How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators come in an variety of shapes and sizes. They can be tucked away in tight spaces, including dorm rooms.

Certain models also sync with smart devices. They'll let you monitor your fridge from afar and troubleshoot any problems that might arise. You can also make use of voice commands to control them.

Noise

Refrigerators can emit many different sounds while running, some of which are more prominent than others. Before calling a refrigerator repair service, try to determine the source of any sounds you hear.

Rattling

The fridge may rumble when there's not enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if it is positioned at an unlevel angle. It's easy to solve. You just need to ensure that there's at least two inches between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling legs or screws 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 refrigerant or compressor fluid that is moving through the system. If you're concerned, time how often the compressor is running and contact an emergency repair service for your fridge when it happens more frequently than normal.

Squeaking

The refrigerator may sound loud when their fans or coils are filthy. If you notice a fridge making squeaking sounds, clean the coils or fan using a vacuum using a brush attachment or a rag and water or just use dish soap and water. It is important to clean the fridge at least twice a year and more frequently in the case of a fridge that is older or frequently used.

Clicking

A clicking sound can also be heard from a fridge. It is usually due to freezing around the fan of the freezer. This issue can be fixed with a manual defrost, but is likely to occur again unless the issue is addressed by a service expert.

If you hear clicking, switch the fridge back on. If you have an ice maker connected the sound could be caused by it. Make sure to turn it off when you aren't using ice regularly.

The hum coming from your fridge is normal. It can be louder during certain times of day, and also after heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, which means it will work more quickly. This isn't an indication of a problem.

Dust

Household dust attracts dirt bacteria and other microorganisms as well as traces of daily exposures to chemicals in the home. The tiny particles can be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions and can provide a great place for microbes to grow, including some that may cause infections if they come into contact with a wound.

It's impossible to clean a fridge completely however, regular cleaning can help reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature more stable. A dirty fridge also wastes energy because it overheats and operates inefficiently. If your fridge is producing more noise than usual, or If you suspect that it is working too hard it could be time to get it checked.

Dust doesn't float into the air from outside as is often believed. It's made up of resuspended soil from the house and is often contaminated with lead and other toxicants in addition to pollen, mold spores and car exhaust. It also contains pollutants from the past, such as DDT, which was banned 50 years ago.

Some compounds, like flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether, are able to be dissolved into the air. But the majority of substances found in dust are derived from objects that are thrown off, like electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.

A soiled refrigerator can impact your health, as well as contamination of food. It can contain allergens, like pet dander or cockroach droppings that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It may also contain bacteria-related spores like staphylococcus.

Researchers have discovered that a variety of health conditions are linked to contaminated dust, from cardiovascular disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. A recent study found that homes of children diagnosed with leukemia had higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PBDEs and PCBs in their dust than the homes of healthy children.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should dissipate the heat produced by the compressor. But if these radiator-like parts are covered in pet hair, dust, or lint, the compressor is forced to work all day long trying to cool the fridge but ends up wearing down the unit. It is important to regularly clean your coils.

Before starting, disconnect and turn off the refrigerator's power supply. This will reduce the risk that you or your family members may be injured by electrocution while working on the appliance. It's also an excellent idea to wear a mask if you are sensitive to dust. Then, you'll have to find the coils. They are usually located at the back of the refrigerator or, in some cases, at the front and base. If you're unsure of where to find them, consult your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.

Once you've located the coils, take off the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them with the hose attachment that is narrow or brushing them with condenser cleaning brushes. Take your time to avoid breaking or mini fridge bent coils. When finished, replace the kick panel or push the fridge back into position and plug it back in.

If you aren't comfortable doing this yourself, then you can always hire an expert. However, it's a lot cheaper and less hassle to keep up with the routine of cleaning to stop the problem from arising in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are durable appliances that are running throughout the day and night to cool your food. To help them do their jobs well, they need regular maintenance. Simple preventive maintenance will ensure that your machines run efficiently for a long time.

A simple task is to clean the glass door Fridge seals. Jelly and other food items that stick can accumulate and block the gaskets from securing tightly and allowing cool air to escape through tiny gaps. Every few months, clean them clean with baking soda solution and warm water with a sponge or toothbrush.

Another spot to check for issues is the fan in the back of the refrigerator. It could be noisy if it's clogged up with insulation, paper or even a mouse. Unplug the refrigerator and take it off all shelves and then take out any parts that are removable. Clean the coils as well as the area surrounding them with the vacuum cleaner using the hose attachment. Make sure to turn off the fridge back on after you're finished.

You should check your owner's guide for information on where to find the coils, the fan, and what cleaning tools you may need. Also, you should read the warranty to make sure you are aware of the coverage.