FridgeFilters.com Blog

Simple Refrigerator Maintenance (Before you call the Repairman)

Here are some very simple tips to help keep your refrigerator in good working order without having to call in a service technician.

1.      Fixing a loose gasket (seal)

It is not unusual for your refrigerator to have some condensation on the outside of the appliance, but if you are seeing a lot of extra condensation you may have a loose gasket. Check the rubber gasket (seal) on your refrigerator and clear any obstructions. If this does not help you can moisten the gasket with a thin layer of Vaseline or a similar substance. It can also help to reorganize the fridge to be sure that nothing is blocking the doors from closing.

2.       Clean the coils

On a newer refrigerator this should not be a problem as these models have self-cleaning condensers. If you are still using an old refrigerator without this feature you may want to consider an upgrade even if it is only for the energy savings, but I would recommend a model with a water and ice dispenser as this feature is very convenient and can save you a bundle on buying bottled water. If a new fridge is not an option you can remove the base grille and use a vacuum attachment to clean the area around the condenser.

3.       Change the water filter

If you have an ice or water dispenser the odds are that you also have a water filter. The average water filter lasts around 6 months under optimal conditions (sometimes less depending on water quality and usage) and should be replaced when you notice a funny taste or smell to the water and/or ice coming from your refrigerator. Fortunately this is a very simple and inexpensive fix. Our water filter guide can help you find exactly the right replacement filter for your fridge and free shipping is available on many orders so you don’t even have to leave your home to get a new filter.

Drinking Water Helps Maintain Good Health

It is a well known fact that the human body is made up of about 60% to 70% water. During the course of the day we lose a lot of the water in our bodies through respiration and perspiration so it is necessary to drink liquids to replace the water in our bodies.

While you can drink a variety of fluids, water is actually better for you than other beverages for a variety of reasons.

1. Water is, in its simplest form, just water. In fact that is what makes it so good for you to drink when you are thirsty.

2. Sodas and other flavored drinks often contain diuretics (which can trick your body into thinking it has more water than it really does), sugars, calories and other things your body doesn't really need.

3. Drinking lots of water helps prevent dehydration. Even mild dehydration can cause a variety of symptoms including: joint pain, dizziness, muscle cramps and headaches.

While water is very good for you it is important to remember to make sure that the water that you are drinking is safe. The water that comes out of your tap is treated and water suppliers are required to provide annual water quality reports to prove the water is safe to drink.

If you have ever taken a drink of tap water and thought, "hey, this tastes funny" the odds are that some trace amount of chemicals or particulates can be found in your water. While in low quantities these chemicals are not dangerous to drink, but they can affect the taste of your water. One of the chemicals often found in tap water is chlorine, which suppliers use to treat the water. Chlorine and other particulates can be filtered out of your water through the use of a water filtration system in your home.

If you do not already have a filtration system in place, it might not be a bad idea to look into purchasing one. Water filters do an excellent job of purifying your water to ensure you have the cleanest, freshest, best tasting water to drink in your home.

Troubleshooting Common Refrigerator Problems

Before you call a repairman to come out and take a look at your refrigerator you might try these quick fixes for many common problems.

How to Troubleshoot Common Refrigerator Problems

Maintaining your appliances is important and may seem like a bit of a hassle, but your refrigerator is one appliance you can't afford to neglect. If your refrigerator comes with a built in water and/or ice dispenser it needs to have the filter cartridge replaced about every 6 months. For more information on water filter replacement cartridges please use our online guide to locate the correct part, we've got the right filter for your fridge!

CDC creates new website dedicated to Drinking Water

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have created a new website dedicated to the safety of our drinking water.

Topics discussed include:

• Public Water Systems
• Private Water Systems
• Water Flouridation
• Camping, Hiking, Travel
• Bottled Water

From the site:

Whether you receive your drinking water from the tap, via commercially-bottled water, or through a personal filtration device, it is important to know where your water comes from, how it has been treated, and whether it is safe to drink!

CDC Drinking Water Home Page:  http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/index.html

Time to go back to the tap

PlentyMag.com has a nice article touting the benefits of switching from bottled water back to filtered tap water.  Also contains links to so good resources including the EPA's Safe Water site.

http://www.plentymag.com/events/2008/10/water_filter_news.php

Bottled Water Quality Investigation: 10 Major Brands, 38 Pollutants

A new study by the Environmental Working Group investigates serious contaminant levels in bottled water. Findings include Bottled water contains disinfection byproducts, fertilizer residue, and pain medication.

The resulting recommendations for consumers include:

1. Drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water
2. Stop using plastic water bottles... switch to stainless steel
3. Urge policymakers to improve source water protection programs

Executive summary of the article:
http://www.ewg.org/reports/bottledwater

What consumers can do about the problem:
http://www.ewg.org/node/27012

Be informed of what can be contained in your bottled water!

A new posting at The Consumerist discusses a study looking at contaminants in brand name bottled water from major retailers.

Here are a few choice goodies found in the water: Coliform bacteria, caffeine, the pain reliever acetaminophen, fertilizer, solvents, plastic-making chemicals and the radioactive element strontium.

http://consumerist.com/5063874/study-there-is-all-kinds-of-nasty-crap-in-your-bottled-water

What is Water Quality?

Wikipedia has a decent article on general Water Quality that may serve as a good place to start learning about water quality.