Frank wrote:

Bought new whirlpool frig only to discover operating cost will be
hundreds of dollars per year more than my 15 yo GE because water
filter needs to be replaced monthly... they really stick it to
consumers in the price for the filters... it far outweighs energy
cost savings claimed for newer frigs. This ripoff is not mentioned
in features described in sales materials.

You do NOT have to replace the water filter monthly! I replace mine
every year or so.