things easy for you.
Older vs Modern Fridges
refrigerators like the ones made before 2005 usually do not have water filters. They were just made to keep things not to give you water. New fridges, the ones made in the last 10 to 15 years are more likely to have water filters. If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker on the door it probably has a water filter.
External vs Built-In Systems
The water filters that are built-in are usually inside the fridge either in the part or behind the grille at the bottom. The external systems are attached to the water line behind the fridge. The built-in water filters are easier to use every day. The external ones can hold more water and you have to pull the fridge out to change them.
Types of Fridge Water Filters
There are two kinds of water filters:
1. Water Filters
These water filters clean the water that goes to the dispenser and ice maker. They make the water taste and smell better by removing dirt and other things.
2. Air Filters
These air filters are not as common. They are important in some models. They move the air around inside the fridge to get rid of smells and gas that makes fruits and vegetables go bad.
What to Do If Yours Doesn’t Have One
If your fridge does not have a built-in water filter you still have options. You can put a filter on the water line behind the fridge use a water filter on your counter or add a filter under your sink. For ice makers that do not have filters you can use a plug so the ice maker still works.
When Do You Need to Add a Water Filter?
You might want to add a water filter if your tap water tastes like chlorine has dirt in it or if you just want your ice and water to taste better. If you have tap water you might not need a water filter.. If you live in an old house or have hard water a water filter can make a big difference.
Benefits of Having Water Filters in Your Fridge
Water filters can make your drinking water and ice taste. Smell better. They get rid of chlorine and dirt which a lot of people do not like. Having a water filter in your fridge also means you have one thing to worry about on your counter. You do not have to buy bottled water.
How Often Should You Replace Fridge Water Filters?
Most companies that make fridges say you should replace the water filter every six months. If you have hard water or use a lot of water and ice you might need to replace it more often. The water filter can only clean much water before it gets old and does not work well.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace Them?
If you do not replace your water filter it can start putting dirt back into the water. The water might come out slow the ice might look cloudy. The water might taste bad. If it gets really bad it can even break the water valve. Make leaks.
Choosing the Right Water Filter for Your Fridge
The best water filter is the one that is made for your fridge. Check the model number on your fridge or the old water filter. Look for a certification that says it can clean the things you care about. Whether you buy the brand or a different one it has to fit and be installed correctly.
For the full picture on different types of filters, see Types of Refrigerator Water Filters Explained.
If you’re still deciding whether a filter is necessary, take a look at Refrigerator Water Filters: The Complete Guide.
And for help picking the right one for your model, check How to Choose the Right Refrigerator Water Filter (Complete Buying Guide).
Conclusion
Not every refrigerator has a built-in water filter. Even if it does you might not need it. You have to think about the water you have and what your fridge can do. For a lot of people a good water filter makes things easy. Tastes good, without much work. For others, tap water or a different system is just fine.