How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

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

Some models also sync with smart devices. They let you monitor your fridge from afar and help you fix any issues that might occur. You can also use voice commands to control them.

Noise

Fridges make a wide range of noises when they are in operation. Certain sounds are more noticeable than others. Before calling a refrigerator repair service, try to identify the cause of any noises you hear.

Rattling

The fridge can rattle when there's not enough space between it and the cabinet or wall or if it's sitting at an unlevel angle. It's easy to repair - all you need to do is make sure there's at least a couple of inches of space between the sides and then adjust the fridge legs or leveling screws to lower or raise it accordingly.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it may produce a loud sound. This is a typical sound that is caused by the compressor fluid or refrigerant moving through the system. If you're worried, count how often the compressor is running and contact a fridge repair service immediately in the event that it occurs more frequently than usual.

Squeaking

Fridges can be noisy if the coils or fan are dirty. If you hear a squeaking sound from your fridge, make use of the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner along with a rag and dish soap or water along with warm water to wash the coils and fan. It's important to do this at least twice a year, or more often in the case of a fridge that is older or is used frequently.

Clicking

A clicking sound can also be heard from a fridge. It is usually due to frozen air around the freezer fan. This can be solved by a manual defrost but will likely return until the issue is resolved by a service expert.

If you hear clicking, switch the fridge back on. If you have an ice maker connected the sound could be caused by it. Be sure to turn it off when are not using ice constantly.

The hum of your refrigerator is normal. It may get more pronounced during certain times of the day, or following heavy stockings or intense freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, which means it will work more quickly. This isn't an indication of any issue.

Dust

Dust in the house is an ideal habitat for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, and also traces of chemical exposures that are commonplace in the household. The tiny particles can be inhaled and elicit allergic reactions, and provide a perfect place for microbes to grow, including some that may cause infection when they come into contact with wounds that are open.

Cleaning a refrigerator isn't easy however regular cleaning can help to reduce dust and ensure an even temperature. A dirty fridge is a waste of energy due to overheating, and is inefficient. If your refrigerator is making more noise than usual, or If you suspect that it is running out of energy due to overworking it could be time to have it checked.

Dust does not drift into the air from outside as it is thought to be. It contains resuspended soil from the home and is often contaminated with lead and other toxicants, as well as pollen, mold spores, and car exhaust. It also contains a number of legacy pollutants, including DDT which was banned 50 years ago.

Certain compounds, such as flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether are able to volatilize and enter 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 smashing fibers and small pieces 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 fridge can also be detrimental to your health. It could harbor allergens like pet dander or droppings of cockroaches that can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It can also contain bacteria spores, like staphylococcus aureus, which could cause infection if they make their way into an open wound.

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. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children with leukemia had higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils located on the front and back of the appliance should be able to dissipate the heat created by the compressor. If these radiator-like parts are covered with dust, pet hair or lint the compressor has to work hard trying to cool the refrigerator and wears down the unit. That's why it's important to regularly clean the coils.

If you're looking to do the work yourself it is recommended you disconnect the refrigerator and switch off the power source before beginning. This will decrease the chance that you or your family members could be electrocuted while working on the appliance. It is also a good idea to wear a mask if you are sensitive to dust. You will then need to locate the coils. They are usually located at the rear of the fridge or on the front, across the base in certain models. Refer to the manual for your fridge or contact the manufacturer if don't know where they are.

After you've located the coils, remove the access panel (if there is one) and alternate between vacuuming them using the hose attachment that is narrow or brushing them with a condenser cleaner brush. It's 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 place and plug it in.

If you're not comfortable doing this by yourself, you can always hire an expert. But it's much cheaper and less trouble to keep up with the cleaning routine to prevent the problem from arising in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are powerful appliances that run all day to cool down your food. To make sure they are doing their job effectively, they need regular maintenance. Simple preventive maintenance will ensure that your machines run smoothly for many years.

A simple task is to clean the door seals. Jelly and other foods that are sticky can cause a buildup and stop the gaskets from securing tightly and allowing cool air to escape through tiny cracks. Clean them using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every few months.

Another spot to check for problems is the fan in the back of the refrigerator. It could be noisy if it's clogged up with insulation, paper or even a mouse. Unplug the refrigerator and take it off all the shelves and remove any parts that are removable. Vacuum cleaners equipped with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils as well as the area around them. Make sure you switch the refrigeration fridge back on when you are finished.

It's best fridges to check your owner's manual for details about where to find the coils and the fan and what cleaning tools you'll need. You should also review the warranty to be sure you are aware of the coverage.

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