How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators are available in different sizes and shapes. They can be fitted into small areas, like dorm rooms.
Some models also sync with smart devices. They allow you to monitor your fridge from afar and fix any issues that might arise. You can also control them using voice commands.
Noise
Refrigerators emit a wide variety of sounds when they're operating. Certain noises are more prominent than others. If you hear any of the sounds below, determine its origin and look for a fix before calling a fridge repair company.
Rattling
Fridge rattling can occur when there's no space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's placed at an uneven angle. This is a simple repair - all you need to do is ensure there's at least a few inches of space on each side and then adjust the legs of your fridge or leveling screws to lower or raise it in line with.
Hissing
The compressor could make a loud noise while cooling your food. This is a normal sound, and it is caused by the compressor's oil or the flow of refrigerant that is flowing through the system. If you're worried, count how often the compressor cycles and call a refrigerator repair service immediately in the event that it occurs more frequently than normal.
Squeaking
The refrigerator may sound loud if their coils or fans are filthy. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your fridge, use a vacuum cleaner brush attachment along with a rag and dish soap or water and warm water to wash the fan and coils. This should be done at least twice a year or more frequently when your refrigerator is old or is heavily used.
Clicking
Frigs can also make click sounds typically caused by ice buildup around the freezer fan. This can be solved with a manual defrost, but will likely return until the issue is resolved by a professional service.
It can also happen when the fridge is shut off, so make 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 are not using ice constantly.
The hum of your refrigerator is normal. It may get more intense during certain times of day, or after heavy stockings or intensive 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 a problem.
Dust
Household dust is a magnet 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 serve as an ideal place for microbes to grow and, in some cases, cause infections if they come into contact with wounds that are open.
It's impossible to completely clean a fridge, but cleaning regularly can reduce the accumulation of dust and keep the temperature stable. A dirty refrigerator also consumes energy because it overheats and is inefficient. If your fridge is producing more noise than normal or If you suspect that it is wasting energy by overworking it might be time to get it checked.
Dust does not drift into the air from outside as it is thought to be. It contains resuspended dirt from the home which could be contaminated with 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 more than 50 years ago.
Certain compounds, like flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether, volatilize and get into the air, however the majority of chemicals in house dust are transferred directly from one object to another, such as by people throwing fibers and tiny bits of plastic off 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 smoky fridge can also be detrimental to your health. It could harbor allergens like pet dander and cockroach droppings that can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It may also contain bacteria-related spores like staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that dust contamination is linked to a wide variety of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. Recent research has revealed that the dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia had higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
When refrigerators are running properly, the coils located on the back and front of the appliance are supposed to be able to disperse the heat created by the compressor. If these radiator-like components are covered with dust, pet hair or lint the compressor has to work overtime trying cool the refrigerator and wears down the unit. That's why it's so important to keep the coils clean.
If you're planning to do the work yourself It is recommended that you disconnect the refrigerator and switch off the power source prior to beginning. This can lower the risk of electrocuting yourself or your family members while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust it is an ideal idea to wear a mask for your face. Then, you'll need to locate the coils. The coils are typically located at the back of the refrigerator, or in certain cases, on 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 information.
After you've located the coils, take off the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them with the narrow hose attachment or brushing them using condenser cleaning brushes. Be careful not to risk damaging or bent coils. After that take the kick panel off, replace it or move the fridge to its position and plug it back into.
You can employ an expert if you're confident in doing it yourself. But it's much cheaper and less of a hassle to just keep up with the routine of cleaning to prevent the problem from arising in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are powerful appliances that run throughout the day to cool your food. They require regular maintenance to enable them to do their job effectively. This simple preventive maintenance will keep them running smoothly for many years to come.
A simple task is to clean the door seals. Gaskets can get clogged with jelly and other sticky foods which allows cool air to escape through tiny openings. Every few months, clean them clean using a baking soda solution and warm water using the toothbrush or sponge.
Another spot to look for issues is the fan at the back of the fridge. It can become noisy when it's blocked with insulation, paper and even a mouse (gasp). Remove the shelves, unplug the refrigerator and remove all removable parts. Clean the coils as well as the area surrounding them using a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment. Make sure to turn off the fridge off when you're finished.
It's Best Fridges to check the owner's manual to find out more on how to locate the fan and coils and what kind of cleaning tools you might need. It's also a good idea to read through the warranty carefully to ensure you understand what is and isn't covered.