Let’s face it, a filter is usually tucked away and hidden from view, making it easy to plug in and forget about. Since it can be difficult to tell if your filter is on its last legs, it’s advisable to change it at least every six months. Truth be told, a filter’s efficiency decreases over time, and replacing it every once in a while would ensure your water keeps tasting as fresh as possible. Generally, a filter’s ability to reduce or eliminate rust, sediment and other impurities in water accounts for the price you pay.
But, name-brand water filters can be expensive. If you need an economical yet quality alternative, check out discountfilterstore.com. Before opting for a Culligan or other type of filter, here are essential considerations you need to make:
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Certification
Culligan refrigerator filters have various certifications, which could impact the safety of your drinking water. Its product labels sport NSF certification information to help you select the most suitable water filter. But what does NSF certification entail?
NSF International is a body that tests and verifies that products meet specified health or safety standards, including fridge filters. As such, NSF standards are a mark of quality, an assurance, if I may, that a filter meets set performance metrics. Some of the NSF standards in place include:
- NSF 42: Filters meeting this standard reduce chlorine in tap water, leading to improved taste and odor. Such refrigerator filters also neutralize acidity and alkalinity while reducing the presence of other metals such as manganese, iron, and zinc.
- NSF 53: Filters bearing this certification can reduce lead, heavy metals, fluoride, and organic chemicals in the water. That’s in addition to the impurities that an NSF 42-certified filter would trap.
- NSF 401: Besides filtering contaminants included in certifications NSF42 and 53, a filter with this certification can reduce the concentrations of pesticides or pharmaceuticals in water. As a result, getting such a filter could indirectly improve your family’s health.
Find the Right Fit
Although refrigerator filters function in almost the same way, some do a better job than others. Your household’s water filtration needs are important considerations before opting for a particular water filter.
For instance, if you need to improve the taste of your water, an NSF 42-certified filter would do. But if you have reservations about your water supply or fear the health risks posed by chemicals, you may need to go for a filter that meets the NSF 401 standard.
Your fridge’s make and model are also part of the equation. The easiest way to find the model number is by removing the old filter. Alternatively, a manufacturer’s website could yield the same information. But this doesn’t imply the filter needs to be the same brand as your refrigerator.
Still, some websites make it easier to find suitable filters by providing searching tools that let you key in your model number. The idea is to find a compatible yet quality replacement. In many cases, generic filters provide similar results as their more expensive substitutes.
Ensure to replace your filter with the same type. Some filtering units require you to twist and remove, while others sport a pull-down design. Simpler designs make filter change a breeze.
Even if your refrigerator doesn’t have a built-in filter, you can install an alternative filtration system. For instance, an in-line system that hooks up to the water supply leading to your fridge’s dispenser could still be as effective as an integrated filter. Besides their use in refrigerators, some filter cartridges are designed with multiple applications in mind, including under-sink filtration systems.
Consider a Filter’s Life
Generally, a filter can serve you for about six months. But, its service life depends on various factors, including:
- Quality- you can squeeze more life out of a good filter.
- Water condition- more impurities mean more work for the filter, leading to frequent changes.
- Usage- less usage implies longer intervals between replacements.
Culligan usually offers warranties on its filters for your peace of mind. While an original filter is technically the safest option, the high price may not be justifiable. Before settling for an after-market or name-brand filter, ensure it has the relevant certification as this affects its filtering capability and life.
Overall, your filter choice comes down to whether you prefer an original or equally good, after-market filter. After all, finding a high-quality refrigerator lets you enjoy filtered water in your home. Culligan filters provide value without a cost-quality tradeoff, helping you save money without compromising your family’s safety and health.