How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Fridges come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They can be a perfect fit in small spaces including dorms.
Certain models are compatible with smart phones. You can also monitor your fridge from afar and resolve issues in the event of an issue. You can also make use of voice commands to control them.
Noise
Refrigerators can produce many different sounds while operating, some of which are more noticeable than others. If you hear any of the noises below identify the source and look for a fix before calling a repair service for your fridge.
Rattling
Fridge rattling can occur when there's not enough space between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or if it's positioned at an unbalanced angle. It's simple to solve. You just need to ensure that there is at least a couple of inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or adjust the leveling legs or screws to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.
Hissing
The compressor could make a loud noise while cooling your food. This is a normal sound and it's caused by the compressor oil or the flow of refrigerant through the system. If you're concerned, note how often the compressor cycles and call a fridge repair service immediately when it happens more frequently than normal.
Squeaking
The refrigerator may sound loud when their fans or coils are filthy. If you notice a fridge making noises clean the coils or fan using a vacuum cleaner using a brush attachment, water and a rag, or use dish soap and water. It is recommended to do this twice every year or more often if your refrigerator is older or used a lot.
Clicking
A clicking sound can be heard from a fridge. It is usually due to ice around the freezer fan. Manual defrosting can solve the issue, but it will return unless a professional is called to assist.
Clicking can also happen when the fridge is turned off, so make sure to switch it back on in the event that this happens. The sound could also be caused by an ice maker if there is one installed to your fridge, so be sure to ensure that it's turned off when you don't need ice continuously.
The hum coming from your fridge is normal. It may get more intense during certain times of day, or following heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. This is because the refrigerator has to perform more efficiently and faster to keep your food cool however it isn't a sign of a problem with the refrigerator or its performance.
Dust
Dust in the house attracts dirt, bacteria, and other microorganisms as well as traces of the everyday exposure to chemicals in our homes. The tiny particles can be breathed in and elicit allergic reactions, and provide a perfect environment for microbes to thrive and, in some cases, cause infections if they come into contact with an open wound.
Cleaning a refrigerator is not easy but regular cleaning can help to reduce dust and ensure a more constant temperature. A dirty fridge is a waste of energy because it overheats and is inefficient. If you suspect that your fridge is making louder noises than normal, or is wasting power by overworking itself, it might be time to call in the professionals.
Dust doesn't drift into the air from the outside as is often believed. It contains resuspended soil from your home that is often contaminated with lead and other toxic substances, along with pollen, mold spores and car exhaust. It also contains pollutants from the past, such as DDT, which was banned 50 years ago.
Some compounds, like flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether, are able to be dissolved into the air. But cheap fridge for sale of chemicals in dust are derived from objects that are thrown off, such as electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.
In addition to contaminating food items in the refrigerator, a dusty fridge can also be detrimental to your health. It could harbor allergens like pet dander and cockroach droppings that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It may also contain bacteria spores, such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that a range of health conditions are linked to dust contamination, from heart disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory bowel diseases. A recent study revealed that the homes of children diagnosed with leukemia were more likely to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the PBDEs, and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy kids.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are operating correctly, the coils on the back and front of the appliance should help disperse the heat produced by the compressor. If these radiator-like components are covered in pet hair, dust or lint, the compressor is forced to work hard trying to cool the refrigerator and wears down the unit. It's important to regularly clean your coils.
Before you begin, unplug and turn off the refrigerator's power source. This can lower the risk of electrocuting yourself or your family members while working on the appliance. It's also a good idea to wear a mask if are sensitive to dust. The next step is to find the coils. The coils are typically located in the back of the refrigerator or, in some instances, at the front and base. If you're unsure of where to locate them go through your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.
Once you've located the coils, take off the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them using the hose attachment that is narrow or brushing them using a condenser cleaner brush. It is important to be patient when doing this to avoid bending or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel or push the refrigerator into position, then connect it to the electrical outlet.
If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, then you could always seek out an expert. But it's much cheaper and less hassle to simply keep up with the cleaning routine to prevent the problem from arising in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are hard-working appliances that are running all day and night to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to enable them to accomplish their task effectively. This simple preventive maintenance can ensure that they are running smoothly for years to come.
One easy thing to do is to wipe down the door seals. The gaskets may become blocked by jelly and other sticky food items, allowing air to escape through tiny openings. Clean them off with a solution of baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every few months.
Another spot to check for problems is the fan at the back of the fridge. It can get noisy when it's blocked by paper, insulation or even mice (gasp). Unplug the fridge and take it off all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Clean the coils as well as the area surrounding them using the vacuum cleaner using the hose attachment. Make sure to turn off the fridge back on when you're finished.
It is recommended to check the owner's manual for details about where to locate the coils, the fan and the cleaning tools you may need. It's also a good idea to read the warranty thoroughly to ensure you know what's covered and what isn't covered.