Some refrigerators have a replaceable air filter, while others do not. The filter usually helps control odors inside the refrigerator. Check your model’s manual to find out whether it has one and how to replace it.
What Does a Refrigerator Air Filter Do?
An odor filter and a water filter do different jobs. An air filter treats circulating air; a water filter treats water supplied to the dispenser or ice maker. Replacing an air filter does not clear a blocked water line.
Do not assume an odor filter removes every germ or makes spoiled food safe. Remove spoiled food, clean spills and keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below. The FDA recommends checking temperatures with an appliance thermometer.
Does Every Refrigerator Need One?
Not every refrigerator is designed to use an air filter, and the absence of one does not mean the appliance is unsafe. Avoid fitting an improvised filter that might obstruct airflow. If your model has a filter, use the specified replacement rather than assuming any charcoal pad will fit.
Recommended Further Reading:
- Is Freon Used in Refrigerators?
- Are Refrigerators Prone to Water Damage?
- Can Refrigeration Preserve Onions?
Where Is It Located?
The position and cover vary by model. Whirlpool’s instructions show examples near the upper rear wall, but these are not universal positions. Find the diagram in your manual before opening a housing, and do not remove foam or other parts that the instructions say should remain in place.
Can You Wash the Air Filter?
Do not soak a disposable refrigerator air filter in cleaner or wash it unless the manufacturer explicitly allows that procedure. LG warns against washing the filter covered by its instructions. Washing can damage a filter even if it looks dry afterward.
Replace it with the correct part, following the removal and installation steps in the manual. Reset a filter reminder only after completing the required maintenance; resetting a light does not renew the filter.
When Should You Replace It?
Use the interval or reminder specified for your model. Frigidaire gives a general six-month replacement interval for its refrigerator air filters, but your manual takes priority.
Persistent smells also call for checking stored food and cleaning the refrigerator. An air-filter change is not a guaranteed cure for every odor, water-taste problem or cooling fault.
Related Further Reading:
- Can Refrigerators Be Positioned on Side, Back, or Front?
- Are Refrigerators Equipped with Fuses?
- Do Freezers Use Freon? [How To Find Out If A Freezer Uses Freons?]
Interesting Further Reading:
