How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Best Fridges come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight spaces, including dorm rooms.
Some models also sync with smart devices. You can monitor your fridge remotely and resolve issues when they arise. You can also utilize voice commands to manage them.
Noise
Refrigerators emit a wide variety of sounds when they are operating. Certain sounds are more noticeable than others. If you notice any of the sounds below find out the cause and look for a quick fix prior to calling a repair company for your fridge.
Rattling
The fridge may rumble if there is not enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if its sitting at an unlevel angle. It's simple to solve. It's just a matter of ensure that there is at least two inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling legs or screws to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.
Hissing
The compressor may hiss when cooling your food. This is a typical sound that is caused by the compressor fluid or refrigerant moving through the system. If you are concerned, keep track of how often the compressor runs. Call a fridge repair company immediately in the event that this occurs more often than usual.
Squeaking
The sound of refrigerators can be loud if the coils or fan are filthy. If you hear a squeaking sound from your fridge, make use of a vacuum cleaner brush attachment, a rag, and water or dish soap and warm water to clean the coils and fan. It is essential to do this every two years and more frequently when your fridge is old or is used frequently.
Clicking
Frigs can also produce click sounds typically 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.
The clicking can also occur when the fridge is shut off, so be sure to turn it back on when you hear this. If you have an ice maker attached the sound could be caused by it. Make sure to turn it off when aren't using ice regularly.
The hum coming from your fridge is normal. It may be more intense during certain times of day, or following heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, and therefore it has to work faster. This is not an indication of a problem.
Dust
Household dust is a magnet for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms and also traces of everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can trigger allergic reactions and inhalation and provide a perfect surface for microbes, including those that can cause infection if they come into direct contact with a cut.
Cleaning a refrigerator is impossible, but regular cleaning can help to reduce dust and keep an even temperature. A dirty fridge also wastes energy because it gets overheated and performs inefficiently. If you suspect that your fridge is making louder noises than normal, or is operating at a high rate of energy consumption due to its overwork It's probably time to call in experts.
Dust doesn't drift into the air from outside as it is thought to be. It's made up of resuspended dust from your home which could be contaminated by lead or other toxicants. It also contains mold, pollen, and car exhaust. It also contains pollutants from the past, such as DDT which was banned 50 years ago.
Certain compounds, such as flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether can be dissolved and released into the air, however the majority of chemicals found in dust in the house are transferred directly from one object to another like by throwing fibers and tiny bits of plastic off of 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 can harbor allergens, such as pet dander and the droppings of cockroaches which can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in many people. It may also contain bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that a wide range of health conditions are linked to dust pollution, ranging from heart disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia contained higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
When refrigerators are running properly, the coils on the back and front of the appliance should be able of dispersing the heat created by the compressor. If these radiator-like components are covered in pet hair, dust or lint, the compressor has to work hard trying to cool the refrigerator and wears down the appliance. This is why it's crucial to clean the coils regularly.
If you're planning to tackle the job yourself It is recommended that you unplug the refrigerator from its outlet and switch off the power source prior to starting. This can reduce the risk of electrocuting yourself or your family members while working on the appliance. It's also a good idea to wear a protective mask if you are sensitive to dust. Then, you'll need to find the coils. They are usually located at the rear of the fridge, or in front of the base of some models. If you're unsure of where to find them go through your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
Once you've located the coils, you'll have to take off the access panel, if there's one. You can then alternate between vacuuming the coils with an attachment for a narrow hose and then brushing them with a condenser brush to clean the coils. Take your time to avoid damaging or twisting the coils. After you're done, replace the kick panel or move the fridge to its position and plug it back into.
You can hire a professional if you're not comfortable doing it yourself. However, it's a lot cheaper and less trouble to keep up with the cleaning routine to avoid the issue from arising in the first place.
Maintenance
Refrigerators are powerful appliances that operate all day to cool down your food. They require regular maintenance to ensure they accomplish their task effectively. This simple preventive maintenance can keep them running smoothly for many years to come.
Wipe down the door seals. Gaskets can get filled with jelly and other sticky foods which allows air to escape through tiny gaps. Every few months, wipe them down with a baking soda solution and warm water using a sponge or toothbrush.
The fan at the rear of the refrigerator is another place to check. It can be loud if it's blocked by paper, insulation or even mouse. Remove the shelves, unplug the refrigerator and then remove all removable parts. Clean the coils and the area around them with the vacuum cleaner using a hose attachment. Make sure you turn the fridge back on when you're done.
It is recommended to consult the owner's manual to find out more on how to locate the coils and the fan and what sort of cleaning tools you might need. You should also review the warranty to be sure you are aware of the coverage.