How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators are available in a vast range of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight spaces, including dorm rooms.
Some models also connect to smart devices. They let you monitor your fridge remotely 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. Some of these sounds are more noticeable than others. Before calling a refrigerator repair service, you should determine the source of any noises you hear.
Rattling
The rattling of the fridge can happen when there's not enough space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's positioned at an unbalanced angle. It's not difficult to repair. It's just a matter of ensure that there's at least two inches between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or adjust the leveling legs or screws to raise or lower your fridge.
Hissing
The compressor may hiss when cooling your food. This is a normal sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid that is moving through the system. If you are concerned, keep track of the frequency at which the compressor cycles. Contact a refrigerator repair company right away if this happens more than normal.
Squeaking
The sound of refrigerators can be loud if the coils or fan are dirty. If you hear a squeaking sound coming from your fridge, make use of a vacuum cleaner brush attachment or a rag along with water or dish soap and warm water to wash the fan and coils. This should be done at least twice each year, or more often if your refrigerator is older or is heavily used.
Clicking
Frigs can also produce an ear-piercing sound, which is generally caused by ice accumulation around the freezer fan. Manual defrosting can resolve the issue but it could recur in the event that a professional is not called in.
Clicking can also happen when the fridge is shut off, so be sure to restart it if this occurs. If you have an ice maker connected, this sound can be caused by it. Make sure you switch it off when you are not using ice constantly.
The hum from your fridge is normal. It may be more intense during certain times of day, or following heavy stockings or intense freezer functions. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator has to work harder and faster to keep your food cool but it's not necessarily a sign of trouble with the fridge or its performance.
Dust
Dust from the household is a magnet for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms and also traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be breathed in and trigger allergic reactions and serve as an ideal environment for microbes to thrive including those that could cause infection when they come into contact with wounds that are open.
It's impossible to completely clean a fridge however, regular cleaning can reduce the accumulation of dust and keep the temperature constant. A fridge that is dirty uses up energy due to overheating, and is inefficient. If your fridge is producing more noise than usual or if you think it's working too hard it might be time to get it checked out.
Unlike other airborne particulates, dust doesn't just come in from outside as is often believed. It is made up of soil that has been resuspended from the home, which is often tainted with lead and other toxic substances, along with pollen, mold spores, and car exhaust. It also contains legacy pollutants like DDT, which was banned 50 years ago.
Some compounds, such as flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether are able to volatilize and enter the air, but the majority of chemicals found in dust from homes are transferred from one thing to another for example, by knocking fibers and minute 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.
Aside from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a dusty refrigerator can also affect your health. It could harbor allergens, such as pet dander and the droppings of cockroaches which can trigger asthma and allergies in many people. It also can contain bacterial spores, such as staphylococcus aureus, which can cause infections if they make their way into an open wound.
Researchers have discovered that contaminated dust is linked to a wide range of health conditions that include cardiovascular disease, cancer, leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children with 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. When these radiator-like components are covered with pet hair, dust or lint the compressor has to work hard trying to cool the refrigerator and wears down the unit. This is why it's crucial to regularly clean the coils.
If cheap fridges for sale planning to tackle the task yourself It is recommended that you unplug the refrigerator from its outlet and turn off its power supply prior to starting. This will reduce the chance of electrocuting yourself or your family members while working on the appliance. It's also recommended to wear a protective mask if you are sensitive to dust. The next step is to find the coils. The coils are typically located in the back of the refrigerator, or in some cases, at the front and base. Check the manual of your fridge or contact the manufacturer if aren't sure where they are.
After you've found the coils, take down the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them with the narrow hose attachment or brushing them with condenser cleaning brushes. Take your time to avoid damaging or twisting the coils. After you're done you can replace the kick panel or push the fridge back into position and plug it back into.
If you're not comfortable doing this by yourself, you can always hire a professional. But it's much cheaper and less hassle to keep up with the routine of cleaning to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are hard-working appliances that are running all day and night to cool your food. To help them do their job well, they need regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance can ensure that they are running smoothly for years to come.
A simple task is to clean the door seals. The gaskets may become clogged with jelly and other sticky food items which allows air to escape through tiny gaps. Wipe them down using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every few months.
The fan at the rear of the refrigerator is another location to look at. It can be noisy if it's blocked by insulation, paper and even mice (gasp). Remove the shelves, unplug the refrigerator and remove all the parts that are removable. Clean the coils and the area around them with the vacuum cleaner using a hose attachment. Make sure that you switch off the fridge when you're done.
It is recommended to check the owner's manual for details about where to locate the coils, the fan and what tools to clean it with. Also, you should read the warranty to make sure you are aware of the coverage.