The Gulf Coast: What Do Refrigerator Water Filters Filter Out?

There’s a decent chance you have a built-in refrigerator water filter in your The Gulf Coast home. You might just assume that the filter works as good as anything. However, that depends on what you might want filtered out. There’s one thing you should definitely know:

It does not filter out the same as an under-sink reverse osmosis filtration system

If you’re looking to filter out contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, nitrate and radium, you’re out of luck with your refrigerator filter. And although some carbon filters are effective, a Culligan reverse osmosis filter can take care of the contaminants previously mentioned, and more.

Carbon filters are the most typically used in refrigerators, which remove compounds that affect taste and smell. The effectiveness of a refrigerator filter relies on the water being in contact with the carbon for extended periods of time. Because you do not have contact with the actual filtration mechanism on a daily basis, it is often out of sight, and out of mind. If you forget to replace the filter, it can become clogged with bacteria.

Most filters are NSF Certified to reduce lead, asbestos, chlorine taste, odor, sediment, and pharmaceuticals. However, how much can vary on a number of factors, including the amount of contaminants in your water. Likewise, they need to be changed frequently. Overused filters can not remove these contaminants. Worse, water can pass through an overused filter and push trapped contaminants into your drinking water.

Allergy sufferers should take note of the dispenser

One of the biggest issues with your fridge filtration system isn’t the actual filter at all. The National Sanitation Foundation found that the dispenser that water comes out of is one of the “germiest” places in the kitchen, and most are covered with yeast or mold. This was also found to be an issue with the ice dispenser, and makes it a problem with people that suffer from allergies.

Is your refrigerator water filter good enough? Maybe utilizing a carbon-based pitcher or point-of use system can remind you to give it routine maintenance, as it needs changed once every few months. A reverse osmosis under-sink system offers the benefits of all of these filters with more efficiency, and less hassle. Call your local Culligan of The Gulf Coast to see how you might benefit from an upgrade to your kitchen’s preferred method of water filtration.