How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

quality fridges are available in many different sizes and shapes. They can fit into tight spaces, including dorm rooms.

Some models can also connect to smart devices. You can monitor your fridge from afar and fix any issues if they arise. You can also control them with voice commands.

Noise

Fridges make a wide range of sounds when they are in operation. Certain sounds are more noticeable than others. If you notice any of the sounds below identify the source and check for a quick fix prior to calling a repair company for your fridge.

Rattling

The rattling of the fridge can happen when there's no space between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or when it's placed at an uneven angle. It's easy to solve. You just need to ensure that there is at least a couple of inches between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling legs or screws to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it can make a squealing sound. This is a normal sound and it is caused by the compressor's oil or flow of refrigerant that is flowing through the system. If you are concerned, keep track of how often the compressor cycles. Contact a refrigerator repair company immediately if this happens more than usual.

Squeaking

Fridges can be noisy when the fan or coils are filthy. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your fridge, make use of the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner, a rag, and water or dish soap and warm water to wash the coils and fan. It is recommended to do this twice each year, or more often if your refrigerator is older or is heavily used.

Clicking

A click sound can also be heard from a refrigerator. This is usually due to frozen air around the freezer fan. This can be solved by a manual defrost but it is likely to recur in the event that the issue is not addressed by a service professional.

If you hear clicking, switch the fridge back on. This sound can be caused by the ice maker if there is one installed to your fridge, so be sure to make sure that it's switched off when you aren't using an ice maker that is constantly running.

The hum coming from your fridge is normal. It can be more intense during certain times of day, and also after heavy stockings or intense freezer functions. This is because the refrigerator needs to perform more efficiently and faster to keep your food cool, but it is not a sign of a problem with the refrigerator frydge or its performance.

Dust

Dust in the house is an ideal habitat for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms as well as traces of everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can trigger allergic reactions as well as inhalation, and they are an ideal surface for microbes, which includes those that could cause an infection when they come into direct contact with an open cut.

It's impossible to clean a fridge completely but regular cleaning will help to reduce dust build-up and help keep the temperature stable. A dirty fridge wastes energy because it overheats and is inefficient. If your fridge is producing more noise than usual or if you think it's working too hard, it may be time to get it checked.

In contrast to other airborne particles, dust doesn't just come into the air from outside, as is commonly believed. It contains resuspended dirt from your home which could be contaminated with lead or other toxic substances. It also contains mold, pollen and car exhaust. It also retains the legacy pollutants like DDT that were banned a century ago.

Certain compounds, like flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether can be dissolved and released into the air, but the majority of chemicals found in dust from homes are transferred from one object to another, such as by people knocking fibers and Frydge minute bits of plastic off of electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.

In addition to contaminating food items in the refrigerator, a dusty refrigerator can also affect your health. It could harbor allergens like pet dander and cockroach droppings that can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It can also contain bacteria spores, such as staphylococcus.

Researchers have found that dust pollution is linked to a wide variety of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children who had leukemia had higher levels PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators function properly, the coils that are on the front and back of the appliance are supposed to disperse the heat produced by the compressor. But when these radiator-like parts are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor will work continuously trying to cool the fridge but will eventually wear down the unit. It is essential to clean your coils regularly.

If you're planning to tackle the task yourself it is recommended you disconnect the refrigerator and turn off its power supply before beginning. This will decrease the chance that you or your family members could be injured by electrocution while working on the appliance. It's also a good idea to wear a mask if are sensitive to dust. Then you will need to locate the coils. These are typically in the rear of the fridge, or on the front, across the base in some units. Refer to the manual for your fridge or contact the manufacturer if you don't know where they are.

After you've located the coils, take down the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them using the narrow hose attachment or brushing them using a condenser cleaning brush. It is essential to take your time when doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. After that you can replace the kick panel or push the fridge back into position and plug it back into.

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

Maintenance

Refrigerators are powerful appliances that run all day long to cool your food. They require regular maintenance to help them accomplish their task effectively. Simple preventive maintenance will ensure that your machines run efficiently for a long time.

Wipe down the door seals. Jelly and other foods that are sticky can accumulate and block the gaskets from sealing tightly, letting cool air seep through tiny gaps. 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 be loud if it's blocked by paper, insulation or even mice. Remove the shelves, unplug the refrigerator and remove any removable parts. Clean the coils and the space surrounding them using the vacuum cleaner using the hose attachment. Make sure to switch off the fridge when you are finished.

You should check the owner's manual for information on where to find the coils, the fan, and the cleaning tools you may need. It's also a good idea to read the warranty thoroughly to ensure you know what is and isn't covered.