"Ask Me Anything " 10 Responses To Your Questions About Fridges
How to Keep Your Fridge freezer collection Running Smoothly
Fridges come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight spaces, such as dorm rooms.
Some models can also sync with smart devices. They let you monitor your fridge remotely and help you fix any issues that may arise. You can also control them with voice commands.
Noise
Refrigerators emit a wide variety of noises while they are in operation. Some of these noises are more prominent than others. If you hear any of the noises below find out the cause and check for a quick fix prior to calling a repair service for your fridge.
Rattling
The rattling of the fridge can happen when there's not enough space between the under counter fridge and wall or cabinet, or if it's positioned at an unbalanced angle. This is easy to repair - all you need to do is ensure there's at least a couple of inches of space between the sides, and adjust the legs of the fridge or Fridge Freezer Collection leveling screws to lower or raise it in line with.
Hissing
The compressor could make a loud noise while cooling your food. This is a normal sound that is caused by compressor fluid or refrigerant moving through the system. If you're worried, count how often the compressor is running and contact a refrigerator repair service immediately in the event that it occurs more frequently than usual.
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 using a brush attachment or water and a rag, or simply use dish soap and water. It is recommended to do this twice every year or more often if your refrigerator is older or used a lot.
Clicking
A clicking sound can be heard from a refrigerator. It is usually caused by freezing around the fan of the freezer. This can be solved by a manual defrost but it is likely to recur unless the issue is addressed by a professional service.
The clicking can also occur when the fridge is shut off, so be sure to restart it when you hear this. If you have an ice maker attached to your fridge and freezer, this sound could be caused by it. Make sure you turn it off when you are not making use of ice frequently.
The hum from your fridge is normal. It may be louder during certain times of day, and also after heavy stockings or intense freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, so it has to work faster. This isn't an indication of a problem.
Dust
Household dust is a magnet for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, and also traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can trigger allergic reactions as well as inhalation, and they provide a perfect surface for microbes, which includes those that may cause infection if they come into contact with a cut.
Cleaning a refrigerator is impossible but regular cleaning can help reduce dust and keep a more constant temperature. A dirty fridge also consumes energy when it overheats and operates inefficiently. If your fridge is making more noise than normal or when you suspect it's working too hard it could be time to get it checked.
Dust doesn't float into the air from the outside as is commonly thought. It is made up of soil that has been resuspended from your home, which is often tainted 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 more than 50 years ago.
Certain compounds, such as flame retardants like decabromodiphenylether, are able to be dissolved into the air. But the majority of chemicals found in house dust are derived from objects that have been knocked off, for example, 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 smoky fridge can also negatively affect your health. It can harbor allergens like pet dander or droppings from cockroaches, which can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It can also contain bacteria spores, such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that a wide range of health conditions are linked to dust pollution, ranging from heart disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. A recent study revealed that homes of children diagnosed with leukemia were more likely to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PDEs and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy kids.
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 created by the compressor. If these radiator-like components are covered in dust, pet hair or lint the compressor has to work hard trying to cool the refrigerator and wears down the appliance. It is essential to keep your coils clean.
Before starting, disconnect and turn off the refrigerator's power source. This will decrease the chance that you or your family members could be electrocuted while working on the appliance. It's also a good idea to wear a mask if you are sensitive to dust. Then, you'll have to locate the coils. They are usually located at the back of the refrigerator or, in certain cases, on the front and at the base. Consult your fridge's manual or contact the manufacturer if aren't sure where to find them.
After you have located the coils, you will need to remove the access panel if you have one. You can then alternate between vacuuming the coils using an attachment for a narrow hose and brushing them with a condenser brush to clean the coils. It is essential 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 plug it in.
You can employ a professional if you're not at ease doing it yourself. However, it's a lot cheaper and less trouble to just keep up with the routine of cleaning to stop the problem from occurring in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are hard-working appliances that keep running all day and at night to cool your food. They require regular maintenance to enable them to do their job effectively. Simple preventive maintenance can keep your machines running smoothly for a long time.
One simple thing to do is to clean the door seals. Jelly and other sticky foods can accumulate and block the gaskets from securing tightly and allowing cool air to escape through tiny gaps. Wipe them down with a solution of baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every few months.
Another place to check for issues is the fan at the back of the refrigerator. It can be noisy if it's blocked by paper, insulation or even mice (gasp). Unplug the fridge and take it off all the shelves and take out any parts that are removable. Vacuum cleaners with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils as well as the area around them. Be sure to turn the fridge back on when 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 sort of cleaning tools you'll need. It is also recommended to go through the warranty to make sure you understand what's covered.