Refrigerator Water Filter question
 

My new refrigerator has the water filer, and a series of lights to tell me when to change it. Green, Yellow, and Red for OK, replace soon, and replace now!!

My question is how are the lights activated? Is it a simple timer, or a meter that monitors the gallons filtered?

The light has turned red--second time in a year. These filters are not cheap. I see no loss of flow from the dispenser; the stream is as strong as ever.
Will anything be damaged if I ignore the light until I see some reduction in flow?

The last refrigerator I had with water and ice in it had one of those. I assumed it was based upon a sensor which detected a certain percentage drop in the flow at the exit end of the filter. I never had to change mine more than once every 2-3 years.

You're right. They are expensive, especially if you have to change them more often than that.

If you have a lot of calcium in your water, that will plug up filters very quickly. I used to sell laboratory equipment which required and sometimes included internal water filtration. I always recommended frequent filter changes (once a month in some cases) at first to determine to proper intervals for changing filters.

Do look for them on-line.
We have one in our fridge, still expensive, but cheaper on-line.

Note too though I have a whole house filter system, so a lot of the crude never makes it to the frig filter.

Mine is a stainless steel Kitchen Aid and the way the warning light works is similar to yours. I just press and hold the light button to reset it to green. It works every time. I believe it is based on time and not based on flow rate. I might be wrong but I cannot see any damage can be done. The call for water switch activates an on/off valve that allows the water to flow thru the filter. If you do not see any restriction in flow then everything is OK.

I would just reset it.

I'd replace it occasionally. Filters tend to grow slimy stuff that you'd find painful to look at if you cut them open.

It runs strictly on time. It has no way of detecting flow.

If you use your water a lot, once a year. (several cups a day)

Otherwise, once every two years, or until it gets clogged.

Sounds like a scam to sell filters to me. The old inkjet business model..gah...

It is. As a service tech, We only make about 6 bucks on the sale. Often they sell online for our wholesale price.

I have had the same water filter in my ref for 3 years, and my water still tastes pure.

Just press the reset and forget about it.

You'll notice the flow decrease a ton when it's time to replace the filter. I'd ignore the lights too.

-J

Reminds me of a cartoon from the early days of copiers. A senior tech was training a new tech. "And don't forget to set this timer here so they will call us back for service."

I will reset the light. Ignorance certainly is bliss.

$50 cheaper too :D

When mine started making weird, hollow ice cubes, it was time for a new filter...gross looking stuff in the old one, too.

those are perfect to put fake Flies into!

Are fake flies cheaper than real ones? Or is there some other advantage? :D