How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators come in an array of shapes and sizes. They can be tucked away in tight spaces, such as dorm rooms.

Some models can also connect to smart devices. They let you monitor your garage fridge from afar and troubleshoot any problems that might occur. You can also make use of voice commands to control them.

Noise

Fridges make a wide range of noises while they're operating. Some of these noises are more prominent than others. Before calling a repair company, try to determine the source of any noises you hear.

Rattling

Fridge rattling can occur when there's no space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or when it's sitting at an uneven angle. It's not difficult to solve. You just need to ensure that there is at least two inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling screws or legs to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it can produce a loud sound. This is a normal sound and it is caused by the compressor's oil or the flow of refrigerant through the system. If you're concerned, time how often the compressor is running and contact a refrigerator repair service immediately if it does so more frequently than usual.

Squeaking

The sound of refrigerators can be loud if the coils or fan are dirty. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your fridge, make use of 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. It is essential to do this twice a year, or more often in the case of a fridge that is older or is used frequently.

Clicking

A clicking sound can also be heard from a fridge. This is usually caused by freezing around the fan of the freezer. Manual defrosting can solve the issue, but it will return in the event that a professional is not called to assist.

The clicking can also occur when the fridge is turned off, so make sure to restart it in the event that this happens. This sound could be caused by the ice maker if there is one installed, so it's important to ensure that it's turned off when you aren't using ice continuously.

The hum of your fridge is normal, and it can be a bit louder at certain periods of the day or following large quantities of stock or freezing functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, and therefore it will work more quickly. This isn't an indication of an issue.

Dust

Household dust attracts dirt, bacteria, and other microorganisms as well as traces of everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be breathed in and trigger allergic reactions and can provide a great place for microbes to grow including those that could cause infection 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 help keep the temperature stable. A fridge that is dirty uses up energy due to overheating, and is inefficient. If your fridge is making more noise than usual, or If you suspect that it is working too hard it might be time to get it checked.

Dust doesn't drift into the air from the outside as is commonly thought. It is made up of resuspended dirt from the home and can be contaminated by lead or other poisonous substances. It also contains pollen, mold, and car exhaust. It also contains legacy pollutants such as DDT which were banned more than half decades ago.

Certain compounds, like flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether, volatilize and get into the air, but the majority of chemicals in dust from homes are transferred from one object to the next like by smashing fibers and small pieces of plastic off 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, in addition to contaminating food. It can harbor allergens like pet dander or droppings of cockroaches that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It can also contain bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.

Researchers have discovered that contaminated dust is associated with a wide variety of health issues that include cardiovascular disease, cancer, leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia contained higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Condenser Coils

When refrigerators run correctly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should help disperse heat generated by the compressor. But if these radiator-like parts are covered with pet hair, dust, or lint, the compressor works overtime trying to cool the fridge but will eventually wear down the appliance. It is important to regularly clean your coils.

If you're planning to tackle the task yourself it is recommended you unplug the refrigerator and turn off its power supply before beginning. This will lower the chance that you or your family may be injured by electrocution while working on the appliance. It is also recommended to wear a protective mask if you are sensitive to dust. Then, you'll need to find the coils. They are usually located in the rear of the fridge or on the front, across the base in certain models. 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 will need to remove the access panel, if there's one. Then, alternate between vacuuming the coils with an attachment for a narrow hose and brushing them with a condenser brush for door in door fridge cleaning the coils. It's important to take your time while doing this to avoid bending or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel or push the refrigerator into place, and connect it to the electrical outlet.

You can employ an expert if you're at ease doing it yourself. But it's much cheaper and less hassle to keep up with the routine of cleaning to stop the problem from occurring in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are durable appliances that run throughout the day and night to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to ensure they perform their job well. Simple preventive maintenance can ensure that your machines are running smoothly for a long time.

One simple thing to do is to wipe down the door in door fridge seals. Jelly and other foods that are sticky can accumulate and block the gaskets from sealing tightly and allowing cool air to escape out of tiny openings. Every few months, clean them clean with baking soda solution and warm water using a toothbrush or sponge.

The fan in the rear of the refrigerator door in door Fridge is a different spot to check. It could be noisy if it's been clogged with paper, insulation or even a mouse. Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator and then remove all the parts that are removable. Clean the coils as well as the area surrounding them using an air cleaner and a hose attachment. Be sure to turn the fridge off when you're done.

It is recommended to check the owner's manual for information on where to find the coils, the fan and what tools for cleaning you might require. It's recommended to read the warranty carefully to ensure you know what's covered and what isn't covered.