How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators are available in different sizes and shapes. They can fit into tight places like dorms.

Some models are compatible with smart home fridge devices. They let you monitor your fridge from afar and troubleshoot any problems that may arise. You can also control them with voice commands.

Noise

Refrigerators emit a wide variety of noises when they are in operation. Some of these sounds are more noticeable than others. Before calling a refrigerator repair service, you should identify the source of any sounds you hear.

Rattling

The fridge could rattle if there is not enough space between it and the cabinet or wall or if it is positioned at an unlevel angle. It's easy to solve. It's just a matter of ensure that there's at least two inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling legs or screws to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.

Hissing

The compressor may hiss when cooling your food. This is a normal sound, and it is caused by the compressor's oil or flow of refrigerant that is flowing through the system. If you are concerned, keep track of how often the compressor runs. Call a fridge repair service immediately in the event that this occurs more often than usual.

Squeaking

Refrigerators can be noisy when their fans or coils are filthy. If you hear a squeaking sound from your fridge, use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner along with a rag and dish soap or water and warm water to wash the fan and coils. This should be done at least twice each year, or more often when your refrigerator is old or is heavily used.

Clicking

A clicking sound may also be heard from a fridge. This is usually due to freezing around the fan of the freezer. This can be resolved with a manual defrost, but will likely return unless the issue is addressed by a service professional.

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 are not using ice constantly.

The hum from your fridge is normal. It may get more intense during certain times of day, and also after heavy stockings or intensive freezer functions. This is because the refrigerator has to perform more efficiently and faster to keep your food cool but it's not necessarily a sign of trouble with the refrigerator or its performance.

Dust

Household dust is a magnet for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as traces of chemical exposures that are commonplace in the household. The tiny particles can be inhaled and elicit allergic reactions, and serve as an ideal surface for microbes to colonize and, in some cases, cause infections if they come in contact with wounds that are open.

It's impossible to clean a fridge completely however, regular cleaning can reduce the accumulation of dust and keep the temperature constant. A dirty fridge also consumes energy as it overheats and is inefficient. If your refrigerator is making more noise than usual, or if you think it's wasting energy by overworking it could be time to get it checked.

In contrast to other airborne particles, dust doesn't just drift into the air from outside as is often believed. It contains resuspended soil from the home, compact refrigerator which is often tainted with lead and other toxicants along with pollen, mold spores, and Miele K 12020 Undercounter Fridge Energy Efficient car exhaust. It also contains legacy pollutants like DDT, which was banned more than 50 years ago.

Certain compounds, such as flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether, volatilize into the air. However, the majority substances found in dust come 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.

Apart from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a dusty fridge can also be detrimental to your health. It can harbor allergens, like pet dander and the droppings of cockroaches which can trigger asthma and allergic reactions for many people. It can also contain bacteria-related spores like 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. A recent study found that the homes of children with leukemia tended to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PDEs and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy children.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should be able of dispersing the heat created by the compressor. When these radiator-like components are covered in pet hair, dust or lint, the compressor has to work harder trying to cool the refrigerator and reduces the efficiency of the unit. This is why it's crucial to clean the coils regularly.

Before you begin, disconnect and shut off the refrigerator's power supply. This will decrease the chance that you or your family members may be electrocuted while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust it's an ideal idea to wear a mask for your face. You'll then have to find the coils. They are typically located on the back of the fridge, or on the front, across the base in some units. If you're not sure where to look, consult your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.

Once you have found the coils, you'll have to take off the access panel if you have one. Then, alternate between vacuuming the coils using an attachment for a narrow hose and rubbing them with a condenser brush for cleaning the coils. It's important to take your time when doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. After that, Innovative Fridges replace the kick panel or push the fridge back into position and plug it back into.

If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire an expert. It's cheaper and simpler to keep up the cleaning routine in order to avoid the issue.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are powerful appliances that operate throughout the day to cool your food. To help them do their jobs well they require regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance will ensure that they are running smoothly for many years to come.

A simple task is to wipe down the door seals. Gaskets can get clogged with jelly and other sticky foods, allowing air to escape through tiny gaps. Every few months, wipe them clean with baking soda solution and warm water with a sponge or toothbrush.

Another spot to look for problems is the fan at the back of the fridge. It can become noisy when it's blocked by paper, insulation or even a mouse (gasp). Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator, and take out all removable parts. Vacuum cleaners equipped with attachments for hoses can be used to clean the coils as well as the surrounding area. Make sure you switch the fridge back on when you are finished.

It is recommended to consult the owner's manual for specifics about where to find the coils and the fan and what kind of cleaning tools you might need. You should also go through the warranty to make sure you understand what's covered.