How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators are available in a vast array of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight spaces including dorms.

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

Noise

Refrigerators can produce many different sounds while operating, and some are more prominent than others. Before calling a refrigerator repair company, try to identify the source of any sounds you hear.

Rattling

The fridge can rattle in the event that there isn't enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if it's sitting at an unlevel angle. It's not difficult to repair. It's just a matter of ensure that there's at least a couple of inches between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or adjust the leveling legs or screws to raise or lower your cheap fridge uk.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it may produce a loud sound. This is a normal sound, and it's caused by the compressor's oil or the flow of refrigerant flowing through the system. If you're concerned, time how often the compressor cycles and call a fridge repair service immediately if it does so more frequently than usual.

Squeaking

Fridges can be noisy when the fan or coils are filthy. If you hear a loud squeaking sound 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 coils and fan. This should be done twice each year, or more often when your refrigerator is old or is heavily used.

Clicking

A clicking sound can be heard from a fridge. This is usually caused by ice around the freezer fan. This issue can be fixed by a manual defrost but will likely return unless the issue is addressed by a service professional.

If you hear clicking, turn the fridge back on. The sound could also be caused by an ice maker if there is one attached to your fridge, so be sure to ensure this is switched off when you don't require continuous ice.

The hum of your fridge is normal, and it can be a bit louder at certain times of the day, or after heavy stockings or intense freezing functions. This is because the refrigerator has to perform more efficiently and faster to keep your food cold, but it is not necessarily a sign of trouble with the refrigerator or its performance.

Dust

Household dust is an excellent magnet for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms, as well as the traces of everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be breathed in and elicit allergic reactions, and can provide a great environment for microbes to thrive, including some that may cause infection when they come into contact with wounds that are open.

It's impossible to clean a fridge entirely however, regular cleaning will help to reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature more constant. A dirty fridge also wastes energy when it overheats and is inefficient. If you suspect that your refrigerator is making louder noises than normal, or is operating at a high rate of energy consumption due to its overwork, it might be time to call in the professionals.

Dust doesn't drift into the air from outside as is often believed. It contains resuspended dirt from the home and can be contaminated by lead or other poisonous substances. It also contains pollen, mold 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 such as decabromodiphenylether are able to volatilize and enter the air, however the majority of chemicals in dust from homes are transferred from one thing to another 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.

In addition to contaminating food items in the refrigerator, a dusty refrigerator can also affect your health. It can harbor allergens like pet dander or cockroach droppings that can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It may also contain bacteria-related spores like staphylococcus.

Researchers have found that contaminated dust is associated with a wide range of health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. A recent study found that the homes of children with leukemia tended to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PDEs and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy children.

Condenser Coils

When refrigerators run properly, the coils that are on the back and front of the appliance should help disperse the heat generated by the compressor. If these radiator-like parts are covered in dust, pet hair or lint the compressor has to work hard trying to cool the refrigerator, which reduces the efficiency of the unit. It is important to regularly clean your coils.

If you're planning to do the work yourself It is recommended that you unplug the refrigerator from its outlet and shut off the power source before beginning. This can lower the risk of electrocuting yourself or family members while working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust it is recommended to wear a face mask. You'll then have to find the coils. They are usually located at the back of the refrigerator or, in some cases, at the front and at the base. Consult your fridge's manual or contact the manufacturer if you aren't sure where to find them.

Once you have found the coils, you'll need to remove the access panel if there is one. You can then alternate between vacuuming the coils with an attachment for a narrow hose and rubbing them with a condenser brush for cleaning the coils. It's important to take your time while doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel or put the refrigerator in place, and plug it in.

If you aren't comfortable doing this yourself, then you can always hire an expert. But it's much cheaper and less of a hassle to just keep up with the cleaning routine to prevent the problem from arising in the first place.

Maintenance

Fridges are powerful appliances that run all day long to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to help them do their job effectively. Simple preventive maintenance can ensure that your machines are running efficiently for a long time.

One easy thing to do is to clean the door seals. Jelly and other sticky foods can accumulate and block the gaskets from securing tightly, letting cool air seep through tiny gaps. Wipe them down by putting baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every couple of months.

The fan in the back of the refrigerator is another location to look at. It could be noisy if it's been clogged up with insulation, paper or even mice. Remove the shelves, unplug the refrigerator and remove any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners equipped with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils as well as the surrounding area. Make sure to turn off the fridge back on after you're done.

It is recommended to check the owner's manual for details about where to locate the coils, the fan, and the tools to clean it with. It's also a good idea to read the warranty carefully to make sure you know what's covered and what isn't covered.