How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators are available in different sizes and shapes. They can be tucked away in tight areas, like dorm rooms.
Certain models are compatible with smart devices. You can monitor your fridge from afar and fix any issues if they arise. You can also use voice commands to control them.
Noise
Refrigerators produce a variety of sounds when they are operating. Certain sounds are more noticeable than others. Before contacting a refrigerator repair company, try to identify the source of any noises you hear.
Rattling
The rattling of the fridge can happen when there's no space between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or if it's placed at an uneven angle. This is easy to solve - all you have to do is ensure there's at least a few inches of space between the sides, and adjust the fridge legs or leveling screws to raise or lower it according to.
Hissing
The compressor may hiss when cooling your food. This is a common sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid moving through the system. If you're worried, count how often the compressor is running and contact a refrigerator repair service immediately when it happens more frequently than normal.
Squeaking
Refrigerators can be noisy when their fans or coils are dirty. If you notice that your fridge is making squeaking sounds, clean the coils or fan with a vacuum cleaner using a brush attachment or water and a rag, or just use dish soap and water. It's important to do this twice a year or more frequently if your fridge is older or frequently used.
Clicking
A clicking sound may be heard from a refrigerator. This is usually due to freezing around the fan of the freezer. Manual defrosting can resolve the issue, but it will return until a professional is brought in.
Clicking can also happen when the fridge is turned off, so make sure to turn it back on in the event that this happens. This sound could be caused by the Ice maker if you have one attached to your fridge, so be sure to make sure that it's switched off when you aren't using ice continuously.
The hum of your fridge is normal, and it may be louder during certain periods of the day or following large quantities of stock or freezing processes. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, and therefore it will work more quickly. This is not an indication of a problem.
Dust
Household dust attracts dirt bacteria and other microorganisms as well as traces of everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can cause allergic reactions as well as inhalation, and they are a perfect substrate for microbes, which includes those that can cause infection if they come into direct contact with an open cut.
Cleaning american fridge is not easy but regular cleaning can help reduce dust and keep an even temperature. A dirty fridge is a waste of energy because it overheats and is inefficient. If your refrigerator is making more noise than usual or if you think it's working too hard it might be time to have it checked.
Dust does not drift into the air from outside as is often believed. It contains resuspended soil from the home that is often contaminated with lead and other toxic substances, as well as pollen, mold spores, and car exhaust. It also has legacy pollutants such as DDT which were banned more than half 100 years ago.
Certain compounds, such as flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether, volatilize and get into the air, but the majority of chemicals found in house dust are transferred directly from one object to another 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.
Apart from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a dirty fridge can also be detrimental to your health. It could harbor allergens, such as pet dander and the droppings of cockroaches, which can trigger asthma and allergies in a lot of people. It may also contain bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that a range of health conditions are linked to dust pollution, ranging from cancer to cardiovascular disease to leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. Recent research showed that the dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia contained higher levels of PCBs as well as PBDEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are functioning properly, the coils on the back and front of the appliance are supposed to be able to disperse the heat generated by the compressor. If these radiator-like parts are covered in pet hair, dust or lint, the compressor is forced to work overtime trying cool the refrigerator and reduces the efficiency of the unit. It's important to clean your coils regularly.
If you're planning to tackle the job yourself, it is recommended that you unplug the refrigerator from its outlet and switch off the power source prior to starting. This will lower the chance that you or your family may be struck by electricity while working on the appliance. It's also a good idea to wear a mask if are sensitive to dust. The next step is to locate the coils. They are usually located at the back of the refrigerator or, in certain cases, on the front and base. If you are unsure where to look, consult your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
After you've located the coils, take off the access panel (if there is one) and alternate between vacuuming them using the narrow hose attachment or brushing them with a condenser cleaner brush. It is important to take your time when doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel or push the refrigerator into position, then connect it to the electrical outlet.
You can engage an expert if you're not confident in doing it yourself. It's cheaper and easier to keep up the cleaning routine in order to prevent the problem.
Maintenance
Refrigerators are powerful appliances that run throughout the day to cool your food. To help them do their jobs well they require regular maintenance. Simple preventive maintenance will ensure that your machines run efficiently for a long time.
One simple thing to do is to wipe down the door seals. The gaskets can become clogged with jelly and other sticky foods, allowing cool air to escape through tiny gaps. Every few months, wipe them clean using a baking soda solution and warm water using the toothbrush or sponge.
The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is a different spot to check. It can become noisy when it's blocked with paper, insulation and even a mouse (gasp). Unplug the fridge remove all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners equipped with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils as well as the surrounding area. Make sure that you switch off the fridge after you have finished.
It is recommended that you read the owner's manual for details on where to find the coils, the fan and the cleaning tools you may need. You should also read the warranty to make sure you know what's covered.