One of the first things you do probably when you go shopping for groceries is check the expiration date. You want to make sure you’re buying a product you’ll be able to use before it goes bad, which makes complete sense. It’s time to get a new refrigerator water filter and you’re probably wondering, “Do refrigerator water filters have a shelf life?”
Dry Filters
Luckily, you don’t have to worry about shelf life when it comes to refrigerator water filters. They have an unlimited shelf life as long as they’re kept dry. All of the water filters we sell can sit safely in your cupboard until you need to use them. Water filters are essentially a plastic cartridge that’s filled with activated carbon. This material removes unwanted particles from your water and doesn’t have a expiration date until it gets wet. Therefore, it only makes sense to buy your water filters in bulk since you’ll pay less money for multiple filters.
Wet Filters
The rules change once you start using your filter. The typical lifespan of a filter about six months, but it depends on use. If your home drinks a lot of water regularly you may have to change it sooner. Likewise, if your home doesn’t use the filter that much then it will last even longer than six months.
Most filters come with a certain gallon capacity. This is the amount of water your filter is promised to filter. A typical filter has a capacity of 300 gallons. Change the filter when you’ve reached this limit.
When in doubt, make sure to change your filter when the water starts tasting or smelling different. Some filters have shorter lifespans, so you should check what your filter is labeled. There is no obvious harm to your health if you don’t change your filter on time. Leaving a filter in for an extended period of time will just leave you with unfiltered water.
You can learn more about the importance of changing your water filter here. In need of a new fridge water filter? We have you covered with American-made filters at a fraction of the OEM filter costs.
