How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Fridges are available in many different sizes and shapes. They can fit in tight spaces, such as dorms.

Certain models are compatible with smart phones. You can monitor your fridge from afar and resolve issues if they arise. You can also make use of voice commands to control them.

Noise

Refrigerators can produce many different sounds while running, some of which are more obvious than others. Before calling a repair service, try to identify the cause of any sounds you hear.

Rattling

The fridge can rattle if there is not enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if it is positioned 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 between the sides, and adjust the legs of your fridge or leveling screws to lower or raise it in line with.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it may produce a loud sound. This is a normal sound and it is caused by the compressor's oil or flow of refrigerant flowing through the system. If you're worried, count how often the compressor is running and contact an emergency repair service for your fridge when it happens more frequently than usual.

Squeaking

Fridges can be noisy when the fan or coils are dirty. If you notice that your fridge is making a squeaking sound, clean the coils or fan using a vacuum using a brush attachment, water and a rag, or simply use dish soap and water. This should be done twice a year or more frequently if your refrigerator is older or heavily used.

Clicking

Frigs can also make a clicking sound typically caused by ice accumulation around the freezer fan. Manual defrosting can solve the issue but it could recur until a professional is brought in.

If you hear clicking, turn the refrigerator back on. If you have an ice maker installed to your fridge, this sound could be caused by it. Make sure to turn it off when aren't using ice regularly.

The hum of your refrigerator is normal, and it can be a bit more pronounced at certain times of the day, or following large quantities of stock or freezing functions. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator has to work harder and faster to keep your food cold but it's not an indication of a problem with the fridge or its performance.

Dust

Household dust is a magnet for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms, as well as the traces of chemical exposures that are commonplace in the household. The tiny particles can trigger allergic reactions and inhalation and are a perfect substrate for microbes, including those that can cause an infection when they come into contact with a cut.

It's impossible to completely clean a fridge however, regular cleaning can help reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature more constant. A dirty fridge wastes energy because it overheats, and is inefficient. If you suspect that your fridge is making louder noises than normal, or is wasting power by overworking itself, it might be time to call in experts.

In contrast to other airborne particles, dust doesn't just come into the air from outside, as is commonly believed. It's made up of resuspended soil from your home and is often contaminated with lead and other toxicants, as well as pollen, mold spores and car exhaust. It also contains the legacy pollutants like DDT which were banned more than half 100 years ago.

Certain compounds, like flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether, volatilize and get into the air, however the majority of chemicals found in dust in the house are transferred directly from one object to another, such as by people throwing fibers and tiny bits of plastic off of 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 fridge can also be detrimental to your health. It can harbor allergens, such as pet dander and the droppings of cockroaches, which can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in many people. It also contains bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.

Researchers have discovered that a variety of health conditions are linked to contaminated dust, from cardiovascular disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. A recent study found that homes of children who were diagnosed with leukemia were more likely to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PBDEs and PCBs in their dust than the homes of healthy kids.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators are functioning properly, the coils on the back and front of the appliance should be able to dissipate the heat generated by the compressor. But if these radiator-like parts are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor is forced to work all day long trying to cool the fridge but will eventually wear down the unit. It is important to keep your coils clean.

If you're looking to do the work yourself it is recommended you unplug the refrigerator from its outlet and switch off the power source prior to beginning. This will lower the chance that you or your family may be injured by electrocution while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust, it's a good idea for you to wear a face mask. Then, you'll have to find the coils. These coils are usually located in the back of the refrigerator, or in some cases, at the front and at the base. If you are unsure where to locate them, consult your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.

Once you've located the coils, take down the access panel (if there is one) and alternate between vacuuming them with the narrow hose attachment or brushing them with condenser cleaning brushes. It is important to take your time while doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. After that you can replace the kick panel or push the fridge back into place and plug it into.

If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire an expert. It's cheaper and simpler to keep up the routine of cleaning to prevent the issue from occurring.

Maintenance

best Fridges are powerful appliances that work all day to cool down your food. They require regular maintenance to ensure they accomplish their task effectively. This simple preventive maintenance will ensure that they are running smoothly 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 accumulate and block gaskets from sealing properly, allowing cool air to leak through tiny cracks. Every few months, clean them down with a baking soda solution and warm water using a sponge or toothbrush.

The fan at the rear of the refrigerator is another place to check. It can become noisy when it's blocked with paper, insulation and even mouse (gasp). Unplug the shelves, remove the shelves, the refrigerator and then remove all the parts that are removable. Vacuum cleaners that have connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils and the area around them. Make sure you turn the fridge back on when you're done.

It is recommended that you read your owner's guide for information about where to locate the coils, the fan and what tools to clean it with. It's recommended to read the warranty thoroughly to make sure you understand what is and isn't covered.