Frigidaire PAULTRA2 Air Filter Installation and Freshness Tips

The Essential Guide to the Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II PAULTRA2 Air Filter: Freshen Up Your Fridge


You open your refrigerator door expecting a crisp, clean environment, but instead, you're greeted by a wave of last night's garlic bread, a hint of onion, and something unidentifiable. You've cleaned the shelves, thrown out the old leftovers, and tried a box of baking soda, but the smell persists. The problem might not be your cleaning habits; it might be an overlooked component you never knew existed: your refrigerator's air filter.

For millions of Frigidaire, Electrolux, and Kenmore owners, the solution is the Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II Air Filter (Model PAULTRA2).

It's not a water filter. It's an advanced air purification system hidden inside your fridge, working silently to eliminate odors and slow food spoilage. If you're battling stubborn smells or notice your produce wilting too quickly, this guide is for you. We'll explore what the PureAir Ultra II filter does, why it's a game-changer for kitchen freshness, and how a simple, affordable replacement can restore your refrigerator's pristine condition.

What is the Frigidaire PureAir Ultra 2 Air Filter and What Does It Do?

The Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II is an activated carbon air filter designed specifically for the refrigerator compartment. Think of it as a high-tech version of the classic baking soda box, but far more powerful and effective.

Its primary mission is twofold:

Advanced Odor Elimination

Unlike baking soda, which merely masks odors, the PureAir Ultra II uses a large volume of highly porous activated carbon to adsorb odor molecules. This means the carbon acts like a microscopic sponge, trapping and holding smells from a wide variety of foods, including:

  • Onions and Garlic
  • Fish and Seafood
  • Strong Cheeses
  • Leftovers
  • Spoiled Milk

Continuous scrubbing of the air inside your fridge prevents these odors from circulating and being absorbed by other foods. Your milk won't taste like onion, and your dessert won't smell like salmon.

Ethylene Gas Absorption for Fresher Produce

This is the feature that truly sets it apart. Many fruits and vegetables (like apples, avocados, bananas, and tomatoes) release a natural hormone called ethylene gas as they ripen.

In the enclosed space of your refrigerator, this gas builds up and acts as a ripening agent, causing your entire produce drawer to spoil faster. The PureAir Ultra II filter is designed to absorb ethylene gas, effectively slowing down the ripening process. This means:

  • Leafy greens stay crisp for days longer.
  • Berries resist molding.
  • Bell peppers and cucumbers maintain their firmness.

The result is less food waste and more time to enjoy fresh, healthy produce.

Do You Need One? PAULTRA2 Filter Compatibility Guide

The Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II (PAULTRA2) is not a universal fit. It is designed for specific models that have a dedicated air filter slot, typically located on the back wall or ceiling of the refrigerator compartment.

This filter is compatible with a vast range of modern refrigerators from several brands, including:

  • Frigidaire Gallery, Professional, and Series models
  • Electrolux
  • Kenmore

How to Check if Your Fridge is Compatible:

  1. Look for a Filter Slot: Open your refrigerator. On the back wall, near the top, or on the ceiling, look for a small, rectangular door or panel that says "Air Filter" or "PureAir."
  2. Check Your Owner's Manual: The manual will list the exact replacement filter model number.
  3. Look at the Old Filter: If there's already a filter in place, carefully remove it (usually by twisting or pulling) and check the part number printed on it. If it says PAULTRA2 or a previous version like PureAir, you have your match.

4 Clear Signs It's Time to Replace Your Air Filter

Frigidaire recommends replacing the PureAir Ultra II filter every 6 to 12 months, but your nose and your food will give you clear signals.

  1. Persistent Odors: This is the number one sign. If you can't get rid of a smell even after a thorough cleaning, the activated carbon in the filter is saturated and can no longer trap new odor molecules.
  2. Produce Spoils Quickly: If your lettuce wilts, herbs droop, or berries get moldy within a few days, ethylene gas is likely building up unchecked. A new filter will absorb this gas and extend the life of your fruits and vegetables.
  3. The "Replace Air Filter" Light is On: Many newer models have an indicator light on the control panel. Don't ignore this helpful reminder!
  4. It's Been Over a Year: If you can't remember the last time you changed it, it's well past due. Set a calendar reminder for 6 or 12 months when you install the new one.

How to Replace Your Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II Air Filter in 3 Easy Steps

Replacing the filter is one of the simplest and most satisfying home maintenance tasks. It takes less than 60 seconds.

What You'll Need:

  • A new Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II (PAULTRA2) air filter.

Simple Installation Guide:

  • Locate and Open the Filter Housing: Open your refrigerator door. Find the air filter compartment on the back wall or ceiling. Press the tab or gently push on the side of the cover to release it, then pull the cover open.
  • Remove the Old Filter and Insert the New One: Simply pull the old filter straight out. Take your new PULTRA2 filter out of its packaging and remove any protective tape from the ends. Slide the new filter into the slot with the grip handle facing out, making sure it's fully seated.
  • Close the Housing and Reset the Indicator: Close the filter cover until it clicks into place. Finally, if your model has an electronic indicator light, reset it. This usually involves pressing and holding the "Filter Reset" or "Air Filter" button on the control panel for 3-5 seconds. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.

That's it! Your refrigerator's air purification system is now active again.

Conclusion: A Small Investment for a Fresher, More Efficient Kitchen

The Frigidaire PureAir Ultra II Air Filter is a small component that makes a massive difference in your daily kitchen experience. It's the key to solving the age-old problems of refrigerator odors and food spoilage. By investing in a genuine replacement every six months to a year, you can:

  • Eliminate stubborn odors for good.
  • Reduce food waste by keeping produce fresher, longer.
  • Protect the flavor of your delicate foods.
  • Maintain your appliance's efficiency.

Stop masking odors and start eliminating them at the source.

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