How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators come in an array of shapes and sizes. They can be tucked away in tight areas, like dorm rooms.
Some models are compatible with smart devices. They allow you to monitor your fridge from afar and help you fix any issues that may arise. You can also utilize voice commands to control them.
Noise
Refrigerators can emit many different sounds while operating, and some are more prominent than others. Before calling a repair service, you should identify the cause of any sounds you hear.
Rattling
The sound of a refrigerator rattling could be caused by there's not enough space between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or if it's positioned at an unbalanced angle. It's simple to solve. You just need to ensure that there's at least a couple of inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or adjust the leveling screws or legs to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.
Hissing
When the compressor is cooling your food, it can make a hissing sound. This is a common sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid moving through the system. If you are concerned, keep track of the frequency at which the compressor cycles. Contact a repair service immediately in the event that this occurs more often than normal.
Squeaking
Fridges can be noisy if the coils or fan are dirty. If you notice that your fridge is making noises clean the coils or fan using a vacuum with a brush attachment or a rag and water, or simply use dish soap and water. It is important to clean the fridge at least twice a year, or more often when your fridge is old or frequently used.
Clicking
A clicking sound can be heard from a refrigerator. It is usually due to freezing around the fan of the freezer. This issue can be fixed with a manual defrost, but it is likely to recur unless the issue is addressed by a service expert.
If you hear clicking, turn the refrigerator back on. If you have an ice maker installed, this sound can be caused by it. Make sure to turn it off when you aren't using ice regularly.
The hum coming from your fridge is normal. It may be louder during certain times of day, or following heavy stockings or intensive freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, and therefore it will work more quickly. This isn't an indication of an issue.
Dust
Dust from the household is a magnet for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms as well as traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be breathed in and elicit allergic reactions, and serve as an ideal place for microbes to grow, including some that may cause infections if they come in contact with an open wound.
It's impossible to clean a fridge completely, but cleaning regularly will help to reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature more stable. A fridge that is dirty uses up energy because it overheats, and is inefficient. If your fridge is producing more noise than normal or when you suspect it's working too hard it might be time to get it checked out.
In contrast to other airborne particles, dust doesn't simply drift into the air from outside as is often believed. It's made up of resuspended dust from your home which could be contaminated with lead or other poisonous substances. It also contains mold, pollen, and car exhaust. It also contains pollutants from the past, such as DDT which was banned over 50 years ago.
Certain compounds, like flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether, volatilize and get into the air, however the majority of chemicals found in dust in the house are transferred directly from one object to the next for example, 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 dirty refrigerator can adversely impact your health, not to mention the food you eat being contaminated. It can harbor allergens such as pet dander or droppings of cockroaches that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It may also contain bacteria-related spores like staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that a wide range of health conditions can be traced to dust pollution, ranging from cancer to cardiovascular disease to leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. Recent research showed that the dust in the homes of children with leukemia had higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
When refrigerators run correctly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should dissipate the heat produced by the compressor. When these radiator-like components are covered with pet hair, dust or lint, the compressor is forced to work overtime trying cool the refrigerator and wears down the unit. It is important to keep your coils clean.
If you're planning to do the work yourself, it is recommended that you unplug the refrigerator from its outlet and turn off its power supply prior to starting. This will reduce the chance of electrocuting yourself and your family members when working on the appliance. It's also recommended to wear a protective mask if you are sensitive to dust. Then you will need to find the coils. The coils are typically located in the back of the refrigerator, or in some instances, at the front and base. Check the manual of your fridge or contact the manufacturer if you aren't sure where they are.
After you have located the coils, you will have to take off the access panel if you have one and then alternate between vacuuming the coils using a narrow hose attachment and rubbing them with a condenser brush to clean the coils. It's important to be patient when doing this to avoid bending or damaging the coils. After you're done, replace the kick panel or push the fridge back into place and plug it back into.
If you're not comfortable doing this by yourself, you can always hire a professional. But it's much cheaper and less of a hassle to simply keep up with the routine of cleaning to avoid the issue from happening in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are powerful appliances that operate all day to cool down your food. They require regular maintenance to help them do their job effectively. This simple preventive maintenance can keep them running smoothly for many years to come.
One simple thing to do is to wipe down the door seals. The gaskets may become blocked by jelly and other sticky food items, allowing air to escape through tiny gaps. Clean them off by putting baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every couple of months.
The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is a different spot to check. It could be noisy if it's been clogged up with insulation, paper or even a mouse. Unplug the refrigerator remove all shelves and then take out any removable parts. Clean the coils and the area surrounding them with a vacuum cleaner with an attachment for a hose. Make sure you switch the fridge Freezer sale uk back on when you are finished.
It is recommended to consult the owner's manual for specifics on where to find the fan and coils and what kind of cleaning tools you may require. It is also recommended to review the warranty to be sure you understand what's covered.