How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

black under counter fridges come in a wide array of shapes and sizes. They can fit in tight places like dorms.

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

Noise

Refrigerators can emit many different sounds while operating, some of which are more noticeable than others. If you notice any of the sounds below find out the cause and check for a fix before calling a fridge repair company.

Rattling

The rattling of the fridge can happen when there's not enough space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's placed at an uneven angle. It's not difficult to solve. It's all you need to do is ensure that there's at least two inches between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling screws or legs to raise or lower your fridge.

Hissing

The compressor can make a noise when cooling your food. This is a common sound that is caused by the compressor fluid or refrigerant moving through the system. If you are worried you are concerned, track how often the compressor runs. Call a fridge repair company immediately if this happens more than usual.

Squeaking

The refrigerator may sound loud when their fans or coils are dirty. If you notice a fridge making a squeaking sound clean the coils or fan using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a rag and water or use dish soap and water. This should be done at least twice each year, or more often if your refrigerator is older or heavily used.

Clicking

A click sound can be heard from a refrigerator. It is usually due to ice around the freezer fan. This can be solved with a manual defrost, but will likely return until the issue is resolved by a professional service.

It can also happen when the fridge is shut off, so be sure to turn it back on if this occurs. If you have an ice maker installed, this sound can be caused by it. Make sure to switch it off when you are not making use of ice frequently.

The hum coming from your fridge is normal. It may get more pronounced during certain times of the day, or after heavy stockings or intense freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, and therefore it has to work faster. This isn't an indication of any issue.

Dust

Household dust attracts dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms as well as traces of the everyday exposure to chemicals in our homes. The tiny particles can cause allergic reactions and respiratory irritation, and they are a perfect substrate for microbes, including those that may cause an infection when they come into contact with an open cut.

It's impossible to completely clean a fridge however, regular cleaning 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 producing more noise than usual or If you suspect that it is working too hard it could be time to have it checked out.

Dust doesn't drift into the air from outside as it is thought to be. It is made up of resuspended dirt from your home, which can be contaminated with lead or other toxic substances. It also contains pollen, mold, and car exhaust. It also has legacy pollutants such as DDT that were banned half 100 years ago.

Certain compounds, such as flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether, are able to be dissolved into the air. However, the majority 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 dusty refrigerator can negatively 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 allergic reactions in many people. It can also contain bacteria spores, such as staphylococcus.

Researchers have found that dust contamination is associated with a wide range of health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia had higher levels of PCBs as well as PBDEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators are functioning properly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should be able of dispersing the heat created by the compressor. However, when these radiator-like components are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor will work all day long trying to cool the fridge and eventually wears down the unit. This is why it's crucial to keep the coils clean.

Before you begin, disconnect and shut off the power source of your refrigerator. This will reduce the chance of electrocuting yourself or family members while working on the appliance. It is also a good idea to wear a protective mask if you are sensitive to dust. You will then need to locate the coils. The coils are typically located in the back of the refrigerator, or in certain cases, on the front and fridge base. Refer to the manual for your fridge or contact the manufacturer if aren't sure where they are.

After you have located the coils, you'll have to take off the access panel, if there's one. You can then alternate between vacuuming the coils using an hose attachment that is narrow and brushing them with a condenser brush for cleaning the coils. It is essential to take your time while doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. After you're done take the kick panel off, replace it or push the fridge into place and plug it into.

You can hire a professional if you're not comfortable doing it yourself. It's cheaper and less hassle to keep up with the cleaning routine to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are powerful appliances that work all day long to cool your food. To ensure they do their jobs well, they need regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance can ensure that they are running smoothly for many years to come.

Clean the door seals. Gaskets can get blocked by jelly and other sticky foods and allow air to escape through tiny holes. Every few months, wipe them down with a baking soda solution and warm water with the toothbrush or sponge.

The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is another location to look at. It can be noisy if it's blocked by paper, insulation and even a mouse (gasp). Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator and remove all removable parts. Vacuum cleaners with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils and the area surrounding them. Make sure that you switch the fridge back on when you're done.

It's best to check the owner's manual to find out more on where to find the coils and the fan and what sort of cleaning tools you'll need. Also, you should read the warranty to make sure you understand what's covered.