How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators are available in different sizes and shapes. They can fit in tight spaces, such as dorms.
Certain models also sync with smart devices. You can also monitor your fridge from afar, and troubleshoot problems when they arise. You can also control them with voice commands.
Noise
Fridges can make a variety of sounds while running, some of which are more noticeable than others. Before calling a repair company, try to identify the source of any noises 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 solve - all you have to do is ensure there's at least a couple of inches of space on either side and then adjust the legs of the fridge or leveling screws to lower or raise it accordingly.
Hissing
The compressor could make a loud noise while cooling your food. This is a common sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid that is moving through the system. If you are concerned be aware of how often the compressor runs. Contact a refrigerator repair service immediately if this happens more than usual.
Squeaking
The refrigerator may sound loud if their coils or fans are filthy. If you hear a squeaking sound from your fridge, make use of the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner, a rag, and water or dish soap and warm water to wash the coils and fan. It is important to clean the fridge twice a year and more frequently when your fridge is old or used heavily.
Clicking
A clicking sound may also be heard from a fridge. It is usually caused by ice around the freezer fan. Defrosting by hand can fix the problem, but it will return unless a professional is called to assist.
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. Be sure to switch it off when you are not using ice constantly.
The hum from your fridge is normal, but it may be louder during certain times of the day or after heavy stockings or intense freezing processes. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, and therefore it will work more quickly. This is not an indication of an issue.
Dust
Dust from the household is an excellent magnet for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms, as well as traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions and serve as an ideal environment for microbes to thrive, including some that may cause infections when they come into contact with wounds that are open.
It's impossible to clean a fridge completely, but cleaning regularly will help to reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature consistent. A dirty fridge wastes energy because it overheats and is inefficient. If your fridge is making more noise than normal or if you think it's running out of energy due to overworking it could be time to get it checked out.
Dust doesn't float into the air from outside as it is thought to be. It contains resuspended soil from your home, which is often tainted with lead and other toxicants in addition to pollen, mold spores and car exhaust. It also contains pollutants from the past, such as DDT, which was banned 50 years ago.
Some compounds, such as flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether, volatilize and get into the air, however the majority of chemicals in dust from homes are transferred from one object 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.
A dirty refrigerator can adversely affect your health, in addition to contaminating food. It could harbor allergens like pet dander or droppings from cockroaches, which can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It also contains bacteria spores, like staphylococcus aureus, that can cause infections if they make their way into a wound.
Researchers have found that contaminated dust can be linked to a broad range of health problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. A recent study found that homes of children diagnosed with leukemia were more likely to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the PBDEs, and PCBs in their dust than the homes of healthy children.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should dissipate the heat produced by the compressor. If these radiator-like components are covered in pet hair, dust or lint the compressor has to work hard trying to cool the refrigerator and wears down the appliance. It is essential to keep your coils clean.
Before starting, disconnect and shut off the refrigerator's power supply. This will reduce the risk that you or your family may be electrocuted while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust, it's an ideal idea to wear a face mask. Then you will need to locate the coils. They are usually located at the rear of the fridge, or at the front across the base in some units. If you're unsure of where to locate them, consult 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 hose's narrow attachment or brushing them with condenser cleaning brushes. Be cautious not to risk damaging or bent coils. After that, 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 an expert. It's cheaper and easier to maintain the cleaning routine to prevent the problem.
Maintenance
Refrigerators are powerful appliances that work throughout the day to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to help them perform their job well. This simple preventive maintenance will ensure that they are running smoothly for many years to come.
A simple task is clean the door seals. fridges for sale uk and other food items that stick can build up and prevent gaskets from sealing properly, allowing cool air to leak through tiny gaps. Every few months, wipe them down with a baking soda solution and warm water using a sponge or toothbrush.
The fan in the back of the refrigerator is another place to check. It can become noisy when it's blocked by insulation, paper and even mouse (gasp). Unplug the shelves, remove the shelves, the refrigerator and remove any removable parts. Clean the coils and the area around them with a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment. Make sure to turn off the fridge off when you're finished.
It is recommended to consult your owner's manual for details on how to locate the coils and the fan and what cleaning tools you might need. It's recommended to read the warranty carefully, to be sure you understand what is and isn't covered.