Comparing Fridge Filter Specifications
Clear, healthy drinking water is something every homeowner wants. Water is essential for life—our bodies need between 9 and 13 cups of fluids daily and water is one of the best choices for optimum health. Discount Filters provides hundreds of water filter options, so your drinking water and ice cubes remain clear and healthy.
Shopping for a new refrigerator water filter can become confusing when you're faced with the various filter specifications. What do all those numbers really mean and how do you choose the right filter for your needs?
Water filter specifications
Water filter specifications typically include information regarding the filter's capabilities and performance. This information may include:
- Part/model number: The part or model number is a series of numbers, letters or a combination of both. Often several different filter numbers can fit the same refrigerator model. Find the filter number on the old filter already installed in the fridge, refer to your refrigerator owner's manual or search our site by using the filter finder or by entering in the fridge model into the search box here and following the prompts.
- PSI range: PSI stands for pounds (of pressure) per square inch. Throughout the home, water flows through pipes. The measure of the force at which it flows is the water's pressure. Water pressure is needed for items such as the water dispenser on the refrigerator to work properly. A water filter needs to function within a PSI range compatible to the cold water supply's pressure. Check the refrigerator owner's manual for the required water pressure range that is needed to operate your water dispenser and icemaker. A typical range is between 30 and 120 PSI, but it can vary depending on the refrigerator model.
- Temperature range: The temperature range simply is the range of water temperature at which the filter will function. If the water temperature dips below or gets higher than the specified range, the filter may not function properly.
- Gallon capacity: The gallon capacity indicates about how many gallons the filter is able to clean before it needs to be changed. This varies widely depending on the brand and filter. Typically, if the filter states it is a 300-gallon capacity filter, it will clean about 300 gallons of water flowing through the system. This includes both drinking water and ice cubes.
- Flow rate: The flow rate is the amount of time it takes the water to flow through the system and dispense. If you have inadequate water pressure, this can affect the flow rate. An old water filter also can affect the flow rate. If the filter's specifications include a flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute, it means it is capable of producing one-half gallon of water within one minute.
- OEM: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This means the filter is factory original and not an aftermarket part.
Some filters will list certifications from NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) International. You might see certifications against Standards 42 and 53. Standard 42 refers to the filter's ability to reduce the presence of chlorine from tap water, while Standard 53 refers to the filter's ability to reduce other contaminants such as lead, microorganisms, chemicals and turbidity.
