How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators are available in different sizes and shapes. They can fit into tight spaces, including dorm rooms.

Some models can be used with smart devices. They allow you to monitor your fridge from afar and help you fix any issues that might arise. You can also control them using voice commands.

Noise

Refrigerators emit a wide variety of noises when they're operating. Certain sounds are more noticeable than others. If you notice any of the sounds below, determine its origin and check for a fix before calling a repair company 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 if it's positioned at an unbalanced angle. This is easy to fix - all you have to do is ensure that there's at least a couple of inches of space on each side and then adjust the legs of your Fridge Freezer Clearance or leveling screws to raise or lower it in line with.

Hissing

The compressor could make a loud noise while cooling your food. This is a normal sound, and it's caused by the compressor's oil or the flow of refrigerant that is flowing through the system. If you're concerned, note how often the compressor cycles and call a refrigerator repair service immediately in the event that it occurs more often than normal.

Squeaking

fridges & freezers can be noisy 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 water or dish soap and warm water to clean the fan and coils. It is important to clean the fridge at least twice a year and more frequently in the case of a fridge that is older or frequently used.

Clicking

Frigs can also produce a clicking sound typically caused by the accumulation of ice around the freezer fan. This can be solved with a manual defrost, but is likely to occur again in the event that the issue is not addressed by a service professional.

If you hear clicking, switch the fridge back on. The sound could also be caused by the ice maker if there is one to the fridge, so it's crucial to make sure that it's switched off when you aren't using ice continuously.

The hum of your refrigerator is normal. It may be more intense 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 is working faster. This isn't an indication of a problem.

Dust

Dust from the household is an excellent 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 environment for microbes to thrive including those that could cause infections if they come in contact with an open wound.

It's impossible to completely clean a fridge, but cleaning regularly can reduce the accumulation of dust and help keep the temperature stable. A fridge that is dirty uses up energy because it overheats, and is inefficient. If you suspect your fridge is producing louder sounds than normal, or is wasting power by overworking itself is it time to call in the professionals.

Dust doesn't float into the air from outside as it is thought to be. It contains resuspended soil from your home that is often contaminated with lead and other toxicants in addition to pollen, mold spores and car exhaust. It also contains legacy pollutants like DDT, which was banned over 50 years ago.

Certain compounds, like flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether can be dissolved and released into the air, but the majority of chemicals 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.

Aside from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a smoky fridge can also be detrimental to your health. It could harbor allergens like pet dander and droppings of cockroaches that can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It can also contain bacteria spores, such as staphylococcus.

Researchers have found that contaminated dust can be linked to a broad range of health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia, and inflammatory intestinal diseases. Recent research showed that the dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia had higher levels PCBs as well as PBDEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators are functioning correctly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance are supposed to be able to disperse the heat created by the compressor. When these radiator-like components are covered in dust, pet hair or lint the compressor has to work harder trying to cool the refrigerator, which wears down the unit. It's important to keep your coils clean.

Before you begin, disconnect and turn off the refrigerator's power source. This can lower the risk of electrocuting yourself and your family members when working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust, it's an ideal idea to wear a mask for your face. Then you will need to find the coils. They are usually located at the back of the refrigerator or, in certain cases, on the front and base. If you are unsure where to look go through your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.

After you have located the coils, you will need to remove the access panel if there is one and then alternate between vacuuming the coils with an hose attachment that is narrow and rubbing them with a condenser coil cleaning brush. It is important to take your time while doing this to avoid bending or damaging the coils. When finished you can replace the kick panel or push the fridge into position and plug it back into.

You can engage a professional if you're not at ease doing it yourself. However, it's a lot cheaper and less of a hassle to just keep up with the routine of cleaning to prevent the problem from arising in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are powerful appliances that run all day long to cool your food. To make sure they are doing their job effectively, they need regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance can ensure that they are running efficiently for many years to come.

One easy thing to do is to wipe down the door seals. Jelly and other foods that are sticky can cause a buildup and stop the gaskets from sealing tightly, letting cool air seep through tiny gaps. Clean them off with a solution of baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every couple of months.

Another place to check for problems is the fan in the back of the fridge. It could be loud if it's blocked with paper, insulation or even a mouse. Unplug the refrigerator remove all the shelves and take out any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners that have hose attachments can be used to clean the coils and the area surrounding them. Make sure to turn off the fridge back on when you're done.

It is best to refer to your owner's manual for details on how to locate the coils and the fan and what kind of cleaning tools you'll need. Also, you should review the warranty to be sure you are aware of the coverage.