Water Filters: Everything You Need to Know (2025)

Have you wondered how water filters work? How often you should replace them? Get the answers to these questions with our infographic.

You know that the water that flows from your refrigerator water dispenser with just the push of a button is clear, clean and fresh—if you regularly change the refrigerator water filter. But what else do you know about the water filter?

The filter in your fridge’s water traps contaminants found in some water sources. Most refrigerator models have filters that are easy to replace, and usually have a light that tells you when it’s time to replace your filter.

If you really want to stay on top of filter replacement, sign up for Sears’ water filter subscription program the next time you order your filter — you’ll get a replacement water filter shipped right to you when you need it.

Your water filter helps ensure that your refrigerator always dispenses clean ice and fresh water. Find out how often you need to replace the water filter, how much water you should drink, how using filtered refrigerated water reduced waste and more with the help of this infographic.

Waste: The Environmental Impact of Bottled Water

The environmental toll of bottled water consumption is staggering. In the United States, 60 million plastic water bottles are discarded daily, leading to an annual accumulation of 2 million tons of plastic waste in landfills, as well as in lakes, streams, and oceans. This waste not only mars our natural landscapes; it also contributes to the growing problem of microplastics that endanger aquatic life and human health.

Transitioning from bottled water to filtered refrigerator water represents a practical solution to this issue. Such a change significantly reduces plastic waste, mitigating the environmental damage associated with bottled water. By choosing to drink filtered refrigerator water, you contribute to a substantial decrease in plastic pollution, aligning your daily choices with broader environmental sustainability goals.

Wallet: Economics of Bottled Water Consumption

• $16 billion - Volume and producer revenues for the U.S. bottled water market in 2016
• $600 - The amount you can save each year by switching from bottled water to filtered water in a reusable container

The financial impact of bottled water consumption is substantial. In 2016, the bottled water market in the United States generated $16 billion in revenue, reflecting the high cost of what many consider a basic necessity. However, this expense is not just a reflection of consumer preference but also an indicator of the significant markup associated with bottled water.

By opting for filtered water from a refrigerator and using a reusable container, you can save approximately $600 annually. This shift not only represents a personal financial benefit but also highlights the broader economic advantage of reducing dependence on commercially bottled water. The potential savings underscore the economic efficiency of water filters as a long-term investment in both financial well-being and environmental sustainability.

Wellness: The Benefits of Filtered Water Hydration

60% of human body weight is made up of water. Because of this, maintaining hydration is not merely beneficial; it's essential for our bodily functions and overall health. This significant percentage underscores water's role in various physiological processes, highlighting the necessity of consuming clean and purified water for optimal wellness.

Benefits of drinking water

• Regulates body temperature
• Lubricates and cushions joints
• Increases energy

A refrigerator water filter operates through a multi-stage process designed to purify water, ensuring it is clean and safe for consumption. The filtration mechanism typically involves several key components and processes:

1. Mechanical Filtration: When water enters the filter, it first passes through a mechanical filtration stage. This involves a fine mesh filter that traps large particles such as sediment, dirt, and rust. The objective of this stage is to remove any visible impurities from the water, preparing it for finer purification.

2. Activated Carbon Filtration: The heart of most refrigerator water filters is the activated carbon component. Activated carbon is a form of carbon that's been treated to increase its porousness, creating a larger surface area for adsorption. As water passes through the activated carbon filter, a process called adsorption occurs. Here, chemical impurities such as chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and certain pesticides are removed. The activated carbon effectively reduces or eliminates bad tastes and odors from the water, enhancing its quality.

3. Absorption: Beyond just adsorption, some refrigerator filters also include materials designed for chemical absorption. This can target specific contaminants that are dissolved in the water, such as lead and other heavy metals. Through a chemical reaction, these substances are removed from the water, further purifying it.

4. Microfiltration: Some advanced refrigerator water filters incorporate a microfiltration stage, utilizing a semipermeable membrane to capture microscopic contaminants. This stage can filter out bacteria, protozoa, and certain viruses, ensuring the water is microbiologically safe to drink.

5. Final Polishing: The last stage of the filtration process often involves passing the water through an additional layer of activated carbon or another filtering medium. This "polishing" phase ensures that any remaining tastes or odors are removed, delivering fresh and clean water from the refrigerator’s dispenser.

By the time water has passed through the refrigerator water filter, it has undergone a comprehensive purification process. The result is water that not only tastes and smells better but is also significantly cleaner and safer for consumption. It’s important to replace these filters regularly, as over time, the filtering media can become saturated with contaminants, reducing the filter's effectiveness and potentially slowing water flow.

Below are just a few of the contaminants reduced by refrigerator filters.

• Benzene
• Lead
• Bisphenol A
• Chlorine
• Estrone
• Mercury
• Nonylphenol
• Cysts
• Carbofuran
• Toxaphene

Remember to replace your refrigerator water filter every 6 months–or more often if you notice the flow of water slowing. Unsure what water filter your refrigerator uses? You can find it using the water filter finder at Sears PartsDirect.