How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Fridges are available in many different sizes and shapes. They can be tucked away in tight spaces, such as dorm rooms.
Certain models can be used with smart devices. They let you monitor your fridge from afar and troubleshoot any problems that might occur. You can also make use of voice commands to control them.
Noise
Refrigerators produce a variety of noises while they're operating. Certain sounds are more noticeable than others. Before contacting a refrigerator repair service, try to identify the cause of any noises you hear.
Rattling
Fridge rattling can occur when there's no space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's positioned at an unbalanced angle. This is a simple repair - all you need to do is make sure there's at least a few inches of space on each side, and adjust the legs of the fridge or leveling screws to lower or
kitchen fridge raise it accordingly.
Hissing
The compressor could make a loud noise while cooling your food. This is normal, and it's caused by the compressor's oil or flow of refrigerant through the system. If you're concerned, time how often the compressor cycles and call an emergency repair service for your fridge in the event that it occurs more often than normal.
Squeaking
Fridges can be noisy if the coils or fan are dirty. If you hear a squeaking sound from your
Kitchen Fridge, use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner or a rag along with water or dish soap and warm water to clean the fan and coils. This should be done at least twice a year or more frequently in the case of older refrigerators or used a lot.
Clicking
A click sound can be heard from a refrigerator. This is usually due to freezing around the fan of the freezer. This can be solved by a manual defrost but is likely to occur again until the issue is resolved by a service expert.
If you hear clicking, switch the fridge back on. If you have an ice maker installed the sound could be caused by it. Make sure you turn it off when you aren't using ice regularly.
The hum of your fridge is normal, and it may be louder during certain times of the day or after large stockings or intensive freezing functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, so it is working faster. This isn't an indication of any issue.
Dust
Dust from the household is an excellent magnet for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms as well as the traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can trigger allergic reactions and inhalation and provide a perfect surface for microbes, which includes those that could cause infection when they come into contact with a cut.
It's impossible to clean a
top mount fridge completely but regular cleaning will help to reduce dust build-up and help keep the temperature stable. A dirty fridge wastes energy because it overheats and is inefficient. If you suspect that your fridge is making louder noises than usual, or if it's wasting power by overworking itself is it time to call in the professionals.
Dust doesn't float into the air from outside as is often believed. It contains resuspended soil from your home that is often contaminated with lead and other toxicants in addition to pollen, mold spores and car exhaust. It also has pollutant residues from the past, such as DDT that were banned half a century ago.
Some compounds, like flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether, are able to be dissolved into the air. However, the majority substances found in dust originate from objects that are knocked off, like electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.
Apart from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a smoky refrigerator can also affect your health. It could harbor allergens like pet dander and cockroach droppings that can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It also contains bacteria spores, such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that a variety of health conditions can be traced to dust pollution, ranging from cardiovascular disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory bowel diseases. Recent research has revealed that the dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia contained higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils on the back and front of the appliance are supposed to disperse the heat produced by the compressor. If these radiator-like components are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor is forced to work hard trying to cool the refrigerator, which reduces the efficiency of the unit. It's important to regularly clean your coils.
If you're looking to tackle the task yourself, it is recommended that you unplug the refrigerator from its outlet and switch off the power source prior to starting. This can reduce the risk of electrocuting yourself and your family members when working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust, it's an ideal idea to wear a mask for your face. You'll then have to locate the coils. They are usually located at the back of the refrigerator, or in some cases, at the front and base. Refer to the manual for your fridge or contact the manufacturer if aren't sure where to find them.
Once you've located the coils, you will need to remove the access panel if you have one and then alternate between vacuuming the coils with an hose attachment that is narrow and then brushing them with a condenser brush to clean 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 place, and connect it to the electrical outlet.
If you're not confident doing it yourself, you can always employ a professional. But it's much cheaper and less of a hassle to keep up with the routine of cleaning to avoid the issue from occurring in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are powerful appliances that run throughout the day to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to enable them to accomplish their task effectively. Simple preventive maintenance can keep your machines running smoothly for a long time.
Wipe down the door seals. The gaskets can become filled with jelly and other sticky food items, allowing cool air to escape through tiny openings. Wipe them down using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every couple of months.
Another spot to check for issues is the fan at the back of the fridge. It can become noisy when it's blocked by paper, insulation or even mice (gasp). Remove the shelves, unplug the refrigerator and then remove all the parts that are removable. Clean the coils as well as the area around them with the vacuum cleaner using a hose attachment. Make sure to turn off the fridge back on after you're finished.
It is recommended to check the owner's manual for information about where to locate the coils, the fan and what tools for cleaning you might require. It's recommended to read the warranty thoroughly, to be sure you know what's covered and what isn't covered.
