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.
What’s
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 doesn’t “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 doesn’t 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 that’s 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.
What’s the big deal? Who doesn’t 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
you’re reading this, you probably already know you need a new filter, and
you’re 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 it’s time to do yourself and
your fridge a favor and get a new filter.
What’s 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.
