How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators are available in a vast array of shapes and sizes. They can be tucked away in tight areas, like dorm rooms.
Certain models also connect to smart devices. They'll let you monitor your fridge from afar and troubleshoot any problems that may arise. You can also utilize voice commands to control them.
Noise
Refrigerators produce a variety of noises while they're operating. Some of these noises are more prominent than others. Before contacting a refrigerator repair company, try to identify the source of any noises you hear.
Rattling
Fridge rattling can occur when there's no space between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or when it's sitting at an uneven angle. It's simple to repair. It's all you need to do is ensure that there is at least a couple of inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling legs or screws to raise or lower your fridge.
Hissing
The compressor may hiss when cooling your food. This is a normal sound that is caused by refrigerant or compressor fluid moving through the system. If you're concerned, note how often the compressor is running and contact an emergency repair service for your fridge in the event that it occurs more frequently than normal.
Squeaking
fridge for sale can be noisy if their coils or fans are filthy. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your fridge, use an attachment for a vacuum cleaner along with a rag and water or dish soap and warm water to wash the fan and coils. It's important to do this twice a year, or more often if your fridge is older or is used frequently.
Clicking
A click sound can also be heard from a fridge. It is usually caused by ice around the freezer fan. This can be resolved with a manual defrost, but is likely to occur again in the event that the issue is not addressed by a professional service.
If you hear clicking, turn the fridge back on. If you have an ice maker attached, this sound can be caused by it. Make sure you turn it off when are not using ice constantly.
The hum of your refrigerator is normal, and it may be louder during certain times of the day, or after large stockings or intensive freezing processes. 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
Dust in the house is an ideal habitat for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms as well as traces of chemical exposures that are commonplace in the household. The tiny particles can be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions and provide a perfect environment for microbes to thrive, including some that may cause infections when they come into contact with a wound.
It's impossible to clean a fridge completely, but cleaning regularly can reduce the accumulation of dust and keep the temperature more consistent. A dirty fridge also consumes energy when it overheats and is inefficient. If you suspect your fridge is producing louder sounds than usual, or if it's wasting power by overworking itself It's probably time to call in the experts.
In contrast to other airborne particles, dust doesn't just come in from outside, as is commonly believed. It is made up of soil that has been resuspended from the house that is often contaminated with lead and other toxicants, as well as 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, such as decabromodiphenylether can be dissolved and released into the air, however the majority of chemicals in dust in the house are transferred directly from one thing to another like by smashing fibers and small pieces of plastic off electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.
In addition to contaminating food items in the refrigerator, a dirty fridge can also negatively affect your health. It can contain allergens, like pet dander or droppings from cockroaches, which can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It also contains bacteria spores, like staphylococcus aureus, that can cause infections if they make their way into an open wound.
Researchers have discovered that dust contamination can be linked to a broad range of health problems that include cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia, and inflammatory intestinal diseases. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children who had leukemia contained higher levels of PCBs as well as PBDEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils on the front and back 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 will work overtime trying to cool the fridge, and ends up wearing down the appliance. It's important to regularly clean your coils.
Before you begin, unplug and shut off the refrigerator's power source. This can reduce the risk of electrocuting yourself or family members while working on the appliance. It is also recommended to wear a mask if are sensitive to dust. The next step is to find the coils. They are typically located in the rear of the fridge, or in front of the base of some models. Consult your fridge's manual or contact the manufacturer if you aren't sure where they are.
Once you have found the coils, you'll have to take off the access panel if you have one. You can then alternate between vacuuming the coils using an attachment for a narrow hose and rubbing them with a condenser brush to clean the coils. It is essential to be patient when doing this to avoid bending or damaging the coils. After that you can replace the kick panel or move the fridge to its place and plug it back in.
If you aren't comfortable doing this yourself, then you can always hire an expert. It's cheaper and less of a hassle to just keep up with the cleaning routine to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.
Maintenance
Refrigerators are durable appliances that keep running all day and at night to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to enable them to accomplish their task effectively. Simple preventive maintenance can keep your machines running smoothly for a long time.
One easy thing to do is to wipe down the door seals. Gaskets can get clogged with jelly and other sticky food items which allows air to escape through tiny gaps. Clean them by putting baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every few months.
Another place to check for issues is the fan at the back of the refrigerator. It could be loud if it's blocked with paper, insulation or even a mouse. Unplug the fridge, take out all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners that have connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils and the area surrounding them. Make sure you turn the fridge on again when you're done.
It's best to check the owner's manual for specifics on where to find the fan and coils and what kind of cleaning tools you may require. It's recommended to read the warranty thoroughly, to be sure you know what's covered and what isn't covered.