How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Fridges are available in many different sizes and shapes. They can fit in tight spaces, such as dorms.

Certain models are compatible with smart devices. You can also monitor your fridge from afar and fix any issues if they arise. You can also use voice commands to control them.

Noise

Refrigerators emit a wide variety of sounds when they're operating. Certain noises are more obvious than others. Before contacting a refrigerator repair service, you should identify the cause of any noises you hear.

Rattling

The sound of a refrigerator rattling could be caused by there's no space between the fridge freezer collection and wall or cabinet, or if it's sitting at an uneven angle. This is easy to solve - all you have to do is make sure there's at least a couple of inches of space on each side, and adjust the fridge legs or leveling screws to lower or raise it accordingly.

Hissing

The compressor could make a loud noise while cooling your food. 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, keep track of how often the compressor cycles. Contact a refrigerator repair company right away in the event that this occurs more often than normal.

Squeaking

Fridges may be noisy when their fans or coils are filthy. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your fridge, make use of the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner along with a rag and dish soap or water along with warm water to clean the fan and coils. It is recommended to do this twice every year or more often when your refrigerator is old or is heavily used.

Clicking

Frigs can also produce a clicking sound that is usually caused by ice buildup around the freezer fan. Defrosting by hand can fix the problem, but it will return in the event that a professional is not called in.

If you hear clicking, switch the fridge back on. If you have an ice maker attached the sound could be caused by it. Make sure you turn it off when you aren't using ice regularly.

The hum of your refrigerator is normal, and it can be a bit more pronounced at certain times of the day or after large stockings or intensive freezing functions. This is because the refrigerator has to perform more efficiently and faster to keep your food cool, but it is not necessarily a sign of trouble with the refrigerator or its performance.

Dust

Dust in the house is an excellent magnet for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms as well as the traces of chemical exposures that are commonplace in the household. The tiny particles can cause allergic reactions and respiratory irritation and are a perfect substrate for microbes, such as those that may cause infection if they come into direct contact with an open cut.

Cleaning a refrigerator is not easy however regular cleaning can help to reduce dust and maintain the temperature at a constant level. A dirty fridge also wastes energy because it gets overheated and performs inefficiently. If your fridge is producing more noise than usual, or If you suspect that it is running out of energy due to overworking, it may be time to have it checked.

In contrast to other airborne particles, dust doesn't just drift in from outside as is often believed. It's made up of resuspended dust from your home, which can be contaminated with lead or other toxic substances. 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, are able to be dissolved into the air. But the majority of chemicals in dust are derived from objects that are knocked off, such as electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.

A soiled refrigerator can impact your health, not to mention contamination of food. It can contain allergens like pet dander and the droppings of cockroaches, which can trigger asthma and allergic reactions for many people. It can also contain bacterial spores, such as staphylococcus aureus, which could cause infections if they make their way into a wound.

Researchers have discovered that a wide range of health issues are linked to dust pollution, ranging from heart disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children who had leukemia had higher levels of PCBs as well as PBDEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils on the back and front of the appliance should be able to dissipate the heat created by the compressor. But when these radiator-like parts are covered in dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor is forced to work overtime trying to cool the fridge, and eventually wears down the unit. It is essential to clean your coils regularly.

Before you begin, unplug and fridges turn off the refrigerator's power source. This will decrease the chance that you or your family members may be electrocuted while working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust it's recommended to wear a face mask. You will then need to find the coils. These are typically at the rear of the fridge or fridges on the front, across the base in some units. Refer to the manual for your fridge or contact the manufacturer if aren't sure where they are.

Once you've located the coils, you'll need to remove the access panel if there is one. You can then alternate between vacuuming the coils with an hose attachment that is narrow and rubbing them with a condenser coil cleaning brush. Be cautious not to risk damaging or twisting the coils. Replace the kick panel or move the refrigerator to its the correct position, and then plug it in.

You can employ an expert if you're not confident in doing it yourself. It's cheaper and less trouble to just keep up with the cleaning routine to avoid the issue from happening in the first place.

Maintenance

Fridges are hard-working appliances that run all day and night to cool your food. To help them do their job effectively, they need regular maintenance. Simple preventive maintenance can ensure that your machines are running efficiently for a long time.

Clean the door seals. Gaskets can get clogged with jelly and other sticky foods which allows air to escape through tiny openings. Clean them using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every couple of months.

The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is another spot to check. It can get noisy when it's clogged with paper, insulation or even a mouse (gasp). Unplug the fridge and take it off all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners with hose attachments can be used to clean the coils as well as the surrounding area. Make sure that you turn the fridge on again 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 may require. You should also read the warranty to make sure you are aware of the coverage.