How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Fridges come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can fit in tight spaces including dorms.

Certain models also connect to smart devices. They'll let you monitor your fridge from afar and fix any issues that might occur. You can also make use of voice commands to control them.

Noise

Refrigerators can emit various sounds when running, some of which are more prominent than others. If you hear any of the noises below, determine its origin and check for a quick fix before calling a repair company for your fridge.

Rattling

The rattling of the fridge can happen when there's no space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's sitting at an uneven angle. This is a simple solve - all you have to do is make sure there's at least a few inches of space on each side and then adjust the legs of your fridge or leveling screws to raise or lower it in line with.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it can make a hissing sound. This is normal, and it's caused by the compressor's oil or the flow of refrigerant that is flowing through the system. If you're concerned, note how often the compressor runs and call a fridge repair service immediately when it happens more often than normal.

Squeaking

Refrigerators can be noisy when their fans or coils are dirty. If you notice your fridge making noises clean the coils and fan using a vacuum cleaner using a brush attachment or a rag and water, or just use dish soap and water. It is recommended to do this twice each year, or more often when your refrigerator is old or is heavily used.

Clicking

A clicking sound may also be heard from a fridge. This is usually caused by freezing around the fan of the freezer. This can be resolved by a manual defrost but will likely return unless the issue is addressed by a professional service.

Clicking can also happen when the fridge is shut off, so be sure to restart it if this occurs. If you have an ice maker installed, this sound can be caused by it. Make sure you switch it off when you are not using ice constantly.

The hum from your fridge is normal, but it can be a bit more pronounced at certain times of the day, or after heavy stockings or intense freezing operations. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, so it will work more quickly. This is not an indication of an issue.

Dust

Household dust is a magnet for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms and also traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be breathed in and elicit allergic reactions, and can provide a great place for microbes to grow and, in some cases, cause infections when they come in contact with a wound.

It's impossible to clean a fridge entirely but regular cleaning will help to reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature more consistent. A dirty fridge wastes energy due to overheating, and is inefficient. If you suspect your fridge is making louder noises than normal, or is operating at a high rate of energy consumption due to its overwork is it time to call in the experts.

Unlike other airborne particulates, dust doesn't simply drift in from the outside it is believed. It is made up of resuspended dirt from your home which could be contaminated by lead or other poisonous substances. It also contains pollen, mold, and car exhaust. It also contains a number of legacy pollutants, including DDT which was banned over 50 years ago.

Certain compounds, such as flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether can be dissolved and released into the air, but the majority of chemicals found in dust in the house are transferred directly from one object to the next for example, by smashing fibers and small pieces of plastic off of 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 affect your health, as well as contaminating food. It can contain allergens, such as pet dander or droppings of cockroaches that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It also contains bacteria-related spores like staphylococcus.

Researchers have discovered that dust pollution can be linked to a broad range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. A recent study showed that the homes of children who were diagnosed with leukemia tended to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PBDEs and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy children.

Condenser Coils

When refrigerators are running correctly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should be able to dissipate the heat created by the compressor. When these radiator-like components are covered in dust, pet hair or lint the compressor has to work harder trying to cool the refrigerator, which wears down the unit. It is important to clean your coils regularly.

Before you begin, Fridges & Freezers disconnect and turn off the refrigerator's power source. This can lower the risk of electrocuting yourself or family members while working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust it's recommended to wear a mask for your face. You'll then have to locate the coils. These coils are usually located at the back of the refrigerator or, in some cases, at the front and at the base. If you are unsure where to look go through your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.

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 cleaner brush. Be careful not to risk damaging or bending the coils. After you're done take the kick panel off, replace it or move the fridge to its place and plug it back into.

If you aren't comfortable doing this yourself, then you can always hire an expert. It's cheaper and easier to keep up the routine of cleaning to prevent the issue from occurring.

Maintenance

Fridges & Freezers are hard-working appliances that run all day and at night to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to ensure they do their job effectively. Simple preventive maintenance can ensure that your machines are running efficiently for a long time.

Wipe down the door seals. Jelly and other foods that are sticky can build up and prevent gaskets from sealing properly, allowing cool air to leak out of tiny openings. Wipe them down by putting baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every couple of months.

Another spot to look for issues is the fan at the back of the fridge. It can get noisy when it's blocked with insulation, paper and even mice (gasp). Remove the shelves, unplug the refrigerator and then remove any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils as well as the surrounding area. Be sure to turn the fridge back on when you're done.

It is recommended to check the owner's manual for information about where to locate the coils, the fan, and the tools for cleaning you might require. Also, you should read the warranty to make sure you are aware of the coverage.