How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators come in an array of shapes and sizes. They can fit in tight spaces, such as dorms.

Certain models also connect to smart devices. They let you monitor your fridge from afar and fix any issues that may arise. You can also control them via voice commands.

Noise

Refrigerators emit a wide variety of sounds when they are operating. Some of these noises are more obvious than others. Before calling a refrigerator repair service, try to determine the source of any noises you hear.

Rattling

The fridge may rumble in the event that there isn't enough space between it and the cabinet or wall or if its sitting at an unlevel angle. This is a simple fix - all you have to do is make sure there's at least a couple of inches of space on either side, and adjust the legs of your fridge or leveling screws to lower or raise it according to.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it can make a hissing sound. This is a normal sound that is caused by refrigerant or compressor fluid moving through the system. If you're concerned, time how often the compressor is running and contact a fridge repair service immediately when it happens more frequently than usual.

Squeaking

The sound of refrigerators can be loud when the fan or coils are dirty. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your refrigerator, you can use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner or a rag along with water or dish soap and warm water to clean the coils and fan. It's important to do this twice a year, or more often if your fridge is older or frequently used.

Clicking

A clicking sound may be heard from a refrigerator. It is usually due to frozen air around the freezer fan. This issue can be fixed by a manual defrost but is likely to occur again in the event that the issue is not addressed by a service expert.

Clicking can also happen when the fridge is shut off, so make sure to turn it back on when you hear this. If you have an ice maker installed to your fridge, this sound could be caused by it. Make sure you turn it off when you aren't using ice regularly.

The hum coming from your fridge is normal. It may get more pronounced during certain times of the day, or after 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 cold but it's not necessarily a sign of trouble with the refrigerator or its performance.

Dust

Dust in the house is an ideal habitat for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms, and also traces of chemical exposures that are commonplace in the household. The tiny particles can be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions and serve as an ideal surface for microbes to colonize and, in some cases, cause infections when they come into contact with an open wound.

It's impossible to completely clean a fridge however, regular cleaning can help reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature stable. A dirty fridge freezer near me is a waste of energy due to overheating, and is inefficient. If you suspect that your fridge is producing louder sounds than usual, or if it's operating at a high rate of energy consumption due to its overwork is it time to call in the experts.

Dust does not drift into the air from the outside as is often believed. It's made up of resuspended dust from your home, which can be contaminated with lead or other toxic substances. It also contains pollen, mold and car exhaust. It also has legacy pollutants such as DDT which were banned more than half decades ago.

Some compounds, such as flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether can be dissolved and released into the air, but the majority of chemicals found in dust from homes are transferred from one thing to another, such as by people 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 dirty refrigerator can also affect your health. It can harbor allergens such as pet dander or cockroach droppings that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It also contains bacteria spores like staphylococcus aureus, which can cause infections if they find their way into an open wound.

Researchers have discovered that contaminated dust is associated with a wide range of health conditions that include cancer, cardiovascular disease, leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children who had leukemia contained higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators function properly, the coils that are on the front and back of the appliance are supposed to disperse the heat produced by the compressor. However, when these radiator-like components are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor is forced to work continuously trying to cool the fridge but will eventually wear down the unit. That's why it's so important to clean the coils regularly.

Before you begin, disconnect and turn off the power source of your refrigerator. This can lower the risk of electrocuting yourself or your 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 usually located at the rear of the fridge, or in front of the base in certain models. Consult your fridge's manual or contact the manufacturer if aren't sure where they are.

After you've found the coils, remove the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them using the narrow hose attachment or brushing them using a condenser cleaner brush. It's important to take your time when doing this to avoid bending or damaging the coils. After that take the kick panel off, replace it or push the fridge back into place and plug it back in.

You can employ an expert if you're confident in doing it yourself. It's less expensive and easier to keep up the cleaning routine in order to avoid the issue.

Maintenance

Fridges are powerful appliances that work all day long to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to help them accomplish their task effectively. This simple preventive maintenance will keep them running smoothly for many years to come.

A simple task is to wipe down the door seals. Jelly and other sticky foods can accumulate and block gaskets from sealing properly, allowing cool air to leak through tiny gaps. Every few months, wipe them down with a baking soda solution and warm water with a sponge or toothbrush.

The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is another spot to check. It can get noisy when it's blocked by paper, insulation and even mouse (gasp). Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator, and take out all the parts that are removable. Vacuum cleaners equipped with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils as well as the area surrounding them. Make sure to switch off the fridge after you have finished.

It is recommended to check the owner's manual for information on where to find the coils, the fan, and what tools for cleaning you might require. Also, you should read the warranty to make sure you are aware of the coverage.