How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators are available in different sizes and shapes. They can be a perfect fit in small spaces, such as dorms.
Certain models also sync with smart devices. You can monitor your fridge remotely, and troubleshoot problems when they arise. You can also utilize voice commands to control them.
Noise
Best Fridges make a wide range of sounds when they're operating. Some of these noises are more prominent than others. If you hear any of the sounds below find out the cause and check for a fix before calling a repair service for your fridge.
Rattling
The sound of a refrigerator rattling could be caused by there's no space between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or when 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 each side, and adjust the fridge legs or leveling screws to lower or raise it accordingly.
Hissing
When the compressor is cooling your food, it could make a hissing sound. This is a normal sound, and it is caused by the compressor's oil or refrigerant that is flowing through the system. If you are worried, keep track of how often the compressor cycles. Contact a repair service immediately if this happens more than usual.
Squeaking
Refrigerators can sound raucous if the coils or fan are filthy. If you hear a squeaking sound coming from your refrigerator, you can use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner, a rag, and dish soap or water and warm water to clean the coils and fan. It is recommended to do this twice every year or more often if your refrigerator is older or is heavily used.
Clicking
A click sound can also be heard from a refrigerator. It is usually due to freezing around the fan of the freezer. This can be solved by a manual defrost but will likely return unless the issue is addressed by a service expert.
Clicking can also happen when the fridge is shut off, so be sure to turn it back on when you hear this. This sound could also be caused by an ice maker if there is one installed, so it's important to ensure this is switched off when you don't need continuous ice.
The hum from your fridge is normal. It may get more pronounced during certain times of the day, or following heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator has to perform more efficiently and faster to keep your food cool but it's not an indication of a problem with the refrigerator or its performance.
Dust
Dust from the household is a magnet for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as the traces of chemical exposures that are commonplace in the household. The tiny particles can trigger allergic reactions and inhalation and are a perfect substrate for microbes, which includes those that can cause infection when they come into direct contact with an open cut.
Cleaning a refrigerator is not easy however regular cleaning can help reduce dust and ensure an even temperature. A dirty fridge wastes energy due to overheating, and is inefficient. If you suspect your fridge is making louder noises than usual, or if it's wasting power by overworking itself It's probably time to call in the experts.
Dust does not drift into the air from the outside as is commonly thought. It contains resuspended soil from your home and is often contaminated with lead and other toxicants along with pollen, mold spores and car exhaust. It also has pollutant residues from the past, such as DDT which were banned more than half 100 years ago.
Some compounds, such as flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether are able to volatilize and enter the air, but the majority of chemicals found in dust from homes are transferred from one object to the next like by knocking fibers and minute 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 affect your health, in addition to the food you eat being contaminated. It can harbor allergens, like pet dander and the droppings of cockroaches which can trigger asthma and allergies in a lot of people. It can also contain bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that a range of health conditions can be traced to dust pollution, ranging from heart disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. A recent study found that homes of children diagnosed with leukemia had higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PBDEs and PCBs in their dust than the homes of healthy children.
Condenser Coils
When refrigerators run correctly, the coils on the back and front of the appliance should dissipate the heat produced by the compressor. But when these radiator-like parts are covered in dust, pet hair, or lint, the compressor works all day long trying to cool the fridge and will eventually wear down the unit. This is why it's crucial to regularly clean the coils.
Before you begin, unplug and shut off the power source of your refrigerator. This will lower the chance that you or your family may be injured by electrocution while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust, it's a good idea for you to wear a face mask. The next step is to locate the coils. These are typically at the rear of the fridge, or in front of the base in certain models. If you're unsure of where to find them go through your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
Once you've located the coils, you'll need to remove the access panel if there is one. You can then alternate between vacuuming the coils using a narrow hose attachment and rubbing them with a condenser coil cleaning brush. It is important to be patient when doing this to avoid bending or damaging the coils. When finished you can replace the kick panel or push the fridge into place and plug it in.
If you're not confident 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 stop the problem from occurring in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are powerful appliances that operate throughout the day to cool your food. To help them do their job effectively they require regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance will keep them running efficiently for many years to come.
Clean the door seals. Jelly and other food items that stick can build up and prevent the gaskets from securing tightly, letting cool air seep through tiny cracks. Clean them with a solution of baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every few months.
The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is a different location to look at. It can become noisy when it's blocked with paper, insulation or even a mouse (gasp). Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator, and take out any 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 turn the fridge on again when you're done.
It is recommended that you read the owner's manual for information on where to find the coils, the fan and the cleaning tools you may need. It's also a good idea to read the warranty thoroughly to ensure you know what's covered and what isn't covered.