"The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Fridges

How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Fridges come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight spaces, such as dorm rooms.

Some models also connect to smart devices. You can monitor your fridge from afar, and frydge troubleshoot problems if they arise. You can also control them with voice commands.

Noise

Refrigerators produce a variety of sounds when they're operating. Certain sounds are more noticeable than others. Before contacting a refrigerator repair company, try to identify the source of any sounds you hear.

Rattling

The sound of a refrigerator rattling could be caused by there's no space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or when it's positioned at an unbalanced angle. This is easy to solve - all you have to do is ensure that there's at least a couple of inches of space between the sides and then adjust the legs of your fridge or leveling screws to raise or lower it accordingly.

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 oil or flow of refrigerant through the system. If you're concerned, keep track of how often the compressor runs. Contact a repair company immediately in the event that this occurs more often than normal.

Squeaking

Fridges may be noisy if their coils or fans are dirty. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your fridge, use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner along with a rag and dish soap or water along with warm water to clean the fan and coils. This should be done twice every year or more often when your refrigerator is old or used a lot.

Clicking

Frigs can also produce an ear-piercing sound that is usually caused by the accumulation of ice around the freezer fan. Manual defrosting can resolve the issue but it could recur unless a professional is called to assist.

If you hear clicking, switch the fridge freezer clearance back on. The sound could also be caused by the ice maker if you have one installed, so it's important to ensure this is switched off when you aren't using continuous ice.

The hum of your refrigerator is normal, and it may be louder during certain times of the day or following large quantities of stock or freezing functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, which means it is working faster. This is not an indication of an issue.

Dust

Household dust attracts dirt bacteria and other microorganisms as well as traces from daily exposures to chemicals in the home. The tiny particles can trigger allergic reactions as well as inhalation, and they are a perfect substrate for microbes, such as those that could cause infection if they come into contact with an open cut.

Cleaning a refrigerator isn't easy but regular cleaning can help reduce dust and ensure a more constant temperature. A dirty fridge also consumes energy as it overheats and operates inefficiently. If you suspect your fridge is producing louder sounds than usual, or if it's running out of power due to overworking it is it time to call the experts.

In contrast to other airborne particles, dust doesn't just come in from the outside as is often believed. It is made up of soil that has been resuspended from the house and is often contaminated with lead and other toxicants along with pollen, mold spores, and car exhaust. It also contains pollutant residues from the past, such as DDT that were banned half 100 years ago.

Some compounds, such as 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 the next like by throwing fibers and tiny bits of plastic off 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, not to mention the food you eat being contaminated. It can contain allergens, like pet dander or cockroach droppings that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It also contains bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.

Researchers have discovered that a range of health conditions can be traced to dust contamination, from heart disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. Recent research has revealed that the 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 function properly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance are supposed to disperse the heat produced by the compressor. If these radiator-like parts are covered in pet hair, dust or lint the compressor frydge has to work harder trying to cool the refrigerator and wears down the unit. It is essential to regularly clean your coils.

If you're planning to tackle the job yourself it is recommended you unplug the refrigerator and switch off the power source prior to starting. This will reduce the chance of electrocuting yourself and your family members when working on the appliance. It is also an excellent idea to wear a protective mask if you are sensitive to dust. The next step is to find the coils. They are typically located at the rear of the fridge, or in front of the base in some units. If you're not sure where to locate them check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.

After you've located the coils, take off the access panel (if there is one) and alternate between vacuuming them using the hose's narrow attachment or brushing them using condenser cleaning brushes. It is important to take your time while doing this to avoid bending or damaging the coils. When finished, replace the kick panel or push the fridge into place and plug it back into.

You can employ a professional if you're not confident in doing it yourself. It's cheaper and simpler to keep up the cleaning routine to prevent the issue from occurring.

Maintenance

Fridges are hard-working appliances that are running all day and night to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to enable them to perform their job well. Simple preventive maintenance can keep your machines running smoothly 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 through tiny gaps. Every few months, clean them clean using a baking soda solution and warm water with the toothbrush or sponge.

Another place to check for problems is the fan in the back of the fridge. It can get noisy when it's clogged with insulation, paper and even mouse (gasp). Unplug the refrigerator and take it off all the shelves and take out any parts that are removable. Vacuum cleaners equipped with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils and the surrounding area. Make sure you turn the fridge back on after you're finished.

It's best to check your owner's manual for details on how to locate the coils and the fan and what cleaning tools you'll need. You should also read the warranty to make sure you know what's covered.