You might associate water filters with water pitchers or with the water dispenser faucets installed in kitchen sinks, but filters are actually housed within many appliances as well. It is quite common to have a water filter in a refrigerator with a water dispenser. Water coolers and most ice makers also include a filter, producing water and ice that is clearer and more purified.
Because fridge water filters collect many tiny particles, they do not last forever. Over time, a filter will become clogged with contaminants from your water. Neglecting to get a refrigerator water filter replacement and letting the particles collect will slow down your water flow. Additionally, factors like age and how much water is regularly used may also make the filter less effective.
Six months is usually the recommended lifespan for a refrigerator filter in terms of time. And many refrigerators with water filters include some form of an alert, such as a light, to let you know when the filter needs to be changed.