How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators are available in a vast variety of shapes and sizes. They can be tucked away in tight spaces, including dorm rooms.

Some models can also connect to smart devices. You can also monitor your fridge remotely, and troubleshoot problems when they arise. You can also utilize voice commands to manage them.

Noise

Refrigerators produce a variety of sounds when they are operating. Some of these sounds are more noticeable than others. If you notice any of the sounds below identify the source and check for a fix before calling a fridge repair company.

Rattling

Fridge rattling can occur when there's not enough space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's placed at an uneven angle. This is easy to solve - all you have to do is make sure there's at least a couple of inches of space on each side, and adjust the fridge legs or leveling screws to raise or lower it according to.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it may make a hissing sound. This is normal, and it's caused by the compressor oil or flow of refrigerant through the system. If you're concerned, time how often the compressor cycles and call a fridge repair service immediately in the event that it occurs more often than normal.

Squeaking

The refrigerator may sound loud if their coils or fans are dirty. If you hear a squeaking sound coming from your refrigerator, you can use an attachment for a vacuum cleaner or a rag along with dish soap or water along with warm water to clean the fan and coils. It is important to clean the fridge every two years or more frequently if your fridge is older or frequently used.

Clicking

A clicking sound can also be heard from a refrigerator. This is usually due to freezing around the fan of the freezer. Manual defrosting can solve the problem but it could recur until a professional is brought in.

The clicking can also occur when the fridge is shut off, so make sure to restart it if this occurs. If you have an ice maker connected 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 coming from your fridge freezer uk is normal. It can be more pronounced during certain times of the day, refrigerators and also after heavy stockings or intensive freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, so it has to work faster. This is not an indication of a problem.

Dust

Household dust attracts dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms and traces of daily exposures to chemicals in the home. The tiny particles can trigger allergic reactions and inhalation, and they are a perfect substrate for microbes, such as those that may cause an infection when they come into contact with a cut.

It's impossible to completely clean a fridge, but cleaning regularly can help reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature constant. A fridge that is dirty uses up energy because it overheats, and is inefficient. If your fridge is producing more noise than usual or when you suspect it's running out of energy due to overworking it could be time to get it checked out.

In contrast to other airborne particles, dust doesn't just come in from outside it is believed. It contains resuspended dirt from your home which could be contaminated by lead or other toxicants. It also contains pollen, mold, and car exhaust. It also has legacy pollutants such as DDT which were banned more than half 100 years ago.

Some compounds, like flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether, volatilize into the air. However, the majority of substances found in dust originate from objects that have been knocked off, such as electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.

Apart from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a dirty fridge can also negatively affect your health. It could harbor allergens like pet dander and droppings from cockroaches, which can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It can also contain bacteria-related spores like staphylococcus.

Researchers have found that contaminated dust can be linked to a broad variety of health issues that include cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia, and inflammatory intestinal diseases. A recent study found that the 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 homes of healthy children.

Condenser Coils

When refrigerators are running properly, the coils located on the back and front of the appliance are supposed to be able to disperse the heat generated 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, which wears down the appliance. That's why it's so important to keep the coils clean.

If you're looking to do the work yourself, it is recommended that you unplug the refrigerator from its outlet and shut off the power source prior to starting. This will reduce the chance of electrocuting yourself or family members while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust, it's an ideal idea to wear a mask for your face. Then you will have to find the coils. They are usually located at the rear of the fridge or in front of the base in certain models. If you're unsure of where to locate them, consult your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.

Once you've located the coils, you will need to remove the access panel, if there's one. Then, alternate between vacuuming the coils using an attachment for a narrow hose and then brushing them with a condenser coil cleaning brush. It is important to be patient when doing this to avoid bending or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel or put the refrigerator in the correct position, and then connect it to the electrical outlet.

You can hire an expert if you're not confident in doing it yourself. It's less expensive and easier to keep up the cleaning routine to avoid the issue.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are powerful appliances that run all day to cool down your food. To help them do their job well, they need regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance will ensure that they are running smoothly for years to come.

One simple thing to do is to wipe down the door seals. Jelly and other sticky foods can accumulate and block the gaskets from securing tightly, letting cool air seep out of tiny openings. Clean them off using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every couple of months.

The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is a different location to look at. It can be noisy if it's clogged with insulation, paper and even mice (gasp). Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator, and take out any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners that have attachments for hoses can be used to clean the coils and the surrounding area. Be sure to turn the fridge back on after you're done.

It's best to check the owner's manual for specifics on how to locate the coils and the fan and what kind of cleaning tools you might need. Also, you should read the warranty to make sure you are aware of the coverage.