How Often to Change a Refrigerator Water Filter
Reviewed by FiltersDex editorial
Most refrigerator water filters are rated for around six months or a set number of gallons, whichever comes first - check the exact figure on your filter's own page, since it varies by model.
Refrigerator manufacturers rate each filter for a maximum number of gallons and a typical number of months, based on average household use. Once the media reaches that capacity, it stops filtering effectively even though water still flows through it.
Rated capacity vs rated months
The gallon rating is the hard limit; the month rating is an estimate of when an average household reaches that many gallons. A larger household, an ice-maker running constantly, or well water with more sediment can use up the rated gallons faster than the rated months suggest.
Signs it's overdue
Slower water or ice dispensing is the most common sign a filter is clogging. A change in taste or odor can also mean the filter has stopped reducing what it was certified for. If your fridge has a filter-change indicator light, treat that as the primary signal - it is tracking your fridge's actual water usage, not just a calendar.
Look up your model's exact filter and its rated life on our refrigerator filter finder.
Frequently asked
What happens if I don't change my fridge filter?
The filter media gets exhausted and stops reducing what it is certified for, and flow rate typically drops. An old filter can also become a place for bacteria to grow.
Does the rated life change based on my water?
Yes. The rated gallon capacity and month life are based on average use and average water quality. Hard water, high sediment, or heavy daily use can shorten the real-world life.
My fridge doesn't have a filter light. How do I know when to change it?
Use the filter's own rated life as a default, or watch for slower water/ice flow, which is a common sign a filter is clogging.
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