Regular appliances such as refrigerators are assets that we use in our everyday lives. Routine maintenance needs to be performed to keep them functioning at optimum level. One of the most important parts of a refrigerator that needs to be changed from time to time is the water filter.

Most refrigerators built in the last two decades have a built-in water filter that dispenses water through an orifice built in the door.

It is recommended to change the water filter at least once in every six months. This is a general rule of thumb but the actual need to change it greatly depends on the usage and flow rate expectancy. Not changing the refrigerator filters leads to the following problems:

• Permits unwanted contaminants and bacteria to pass through into your water cups and your body
• Decreases the water pressure
• Leaves a bad taste and smell in the water
• So if you are not sure about how long it has been since you changed your water filter, check the smell and taste of the water. If the water is odorless and does not have an unpleasant taste, then there is no need to change the filter, but if there is an unpleasant smell or taste, then the filter needs to be changed immediately.

Changing the water filter is actually very simple. Most manufacturers design the filter mechanism in such a way that the filter is easy to access and replace. Most filters can be twisted a quarter turn and pulled out. There are other refrigerator filters, which have a large button next to them. This button needs to be pushed, and the filter shall pop out. In case you are confused, simply follow the user manual to learn how to replace the filter.

In general, changing the refrigerator filters twice a year will cost you around $70-$80. Each water filter shall filter about 1500 bottles of water. So if you replace the filter twice a year, you shall be able to filter about 3000 bottles.