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- Brand
- Frigidaire
- Buyer rating
- 4.4 out of 5
- Very positive, average of Amazon buyer ratings
If you are troubleshooting persistent refrigerator odors or your appliance control panel is flashing a replacement indicator, confirming whether the Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II is the correct filter for your cabinet is the critical first step. Modern refrigeration relies on forced-air circulation systems to move air across cooling coils and throughout the interior compartments. The PAULTRA2 air filter is engineered to sit directly within this active airstream, capturing volatile organic compounds, sulfur emissions, and food scents before they permeate open food items. Using the correct factory cartridge ensures air moves through the internal filter housing without bypass, maintaining optimal freshness across your fresh food and crisper compartments.
This technical breakdown reviews the exact specifications, form factor parameters, filtration mechanisms, and cross-model fitment for the PAULTRA2 cartridge, which is frequently packaged under the FRIGCOMBO13 designation alongside the PurePour PWF-1 water filter. We examine the physical dimensions, evaluate the active carbon media, clarify certified standards, and outline what to expect during routine maintenance cycles. By comparing factory design tolerances with standard aftermarket configurations, this guide provides the necessary data to determine whether this original equipment manufacturer replacement is the right choice for your appliance.
What You Get With the Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II
Distributed under the Electrolux manufacturer part number FRIGCOMBO13, this package serves as a complete environmental maintenance kit for compatible Frigidaire French door and side-by-side refrigerators. The combo kit targets both liquid dispensing quality and cabinet air freshness within a single scheduled maintenance cycle.
- PureAir Ultra II (PAULTRA2) active carbon refrigerator air filter designed for direct-airflow cabinet housings
- PurePour PWF-1 (FPPWFU01) carbon block replacement water filter designed to treat drinking water and ice supply lines
- Rigid molded plastic cartridge housing engineered to latch securely into factory slide-in internal filter brackets
- Factory retail packaging bearing UPC 012505472671 with documented manufacturer specifications and certification references
Key Specifications
| Specification Attribute | Manufacturer Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Frigidaire |
| Parent Manufacturer | Electrolux |
| Part / Model Number | FRIGCOMBO13 |
| Air Filter Component | PureAir Ultra II (PAULTRA2) |
| Water Filter Component | PurePour PWF-1 (FPPWFU01) |
| Package Dimensions (D x W x H) | 6.8″D x 11.5″W x 4″H |
| Material Construction | Molded Plastic Housing with Carbon Media |
| UPC | 012505472671 |
| Testing Certifications | NSF 42, NSF 53, NSF 401 |
| Kit Item Count | 1 Air Filter + 1 Water Filter (Combo Kit) |
Activated Carbon Filtration Mechanics and Odor Absorption
The primary engineering goal of the Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II is the active capture of gaseous odor molecules inside the enclosed refrigerator interior. Food storage environments inevitably accumulate volatile organic compounds produced by alliums, aged cheeses, fish, and decomposing produce. Rather than relying on passive odor absorbers that sit on a shelf and depend on ambient room currents, the PAULTRA2 installs into a specialized forced-air channel driven by the refrigerator’s internal circulation fan. This configuration pushes air through the microporous activated carbon bed, maximizing surface-area interaction and stripping airborne odorants on every cooling pass.
While standalone room air scrubbers such as the levoit core mini p manage high volumes of ambient dust and dander across an entire bedroom, an internal refrigerator filter operates under vastly different conditions. Temperatures inside the compartment stay between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by high relative humidity levels and cycling defrost states. Generic carbon paper elements frequently soften or warp when exposed to these conditions, causing airflow to route around the edges rather than through the media. The rigid plastic framework of the OEM PAULTRA2 holds the activated carbon substrate flat and rigid, ensuring that air cannot bypass the media bed during high-moisture cooling cycles.
Over time, the finite adsorption sites throughout the activated carbon structure become fully occupied by aromatic compounds. The listing indicates the filter’s primary benefit is to keep your fridge fresher longer, though the listing does not specify an exact hours-of-operation rating for the media alone. In standard residential operation, the carbon matrix generally reaches chemical saturation at approximately the six-month mark. Once saturated, the filter can no longer trap newly introduced sulfur or hydrocarbon molecules, making scheduled replacement essential to prevent volatile compounds from migrating into sensitive items like butter, milk, and open leftovers.
Cabinet Compatibility and Structural Fitment Requirements
A critical consideration when purchasing a replacement air filter is ensuring physical compatibility with your refrigerator’s designated mounting housing. The FRIGCOMBO13 retail packaging is listed with dimensions of 6.8 inches deep by 11.5 inches wide by 4 inches high, reflecting the outer cardboard packaging that encloses both the water filter cylinder and the flat air cartridge. The listing does not specify the individual, standalone millimeter dimensions of the bare PAULTRA2 cartridge. However, the air cartridge itself is a compact, rectangular plate designed specifically for modern Frigidaire and Electrolux slide-in compartments.
Verifying the mechanical profile is necessary because appliance manufacturers utilize different track configurations across product generations. Users researching the paultra2 air filter will find that its mounting tabs, perimeter thickness, and slide rails match the ceiling or rear-wall assemblies of newer French door and side-by-side models. A proper friction fit ensures that the cartridge clicks securely into position without rattling against the blower motor or dislodging when tall containers are moved on the upper shelves.
A frequent point of confusion is the distinction between the PAULTRA2 and the first-generation PAULTRA filter. Although both carry similar names, their physical shapes, clip locations, and exterior tab orientations are entirely different. The original PAULTRA utilizes a different housing geometry that will not accept the PAULTRA2 cartridge, and vice versa. Always check your appliance’s interior cabinet label or consult the model number in your user manual before ordering to confirm whether your refrigerator requires the PAULTRA or the updated PAULTRA2 platform.
Testing Certifications and Material Safety Standards
The product data specifies external testing certifications under NSF 42, NSF 53, and NSF 401 for the FRIGCOMBO13 kit. In residential water and air filtration, these standards provide third-party validation that the materials and performance claims meet established safety parameters. NSF 42 focuses on the reduction of aesthetic impurities such as chlorine taste and odor. NSF 53 evaluates structural integrity and the reduction of contaminants that present specific health risks, such as lead and microscopic cysts. NSF 401 assesses filtration efficacy against emerging compounds, including trace pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and microplastics.
These specific NSF certifications directly apply to the fluid pathways of the included PurePour PWF-1 water filter (FPPWFU01), but their presence on the complete kit highlights the manufacturing standards maintained by Electrolux. When producing food-contact and air-circulation components, original manufacturers must ensure that the molded plastic frame and carbon bonding agents do not release synthetic chemicals or plasticizers into the refrigerated compartment. Non-certified aftermarket filters may skip these quality protocols, potentially introducing chemical off-gassing into a sealed, chilled storage area.
Consumers who carefully compare filtration claims on home appliances, such as the blue air mini max for small-space air quality, understand that verified test standards separate functional media from cosmetic imitations. By choosing factory-certified OEM units, you guarantee that both the water dispensing mechanism and the air cleaning cycle operate within the exact performance and material safety tolerances established by the original appliance designers.
Installation Procedures and Operational Lifespan Tracking
Installing the PureAir Ultra II is an entirely mechanical process that requires no screwdrivers or specialized tools. The filter compartment is typically positioned in the upper rear section of the fresh food compartment or built into the door dairy frame, depending on your refrigerator’s layout. To replace the cartridge, open the hinged plastic filter housing door, remove the exhausted PAULTRA2 unit by sliding it out of its retaining tracks, and orient the new filter so the airflow indicator corresponds to the direction of internal fan circulation. Press the cartridge inward until the retention clips engage, then shut the housing door.
Unlike large whole-home purifiers such as the levoit vital 200s purifier that rely on optical particulate sensors, refrigerator control boards monitor filter life using a baseline run-time counter. The appliance does not have an optical sensor to measure physical carbon saturation. Consequently, after snapping the new PAULTRA2 into its housing, you must manually reset the monitoring circuit. On most Frigidaire display panels, this requires pressing and holding the “Air Filter Reset” or “Filter Reset” pad for 3 to 5 seconds until the status LED changes from red or amber back to green.
Because the FRIGCOMBO13 kit delivers both the PAULTRA2 air cartridge and the PWF-1 water filter, conducting both maintenance swaps during the same servicing session keeps your upkeep synchronized. Both water and air filters operate on standard six-month replacement cadences under normal household demand. Synchronizing these component changes prevents premature saturation of one filter while the other remains active, ensuring that both ice quality and cabinet air purity remain at peak factory performance.
Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II Pros and Cons
Pros
- Genuine Electrolux and Frigidaire OEM compatibility
- Active carbon media neutralizes refrigerator odors
- Includes NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified components
- Dual kit services both air and water filtration
- Tool-free slide-in cabinet installation
Cons
- Requires routine replacement every six months
- Incompatible with older first-generation PAULTRA slots
- Listing does not specify standalone filter dimensions
Is the Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II Worth It
The Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II is worth purchasing for homeowners with compatible Frigidaire or Electrolux refrigerators who want to maintain proper food preservation and eliminate odor transfer. Because the filter works in tandem with the refrigerator’s active circulation blower, it captures strong food scents far more effectively than passive baking soda containers. The OEM manufacturing ensures that the cartridge frame fits into the housing tracks with tight tolerances, preventing air from bypassing the carbon media.
For individuals who only need an air filter replacement while their water filter still has months of service remaining, purchasing this combo bundle may feel redundant. However, because both the PAULTRA2 and the PWF-1 share identical six-month replacement timelines, bundling them under the FRIGCOMBO13 part number simplifies regular appliance upkeep. If your refrigerator does not feature an active, fan-powered PAULTRA2 mounting bracket, this filter cannot be adapted as a standalone passive block and should not be purchased.
Ultimately, this factory OEM kit provides peace of mind through strict manufacturing oversight, verified NSF standards on the fluid side, and exact mechanical compatibility. For households that prioritize crisp produce, odor-free dairy products, and clean drinking water, maintaining the system with genuine Electrolux-engineered filters ensures that your refrigerator operates as designed.
FAQ
How often does the Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II air filter need to be replaced?
Under standard household operating conditions, the PAULTRA2 air filter should be replaced every six months. The appliance control panel is calibrated to track this interval, illuminating a reminder light when the activated carbon is expected to reach odor-absorption capacity.
Can I use the PureAir Ultra II in an older refrigerator that takes the original PAULTRA?
No, the PureAir Ultra II (PAULTRA2) is not backward-compatible with original PAULTRA housings. The PAULTRA2 uses a different rectangular profile, distinct clip placements, and unique guide tabs. Check your refrigerator user manual or the label on your existing filter to confirm which model your unit requires.
What items are included in the FRIGCOMBO13 bundle?
The FRIGCOMBO13 kit contains one PureAir Ultra II (PAULTRA2) refrigerator air filter and one PurePour PWF-1 (FPPWFU01) water filter cartridge. While promotional text sometimes references produce keepers, the specific listing components confirm a two-piece kit containing one air filter and one water filter.
Can the PAULTRA2 carbon air filter be washed and reinstalled?
No, the PAULTRA2 cannot be washed, rinsed, or vacuumed for reuse. The activated carbon uses microscopic pores to capture odor molecules. Exposing the media to water or detergents damages the carbon matrix, clogs the pore structure, and permanently eliminates its filtration capability.
What are the dimensions of the Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II kit?
According to the manufacturer listing, the package dimensions for the complete FRIGCOMBO13 kit measure 6.8 inches in depth, 11.5 inches in width, and 4 inches in height. The listing does not specify individual standalone dimensions for the bare air filter cartridge outside of its packaging.
What testing certifications does this filter kit carry?
The kit is certified under NSF 42, NSF 53, and NSF 401 standards. These certifications evaluate contaminant reduction, structural integrity, and aesthetic water quality across components manufactured by Electrolux.
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