Sheila from Toronto writes:
I have a pur water filter in my fridge. Does it remove most of the bad elements from the water. Also, does it take out the calcium. How often do the filters need to be changed.
Hi Sheila, thanks for your question.
I looked at the Frigidaire website. They offer three different models of filters for their refrigerators. Each one claims to be able to remove chlorine and particulates to varying degrees. This means that all of them use some sort of carbon filter, either carbon block or a form of activated carbon. Two of them seem to use a pleated paper filter as well.
Not knowing exactly which filter you have, I can’t give you specifics. I can tell you that none of the filters will remove calcium from the water. You need a reverse osmosis filter, or an ion exchange unit to do this, and the Fridgidaire filters do not perform any of those functions.
The idea that there are “bad” elements in your municipally treated tap water is a misconception propagated by companies manufacturing bottled water and home water filtration products. Municipal tap water is clean and safe to drink. Further, a myriad of tests are preformed on a regular basis on raw, treated and distribution water making sure this is so, and have checks and balances to make sure it is this way at all times. The minimum regulations for municipal water far exceed the regulations for bottled water or home filtration products.
You may notice that your fridge water has a better taste. The secondary disinfectant, chlorine, and sometimes chloramines, are removed by this carbon filter. This filter can only improve the aestethics of already safe water.
I could not find a minimum change out frequency for these filters. Because these filters have carbon in them, it is very important to change them out on a regular basis. Carbon encourages bacterial growth after a certain period of time.
I would change them at least once a month, or more if you go through a lot of water.
I hope this has helped you. Please do not hesitate to write again if you need further clarification or have another question.
October 22nd, 2008 at 7:37 pm
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