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 spaces, such as dorm rooms.

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

Noise

Refrigerators emit a wide variety of noises when they are operating. Some of these noises are more obvious than others. If you notice any of the sounds below, determine its origin and check for a quick fix before calling a fridge repair company.

Rattling

Fridge rattling can occur when there's not enough space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's positioned at an unbalanced angle. It's simple to solve. You just need to ensure that there is at least two inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling legs or screws to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.

Hissing

The compressor can make a noise when cooling your food. This is a common sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid that is moving through the system. If you're concerned, time how often the compressor runs and call a fridge repair service immediately when it happens more often than normal.

Squeaking

tall larder fridges may be noisy when their fans or coils are filthy. If you notice a fridge making noises clean the coils or fan using a vacuum using a brush attachment or water and a rag, or use dish soap and water. It's important to do this every two years, or more often in the case of a fridge that is older or is used frequently.

Clicking

Frigs can also produce a clicking sound, which is generally caused by the accumulation of ice around the freezer fan. Manual defrosting can solve the issue, but it will return until a professional is brought to assist.

If you hear clicking, turn the fridge back on. The sound could be caused by the ice maker if there is one to the Fridge raiders, so it's crucial to ensure that it's turned off when you don't need an ice maker that is constantly running.

The hum coming from your fridge is normal. It may be more intense during certain times of day, and also after heavy stockings or intensive freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, so it will work more quickly. This isn't an indication of a problem.

Dust

Dust in the house is an ideal habitat for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms as well as the traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can cause allergic reactions as well as inhalation and are a perfect substrate for microbes, which includes those that can cause infection if they come into direct contact with a cut.

It's impossible to clean a fridge completely but regular cleaning will help to reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature stable. A dirty fridge is a waste of energy because it overheats, and is inefficient. If you suspect that your refrigerator is producing louder sounds than usual, or if it's running out of power due to overworking it, it might be time to call the professionals.

Contrary to other airborne particles dust doesn't just come into the air from outside it is believed. It is made up of resuspended dirt from your home which could be contaminated with lead or other toxic substances. It also contains pollen, mold, and car exhaust. It also contains a number of legacy pollutants, including DDT, which was banned over 50 years ago.

Certain compounds, such as flame retardants like decabromodiphenylether, are able to be dissolved into the air. But the majority of chemicals found in house dust are derived from objects that are knocked off, for example, electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.

Apart from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a smoky refrigerator can also affect your health. It can contain allergens, like pet dander and droppings of cockroaches 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 wounds that are open.

Researchers have discovered that a variety of health conditions can be traced to dust contamination, from heart disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. A recent study revealed that homes of children who were diagnosed with leukemia tended to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PBDEs and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy kids.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils on the back and front of the appliance should help disperse heat generated by the compressor. However, when these radiator-like components are covered in dust, pet hair, or lint, the compressor works all day long trying to cool the fridge, and ends up wearing down the appliance. It's important to clean your coils regularly.

Before starting, disconnect and turn off the power source of your refrigerator. This will lower the chance that you or your family may be electrocuted while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust, it's a good idea for you to wear a face mask. You will then need to find the coils. They are usually located on the back of the fridge, or fridge raiders at the front across the base of some models. If you're unsure of where to locate them go through your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.

Once you've located the coils, you'll need to remove the access panel if you have one. Then, alternate between vacuuming the coils with an attachment for a narrow hose and brushing them with a condenser brush for cleaning the coils. It is important to take your time while doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. When finished take the kick panel off, replace it or push the fridge back into position and plug it back in.

You can engage an expert if you're not at ease doing it yourself. But it's much cheaper and less of a hassle to simply keep up with the routine of cleaning to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.

Maintenance

Fridges are hard-working appliances that keep running all day and night to cool your food. To help them do their job well they require regular maintenance. Simple preventive maintenance can keep your machines running smoothly for a long time.

Clean the door seals. Gaskets can get filled with jelly and other sticky foods and allow cool air to escape through tiny holes. Every few months, clean them clean using a baking soda solution and warm water with a sponge or toothbrush.

The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is a different location to look at. It can get noisy when it's clogged with paper, insulation or even mice (gasp). Unplug the refrigerator remove all the shelves and remove any parts that are removable. Vacuum cleaners equipped with attachments for hoses can be used to clean the coils as well as the area surrounding them. Make sure that you turn the fridge on again when you're done.

You should check the owner's manual for information about where to locate the coils, the fan and the tools to clean it with. Also, you should go through the warranty to make sure you are aware of the coverage.