How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Fridges come in a wide array of shapes and sizes. They can be a perfect fit in small places like dorms.

Certain models are compatible with smart devices. You can monitor your fridge remotely, and troubleshoot problems if they arise. You can also use voice commands to control them.

Noise

Fridges can make various sounds when running, some of which are more obvious than others. Before contacting a refrigerator repair service, try to identify the cause of any sounds you hear.

Rattling

The fridge can rattle when there's not enough space between it and the cabinet or wall or if it's sitting at an unlevel angle. It's easy to repair. It's just a matter of ensure that there's at least two inches between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling screws or legs to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.

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 flow of refrigerant through the system. If you are worried, keep track of how often the compressor cycles. Contact a refrigerator repair service 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 dirty. If you notice a fridge making squeaking sounds clean the coils or fan using a vacuum using a brush attachment, water and a rag, or just use dish soap and water. It's important to do this at least twice a year, or more often when your fridge is old or is used frequently.

Clicking

A click sound can also be heard from a refrigerator. This is usually caused by frozen air around the freezer fan. Manual defrosting can solve the issue but it could recur in the event that a professional is not called to assist.

The clicking can also occur when the fridge is turned off, so be sure to turn it back on when you hear this. This sound can also be caused by an ice maker if you have one installed to the fridge, so it's crucial to make sure that it's switched off when you don't need an ice maker that is constantly running.

The hum of your refrigerator is normal. It can be more pronounced during certain times of the day, or following heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. This is because the refrigerator has to perform more efficiently and faster to keep your food cool but it's not a sign of a problem with the fridge or its performance.

Dust

Household dust is an ideal habitat for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be inhaled and elicit allergic reactions, and serve as an ideal surface for microbes to colonize, including some that may cause infections when they come into contact with wounds that are open.

Cleaning a refrigerator isn't easy but regular cleaning can help reduce dust and keep an even temperature. A fridge that is dirty uses up energy because it overheats and is inefficient. If your refrigerator is making more noise than usual or If you suspect that it is running out of energy due to overworking, it may be time to get it checked out.

Dust doesn't drift into the air from outside as is often believed. It contains resuspended dirt from your home, which can be contaminated with lead or other poisonous substances. It also contains mold, pollen, and car exhaust. It also retains pollutant residues from the past, such as DDT that were banned decades ago.

Some compounds, such as flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether, volatilize and get into the air, but the majority of chemicals in house dust are transferred directly from one object to the next for example, 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.

A dirty refrigerator can adversely impact your health, in addition to contamination of food. 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 can also contain bacterial spores, such as staphylococcus aureus, that can cause infections if they make their way into wounds that are open.

Researchers have discovered that dust pollution is linked to a wide variety of health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. A recent study revealed that homes of children with leukemia were more likely to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PDEs and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy children.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators are functioning correctly, the coils 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 harder trying to cool the refrigerator, which wears down the appliance. This is why it's crucial to clean the coils regularly.

Before starting, disconnect and turn off the refrigerator's power supply. This can reduce the risk of electrocuting yourself or family members while working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust, it's recommended to wear a face mask. You will then 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 look go through your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.

After you've found the coils, take off the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them with the narrow hose attachment or brushing them with a condenser cleaning brush. Be cautious not to risk breaking or bent coils. Replace the kick panel, or put the refrigerator in place, and plug it in.

You can hire an expert if you're comfortable doing it yourself. But it's much cheaper and less hassle to simply keep up with the cleaning routine to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are tough-working appliances that run all day and night to cool your food. To make sure they are doing their job effectively they require regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance can ensure that they are running efficiently for many years to come.

Clean the door seals. Jelly and other foods that are sticky can build up and prevent the gaskets from securing tightly, allowing cool air to leak through tiny gaps. Every few months, wipe them clean using a baking soda solution and warm water with a sponge or toothbrush.

Another spot to check for problems is the fan at the back of the fridge. It can get noisy when it's clogged with paper, insulation or even mouse (gasp). Unplug the fridge and take it off all the shelves and take out any parts that are removable. Clean the coils and the space around them with an air cleaner and an attachment for a hose. Make sure to turn off the fridge back on when you're finished.

It is best to refer to your owner's manual for details about where to buy fridge freezer to find the coils and the fan and what kind of cleaning tools you might need. It's also a good idea to read the warranty thoroughly to make sure you understand what is and isn't covered.