Frigidaire FPPWFU01 and PAULTRA2: Does Your Frigidaire Refrigerator Need Both Filters and How Do You Know?

Many Frigidaire owners replace the water filter when the indicator light activates and completely overlook the air filter. TheΒ FPPWFU01 PurePour PWF-1 and PAULTRA2 PureAir Ultra II are two separate filters addressing two completely separate problems inside the same refrigerator. The FPPWFU01 handles water quality at the dispenser. The PAULTRA2 handles air quality inside the fresh food compartment. Both matter. Both need replacing on a 6 month schedule. And critically -- not all Frigidaire refrigerators use both systems. This post covers what each filter does, how to confirm the refrigerator uses both the PurePour PWF-1 water filter system and the PureAir Ultra II air filter system, the difference between the FPPWFU01 and EPTWFU01, and the most common mistakes buyers make when searching for the right replacement.

Why Frigidaire Filter Combinations Cause Confusion

Frigidaire uses multiple water filter systems across its refrigerator lineup. The PurePour system uses the FPPWFU01. The PureSource Ultra II system uses the EPTWFU01. The PureSource Ultra system uses the ULTRAWF. None are interchangeable. The naming similarities -- PurePour, PureSource, PureSource Ultra, PureSource Ultra II -- create enough overlap to confuse buyers who are searching by the filter name rather than the part number printed on the current filter.

The air filter side adds another layer. Three air filter codes exist across the Frigidaire lineup: the PAULTRA, the PAULTRA2, and the FRGPAAF2 AF-2. The PAULTRA fits older Frigidaire models. The PAULTRA2 fits Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, and select Electrolux models from 2019 onward. The FRGPAAF2 fits a separate subset of Frigidaire models. None are interchangeable.

Buyers searching for a Frigidaire water and air filter combo without confirming which specific systems the refrigerator uses often land on the wrong combination. The FPPWFU01 and PAULTRA2 combo kit fits refrigerators using both the PurePour water system and the PureAir Ultra II air system simultaneously. Neither component crosses over to other Frigidaire filtration systems.

Where to Find Both Filter Part Numbers Before Ordering

Confirming both part numbers takes under two minutes. Here is where to look:

Step 1. Open the refrigerator and locate the water filter housing. On Frigidaire models using the PurePour system, the housing is located in the upper right area of the fresh food compartment. The part number -- FPPWFU01, PWF-1, EPTWFU01, or another code -- is printed directly on the current filter.

Step 2. Locate the air filter housing. On models using the PureAir Ultra II system, the housing is in the upper rear area of the fresh food compartment. The part number -- PAULTRA2, PAULTRA, or another code -- is printed on the current air filter.

Step 3. If either label has worn off, check the refrigerator model number on the door sticker and cross-reference against the Frigidaire FPPWFU01 PAULTRA2 combo compatible models list before ordering.

Step 4. Check the refrigerator Use and Care Guide. Both filter part numbers are listed in the maintenance section for the specific model.

What Is the Frigidaire FPPWFU01 PurePour PWF-1 Water Filter

The FPPWFU01 PurePour PWF-1 is the water filter for Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, and select Electrolux refrigerators using the PurePour filtration system. It is NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified and WQA/ASPE/ANSI S 803 certified for sustainability. It reduces chlorine taste and odor, lead, mercury, cysts, BPA, asbestos, pesticides, insecticides, and select trace compounds. Rated for 125 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first.

The FPPWFU01 uses a push-to-lock installation with the alignment arrows pointing up. The housing is accessed at the upper right of the fresh food compartment. Also known as PWF-1, PWF1, EPPWFU01, FPPTWFU01, FFPWFU01, and 4960476.

What Is the Frigidaire EPTWFU01 PureSource Ultra II Water Filter

The EPTWFU01 is the PureSource Ultra II water filter for a different range of Frigidaire French door and side-by-side refrigerators produced from 2015 onward. It carries the same NSF 42, 53, and 401 certifications as the FPPWFU01 but uses a push-and-twist installation in the upper right corner of the fresh food compartment rather than the push-to-lock alignment design of the FPPWFU01. It is rated for 200 gallons or 6 months.

The EPTWFU01 and FPPWFU01 are not interchangeable. They fit different Frigidaire filtration systems with different housing designs. The part number on the current filter is the most reliable way to confirm which one the refrigerator uses before ordering.

What Is the Frigidaire PAULTRA2 PureAir Ultra II Air Filter

The PAULTRA2 PureAir Ultra II is the replacement air filter for Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, and select Electrolux refrigerators with a dedicated PureAir Ultra II air filter slot. It uses activated carbon technology to absorb food odors from onions, garlic, fish, stale dairy, and other strong-smelling items that build up inside the compartment and transfer between stored foods. It is more effective at odor reduction than baking soda according to Frigidaire's own positioning. Rated for 6 months on a time-based cycle regardless of usage volume.

The PAULTRA2 dimensions are approximately 3.75 x 1.75 x 0.44 inches. It uses a snap-in, tool-free installation. Also known as 5303918847, 242047805, EAP12364179, and AP6285787. The plastic packaging wrap must be removed before installation -- leaving it on prevents the carbon from absorbing odors at all.

What Is the Difference Between the PAULTRA and PAULTRA2

The PAULTRA is the older PureAir Ultra air filter for an earlier generation of Frigidaire models. The PAULTRA2 is the updated PureAir Ultra II filter for Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, and select Electrolux models from 2019 onward. Both use activated carbon odor-absorption technology but have different housing formats and are not interchangeable.

The naming similarity between PureAir Ultra and PureAir Ultra II causes most of the confusion at ordering time. Checking the part number on the current air filter is the most reliable way to confirm which version the refrigerator uses.

Is the FPPWFU01 the Same as the EPTWFU01

No. The FPPWFU01 vs EPTWFU01 difference comes down to the filtration system and installation design. The FPPWFU01 fits the PurePour system with a push-to-lock installation and alignment arrows. The EPTWFU01 fits the PureSource Ultra II system with a push-and-twist installation in the upper right corner. They carry the same NSF certifications and similar contaminant coverage, but use different housing designs that are not interchangeable.

The rated capacity is also different. The FPPWFU01 is rated for 125 gallons or 6 months. The EPTWFU01 is rated for 200 gallons or 6 months. Households with higher daily dispenser use may find the FPPWFU01 reaches its gallon limit before the 6 month mark.

Compatibility Checklist Before Ordering the FPPWFU01 and PAULTRA2 Combo

Before placing an order, confirm all of the following:

  • The current water filter label shows FPPWFU01, PWF-1, PWF1, EPPWFU01, or 4960476
  • The current air filter label shows PAULTRA2, 5303918847, or 242047805
  • The refrigerator model is Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, or a compatible Electrolux model
  • The water filter housing uses a push-to-lock alignment arrow design, not a push-and-twist design
  • The air filter housing is present in the upper rear area of the fresh food compartment

Common Mistakes When Ordering the FPPWFU01 and PAULTRA2 Combo

  • Ordering the EPTWFU01 and PAULTRA2 combo when the refrigerator uses the FPPWFU01.
     The FPPWFU01 and EPTWFU01 look similar in product photos and carry the same NSF certifications. The part number on the current water filter is the only reliable way to tell them apart before ordering.
  • Leaving the plastic wrap on the PAULTRA2 after installation.
     The PAULTRA2 ships in plastic packaging to preserve the carbon. Leaving the wrap on after snapping the filter into the housing completely prevents odor absorption. Remove it before installation.
  • Assuming the PAULTRA2 affects water quality.
     The PAULTRA2 is an air filter only. It has no connection to the water line, dispenser, or ice maker. Water quality at the dispenser is handled exclusively by the FPPWFU01. Both filters need independent replacement on their own schedules.
  • Skipping the water filter flush after installation.
     After installing the FPPWFU01, run 1.5 gallons of water through the dispenser and discard before drinking. Carbon fines from the new filter are harmless but affect taste and water clarity on the first pour if not flushed.
  • Replacing only one filter and skipping the other.
     The FPPWFU01 and PAULTRA2 address two completely separate systems. Replacing the water filter without replacing the overdue PAULTRA2 leaves food odors and airborne compounds building up inside the compartment regardless of how clean the water tastes.

When to Replace or Order the FPPWFU01 and PAULTRA2

Replace the FPPWFU01 water filter when any of the following apply:

  • 6 months have passed or 125 gallons have been filtered, whichever comes first
  • The water filter indicator light activates on the refrigerator control panel
  • Water develops a faint chlorine taste or flat odor
  • Dispenser flow has slowed noticeably
  • Ice is coming out cloudy or with an off smell

Replace the PAULTRA2 air filter when any of the following apply:

  • 6 months have passed since the last replacement
  • The air filter indicator light activates on the refrigerator control panel
  • Food odors are noticeable inside the refrigerator between grocery trips
  • Strong-smelling items like onions or fish are affecting the taste of other stored foods
  • A stale smell persists even after cleaning the refrigerator interior

Recommended Replacement

The Frigidaire FPPWFU01 and PAULTRA2 water and air filter combo kit is available on the product page atΒ  Refrigerators filters shop. Confirm the current water filter label shows FPPWFU01 or PWF-1 and the current air filter label shows PAULTRA2 before ordering. If the water filter label shows EPTWFU01, the EPTWFU01 and PAULTRA2 combo covers the correct replacement for that system. If the air filter label shows PAULTRA without the 2, the PAULTRA product page covers the correct air filter for that housing.

FAQs

Does the PAULTRA2 reduce contaminants the same way the FPPWFU01 does?

No. The FPPWFU01 uses activated carbon block filtration to reduce waterborne contaminants including lead, chlorine, cysts, and BPA in drinking water and ice. The PAULTRA2 uses activated carbon to absorb airborne odors and compounds circulating inside the refrigerator compartment. They work on completely different mediums -- water and air -- and neither affects the other's performance.

Can the FPPWFU01 be used in Frigidaire refrigerators that currently use the EPTWFU01?

No. The FPPWFU01 and EPTWFU01 use different housing designs and installation methods. They fit different Frigidaire filtration systems and are not interchangeable. Confirm the part number on the current water filter before ordering to avoid a mismatch.

How does the PAULTRA2 air filter compare to leaving a box of baking soda in the fridge?

Frigidaire positions the PAULTRA2 as more effective than baking soda at reducing food odors. Baking soda is a passive odor absorber that works through surface contact. The PAULTRA2 uses activated carbon technology that absorbs a broader range of airborne odor molecules as air circulates through the filter. For persistent food odors -- particularly from fish, garlic, or aged cheese -- the PAULTRA2 addresses compounds that baking soda typically does not capture effectively.

What happens if the FPPWFU01 is not replaced at 125 gallons even though 6 months have not passed?

The FPPWFU01 is rated for 125 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first. Households using the dispenser heavily may reach 125 gallons in 3 to 4 months. Once the gallon limit is reached, the carbon block is saturated regardless of how recently the filter was installed. An overdue FPPWFU01 stops reducing lead, chlorine, cysts, and other certified contaminants effectively. The filter indicator light may not activate at the gallon limit on all models -- tracking usage manually is the more reliable approach for high-use households.

Is the FPPWFU01 and PAULTRA2 combo kit the same as the FRIGCOMBO7 or FRIGCOMBO12?

No. The FRIGCOMBO7 includes the FPPWFU01, PAULTRA2, and a FRPAPKRF Produce Keeper refill as a third component. The FRIGCOMBO12 includes the FPPWFU01, PAULTRA2, and two FRPFUFV2 Fruit and Veggie Savers for crisper drawers. This combo kit covers the standard two-component bundle of the FPPWFU01 water filter and PAULTRA2 air filter only. Households wanting the produce preservation components should look for the FRIGCOMBO7 or FRIGCOMBO12 listings instead.

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