Be a popsicle protector: Change out your freezer’s water and air filters | America's Preferred Home Warranty
August 8, 2024 | By

Be a popsicle protector: Change out your freezer’s water and air filters

Home Maintenance
A light hand reaches for a stack of freezer pops in an open, transparent freezer drawer

There’s nothing better than coming inside from the sun to get your hands on a nice, sweet treat – and there’s nothing worse than opening your freezer to find all your ice cream and popsicles have melted. Prevent a dessert disaster with the following ways to making sure your freezer’s filter is in good working order.

Pro Tip: Before getting started, read about any filter replacement information in your owner’s manual.

Signs it might be time to change your freezer filter

Freezer maintenance is typically not top of mind, but these signs can be an indicator that it’s time to roll up your sleeves.

  • Funny tasting or smelly water
  • Cloudy water
  • Stinky ice
  • Thin or cloudy ice 
  • Low/no ice 
  • The indicator light is signaling that it’s time

 

A stainless steel fridge-and-freezer combo

                                                                                                   

How to change your freezer filters 

When you’ve noticed one or more of the signs above, refer to your owner’s manual for the freezer filter you need, and swap it out by following the steps below. 

Note: Your freezer air or water filters may be the same as your refrigerator filter; refer to your manual to clarify.

Replace your freezer’s air filters 

  • Move any food out of the area surrounding the filter.
  • Gently remove the old filter and any accompanying indicators according to your instructions (There’s often a snap system).
  • Reset or activate any new indicators.
  • Install the new filter, double check that the indicator is working properly, and you’re good to go! 

Replace your freezer’s water filters 

IF YOU HAVE A POP-IN WATER FILTER

  • Move any food out of the area surrounding the filter.
  • Put a hand towel underneath the filter to catch any fluid.
  • Gently pop out the old filter and remove it from the fridge or freezer.
  • Transfer the cap from the old filter to the new one.
  • Pop the new one into the fridge or freezer.
  • Carefully remove the towel and move any food back, once you’ve confirmed the new one is working.

IF YOU HAVE A TWISTING WATER FILTER

  • Move any food out of the area surrounding the filter.
  • Put a hand towel underneath the filter to catch any fluid.
  • Turn the filter’s storage compartment according to manual instructions.
  • Carefully remove the water filter in one straight motion.
  • Put the new filter in the storage compartment.
  • Reset the compartment to ensure it’s closed and secured. 

Pro Tip: If your water filter is at the bottom or the back of the your appliance, it may be more complex. In this case, we recommend that you call a professional. 

Repeat these steps every 4-6 months for a fresh freezer, better preserved food, and great ice!

 

An empty freezer in a top-mount refrigerator is open for defrosting

 

Freezer best practices

Once you’ve changed your filter, how can you keep your freezer running better for longer? Use the Freezer Five to keep yours in great shape.

The Freezer Five

  1. Don’t put hot or warm food in the fridge or freezer!
  2. Leave enough room for circulation.
  3. Defrost your freezer at least once a year.
  4. Keep your coils dust-free by cleaning them twice a year.
  5. Check your gaskets (seals) for any tears, holes, or cracks, and replace as needed.

With the Freezer Five and the step-by-step filter replacement instructions above, you can easily keep your frozen food compartment in good working order. Way to protect your popsicles!