How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators are available in different sizes and shapes. They can fit into tight spaces, including dorm rooms.
Certain models are compatible with smart devices. They allow you to monitor your fridge from afar and help you fix any issues that might arise. You can also utilize voice commands to control them.
Noise
Fridges make a wide range of noises when they're operating. Certain noises are more prominent than others. Before calling a refrigerator repair service, try to determine the source of any noises you hear.
Rattling
The fridge could rattle if there is not enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if it is positioned at an unlevel angle. It's easy to fix. You just need to ensure that there's at least two inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling screws or legs to raise or lower your fridge.
Hissing
When the compressor is cooling your food, it can produce a loud sound. This is a normal sound, and it's caused by the compressor oil or the flow of refrigerant flowing through the system. If you're concerned, note how often the compressor runs and call a fridge repair service immediately when it happens more often than normal.
Squeaking
The sound of refrigerators can be loud when the fan or coils are dirty. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your fridge, make use of a vacuum cleaner brush attachment, a rag, and dish soap or water and warm water to wash the fan and coils. It is important to clean the fridge twice a year and more frequently when your fridge is old or is used frequently.
Clicking
A click sound can also be heard from a refrigerator. It is usually due to ice around the freezer fan. This issue can be fixed by a manual defrost but is likely to occur again unless the issue is addressed by a professional service.
If you hear clicking, turn the fridge back on. The sound could also be caused by an Ice maker if you have one attached to your fridge, so be sure to ensure that it's turned off when you don't require an ice maker that is constantly running.
The hum of your refrigerator is normal. It can be louder during certain times of day, or after heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. This is because the refrigerator has to work harder and faster to keep your food cool, but it is not an indication of a problem with the fridge or its performance.
Dust
Dust in the house attracts dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms as well as traces from daily exposures to chemicals in the home. The tiny particles can trigger allergic reactions and inhalation and provide a perfect surface for microbes, such as those that may cause infection when they come into contact with a cut.
It's impossible to clean a fridge entirely, but cleaning regularly can help reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature more constant. A dirty refrigerator also consumes energy as it gets overheated and performs inefficiently. If your fridge is making more noise than normal or If you suspect that it is running out of energy due to overworking, it may be time to get it checked out.
In contrast to other airborne particles, dust doesn't simply drift in from outside as is often believed. It's made up of resuspended dust from your home, which can be contaminated by lead or other poisonous substances. It also contains mold, pollen and car exhaust. It also retains the legacy pollutants like DDT which were banned more than half a century ago.
Certain compounds, like flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether can be dissolved and released into the air, but the majority of chemicals found in dust from homes are transferred from one thing to another like by smashing fibers and small pieces of plastic off of electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.
A dusty refrigerator can negatively impact your health, not to mention the food you eat being contaminated. It could harbor allergens, such as pet dander and the droppings of cockroaches which can trigger asthma and allergies in a lot of people. It also contains bacteria spores like staphylococcus aureus, which could cause infections if they make their way into a wound.
Researchers have discovered that contaminated dust is linked to a wide range of health problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. A recent study showed that homes of children with leukemia were more likely to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PDEs and PCBs in their dust than the homes of healthy kids.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should be able to dissipate 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 appliance. This is why it's crucial to clean the coils regularly.
If you're looking to tackle the task yourself it is recommended you disconnect the refrigerator and turn off its power supply prior to starting. This can lower the risk of electrocuting yourself or family members while working on the appliance. It's also an excellent idea to wear a mask if you are sensitive to dust. You'll then have to locate the coils. They are usually located in the back of the refrigerator or, in certain cases, on the front and base. If you're not sure where to look go through your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.
After you've located the coils, take down the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them using the hose's narrow attachment or brushing them with a condenser cleaning brush. Be careful not to risk breaking or twisting the coils. Replace the kick panel or move the refrigerator to its position, then connect it to the electrical outlet.
If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, then you could always seek out an expert. It's cheaper and simpler to maintain the routine of cleaning to avoid the issue.
Maintenance
Refrigerators are durable appliances that keep running all day and night to cool your food. To help them do their job well, they need regular maintenance. Simple preventive maintenance will ensure that your machines run smoothly for many years.
Wipe down the door seals. The gaskets may become filled with jelly and other food items that stick and allow cool air to escape through tiny openings. Every few months, clean them down with a baking soda solution and warm water with a toothbrush or sponge.
The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is another place to check. It may be loud if it's blocked with paper, insulation or even a mouse. Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator and then remove all the parts that are removable. Clean the coils and the space surrounding them with an air cleaner and the hose attachment. Make sure you switch off the Fridge Freezer To Buy when you are finished.
You should check your owner's guide for information about where to locate the coils, the fan and what tools to clean it with. It's recommended to read the warranty carefully to make sure you understand what is and isn't covered.