Everything You Need to Know About GE SmartWater Filters.

Aug 02 , 2017

Everything You Need to Know About GE SmartWater Filters.

Who needs a water filter?

Anyone who wants the clean, fresh taste of water and who prefers not to drink water containing toxic substances needs a water filter.

Water isn’t all the same. The hidden impurities change the taste, the safety, and even the personality of water, so investing in a good quality filter can change an important aspect of your life.


What choices do I have?

You can choose from three different types of drinking water: tap water, bottled water, and filtered water. But, if you want to ensure the water you and your family are drinking is as safe and healthy as it should be, filtering your water gives you better control over exactly what you are drinking.

Tap water is generally safe to drink, although it may not always taste great. It may contain impurities and various hormones, drugs, and toxins – but at very low levels. However, we can often taste the chlorine used to treat tap water, which is unpleasant. The water often doesn’t taste fresh.

You may think bottled water is safe and quick to use – but according to the Natural Resources Defence Council, approximately 25% of bottled water is simply bottled tap water! Also, the federal regulations regarding tap water are stricter than those for bottled water. For example, bottled water contains less fluoride than tap water and is essential to safeguard children’s teeth.

Using a filtration device can help if you don't like the taste of your tap water, as this removes sediments and certain contaminants and improves the taste.  

Are there different water filtration systems?

You can choose from several different styles of water treatment. These include:

·         Point of entry: or whole house systems. The device is usually installed after the water meter.

·         Point of use: these deliver treated water to a specific faucet.

·         Pour-through: usually located in the refrigerator, where water passes through the filters by gravity.

Once the system is installed, all you need to do is to maintain it and change the filters at regular intervals.

What’s so smart about the GE SmartWater filter?

You get everything you expect from a good water filter: a constant supply of clear, fresh water for drinking, cooking, cleaning your teeth, and more, but with extra benefits. They can remove more toxins than ordinary water filters. For example, 99% of lead is removed, along with arsenic, asbestos, pesticides, and herbicides. SmartWater filters have been proven to remove five different trace pharmaceuticals that can be present in tap water, which include ibuprofen and progesterone.

They also remove cysts. Giardia is a small protozoan that produces cysts. If you drink water contaminated with them, they may cause severe gastrointestinal issues. They are resistant to normal sterilization, but because these cysts are usually large (compared to bacteria) they can be filtered out.

house water filter

Where can I use the GE SmartWater filter?

You can use this filter on some GE, Kenmore and Hotpoint model refrigerators. There are also whole house water filters available.

Labeling of SmartWater filters

Before you buy, make certain your refrigerator is compatible with the model of SWF, and when buying replacement filters.

SmartWater filters are labeled (MWF/GWF/HWF)

SmartWater Plus System is also labeled as (MWF/GWF/HWF). If it is a plus model, there is an indicator in place which reminds you when you need to change the filter.

The MWF filter has been replaced by the MWFP, an improved version, but is still labeled MWF. The filters are not interchangeable.

water purification filter activated charcoal 

 

The GE MSWF SmartWater refrigerator water replacement filter is shaped like a slim tube, 8 ½ in length and has a diameter of 2 ¼ inches. Inside you can see the membranes, charcoal filters and iodine crystals used to sterilize the water.

It lasts six months or 300 gallons, whichever comes first. The flow rate is 0.9 gallons per minute.

Looking after your water filter

You will need to clean your filter regularly and replace the cartridges. Bacterial growth may occur. This can partially plug the filters, which reduces the efficiency of your filter as well contaminate your water. Read the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you are properly maintaining your filter.

Replacing your water filter cartridge

Replacing the filter is easy. You do not need special tools, and you do not have to turn the water off at the mains. All you do is to turn the old filter towards the left, replace it with the new one and turn the new filter to the right.

The GE MWF Water Filter is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacement filter which means GE made both the original filter and the replacement filter.

The GE FXUSC SmartWater whole house filter replacement cartridge lasts for three months and has a capacity of 1,600 gallons.

Conclusion

Properly maintained and regularly replacing the filter cartridges will give you safe, clean water. So, why not make the jump from unfiltered tap water to filtered water and enjoy the fresh taste?