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How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators are available in a vast variety of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight areas, like dorm rooms.
Certain models also sync with smart devices. You can monitor your fridge from afar, and troubleshoot problems when they arise. You can also use voice commands to control them.
Noise
Refrigerators emit a wide variety of noises when they're operating. Certain sounds are more noticeable than others. If you notice any of the below sounds find out the cause and search for a quick fix prior to calling a fridge repair company.
Rattling
The rattling of the fridge can happen when there's not enough space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's sitting at an uneven angle. It's easy to repair - all you need to do is ensure there's at least a couple of inches of space on either side and then 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 can produce a loud sound. This is a normal sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid that is moving through the system. If you are concerned be aware of the frequency at which the compressor cycles. Call a small fridge repair company immediately when this occurs more frequently than normal.
Squeaking
Refrigerators can be noisy when their fans or coils are filthy. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your refrigerator, you can use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner along with a rag and water or dish soap and warm water to clean the fan and coils. It is important to clean the fridge every two years, or more often if your fridge is older or used heavily.
Clicking
A click sound can also be heard from a fridge. This is usually caused by ice around the freezer fan. This can be solved with a manual defrost, but will likely return until the issue is resolved by a service expert.
Clicking can also happen when the fridge is shut off, so make sure to restart it if this occurs. If you have an ice maker installed to your fridge, this sound could be caused by it. Be sure to turn it off when aren't using ice regularly.
The hum of your refrigerator is normal. It can be louder during certain times of day, and also 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 is not an indication of a problem.
Dust
Household dust attracts dirt bacteria, and other microorganisms as well as traces from the everyday exposure to chemicals in our homes. The tiny particles can cause allergic reactions and inhalation and are a perfect substrate for microbes, such as those that can cause infection if they come into direct contact with a cut.
Cleaning a refrigerator is not easy however regular cleaning can help reduce dust and ensure the temperature at a constant level. A dirty refrigerator also consumes energy as it overheats and is inefficient. If you suspect that your fridge is producing louder sounds than normal, or is operating at a high rate of energy consumption due to its overwork is it time to call in the professionals.
Dust does not drift into the air from the outside as is often believed. It's made up of resuspended dust from the home which could be contaminated with lead or other poisonous substances. It also contains mold, pollen and car exhaust. It also has legacy pollutants such as DDT that were banned half a century ago.
Some compounds, like flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether, are able to be dissolved into the air. However, the majority of chemicals found in house dust come from objects that have been knocked off, such as 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 dirty refrigerator can also affect your health. It can harbor allergens like pet dander or cockroach droppings that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It may also contain bacteria-related spores like staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that a variety of health conditions can be traced to dust pollution, ranging from cardiovascular disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory bowel diseases. Recent research showed that the dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia contained higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
When refrigerators run properly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance are supposed to disperse the heat generated by the compressor. When these radiator-like components are covered with dust, pet hair or lint the compressor has to work harder trying to cool the refrigerator and wears down the appliance. It's important to keep your coils clean.
Before you begin, unplug and shut off the refrigerator's power source. This will reduce the chance of electrocuting yourself or family members when working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust, it's a good idea for you to wear a mask for your face. You will then need to find the coils. They are usually located in the rear of the fridge, or in front of the base in some units. Consult your fridge's manual or contact the manufacturer if you don't know where they are.
Once you've located the coils, remove the access panel (if there is one) and alternate between vacuuming them using the hose's narrow attachment or brushing them with a condenser cleaning brush. Be careful not to risk damaging or bent coils. When finished you can replace the kick panel or move the fridge to its position and plug it back in.
You can engage a professional if you're not confident in doing it yourself. It's cheaper and easier to maintain the routine of cleaning to prevent the issue from occurring.
Maintenance
Best fridges are powerful appliances that run all day to cool down your food. They require regular maintenance to ensure they perform their job well. This simple preventive maintenance will keep them running smoothly for many years to come.
One easy thing to do is to wipe down the door seals. The gaskets may become filled with jelly and other food items that stick and allow cool air to escape through tiny openings. Clean them off by putting baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every few months.
The fan in the back of the refrigerator is another place to check. It can be noisy if it's clogged with paper, insulation or even mice (gasp). Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator, and take out all removable parts. Vacuum cleaners with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils and the area surrounding them. Be sure to turn the fridge off when you're finished.
It is recommended that you read your owner's guide for information about where to buy cheap fridge to locate the coils, the fan and what tools refridgerators for sale cleaning you might require. It is also recommended to read the warranty to make sure you know what's covered.