Filter for the refrigerator: internal structure, types and principle of operation

When it comes to keeping your refrigerator clean, most people think about regularly cleaning shelves and washing containers. But the real “magic” happens inside small plastic boxes - filters that quietly fight odors, bacteria and even heavy metals in the water. What is hidden under their body? Why do some filters last a year, while others require replacement every 3 months? And is it possible to deceive the system by simply washing the old filter under the tap?

In this article we let's look at the design of filters for refrigerators all types: from carbon to ultraviolet, we will explain how they interact with No Frost and drip defrosting systems, and will reveal the myths about “eternal” filters. You will learn what materials manufacturers use (Samsung, LG, Beko), how to recognize a fake by its internal contents, and why some water filters cost 5 times more than their analogues. And also - what is the danger of ignoring filter replacement in refrigerators with an ice maker (spoiler: the risk of lead poisoning).

1. Types of filters in the refrigerator: not only for water

Many people mistakenly think that the filter in the refrigerator is only that plastic cartridge that is inserted into the water supply system for ice and chilled liquid. In fact, modern models are equipped four types of filter elements, each of which solves its own problem:

• 💧 Water filters - purify water from chlorine, rust, heavy metal salts and organic impurities before entering the dispenser or ice maker.
• 🌬️ Air filters —neutralize odors, absorb volatile organic compounds (for example, from fish or cheese) and prevent mold.
• 🦠 Antibacterial filters —kill up to 99.9% of bacteria (including E.coli i Salmonella) on surfaces and in the air of the chamber.
• ❄️ Filters of the system No Frost —protect the evaporator from icing and maintain air circulation without frost formation.

It is interesting that premium refrigerators (for example, Liebherr BioFresh or Samsung Family Hub) often combine several types of filters. For example, an air filter can simultaneously be antibacterial due to its coating with silver ions. And in models with the function Vacation Mode (vacation mode), the filters work in an enhanced mode, preventing air stagnation.

It is important to understand: filters are not universal. For example, a carbon water filter will not cope with viruses, and an antibacterial filter will not eliminate the smell of rotten fish. Therefore, manufacturers often install multi-stage systemswhere each element is responsible for its own “area of ​​responsibility.”

2. Water filter design: what is hidden under the plastic

Water filter is the most common type, especially in refrigerators with a dispenser (Samsung RF23J9011, LG GR-B247JVQA). Externally, it is an ordinary cylinder made of food-grade plastic, but inside there is a complex multilayer system. Let's analyze it by components:

1. Pre-filter (mechanical cleaning) — mesh or porous material (usually polypropylene) with cells of 5–20 microns. Retains rust, grains of sand and other large particles.
2. Carbon block —activated carbon in granules or pressed. Absorbs chlorine, organic compounds (including pesticides) and unpleasant tastes. Premium filters use coconut charcoal —it is 2-3 times more effective than a regular filter.
3. Ion exchange resin —removes hardness salts (calcium, magnesium), which spoil the taste of water and form scale in the cooling system.
4. Membrane (in reverse osmosis filters) is a thin-film element with pores of 0.0001 microns. Removes up to 99% of impurities, including viruses and bacteria. Used in refrigerators with a system PureWater (for example, Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ).
5. Postfilter — final cleaning from possible residues of coal dust or tar.

Life hack: if your refrigerator produces water with a metallic taste, the problem is most likely in ion exchange resin - it becomes saturated with iron ions over time and begins to “give” them back. In this case, the filter must be urgently replaced, even if its service life has not yet expired.

3. Air and antibacterial filters: how they fight odors and germs

Unlike water filters, air and antibacterial filters antibacterial elements work passively - they are not connected to the circulation system, but are simply placed in the air flow. Their design is simpler, but no less effective:

• 🔹 Carbon air filters - they contain activated carbon in granules or powder. They absorb ammonia (from meat, fish), hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs), and volatile organic compounds. Efficiency decreases at high humidity.
• 🔹 Zeolite filters —zeolite mineral acts as a molecular sieve, retaining gases and moisture. Used in refrigerators Bosch KAN92VI30R.
• 🔹 Photocatalytic filters —coated with titanium dioxide, which decomposes when exposed to light. organics and kills bacteria. Found in models Hitachi R-VG480PUC6.
• 🔹 Air ionizers - generate negative ions that precipitate dust and neutralize odors. Used in Sharp SJ-FP65PVSL.
• 🔹 Filters with silver ions - silver. suppresses the growth of bacteria and mold. Used in Liebherr CBNes 4855.

One of the most common myths: “the air filter can simply be removed and washed.” In fact, you can only wash the outer casing the filter element itself (carbon, zeolite) loses its properties when in contact with water. In addition, wet coal becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, manufacturers strongly recommend only replacementrather than cleaning.

What will happen if you do not change the air filter?

After 6–12 months, the carbon becomes saturated and begins to “give” the absorbed odors back. As a result, the refrigerator begins to smell even stronger than without a filter. In addition, a clogged filter impairs air circulation, which leads to uneven cooling and increased energy consumption.

In refrigerators with a system No Frost air filters play a dual role: they not only clean the air, but also protect the evaporator from icing. If the filter is clogged, the fan operates with overload, which can lead to its failure. This is indicated on the display (depending on the model). error FF or OF on the display (depending on model).

4. How to determine when it’s time to change the filter: 7 warning signs

Manufacturers indicate the average service life of filters (usually 6–12 months), but in practice it depends on the intensity of use of the refrigerator. Here specific signsthat the filter has exhausted its resource:

It is especially dangerous to ignore replacing the filter in refrigerators with an ice maker. Over time, heavy metal salts (for example, lead from old pipes) accumulate in the system, which can get into the ice. According to research NSF International, the concentration of lead in water from an expired filter can exceed the norm by 5-10 times.

In models with electronic control (for example, Samsung RF28R7351there is a filter resource sensor that is reset after replacement. If you installed a new filter, but the indicator does not go off, try resetting it manually:

1. Press and hold the button Ice Type (or Water) for 3 seconds.
2. In the menu, select Filter Reset.
3. Confirm the reset with the button OK.

In refrigerators without a display (for example, Indesit DF 4180 W), the filter service life is tracked by a calendar - it needs to be changed every six months, regardless of external signs.

5. Is it possible to use non-original filters? Risks and savings

Original filters from the manufacturer (for example, Samsung DA29-00020B or LG LT1000P) cost 2–3 times more than their analogues. Many users try to save money by buying universal or compatible cartridges. But there are pitfalls here:

• ⚠️ Poor quality of materials - in cheap filters, instead of coconut coal, low-grade coal is used, which absorbs impurities worse and is more quickly overgrown with bacteria.
• ⚠️ Loose fit - if the filter is not sealed, water or air passes by the cleaning, reducing it to no.
• ⚠️ Lack of certificates — original filters are tested according to standards NSF/ANSI 42 (water purification) and NSF/ANSI 53 (removal of harmful substances). Analogues often do not have such certificates.
• ⚠️ Risk of leaks - non-original filters may not withstand the pressure in the system, which leads to flooding of the refrigerator.

However, there are also proven brands that produce high-quality analogues. For example, filters EveryDrop (compatible with Whirlpool), Culligan (universal) or Aquacrest (for Samsung/LG). When choosing, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Compatibility with the refrigerator model (indicated on packaging).
• 🔍 Availability of a certificate NSF or WQA.
• 🔍 Composition of the filter element (must be indicated on the label).

If you still decide to take a chance with an analogue, after installation, check:

1. If there are any leaks at the mounting point.
2. Has the taste or smell of the water changed (try after 1-2 day).
3. Have any errors appeared on the display (for example, E1 or Filter).

6. How to extend the life of a filter: 5 practical tips

Although filters are consumables, their life can be increased by 20-30% if you follow simple rules:

1. Rinse the system after replacement —drain the first 2-3 liters of water into the sink to remove carbon dust and air.
2. Use a pre-filter for this. water —if your region has hard water, install a main filter in front of the refrigerator.
3. Do not store open food —the less evaporation in the refrigerator, the longer the air filter will last.
4. Defrost regularly —in models with No Frost ice on the evaporator impairs air circulation, causing the filter to work in extreme conditions mode.
5. Monitor the temperature —if the refrigerator is too warm (above +5°C), bacteria multiply faster and the antibacterial filter wears out 2 times faster.

Please note attention: in refrigerators with the Quick Cool or Power Freeze function, filters wear out faster due to increased load. In this case, it is recommended to reduce the replacement interval by 20–25%.

There is a separate life hack for air filters: if it has not yet completely exhausted its resource, but is already struggling with odors, place an open pack of soda next to it. It will absorb some of the ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, unloading the filter.

7. refrigerator: what is true and what is not

There are many myths around filters that can harm your refrigerator. Let's look at the most common ones:

• ❌ Myth 1: “The filter can be washed and reused.”
  True: Carbon and zeolite filters lose up to 70% of their efficiency after washing. The exception is ceramic filters (for example, in Panasonic). which can be cleaned with a brush.
• ❌ Myth. 2: “If the water looks clean, the filter is still good.”
  Truth: Chlorine, lead and bacteria are not visible to the eye. Even if the water is clear, the filter can be clogged.
• ❌ Myth 3: “An air filter is not needed if the refrigerator is clean.”
  True: The filter fights not dirt, but microorganisms and gases. Even in a perfectly clean refrigerator, odors appear over time.
• ❌ Myth 4: “All filters are the same, you can take them any"
  True: Filters differ in composition, throughput and compatibility. For example, a filter for Samsung will not fit LG due to different connectors.
• ❌ Myth 5: “A water filter removes viruses”
  Truth: Only filters with a reverse osmosis membrane or a UV lamp kill viruses. A regular carbon filter will not cope with this.

Another misconception is that filters are needed only in refrigerators with a dispenser. In fact, even in simple models without an ice maker, an air or antibacterial filter significantly improves the microclimate, preventing food spoilage and mold.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to disassemble the filter yourself and replace the filler?

Technically yes, but this is not recommended. Firstly, you you risk breaking the seal of the housing, which will lead to leaks. Secondly, filling yourself with carbon or resin does not guarantee uniform distribution of the material, which is why the filter will work worse. Thirdly, you lose the warranty on the refrigerator if something goes wrong.

An exception is filters with replaceable cartridges (for example, in some models Miele). In this case, the manufacturer himself provides this possibility.

Why is the water cloudy or with bubbles after replacing the filter?

This is a normal phenomenon in the first 1-2 days after installing a new filter. Bubbles are air that remains in the system, and the turbidity is caused by coal dust. To fix the problem:

1. Drain 2-3 liters of water into the sink.
2. Check whether the filter is inserted tightly (sometimes turbidity is caused by microcracks in the seal).
3. If the problem does not disappear after 48 hours, the filter is defective, it needs to be replaced.

How often should it be change the filter if the refrigerator is rarely used (for example, in the country)?

Even if the refrigerator operates in a gentle mode, the filters still age. Coal loses its adsorption properties over time, and the resins “dry out”. data-i="247">Water filter

• 🔹 Water filter - change once every 12 months, even if the water has not been used.
• 🔹 Air filter —once every 18 months (provided that the refrigerator is empty and regularly ventilated).
• 🔹 Antibacterial filter —once every 24 months (but before the first use after inactivity, it must be replaced).

Before storing the refrigerator for the winter, it is better to remove the filters, wash them, dry them and store them in a sealed bag.

What is dangerous about using a refrigerator without a filter?

The consequences depend on the type of filter:

• 🚰 Without a water filter —risk of poisoning with heavy metals (lead, mercury), scale accumulation in the cooling system, breakdown of the ice maker.
• 🌬️ Without air filter —mold growth on seals, persistent odors, food spoilage due to bacteria.
• ❄️ Without filter No Frost —evaporator icing, increased load on the compressor, risk of overheating.

In refrigerators with a system Twin Cooling (for example, Samsung RB37J5000) the absence of a filter can lead to mixing of odors between compartments, since the air circulates independently.

Is it possible to install a filter from another refrigerator model if it looks suitable?

Absolutely not. Even if the filters look the same, they may differ:

• 🔧 Connector —an incorrect connection will lead to leaks.
• 🔧 Throughput ability —a weak filter will not cope with the water pressure, and a too powerful one can damage the tubes.
• 🔧 The composition of the filler for example, in filters for LG coal with silver is used, and in Samsung - without it. Replacement will disrupt the balance of cleaning.

The exception is universal filters with adapters (for example, Culligan IC-EZ-4), but they also need to be selected according to technical characteristics.