How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators are available in different sizes and shapes. They can be a perfect fit in small spaces, such as dorms.

Certain models can be used with smart devices. They let you monitor your fridge from afar and help you fix any issues that may arise. You can also utilize voice commands to control them.

Noise

Refrigerators can emit many different sounds while operating, some of which are more obvious than others. If you hear any of the sounds below, determine its origin and check for a quick fix before calling a repair company for your fridge.

Rattling

Fridge rattling can occur when there's no space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's placed at an uneven angle. It's easy to fix - all you have to do is make sure 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 raise or lower it in line with.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it could make a hissing sound. This is a normal sound, and it's caused by the compressor's oil or refrigerant that is flowing through the system. If you're worried, count how often the compressor cycles and call an emergency repair service for your fridge if it does so more often than normal.

Squeaking

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

Clicking

Frigs can also make a clicking sound typically caused by ice buildup around the freezer fan. This can be solved by a manual defrost but will likely return in the event that the issue is not addressed by a service professional.

The clicking can also occur when the fridge is shut off, so be sure to restart it if this occurs. If you have an ice maker installed to your fridge, this sound could be caused by it. Make sure to switch it off when you aren't using ice regularly.

The hum of your fridge is normal, and it can be a bit more pronounced at certain periods of the day or following large quantities of stock or freezing processes. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator has to work harder and faster in order to keep your food cool however it isn't necessarily a sign of trouble with the refrigerator or its performance.

Dust

Dust in the house is an excellent magnet for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as traces of everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be breathed in and elicit allergic reactions, and can provide a great surface for microbes to colonize including those that could cause infections if they come in contact with an open wound.

It's impossible to completely clean a fridge however, regular cleaning will help to reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature constant. A dirty refrigerator also consumes energy when it gets overheated and performs inefficiently. If you suspect that your fridge is producing louder sounds than normal, or is operating at a high rate of energy consumption due to its overwork, it might be time to call in the experts.

Dust does not drift into the air from outside as is often believed. It's made up of resuspended soil from the house, which is often tainted with lead and other toxicants, along with pollen, mold spores and car exhaust. It also contains pollutant residues from the past, such as DDT that were banned half a century ago.

Some compounds, like flame retardants like decabromodiphenylether, volatilize into the air. However, the majority of substances found in dust originate from objects that have been knocked off, for example, 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, as well as contamination of food. It could harbor allergens like pet dander or droppings of cockroaches that can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It also contains bacteria spores, such as staphylococcus.

Researchers have discovered that a range of health issues are linked to dust contamination, from cardiovascular disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory bowel diseases. Recent research has revealed that the dust in the homes of children with leukemia had higher levels PCBs as well as PBDEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Condenser Coils

When refrigerators are running properly, the coils located on the front and back of the appliance should be able of dispersing the heat created by the compressor. If these radiator-like components are covered in dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor is forced to work harder trying to cool the refrigerator, which wears down the unit. That's why it's so important to clean the coils regularly.

If you're planning to tackle the job yourself, it is recommended that you disconnect the refrigerator and turn off its power supply prior to beginning. 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 a good idea for you to wear a mask for your face. You'll then have to find the coils. They are typically located on the back of the fridge, or on the front, across the base in certain models. Consult your fridge's manual or contact the manufacturer if don't know where they are.

After you've found the coils, take off the access panel (if there is one) and alternate between vacuuming them with the hose attachment that is narrow or brushing them using a condenser cleaning brush. Be careful not to risk damaging or bent coils. After that take the kick panel off, replace it or move the fridge to its place and plug it back into.

If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, then you can always employ an expert. But it's much cheaper and less trouble to keep up with the cleaning routine to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are powerful appliances that work all day to cool down your food. They require regular maintenance to help them do their job effectively. Simple preventive maintenance will ensure that your machines run smoothly for many years.

Wipe down the door seals. Jelly and other food items that stick can build up and prevent gaskets from sealing properly, letting cool air seep through tiny cracks. Clean them off by putting baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every few months.

The fan at the rear of the refrigerator is a different place to check. It could be noisy if it's been clogged up with insulation, paper or even mice. Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator, and take out all removable parts. Vacuum cleaners equipped with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils as well as the area surrounding them. Make sure to turn off the fridge off when you're done.

It is recommended that you read your owner's guide for information on where to find the coils, the fan and what cleaning tools you may need. It's also a good idea to read the warranty thoroughly to make sure you understand what is and isn't covered.