"Ask Me Anything:10 Answers To Your Questions About Fridges
How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators come in an array of shapes and sizes. They can be fitted into small spaces, including dorm rooms.
Some models can also sync with smart devices. They let you monitor your fridge from afar and fix any issues that might arise. You can also make use of voice commands to manage them.
Noise
Refrigerators emit a wide variety of noises when they are in operation. Some of these noises are more prominent than others. If you hear any of the below sounds find out the cause and check for a fix before calling a repair service for your fridge.
Rattling
The fridge can rattle in the event that there isn't enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if its sitting at an unlevel angle. This is easy to repair - all you need to do is ensure there's at least a few inches of space between the sides and then adjust the fridge legs or leveling screws to lower or raise it in line with.
Hissing
When the compressor is cooling your food, it can make a hissing sound. This is a normal sound that is caused by compressor fluid or refrigerant moving through the system. If you're concerned be aware of how often the compressor cycles. Contact a refrigerator repair service immediately when this occurs more frequently than normal.
Squeaking
Refrigerators can be noisy when their fans or coils are dirty. If you notice that your fridge is making noises, clean the coils or fan using a vacuum using a brush attachment, water and a rag, or just use dish soap and water. It is recommended to do this twice each year, or more often if your refrigerator is older or heavily used.
Clicking
A click sound can also be heard from a fridge. This is usually caused by freezing around the fan of the freezer. Defrosting by hand can fix the issue but it could recur in the event that a professional is not called in.
The clicking can also occur when the fridge is turned off, so make sure to turn it back on if this occurs. This sound could also be caused by an ice maker if you have one attached to the fridge, so it's crucial to ensure that it's turned off when you don't need continuous ice.
The hum from your fridge is normal, but it may be louder at certain times of the day or after heavy stockings or intense freezing operations. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, which means it will work more quickly. This is not an indication of an issue.
Dust
Household dust attracts dirt bacteria and other microorganisms, and traces of the everyday exposure to chemicals in our homes. The tiny particles can be breathed in and elicit allergic reactions, and serve as an ideal environment for microbes to thrive, including some that may cause infection when they come in contact with an open wound.
Cleaning a refrigerator is not easy but regular cleaning can help to reduce dust and maintain a more constant temperature. A dirty refrigerator also consumes energy because it gets overheated and performs inefficiently. If your fridge is producing more noise than normal or If you suspect that it is running out of energy due to overworking it might be time to have it checked out.
In contrast to other airborne particles, dust doesn't just come into the air from outside as is often believed. It is made up of resuspended dirt from your home, which can be contaminated with lead or other toxic substances. It also contains mold, pollen and car exhaust. It also contains pollutant residues from the past, such as DDT which were banned more than half 100 years ago.
Some compounds, such as flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether, volatilize and get into the air, but the majority of chemicals found in dust from homes are transferred from one thing to another for example, by knocking fibers and minute bits of plastic off 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 could 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 found that dust pollution is associated with a wide variety of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, leukemia, and inflammatory intestinal diseases. A recent study found that homes of children who were diagnosed with leukemia tended to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons the PBDEs, and PCBs in their dust than the homes of healthy children.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance are supposed to be able to disperse the heat generated by the compressor. When these radiator-like components are covered with pet hair, dust or lint the compressor has to work overtime trying cool the refrigerator, which wears down the unit. This is why it's crucial to regularly clean the coils.
Before you begin, disconnect and shut off the refrigerator's power supply. This will reduce the chance of electrocuting yourself and your family members while working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust, it's recommended to wear a face mask. You will then need to find the coils. These coils are usually located in the back of the refrigerator or, in some instances, at the front and at the base. If you are unsure where to find them check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
After you have located the coils, you will have to take off the access panel if you have one. 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 be patient when doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel or move the refrigerator to its position, then connect it to the electrical outlet.
If you're not confident doing this yourself, then you can always employ a professional. It's cheaper and less trouble to simply keep up with the routine of cleaning to prevent the problem from arising in the first place.
Maintenance
Refrigerators are tough-working appliances that keep running all day and at night to cool your food. They require regular maintenance to enable them to accomplish their task effectively. Simple preventive maintenance can ensure that your machines are running efficiently for a long time.
Clean the door seals. Gaskets can get filled with jelly and other sticky foods which allows cool air to escape through tiny holes. Wipe cheap fridges for sale down using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every couple of months.
The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is another location to look at. It could be noisy if it's been clogged by paper, insulation or even mice. Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator and then remove all removable parts. Vacuum cleaners equipped with hose attachments can be used to clean the coils as well as the surrounding area. Make sure to turn the fridge on again when you are finished.
You should check the owner's manual for details about where to locate the coils, the fan and the tools to clean it with. It's recommended to read the warranty carefully, to be sure you understand what is and isn't covered.