The No. 1 Question Anyone Working In Fridges Should Be Able Answer
How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators are available in different sizes and shapes. They can fit in tight places like dorms.
Some models can also connect to smart devices. You can monitor your fridge from afar and resolve issues if they arise. You can also use voice commands to manage them.
Noise
Refrigerators produce a variety of noises when they are in operation. Some of these noises are more prominent than others. If you hear any of the noises below find out the cause and search for a fix before calling a fridge repair company.
Rattling
Fridge rattling can occur when there's no space between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or when it's sitting at an uneven angle. It's not difficult to solve. It's all you need to do is ensure that there's at least two inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or adjust the leveling screws or legs to raise or lower your fridge.
Hissing
When the compressor is cooling your food, it may make a hissing sound. This is a normal sound, and it is caused by the compressor oil or refrigerant flowing through the system. If you are worried be aware of how often the compressor runs. Contact a refrigerator repair service immediately in the event that this occurs more often than usual.
Squeaking
The sound of refrigerators can be loud if the coils or fan are dirty. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your refrigerator, you can use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner or a rag along with dish soap or water and warm water to wash the fan and coils. This should be done twice every year or more often if your refrigerator is older or is heavily used.
Clicking
A clicking sound may be heard from a fridge. This is usually due to ice around the freezer fan. This can be solved by a manual defrost but is likely to occur again until the issue is resolved by a service professional.
The clicking can also occur when the fridge is shut off, so be sure to switch it back on when you hear this. If you have an ice maker installed to your fridge, this sound could be caused by it. Be sure to switch it off when you are not using ice constantly.
fridges uk coming from your fridge is normal. It can be louder during certain times of day, or after heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator has to work harder and faster in order to keep your food cold but it's not an indication of a problem with the refrigerator or its performance.
Dust
Dust from the household 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 inhaled and elicit allergic reactions, and serve as an ideal surface for microbes to colonize, including some that may cause infections when they come in contact with a wound.
It's impossible to clean a fridge entirely but regular cleaning can help reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature more stable. A fridge that is dirty uses up energy due to overheating, and is inefficient. If you suspect your fridge is producing louder sounds than usual, or if it's running out of power due to overworking it is it time to call in experts.
Dust doesn't float into the air from the outside as is commonly thought. It's made up of resuspended dust from your home, which can be contaminated with lead or other toxic substances. It also contains pollen, mold and car exhaust. It also contains pollutants from the past, such as DDT which was banned more than 50 years ago.
Certain compounds, such as flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether, are able to be dissolved into the air. However, the majority chemicals in dust come from objects that have been knocked off, for example, 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 dusty refrigerator can also affect your health. It can harbor allergens, such as pet dander, and the droppings of cockroaches which can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in a lot of people. It can also contain bacterial spores, such as staphylococcus aureus, that can cause infection if they make their way into an open wound.
Researchers have found that dust pollution can be linked to a broad variety of health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia, and inflammatory intestinal diseases. A recent study revealed that the homes of children with leukemia were more likely to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PDEs and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy children.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils located on the back and front of the appliance should be able to dissipate the heat created by the compressor. If these radiator-like components are covered in dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor has to work harder trying to cool the refrigerator, which wears down the appliance. It's important to clean your coils regularly.
Before starting, disconnect and shut off the refrigerator's power supply. This will decrease the chance that you or your family members may be injured by electrocution while working on the appliance. It is also an excellent idea to wear a protective mask if you are sensitive to dust. You will then have to locate the coils. They are usually located at the back of the refrigerator, or in certain cases, on the front and base. If you're not sure where to look go through your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.
Once you have found the coils, you will have to take off the access panel, if there's one and then alternate between vacuuming the coils with a narrow hose attachment and brushing them with a condenser brush to clean the coils. It's important 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 position, then plug it in.
If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, then you can always hire a professional. But it's much cheaper and less hassle to simply keep up with the routine of cleaning to avoid the issue from occurring in the first place.
Maintenance
Refrigerators are tough-working appliances that are running all day and at night to cool your food. To ensure they do their job effectively, they need regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance will ensure that they are running smoothly for years to come.
Wipe down the door seals. The gaskets can become clogged with jelly and other food items that stick, allowing air to escape through tiny openings. Clean them off with a solution of baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every few months.
The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is a different location to look at. It can get noisy when it's blocked by insulation, paper and even mouse (gasp). Unplug the fridge, take out all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Clean the coils as well as the area surrounding them with a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. Make sure you turn the fridge on again when you are finished.
It is best to refer to your owner's manual for details about where to find the coils and the fan and what sort of cleaning tools you'll need. It's recommended to read the warranty carefully, to be sure you understand what is and isn't covered.