You're probably wondering what a refrigerator

A refrigerator water filter helps filter the impurities from your drinking water. Instead of having to rely on costly and often impure bottled water or on a pitcher, you can clean and safe drinking water directly from your refrigerator water dispenser. And to make things even more convenient, these water filters are both long lasting and easy to install. Refrigerator filters last between 6-12 months, depending on how often the filter is used and how many people live in the household. The best indication for a filter change is when you notice a change in the way your drinking water tastes or smells. However, be sure to consult the instructions included by the manufacturer above all else. Impurities from your drinking water are filtered based on the type of refrigerator water filter used. For example, an activated charcoal filter, used in most refrigerator filters, reduces chlorine and other chemicals from municipal water treatment plants. These chemicals can cause bad taste and odor in drinking water. Newer and more advanced refrigerator filters can reduce or remove a higher number of contaminants, including lead, mercury, cysts, and pesticides. Note that there are two major types of refrigerator water filters: inline filters and push-in filters. Inline refrigerator filters are easily installed and attach to the water supply line of your residence. The other side then attaches to your refrigerator through the back. Inline filters typically fit older refrigerator models without a filter installed and can also be used as under sink water filters. The second type of refrigerator filter is the push-in filter. Push-in refrigerator filters are easier to install than inline filters because the filters are usually already installed in the refrigerator itself. Newer refrigerator models contain a compartment to house the filter and to easily replace it. Choosing a refrigerator filter should be based mainly upon what type of refrigerator you own. A common choice is the GE MWF SmartWater Filter. This GE water filter fits many models of GE refrigerators and is a replacement water filter for many other refrigerators. The GE MWF filter is easy to install with your refrigerator, lasts around 6 months, and is economically priced for your convenience. The Whirlpool 4396508 Fridge Filter is another crucial choice for your water filtration needs. This Whirlpool refrigerator filter replaces several Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Kenmore refrigerator models with side-by-side refrigerators with quarter-turn filter access in the fridge's base grille. This Whirlpool water filter is NSF certified and does not filter out the beneficial fluoride needed in drinking water. This filter is effective at reducing Class II particulates from drinking water, including lead and mercury. The Aquafresh WF285 is another major choice for a refrigerator water filter. It replaces the front grill quarter-turn filter found in several brands of popular refrigerators, including models by KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Thermadore. With this refrigerator water filter you will be able reduce impurities from your drinking water, such as chlorine, sediment, rust, dirt, and turbidity. An added benefit is that you will also be able to retain the fluoride within your drinking water. Finally, the Frigidaire WFC2B PureSource2 Ice and Water Filtration System is a choice for those with Frigidaire refrigerator models that feature a front cassette, though this water filter will also fit Kenmore refrigerators manufactured by Frigidaire. This refrigerator filter reduces the odor and taste of chlorine, as well as other contaminants like dirt and sediment. In addition, this water filter reduces 99% of cysts from your drinking water while also filtering lead and turbidity. Fluoride is also retained with the Frigidaire WFC2B. The Frigidaire PureSource 2 filter is easy to install and remove. Now that you know what a refrigerator filter is and what you should look for, you're on your way to making the right decision for your water filtration needs. Ultimately your choice should be made depending on what kind of refrigerator model you own and how much of your drinking water needs to be filtered.