How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators come in an range of shapes and sizes. They can be tucked away in tight areas, like dorm rooms.
Certain models are compatible with smart devices. They allow you to monitor your fridge from afar and fix any issues that may occur. You can also make use of voice commands to control them.
Noise
Refrigerators can emit many different sounds while operating, and some are more obvious than others. If you notice any of the noises below find out the cause and search for a quick fix before calling a repair company for your fridge.
Rattling
Fridge rattling can occur when there's not enough space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or when it's placed at an uneven angle. It's easy to repair. It's all you need to do is make sure there are at least a couple of inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or adjust the leveling screws or legs to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.
Hissing
The compressor can make a noise when cooling your food. This is a normal sound and it is caused by the compressor oil or flow of refrigerant flowing through the system. If you're concerned, keep track of how often the compressor cycles. Call a fridge repair company immediately in the event that this occurs more often than normal.
Squeaking
Refrigerators can be noisy when their fans or coils are filthy. If you notice that your fridge is making noises clean the coils or fan with a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a rag and water, or simply use dish soap and water. It is essential to do this twice a year, or more often if your fridge is older or frequently used.
Clicking
Frigs can also produce click sounds, which is generally caused by the accumulation of ice around the freezer fan. Defrosting by hand can fix the issue however it is likely to recur unless a professional is called in.
It can also happen when the fridge is turned off, so make sure to switch it back on when you hear this. If you have an ice maker connected to your fridge, this sound could be caused by it. Make sure to switch it off when you are not using ice constantly.
The hum from your fridge is normal. It may get louder during certain times of day, and also after heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, which means it has to work faster. This isn't an indication of any issue.
Dust
Dust in the house is an ideal habitat for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms and also traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be breathed in and elicit allergic reactions, and provide a perfect surface for microbes to colonize, including some that may cause infections when they come in contact with wounds that are open.
It's impossible to clean a fridge entirely but regular cleaning can reduce the accumulation of dust and keep the temperature consistent. A dirty refrigerator also consumes energy because it overheats and is inefficient. If you suspect that your refrigerator is making louder noises than normal, or is wasting power by overworking itself It's probably time to call the experts.
Dust doesn't float into the air from outside as it is thought to be. It's made up of resuspended dust from your home, which can be contaminated by lead or other toxicants. It also contains pollen, mold and car exhaust. It also contains legacy pollutants like DDT which was banned over 50 years ago.
Some compounds, such as flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether, volatilize and get into the air, but the majority of chemicals in dust in the house are transferred directly from one thing to another for example, by smashing fibers and small pieces of plastic off electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.
fridge on sale can negatively affect your health, as well as contaminating food. It can harbor allergens like pet dander or droppings from cockroaches, which can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It also can contain bacteria spores like staphylococcus aureus, that can cause infections if they make their way into a wound.
Researchers have discovered that a range of health issues are linked to dust contamination, from cardiovascular disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory bowel diseases. Recent research has revealed that the dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia contained higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators function correctly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should help disperse the heat produced by the compressor. However, when these radiator-like components are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor works all day long trying to cool the fridge but eventually wears down the unit. That's why it's important to regularly clean the coils.
Before starting, disconnect and shut off the refrigerator's power supply. This will reduce the chance of electrocuting yourself or your family members when working on the appliance. It is also a good idea to wear a mask if are sensitive to dust. Then, you'll have to find the coils. These coils are usually located in the back of the refrigerator or, in some cases, at the front and base. If you're unsure of where to find them, consult your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.
Once you've located the coils, you'll have to take off the access panel if there is one. You can then alternate between vacuuming the coils using an attachment for a narrow hose and brushing them with a condenser brush to clean the coils. Take your time to avoid breaking or bending the coils. Replace the kick panel or put the refrigerator in place, and connect it to the electrical outlet.
If you're not confident doing this by yourself, you could always seek out a professional. However, it's a lot cheaper and less of a hassle to keep up with the routine of cleaning to stop the problem from happening in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are powerful appliances that work all day to cool down your food. To make sure they are doing their jobs well, they need regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance can keep them running smoothly for years to come.
One simple thing to do is clean the door seals. Jelly and other sticky foods can accumulate and block the gaskets from securing tightly, allowing cool air to leak through tiny cracks. Every few months, clean them down with a baking soda solution and warm water using a toothbrush or sponge.
The fan at the rear of the refrigerator is another location to look at. It can be noisy if it's been clogged up with insulation, paper or even mouse. Remove the shelves, unplug the refrigerator, and take out any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners equipped with attachments for hoses can be used to clean the coils and the area surrounding them. Be sure to turn the fridge back on after you're done.
You should check your owner's guide for information on where to find the coils, the fan, and what tools to clean it with. It's also a good idea to read the warranty thoroughly to make sure you know what is and isn't covered.