How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators are available in a variety of different sizes and shapes. They can be tucked away in tight spaces, including dorm rooms.
Some models are compatible with smart phones. They let you monitor your fridge remotely and help you fix any issues that may arise. You can also control them with voice commands.
Noise
Fridges make a wide range of sounds when they are in operation. Certain noises are more prominent than others. Before calling a repair service, you should identify the cause of any noises you hear.
Rattling
The fridge can rattle if there is not enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if its sitting at an unlevel angle. It's not difficult to repair. It's just a matter of make sure there are at least two inches between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling screws or legs to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.
Hissing
When the compressor is cooling your food, it may make a squealing sound. cheap fridge for sale is a normal sound, and it's caused by the compressor oil or the flow of refrigerant through the system. If you're worried, count how often the compressor cycles and call a fridge repair service immediately when it happens more often than normal.
Squeaking
Refrigerators can be noisy when their fans or coils are filthy. If you notice that your fridge is making a squeaking sound clean the coils or fan using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a rag and water, or simply use dish soap and water. It is important to clean the fridge twice a year and more frequently in the case of a fridge that is older or used heavily.
Clicking
Frigs may also make an ear-piercing sound typically caused by ice accumulation around the freezer fan. Manual defrosting can resolve the problem but it could recur in the event that a professional is not called to assist.
If you hear clicking, turn the fridge back on. This sound can also be caused by an Ice maker if you have one installed to your fridge, so be sure to ensure that it's turned off when you don't require ice continuously.
The hum from your fridge is normal. It may be more pronounced during certain times of the day, or after heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, and therefore it is working faster. This isn't an indication of any issue.
Dust
Dust in the house is a magnet for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms, and also traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can cause allergic reactions as well as inhalation and are an ideal surface for microbes, which includes those that may cause an infection when they come into direct contact with an open cut.
It's impossible to completely clean a fridge but regular cleaning can reduce the accumulation of dust and keep the temperature more stable. A dirty fridge wastes energy due to overheating, and is inefficient. If your fridge is making more noise than usual, or when you suspect it's working too hard it could be time to get it checked out.
Contrary to other airborne particles dust doesn't just drift in from outside as is often believed. It is made up of resuspended dirt from your home which could be contaminated by lead or other toxicants. It also contains mold, pollen and car exhaust. It also retains pollutant residues from the past, such as DDT that were banned a century ago.
Certain compounds, such as flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether are able to volatilize and enter the air, but the majority of chemicals in dust in the house are transferred directly from one thing to another for example, by knocking fibers and minute 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 dirty fridge can also negatively affect your health. It could harbor allergens such as pet dander or cockroach droppings that can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It also contains bacteria spores, such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that a variety of health issues are linked to dust contamination, from heart disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory bowel diseases. Recent research showed that the dust in the homes of children who had leukemia had higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are operating correctly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance are supposed to disperse the heat produced by the compressor. If these radiator-like parts are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor is forced to work hard trying to cool the refrigerator, which reduces the efficiency of the unit. It is essential to clean your coils regularly.
Before you begin, disconnect and turn off the power source of your refrigerator. This will reduce the risk that you or your family members could be struck by electricity while working on the appliance. It's also recommended to wear a mask if are sensitive to dust. Then you will need to locate the coils. They are usually located at the rear of the fridge, or on the front, across the base in some units. If you're unsure of where to look check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.
After you have located the coils, you will need to remove the access panel if there is one and then alternate between vacuuming the coils with an attachment for a narrow hose and then brushing them with a condenser brush for cleaning the coils. It is essential to take your time when doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel or put the refrigerator in place, and connect it to the electrical outlet.
You can hire a professional if you're not confident in doing it yourself. However, it's a lot cheaper and less trouble to keep up with the routine of cleaning to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.
Maintenance
Refrigerators are tough-working appliances that run throughout the day and night to cool your food. To make sure they are doing their job well they require regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance will keep them running efficiently for many years to come.
Clean the door seals. Gaskets can get blocked by jelly and other food items that stick which allows cool air to escape through tiny gaps. Every few months, clean them clean with baking soda solution and warm water with a sponge or toothbrush.
Another place to check for problems is the fan at the back of the refrigerator. It can get noisy when it's blocked with paper, insulation or even mouse (gasp). Unplug the fridge remove all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners with attachments for hoses can be used to clean the coils as well as the area around them. Make sure to turn the fridge on again when you're done.
It is recommended to consult the owner's manual to find out more on how to locate the fan and coils and what kind of cleaning tools you may require. Also, you should read the warranty to make sure you are aware of the coverage.