How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators come in an range of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight areas, like dorm rooms.
Some models can also sync with smart devices. You can also monitor your fridge from afar and resolve issues in the event of an issue. You can also control them with voice commands.
Noise
Refrigerators can produce various sounds when operating, some of which are more prominent than others. Before calling a repair service, try to identify the cause of any noises you hear.
Rattling
The fridge can rattle 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 make sure there are at least two inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling legs or screws 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 is caused by the compressor oil or the flow of refrigerant through the system. If you are concerned you are concerned, track how often the compressor runs. Contact a repair company right away if this happens more than normal.
Squeaking
Fridges may be noisy if their coils or fans are filthy. If you notice your fridge making a squeaking sound clean the coils or fan using a vacuum cleaner using a brush attachment, water and a rag, or just use dish soap and water. It is important to clean the fridge twice a year and more frequently in the case of a fridge that is older or frequently used.
Clicking
A click sound can be heard from a refrigerator. This is usually due to ice around the freezer fan. This can be solved with a manual defrost, but will likely return in the event that the issue is not addressed by a professional service.
If you hear clicking, turn the fridge back on. If you have an ice maker installed to your fridge, this sound could be caused by it. Make sure under counter fridge turn it off when you aren't using ice regularly.
The hum of your fridge is normal, but it can be a bit more pronounced at certain times of the day or after large stockings or intensive freezing processes. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, so it will work more quickly. This isn't an indication of any issue.
Dust
Household dust attracts dirt, bacteria, and other microorganisms and traces of everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions and serve as an ideal environment for microbes to thrive including those that could cause infections if they come in contact with an open wound.
It's impossible to clean a fridge entirely but regular cleaning will help to reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature constant. A dirty fridge is a waste of energy due to overheating, and is inefficient. If you suspect your fridge is producing louder sounds than usual, or if it's wasting power by overworking itself is it time to call the professionals.
Dust doesn't drift into the air from the outside as is commonly thought. It is made up of resuspended dirt from the house, which can be contaminated with lead or other toxicants. It also contains pollen, mold, and car exhaust. It also retains legacy pollutants such as DDT which were banned more than half 100 years ago.
Some compounds, like flame retardants like decabromodiphenylether, volatilize into the air. However, the majority of chemicals in dust are derived from objects that have been knocked off, like 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 negatively affect your health. It can harbor allergens like pet dander and droppings from cockroaches, which can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It also contains bacteria spores, like staphylococcus aureus, which could cause infections if they find their way into an open wound.
Researchers have discovered that dust pollution is associated with a wide range of health conditions that include cancer, cardiovascular disease, leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. A recent study found that homes of children diagnosed with leukemia had higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PBDEs and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy kids.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils that are on the front and back of the appliance are supposed to disperse the heat generated by the compressor. But if these radiator-like parts are covered with pet hair, dust, or lint, the compressor works all day long trying to cool the fridge but ends up wearing down the appliance. It is important to regularly clean your coils.
Before you begin, unplug and turn off the refrigerator's power supply. This can lower the risk of electrocuting yourself or family members when working on the appliance. It is also an excellent idea to wear a mask if are sensitive to dust. The next step is to locate the coils. These coils are usually located at the back of the refrigerator or, in some instances, at the front and base. Refer to the manual for your fridge or contact the manufacturer if you don't know where they are.
Once you've located the coils, you'll need to remove the access panel if there is one. Then, alternate between vacuuming the coils with an hose attachment that is narrow and then brushing them with a condenser brush for cleaning the coils. It's important to be patient when doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel or push the refrigerator into the correct position, and then connect it to the electrical outlet.
You can engage an expert if you're not at ease doing it yourself. It's less expensive and easier to maintain the cleaning routine in order to prevent the problem.
Maintenance
Fridges are powerful appliances that run throughout the day to cool your food. To help them do their jobs well, they need regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance can ensure that they are running efficiently for many years to come.
Wipe down the door seals. Jelly and other food items that stick can build up and prevent the gaskets from securing tightly, letting cool air seep through tiny gaps. Clean them using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every few months.
The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is a different location to look at. It can be loud if it's blocked by paper, insulation or even mouse. Unplug the fridge and take it off all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners that have connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils as well as the area around them. Be sure to turn the fridge off when you're done.
You should check your owner's guide for information about where to locate the coils, the fan, and what cleaning tools you may need. It is also recommended to go through the warranty to make sure you know what's covered.