How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators are available in different sizes and shapes. They can be tucked away in tight areas, like dorm rooms.

Certain models are compatible with smart phones. You can also monitor your fridge from afar, and troubleshoot problems if they arise. You can also control them with voice commands.

Noise

Refrigerators can produce various sounds when operating, and some are more obvious than others. Before contacting a refrigerator repair company, try to determine the source of any noises you hear.

Rattling

The fridge could rattle if there is not enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if its sitting at an unlevel angle. It's simple to solve. You just need to ensure that there is at least a couple of inches between the fridge freezer collection and the wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling legs or fridge freezer Collection screws to raise or lower your fridge.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it can make a hissing sound. This is a common sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid moving through the system. If you're concerned be aware of how often the compressor runs. Contact a repair service immediately if this happens more than normal.

Squeaking

Fridges may be noisy when their fans or coils are dirty. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your fridge, make use of an attachment for a vacuum cleaner along with a rag and dish soap or water and warm water to wash the fan and coils. It is recommended to do this twice each year, or more often in the case of older refrigerators or heavily used.

Clicking

Frigs can also produce a clicking sound typically caused by ice accumulation around the freezer fan. This issue can be fixed by a manual defrost but will likely return unless the issue is addressed by a service professional.

If you hear clicking, turn the fridge back on. If you have an ice maker installed, this sound can be caused by it. Be sure to switch it off when you aren't using ice regularly.

The hum of your fridge is normal, but it can be a bit louder during certain times of the day, or after large stockings or intensive freezing operations. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, so it has to work faster. This is not an indication of any issue.

Dust

Dust in the house is an ideal habitat for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms as well as traces of chemical exposures that are commonplace in the household. The tiny particles can be breathed in and elicit allergic reactions, and provide a perfect surface for microbes to colonize, including some that may cause infections if they come into contact with an open wound.

Cleaning a refrigerator is not easy, but regular cleaning can help reduce dust and keep an even temperature. A dirty refrigerator also consumes energy because it overheats and operates inefficiently. If you suspect that your fridge is producing louder sounds than normal, or is running out of power due to overworking it, it might be time to call experts.

Contrary to other airborne particles dust doesn't simply drift into the air from outside, as is commonly believed. It is made up of soil that has been resuspended from the house that is often contaminated with lead and other toxic substances, in addition to pollen, mold spores, and car exhaust. It also contains legacy pollutants like DDT, which was banned over 50 years ago.

Certain compounds, like flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether are able to volatilize and enter the air, however the majority of chemicals found in dust in the house are transferred directly from one thing to another like by smashing fibers and small pieces of plastic off of electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, fridge freezer collection 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 contaminating 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 also contains bacteria spores like staphylococcus aureus, which can cause infections if they make their way into an open wound.

Researchers have discovered that a variety of health issues are linked to dust pollution, ranging from cardiovascular disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. A recent study showed that homes of children diagnosed with leukemia tended to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the PBDEs, and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy kids.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators function properly, the coils that are on the back and front of the appliance should dissipate the heat produced by the compressor. However, when these radiator-like components are covered with dust, pet hair, or lint, the compressor is forced to work overtime trying to cool the fridge, and eventually wears down the appliance. That's why it's important to regularly clean the coils.

If you're looking to tackle the job yourself, it is recommended that you disconnect the refrigerator and shut off the power source prior to beginning. This will decrease the chance that you or your family members may be struck by electricity while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust it is a good idea for you to wear a face mask. The next step is to locate the coils. These coils are usually located at the back of the refrigerator, or in some instances, at the front and at the base. If you're unsure of where to look check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.

Once you've located the coils, you will need to remove the access panel if there is one. You can then alternate between vacuuming the coils using an attachment for a narrow hose and then brushing them with a condenser brush to clean the coils. It is important to take your time while doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel, or move the refrigerator to its place, and connect it to the electrical outlet.

If you're not confident doing it yourself, you can always employ an expert. However, it's a lot cheaper and less hassle to simply keep up with the routine of cleaning to stop the problem from arising in the first place.

Maintenance

Fridges are hard-working appliances that run throughout the day and night to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to help them do their job effectively. This simple preventive maintenance can ensure that they are running smoothly for years to come.

Wipe down the door seals. The gaskets can become blocked by jelly and other food items that stick which allows air to escape through tiny holes. Clean them off with a solution of baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every couple of months.

Another place to check for problems is the fan in the back of the refrigerator. It can get noisy when it's blocked with paper, insulation and even a mouse (gasp). Unplug the refrigerator remove all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners that have connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils as well as the surrounding area. Make sure that you switch off the fridge after you have finished.

You should check the owner's manual for details on where to find the coils, the fan and the tools to clean it with. Also, you should review the warranty to be sure you know what's covered.