An often overlooked part of refrigerator maintenance is filter replacement.
Replacing a refrigerator air filter is simple and inexpensive to do, and it can help keep your fridge running smoothly and efficiently. It can also help extend the life of your refrigerator, saving you both time and money in the long run.
Don’t neglect this essential task; use our step-by-step guide to help you replace your refrigerator air filter quickly and easily.
How to Replace Refrigerator Air Filter Step By Step
- Step 1: Identify the type of filter your refrigerator uses. You’ll usually find the type of filter your fridge needs printed inside the kick panel or next to the grille, or you can consult your owner’s manual for the correct type.
- Step 2: Purchase the correct filter. Your local home improvement store or manufacturer’s website will tell you what type of filter your fridge needs. Shop around for the best prices and check the expiration date on the filter to make sure it won’t expire before you need to replace it again.
- Step 3: Remove the old filter. Take the old filter out of its packaging and gently pry it loose from its place. Pull the filter straight out, making sure to not damage your refrigerator’s grille.
- Step 4: Insert the new filter. Slide the new filter into the grille and press firmly until it is firmly in place. Make sure the arrows on the filter are pointing in the correct direction to ensure the filter is working properly. It is best to double-check the placement of the filter before you close the kick panel.
- Step 5: Reset the filter indicator light. Many refrigerators come with a filter indicator light. If you have one, you’ll need to reset it to its off position by pushing and holding down the button or switch. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions for resetting your filter light.
- Step 6: Replace the kick panel. Place the kick panel back onto the bottom of the refrigerator and press firmly until it clicks into place. This will help ensure the filter is held securely in place and that your fridge is running as efficiently as it should.
Replacing your refrigerator air filter is a simple task that can help make sure your fridge is running at peak performance. Regular filter replacement should be done every 6 months to help prolong the life of your refrigerator and keep it running smoothly. Don’t forget to check back in 6 months to make sure your filter hasn’t expired and is performing properly!
Types of Refrigerator Air Filters
Not all refrigerator air filters are created equal. There are different types of air filters depending on the kind of refrigerator you own, so it’s important to make sure you buy the correct type to ensure it performs properly and fits securely.
One of the most common types of refrigerator air filters is the carbon filter. These filters are designed to remove odors and contaminants from the air, helping to keep the air in your refrigerator smelling and tasting fresh. Carbon filters are usually thicker than other types of filters, so be sure to check their size before you buy.
Another popular type of refrigerator air filter is the electrostatic filter. These filters are made of two layers of mesh and are designed to trap small particles such as pet dander, smoke, dust, and pollen. They can be more expensive than carbon filters, but they are more effective at capturing small particles.
Finally, there are the pleated filters. Pleated filters are designed to trap larger particles like hair, lint, and dust. They are usually more expensive than other filters, but they are more effective at trapping larger particles.
No matter what type of refrigerator you own, you should make sure to purchase the proper filter for your refrigerator. Always consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the correct type of filter before you buy.
Advantages of Replacing Your Refrigerator Air Filter
There are many advantages to replacing your refrigerator air filter regularly. Replacing the filter can help keep your refrigerator running more efficiently and can improve its cooling performance. Doing so can also help reduce the amount of energy your fridge uses, which can help you save money on your energy bills.
Regularly replacing your refrigerator air filter can also help reduce odors and the presence of bacteria, keeping the air in your refrigerator smelling fresher for longer. Finally, replacing the filter on a regular basis can help prolong the life of your refrigerator by preventing dirt, dust, and other particles from building up in the grille.
Tips for Effectively Replacing Your Refrigerator Air Filter
When replacing your refrigerator air filter, it’s important to do it correctly. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when replacing your refrigerator filter:
- Make sure you buy the right type of filter. Always consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to make sure you purchase the correct filter for your fridge.
- Never forget to replace the kick panel. Make sure you replace the kick panel after inserting the new filter to help secure it in place and prevent dust, debris, and other particles from entering your fridge.
- Don’t forget to reset the filter light. If you have a filter light on your refrigerator, make sure you reset it after inserting the new filter.
- Check back in 6 months. It’s important to check the expiration date on your filter to make sure it won’t expire before the next time you need to change it. It’s best to plan to replace your filter every 6 months.
DIY Refrigerator Air Filter Replacement
If you’re feeling confident in your DIY skills, you can attempt to replace your refrigerator air filter yourself. The process is relatively simple and requires only basic hand tools, so it’s perfect for a first-time DIYer. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when replacing your filter yourself:
- Make sure you have the right tools. Make sure you have the right tools on hand before you start, such as a screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, and a putty knife.
- Make sure you turn off the power. Make sure the power to your fridge is turned off before you start, to prevent any injury.
- Pay attention to the instructions. Take your time and pay attention to the instructions, as improper installation can lead to damage or poor performance.
- Check all connections. When you are finished, make sure to check all connections and test the filter to make sure it’s performing properly.
When to Have a Professional Replace Your Refrigerator Air Filter
If you’re not confident in your DIY skills or if you don’t have the right tools for the job, you may want to consider having a professional replace your refrigerator air filter. Having a professional handle this task can help ensure it is done properly and can help prevent any unnecessary damage. Professional installation can also be more convenient, as a technician will come to your home, handle the task, and answer any questions you may have.
When having a professional replace your filter, make sure to ask any questions you may have, such as what kind of filter they are using and how much it will cost. Keep in mind that professional installation can be more expensive than DIY installation, so make sure you shop around to find the best deal.
Conclusion
Replacing your refrigerator air filter is an important task that should not be overlooked. Doing so can help keep your fridge running smoothly and efficiently and can help prolong the life of your refrigerator. Make sure to purchase the correct type of filter for your refrigerator and to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for proper installation. You can attempt to replace the filter yourself if you have the right tools and confidence in your DIY skills, or you can hire a professional to handle this task for you. Either way, make sure you check back in 6 months to see if your filter needs to be replaced again.
Jake Newman is Appliance Mastery’s expert on refrigeration and cooling systems. With over a decade of experience in the appliance repair industry and certification from NASTeC, Jake is a trusted source of knowledge for homeowners who want to troubleshoot and repair their fridges, freezers, and air conditioning units.