Most people replace the water filter when the light comes on and completely forget the air filter exists. The PAULTRA2 does not affect water quality at all -- it handles the air circulating inside the refrigerator compartment. When it runs past its effective life, food smells build up, produce spoils faster than it should, and strong-smelling items like onions and fish start affecting the taste of everything stored nearby. This post covers what the PAULTRA2 is, how it differs from the older PAULTRA filter, how to confirm the right fit before ordering, and the most common mistakes buyers make when replacing it.
Why Frigidaire Air Filter Numbers Cause Confusion
Frigidaire uses two main air filter codes across its refrigerator lineup: the PAULTRA and the PAULTRA2. They look similar, both are square-shaped carbon filters, but they are not interchangeable. The PAULTRA is the older version designed for an earlier generation of Frigidaire models. The PAULTRA2 is the newer version designed for Frigidaire and Electrolux refrigerators manufactured from 2019 onward. Ordering the PAULTRA when the refrigerator needs a PAULTRA2 results in a filter that does not seat correctly in the newer square housing, even if it looks close in size.
The confusion is compounded by the fact that many aftermarket listings use both codes in their titles without clearly distinguishing which housing each fits.
Where to Find Your Air Filter Part Number Before Ordering
Confirming the correct filter code before searching takes less than a minute and avoids the most common ordering mistake in this category. Here is where to look:
Step 1. Open the refrigerator and locate the air filter housing. On most Frigidaire and Electrolux models using the PAULTRA2, the housing is located in the upper rear area of the fresh food compartment.
Step 2. Check the label on the current filter. The part number, PAULTRA2, PAULTRA, or another code, is printed directly on the filter body.
Step 3. If the label has worn off, check the refrigerator model number on the sticker inside the door frame. That model number can be used to cross-reference the correct filter code.
Step 4. If neither is accessible, check the refrigerator use and care manual. The air filter part number is listed in the maintenance section.
What Is the Frigidaire PAULTRA2 Air Filter
The PAULTRA2 is the PureAir Ultra II replacement air filter for select Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, and Electrolux refrigerators. It uses activated carbon technology to absorb food odors from strong-smelling items including seafood, onions, garlic, fish, stale milk, and over-ripe produce. The carbon-based design absorbs odors rather than masking them, which is a meaningful difference from simply placing an open box of baking soda inside the compartment. Independent testing suggests the PAULTRA2 is approximately 50 times more effective at odor removal than baking soda.
The filter dimensions are approximately 3.75 inches long by 1.75 inches high by 0.44 inches wide. Installation is snap-in and tool-free. The filter must be unwrapped from its plastic packaging before installation -- a detail that catches more buyers than it should. Leaving the plastic wrap on prevents the carbon from absorbing anything at all.
It replaces part numbers 5303918847, 242047805, EAP12364179, AP6285787, 4894806, AP6783929, EAP12586284, PD00048654, and PS12586284 among others.
What Is the Frigidaire PAULTRA Air Filter
The PAULTRA is the older PureAir Ultra air filter used in earlier Frigidaire models. It uses the same activated carbon odor-absorption technology as the PAULTRA2 but has a different housing format. The PAULTRA and PAULTRA2 are not interchangeable. Frigidaire refrigerators manufactured before 2019 that use the original PAULTRA housing cannot accept the PAULTRA2 cartridge without modification, and the reverse is equally true.
The quickest way to confirm which one the refrigerator needs is to check the label on the current filter before ordering.
Is the PAULTRA2 the Same as the PAULTRA
No. The PAULTRA and PAULTRA2 are separate air filter versions designed for different Frigidaire refrigerator generations. The PAULTRA fits earlier models with the original round or older format housing. The PAULTRA2 fits Frigidaire and Electrolux models from 2019 onward that use the square-shaped PureAir Ultra II filter housing. They use different housing formats and are not interchangeable.
The naming similarity is the main source of confusion. Both are Frigidaire air filters, both use activated carbon technology, and both carry the PureAir Ultra name in different forms. The physical cartridges are not the same and will not seat correctly in each other's housing.
Compatibility Checklist Before Ordering the PAULTRA2
Before placing an order, run through this checklist:
- Confirm the current filter label shows PAULTRA2, 5303918847, 242047805, or EAP12364179
- Confirm the filter housing is square-shaped, not round or cylindrical
- Confirm the refrigerator is a Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, or Electrolux model from 2019 or newer
- Confirm the refrigerator has a dedicated air filter slot in the upper rear of the fresh food compartment
- If unsure of the model year, cross-reference the refrigerator model number before ordering
If all five points check out, the PAULTRA2 is the correct replacement. If the current filter label shows PAULTRA without the 2, the PAULTRA product page covers the correct replacement for that housing.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Frigidaire PAULTRA2 Replacement
- Ordering PAULTRA instead of PAULTRA2. Both names appear in search results for Frigidaire air filters. The housings are different and they do not fit each other. Always check the number on the current filter before ordering.
- Leaving the plastic wrap on after installation. The PAULTRA2 ships wrapped in plastic to preserve the carbon. Leaving it on completely blocks odor absorption. Remove the wrap before snapping the filter into the housing.
- Skipping the filter reminder reset. The air filter indicator does not reset automatically after installation. Check the refrigerator use and care manual for the specific reset process. Skipping this step leaves the indicator active after a successful swap.
- Replacing the air filter on the same schedule as the water filter. The PAULTRA2 runs on a six month time-based cycle regardless of usage volume, not a gallon count like a water filter. Households that replace both on the same schedule are likely replacing the air filter at the right time, but the triggers are different.
- Assuming strong odors mean the filter is defective. A new PAULTRA2 does not eliminate existing odors instantly. Carbon absorption works gradually. Persistent odors immediately after installation usually mean the compartment needs cleaning before the new filter can work effectively.
When to Replace or Order a New PAULTRA2 Filter
Replace the PAULTRA2 when any of the following apply:
- Six months have passed since the last replacement
- The air filter indicator light on the refrigerator panel has activated
- Food odors are noticeable inside the refrigerator between grocery trips
- Produce is spoiling faster than expected despite correct temperature settings
- Strong-smelling items like onions or garlic are affecting the taste of nearby foods
- A faint stale smell persists even after cleaning the refrigerator interior
Recommended Replacement
The Frigidaire PAULTRA2 PureAir Ultra II air filter is available on the product page at purefridgewater. Confirm the current filter label shows PAULTRA2 or one of the compatible part numbers listed above before ordering. If the current filter label shows PAULTRA without the 2, the PAULTRA product page covers the correct replacement for that housing.
FAQs
Is the PAULTRA2 compatible with Electrolux refrigerators?
Yes. The PAULTRA2 fits select Electrolux refrigerators that use the square PureAir Ultra II filter housing. Electrolux and Frigidaire share parent company ownership, and many Electrolux refrigerator models use the same filter codes as their Frigidaire counterparts. Confirm the model number cross-references correctly before ordering.
How is the PAULTRA2 different from baking soda for odor control?
The PAULTRA2 uses activated carbon technology that actively absorbs airborne odor molecules rather than simply sitting in the compartment. Independent testing suggests it is approximately 50 times more effective at odor removal than baking soda. Baking soda absorbs some odors passively but does not address the full range of food odors that build up inside a refrigerator over time.
Does the PAULTRA2 filter affect water quality or the water dispenser?
No. The PAULTRA2 is an air filter only. It has no connection to the water line or dispenser system. Water quality at the dispenser is handled by the water filter, which is a separate component on a separate replacement schedule.
What happens if the PAULTRA2 is not replaced on schedule?
An overdue PAULTRA2 stops absorbing food odors and ethylene gas effectively. Produce may spoil faster than expected. Strong-smelling items build up odors that transfer to other stored foods. Replacing on the six month schedule maintains consistent air quality and food freshness inside the compartment.
Can aftermarket PAULTRA2 replacements be used?
Aftermarket replacements are widely available for the PAULTRA2. Performance varies between manufacturers. The key factor to check is whether the replacement uses activated carbon technology and fits the square PureAir Ultra II housing. Aftermarket filters that do not seat correctly in the housing will not filter effectively regardless of the carbon quality.