Rating:

I first operated the water dispenser on 08JULY08. After the RED light came on to change the filter, I kept putting it off…over and over until I became accustomed to seeing the pretty RED light. It complemented the GREEN ice dispenser light very well, especially during the winter holidays.

I finally purchased the replacement filter and replaced it on 14MAY10…yes, that’s right, 22 months of filtering and at least 13 months overdue for a change. The filter, being see-through, allowed me to see the bits (albeit small) of debris that floated about when I shook the old filter. It was something of a gagging effect I experienced in my thoughts. I should have changed the filter a lot sooner was the thought thereafter.

The point I wanted to single out is that even though the filter would definitely not pass a health inspection, the water that came out through it was relatively clear…I mean it! I would have never known that the filter was mucked-up had it not been for the RED “change me now!” light. Therefore, this filter is a very good filter.

However, the manufacturer states that this filter is to be replaced after 6-9 months of use or after a flow of 400 US Gallons, whichever comes first. I am assuming that the RED “change me now!” light is initiated by the filter backing up (Differential Pressure a.k.a. Delta-P), if not by this means, then perhaps by a flow meter? Whichever it may be, change your filter when the manufacturer says so. The price is high per unit, but if you were to change the filter out every 6 months, the price per day is approximately $0.19 (approximately $0.13 if every 9 months).

After you install the new filter, the manufacturer says to run water through the filter for 3 minutes. This will cycle out the air in the new filter and kind of give it a rinse at the same time. The water, at first, will come out somewhat like heavily diluted milk, due to the teeny-tiny air bubbles making their way out.

Don’t forget to reset your RED filter light (if you have one)!