A Look At The Ugly Facts About Fridges

How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators are available in a vast array of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight spaces, including dorm rooms.

Certain models also connect to smart devices. You can monitor your fridge remotely, and troubleshoot problems when they arise. You can also control them using voice commands.

Noise

Refrigerators produce a variety of noises while they are in operation. Some of these noises are more obvious than others. If you hear any of the sounds below find out the cause and look for a fix before calling a repair service for your fridge.

Rattling

Fridge rattling can occur when there's not enough space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's sitting at an uneven angle. This is easy to solve - all you have to do is ensure there's at least a couple of inches of space on either side, and adjust the legs of the fridge or leveling screws to lower or raise it accordingly.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it may produce a loud sound. This is a normal sound and it is caused by the compressor oil or the flow of refrigerant flowing through the system. If you are concerned, keep track of the frequency at which the compressor cycles. Contact a repair service immediately if this happens more than normal.

Squeaking

Fridges can be noisy when the fan or coils are dirty. If you notice your fridge making a squeaking sound, clean the coils or fan using a vacuum cleaner using a brush attachment, a rag and water, or simply use dish soap and water. This should be done twice a year or more frequently in the case of older refrigerators or is heavily used.

Clicking

A click sound can also be heard from a fridge. This is usually due to ice around the freestanding freezer fan. Defrosting by hand can fix the issue however it is likely to recur in the event that a professional is not called in.

If you hear clicking, turn the fridge back on. The sound could be caused by the ice maker if you have one to the fridge, so it's crucial to make sure that it's switched off when you don't require continuous ice.

The hum from your fridge is normal, fridge and it can be a bit louder at certain times of the day or after large stockings or intensive freezing operations. This is because the refrigerator has to work harder and faster to keep your food cold, Fridge but it is not necessarily a sign of trouble with the fridge or its performance.

Dust

Household dust attracts dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as traces from everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be breathed in and trigger allergic reactions and provide a perfect place for microbes to grow and, in some cases, cause infections if they come into contact with a wound.

Cleaning a refrigerator isn't easy however regular cleaning can help to reduce dust and keep an even temperature. A dirty fridge wastes energy because it overheats and is inefficient. If you suspect your fridge is making louder noises than normal, or is wasting power by overworking itself It's probably time to call in experts.

Unlike other airborne particulates, dust doesn't just come into the air from outside, as is commonly believed. It contains resuspended soil from your home and is often contaminated with lead and other toxic substances, as well as pollen, mold spores, and car exhaust. It also contains legacy pollutants like DDT, which was banned more than 50 years ago.

Certain compounds, like flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether can be dissolved and released into the air, but the majority of chemicals in dust from homes are transferred from one thing to another, such as by people 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.

Aside from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a dirty refrigerator can also affect your health. It could harbor allergens such as pet dander or cockroach droppings that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It can also contain bacterial spores, such as staphylococcus aureus, that can cause infections if they make their way into an open wound.

Researchers have discovered that dust contamination is linked to a wide variety of health issues that include cancer, cardiovascular disease, leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. A recent study revealed that homes of children who were diagnosed with leukemia tended to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the PBDEs, and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy children.

Condenser Coils

When refrigerators are running properly, the coils located on the back and front of the appliance should be able to dissipate the heat generated by the compressor. But when these radiator-like parts are covered with pet hair, dust, or lint, the compressor is forced to work continuously trying to cool the fridge freezer deals and ends up wearing down the appliance. This is why it's crucial to clean the coils regularly.

Before starting, disconnect and turn off the refrigerator's power source. This will reduce the risk that you or your family may be struck by electricity while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust, it's an ideal idea to wear a mask for your face. You will then need to find the coils. They are usually located at the rear of the fridge or in front of the base in certain models. If you are unsure where to look check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.

Once you've located the coils, take off the access panel (if there is one) and alternate between vacuuming them with the hose attachment that is narrow or brushing them with a condenser cleaning brush. Be careful not to risk breaking or bent coils. After you're done, replace the kick panel or move the fridge to its place and plug it back in.

You can employ an expert if you're not confident in doing it yourself. However, it's a lot cheaper and less trouble to keep up with the cleaning routine to prevent the problem from arising in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are powerful appliances that run all day long to cool your food. To ensure they do their job effectively, they need regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance will keep them running efficiently for many years to come.

One easy thing to do is to wipe down the door seals. Jelly and other foods that are sticky can accumulate and block the gaskets from sealing tightly and allowing cool air to escape through tiny gaps. Wipe them down by putting baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every few months.

The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is another place to check. It can be noisy if it's blocked by insulation, paper and even mice (gasp). Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator and then remove any removable parts. Clean the coils and the area surrounding them with a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. Make sure to turn the fridge on again when you are finished.

It is recommended to consult the owner's manual to find out more on how to locate the coils and the fan and what kind of cleaning tools you might need. It's also a good idea to read through the warranty carefully to ensure you know what's covered and what isn't covered.