Where the Air Filter Is and Why It Matters
The air filter in a Frigidaire refrigerator sits inside the fridge compartment, usually in the upper back corner or along the top wall near the ceiling. Its job is to pull odors and ethylene gas (which speeds up food spoilage) out of the air, so your produce and leftovers stay fresher longer. Over time—typically every 6 months, though it depends on how much you open the door and what you store—the filter clogs with dust and particles and stops working well.
A clogged filter won't hurt the refrigerator itself, but it stops doing its job. You'll notice smells lingering longer, or produce wilting faster than it should. Replacing it is a five-minute task that costs between $25 and $50 for a genuine Frigidaire filter, or less for a third-party equivalent.
Key Takeaways
- The air filter is located in the upper back corner or along the top wall inside the fridge compartment, and you can see it without removing shelves.
- Most Frigidaire filters twist or slide out by hand—no tools needed—and the replacement slides or twists back in the same way.
- You need the exact model number from your refrigerator to order the right filter, which you'll find on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back wall.
- Filters should be replaced roughly every 6 months, though you can check it sooner if you notice odors or see visible dust on the filter surface.
- If you cannot locate the filter or it does not come out easily, your model may not have a replaceable air filter, and you should check your manual or contact Frigidaire support.
Finding Your Model Number and Ordering the Right Filter
Before you remove anything, write down your refrigerator's model number. On most Frigidaire models, this sticker is on the inside wall of the fridge compartment, usually on the right side near the top, or on the back wall. It looks like "FFTR1814T" or similar—a mix of letters and numbers. Take a photo with your phone so you have it handy.
Once you have the model number, search for "[your model number] air filter" on the Frigidaire website or a retailer like Amazon or Lowe's. Frigidaire's official part number will appear in the results. You can also call Frigidaire's customer service line (the number is on your manual or on the Frigidaire website) and give them your model number; they will tell you the exact filter part number and where to buy it.
Ordering ahead means you have the new filter on hand before the old one fails completely. If you need to replace it right away and do not have time to order, some hardware stores and appliance retailers stock common Frigidaire filters in stock.
Removing the Old Filter
Open the refrigerator door and look in the upper back corner or along the top wall of the fridge compartment. You will see a cylindrical or rectangular filter, usually white or black plastic, sometimes with a blue or green accent. It may have a small handle or knob on one end.
If the filter has a handle or knob, grip it and twist counterclockwise (left) until it stops, then pull it straight out toward you. If there is no handle, look for a release button or tab on the side of the filter housing—press it and slide the filter out. Some filters straightforward slide straight out without twisting. Check your manual if you are unsure, but most come out with gentle pressure and a twist or pull.
Once it is out, look at the empty slot where it sat. You will see the filter housing—a plastic or metal frame. This is where the new filter goes. Do not force the old filter if it is stuck; if it will not budge after gentle twisting and pulling, stop and consult your manual or call Frigidaire support rather than risk breaking the housing.
Installing the New Filter
Before you insert the new filter, check the arrow or marking on its side. Most filters have an arrow printed on the plastic that shows the direction of airflow—it should point into the fridge, away from the housing. If your filter has a rubber gasket or seal around the edge, make sure it is clean and not twisted.
Slide the new filter into the housing, aligning it with the slot. If it twists in, turn it clockwise (right) until you hear or feel a click, which means it is seated properly. If it slides in, push gently until it stops. Do not force it—a properly installed filter slides or twists in smoothly with light pressure.
Once it is in place, close the refrigerator door and listen for any unusual sounds. The fridge should run normally. Some Frigidaire models have a filter-change indicator light on the control panel; if yours does, it may reset automatically after a few minutes, or you may need to press a reset button (check your manual for the exact location).
When to Replace the Filter and How to Check It
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the air filter every 6 months. However, if you have a large household, cook frequently, or store a lot of fresh produce, you may need to replace it more often—every 3 to 4 months. If you live alone and use the fridge lightly, it may last longer.
You can check the filter without removing it by opening the fridge and looking at it. If you see a thick layer of dust or the filter looks dark and clogged, it is time to replace it. If it still looks relatively clean and white or light gray, it probably has more life left. Some filters have a color-change indicator—they turn from white to blue or pink when they need replacing—so look for that too.
Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder for 6 months after you install a new filter. This keeps you from forgetting and lets you order a replacement ahead of time so you are not caught without one.
Troubleshooting: Filter Will Not Come Out or Does Not Fit
If the filter is stuck and will not twist or slide out, do not force it. Excessive force can crack the housing or damage the filter slot. Instead, try gently rocking the filter side to side while pulling, or twisting it back and forth a quarter turn in each direction to loosen it. If it still will not budge after a minute of gentle effort, stop and contact Frigidaire support or consult your manual.
If the new filter does not seem to fit, double-check that you ordered the correct part number for your model. A filter from a different Frigidaire model may look similar but be slightly different in size or shape. Compare the old filter to the new one side by side. If they are clearly different sizes, you have the wrong part and should order the correct one.
Some older Frigidaire models do not have a replaceable air filter at all—they have a permanent filter that cannot be removed. If you cannot find a filter in the location described above, or if your manual does not mention an air filter, your model likely does not have one. In that case, there is nothing to replace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Frigidaire has an air filter?
Check your refrigerator manual—it will list whether your model has an air filter and where it is located. If you do not have the manual, search "[your model number] manual" online and read it from Frigidaire's website. You can also open the fridge and look in the upper back corner and along the top wall; if you see a cylindrical or rectangular cartridge with a handle or release button, you have an air filter.
Can I use a third-party filter instead of a genuine Frigidaire filter?
Yes. Third-party filters made for your model number work fine and often cost less than genuine Frigidaire filters. Make sure the part number matches your model and that reviews mention it fits properly. Genuine Frigidaire filters are reliable, but a compatible third-party filter will do the same job.
What happens if I do not replace the air filter?
The filter will clog with dust and stop removing odors and ethylene gas from the air. Your food will not stay fresh as long, and smells may linger in the fridge. The refrigerator itself will keep running normally—a clogged filter does not damage the compressor or cooling system—but you lose the benefit of the filter.
Do I need to turn off the refrigerator to replace the filter?
No. You can replace the filter while the fridge is running. straightforward open the door, remove the old filter, and install the new one. The fridge does not need to be unplugged or powered down.
Why does my filter-change light not turn off after I replace the filter?
Some models reset the light automatically after a few minutes. Others require you to press a reset button, usually on the control panel or inside the fridge near the filter. Check your manual for the exact reset procedure for your model. If you press the reset button and the light stays on, the filter may not be seated properly—remove it and reinstall it, making sure it clicks or seats fully.