How to Replace the Air Filter in a Whirlpool Refrigerator (FreshFlow W10311524)

On most Whirlpool refrigerators, the FreshFlow air filter W10311524 sits behind a vented door on the rear wall near the top of the fresh-food compartment; on some models it's behind a blue LED vent cover near the middle. Squeeze the side tabs to remove the old filter, snap the new W10311524 into place, then reset the status by holding AIR FILTER for 3 seconds or installing a new sticker indicator. Whirlpool says to replace it every 6 months.

Where Is the Air Filter in a Whirlpool Refrigerator?

The air filter in a Whirlpool refrigerator is on the rear wall of the fresh-food compartment, usually behind a vented door near the top. Some models put it behind a blue LED-lit vent cover instead. Both house the same FreshFlow W10311524 filter.

French door and side-by-side: rear wall behind the vented door

On Whirlpool French door and side-by-side refrigerators, the air filter is behind the vented door on the rear wall near the top of the refrigerator compartment, according to Whirlpool. The vented door opens to reveal the filter. On sticker-style models, the status indicator sits in notches behind the same door.

Models with a blue LED vent cover

On some Whirlpool refrigerators, the air filter is usually behind the blue LED-lit vent cover on the rear wall near the middle of the refrigerator, per Whirlpool. Remove the plastic cover to reach the filter. The cover has a foam block on it that stays in place.

Does my Whirlpool, KitchenAid or Maytag have one?

Many refrigerators from Whirlpool's brands, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag and JennAir, use the FreshFlow W10311524 air filter. KitchenAid's product help also places it on the rear wall near the top, behind the vented door. If you're not sure, check your Use & Care Guide or browse our refrigerator air filter collection.

Table 1 shows which brands use the W10311524 and where that's stated. Confirm the part number in your manual before ordering.

Table 1. Which Brands Use the FreshFlow W10311524

How to Replace the FreshFlow Air Filter

To replace the FreshFlow air filter, open the vented door or remove the vent cover, squeeze the side tabs to take out the old filter, and snap the new W10311524 into place. No tools are needed. Some new refrigerators ship the first filter in the accessory packet.

Remove the old filter

Remove the old Whirlpool air filter by squeezing its side tabs, as Whirlpool's Use & Care Guide W10417009A instructs.

1. Open the vented door, or remove the plastic LED vent cover.

2. Squeeze the side tabs on the old filter.

3. Pull the filter out.

Install the new W10311524

To install a new W10311524, take it out of its packaging and snap it into place behind the vented door or vent cover.

1. Remove the new filter from its packaging.

2. Snap the filter into place.

3. Close the vented door or refit the vent cover.

4. Reset the status (see the next section).

Leave the foam block on the cover

Leave the foam block on the vent cover in place when you change the filter, as Whirlpool instructs. It belongs to the cover, not the filter. Only the filter cartridge gets replaced.

The steps differ slightly by housing style, as Table 2 shows.

Table 2. Housing Style: Remove and Install

How to Reset the Air Filter Status

To reset the Whirlpool air filter status, hold the AIR FILTER button for 3 seconds on electronic models, or install a new sticker indicator on models without a button. Whirlpool says steps vary by model, so check your Use & Care Guide if neither applies.

Electronic panels: hold AIR FILTER for 3 seconds

On Whirlpool refrigerators with an electronic control panel, press and hold the AIR FILTER button for 3 seconds to reset the air filter status. KitchenAid gives the same 3-second hold. If there's no AIR FILTER button on your panel, your model uses the sticker indicator.

Sticker status indicator: activate and slide in the new one

To activate a new Whirlpool sticker status indicator, pop the bubble on its back against a flat surface, then slide it into the notches behind the vented door with the screen facing out. Replace the indicator each time you replace the filter. There's no button to press on these models.

What Blue, Yellow and Red mean

On Whirlpool's electronic air filter indicator, Blue means Good, Yellow means Order, Red with Replace Filter means Replace, and flashing means Expired. Table 3 shows what to do at each stage.

Table 3. Air Filter Status Colors

How Often to Change It and Which Filter to Buy

Change the Whirlpool FreshFlow air filter every 6 months, and buy part W10311524, which replaces several older numbers including AIR1. Don't confuse it with the Produce Preserver or the water filter, which are different parts.

Every 6 months

Whirlpool says the FreshFlow air filter W10311524 should be replaced every 6 months. It's a carbon-based filter, and Whirlpool describes it as 15X more powerful than baking soda at reducing common food odors. KitchenAid gives the same 6-month interval.

W10311524, AIR1 and the numbers it replaces

The Whirlpool W10311524 replaces part numbers 1876318, 2319308, AH2580853, AIR 1, AIR1, EA2580853, PS2580853, W10315189 and W10335147, according to Whirlpool. The filter measures 3 inches wide by 2 inches high. DFS carries the W10311524 filter.

DFS also lists the Whirlpool W10311524 AIR1 refrigerator air filter by Tier1. Note that W10335147 is an older number for the air filter, not the Produce Preserver.

Air filter vs Produce Preserver vs water filter

The FreshFlow air filter, the FreshFlow Produce Preserver and the water filter are three different Whirlpool parts with different jobs. The Produce Preserver W10346771A absorbs ethylene in the crisper drawer, and Whirlpool says to replace its pouches and indicator every six months.

Whirlpool's water filters are EveryDrop filters; you'll find them under EveryDrop water filter options. For every Whirlpool water filter in one place, see our Whirlpool refrigerator water filter collection.

Table 4. Air Filter vs Produce Preserver vs Water Filter

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Whirlpool air filter the same as the water filter?

No, the Whirlpool FreshFlow air filter W10311524 is a different part from the water filter. The air filter reduces food odors inside the fridge, while the water filter is an EveryDrop filter for dispenser and ice water. If the light you need to clear is for the water filter, see how to reset water filter on Whirlpool refrigerator models.

Can I run my Whirlpool fridge without the air filter?

Whirlpool's guidance is to replace the FreshFlow air filter every 6 months rather than leave the housing empty. The filter is what reduces food odors in the fresh-food compartment. Some new refrigerators ship the first filter in the accessory packet, so check there before buying one.

Do KitchenAid and Maytag use the same air filter?

Yes, KitchenAid and Maytag refrigerators that have an air filter generally use the same FreshFlow W10311524 as Whirlpool. KitchenAid's product help lists the same location, 6-month interval and 3-second reset. Sears PartsDirect also lists Maytag, JennAir, Kenmore and Kenmore Elite; confirm the part number in your manual.

Why is the Replace Filter light still on after I changed it?

The Replace Filter light stays on after an air filter change until you reset it by holding the AIR FILTER button for 3 seconds. Whirlpool notes that steps vary by model, so check your Use & Care Guide if that doesn't work. Sticker-style models have no light; replace the sticker indicator instead.

What does the FreshFlow air filter do?

The Whirlpool FreshFlow air filter W10311524 is a carbon-based filter that reduces common food odors in the refrigerator. Whirlpool describes it as 15X more powerful than baking soda at reducing common food odors. It doesn't filter water and doesn't absorb ethylene; those are different parts.

Sources

• Whirlpool, FreshFlow Air Filter W10311524 product page

• Whirlpool, FreshFlow Produce Preserver W10346771A product page

• Whirlpool Product Help: Air Filter Installation (French door; side-by-side); Using and Installing the Air Filter; Air Filter Indicator Light

• KitchenAid Product Help: Air Filter Installation

• Whirlpool Use & Care Guide W10417009A

• Sears PartsDirect, W10315189 fit list