"Ask Me Anything": Ten Answers To Your Questions About Fridges
How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators come in an range of shapes and sizes. They can fit in tight spaces, such as dorms.
Some models can also connect to smart devices. They let you monitor your fridge from afar and troubleshoot any problems that might occur. You can also use voice commands to control them.
Noise
Refrigerators emit a wide variety of sounds when they are operating. Certain noises are more prominent than others. Before contacting a refrigerator repair service, try to determine the source of any sounds you hear.
Rattling
The sound of a refrigerator rattling could be caused by 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 solve. It's just a matter of ensure that there is at least a couple of inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or adjust the leveling legs or screws to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.
Hissing
When the compressor is cooling your food, it may make a squealing sound. This is normal, and it is caused by the compressor's oil or refrigerant through the system. If you are worried be aware of how often the compressor runs. Contact a refrigerator repair service immediately if this happens more than usual.
Squeaking
Refrigerators can sound raucous when the fan or coils are dirty. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your fridge, make use of a vacuum cleaner brush attachment or a rag along with dish soap or water along with warm water to clean the fan and coils. This should be done twice every year or more often when your refrigerator is old or is heavily used.
Clicking
Frigs can also produce click sounds that is usually caused by ice buildup around the freezer fan. This can be solved by a manual defrost but will likely return in the event that the issue is not addressed by a service expert.
It can also happen when the fridge is turned off, so make sure to switch it back on if this occurs. The sound could be caused by the ice maker if you have one installed to your under counter fridge, so be sure to make sure that it's switched off when you don't need ice continuously.
The hum of your fridge is normal, refridgerator but it may be more pronounced at certain times of the day, or following large quantities of stock or freezing operations. This is because the refrigerator has to perform more efficiently and faster to keep your food cold however it isn't a sign of a problem with the fridge or its performance.
Dust
Dust from the household is an ideal habitat for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as the traces of everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions and provide a perfect surface for microbes to colonize including those that could cause infections if they come into contact with an open wound.
It's impossible to clean a fridge entirely but regular cleaning can reduce the accumulation of dust and keep the temperature more consistent. A dirty fridge also wastes energy because it gets overheated and performs inefficiently. If your fridge is producing more noise than normal or when you suspect it's working too hard, it may be time to have it checked out.
Dust doesn't float into the air from outside as it is thought to be. It is made up of resuspended dirt from the home, which can be contaminated with lead or other toxicants. It also contains pollen, mold, and car exhaust. It also retains legacy pollutants such as DDT that were banned a century ago.
Certain compounds, such as flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether are able to dissolve into the air. But the majority of chemicals found in house dust come from objects that are thrown off, like electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.
A dusty refrigerator can negatively impact your health, not to mention contamination of food. It can contain allergens, such as pet dander or droppings from cockroaches, which can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It may also contain bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have found that dust pollution is linked to a wide range of health conditions that include cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children who had leukemia had higher levels PCBs as well as PBDEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are operating properly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should be able to dissipate the heat created by the compressor. If these radiator-like parts are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor has to work harder trying to cool the refrigerator and reduces the efficiency of the unit. It is essential to keep your coils clean.
If you're looking to tackle the job yourself it is recommended you unplug the refrigerator from its outlet and shut off the power source prior to beginning. This will lower the chance that you or your family members could be injured by electrocution while working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust it is an ideal idea to wear a face mask. Then, you'll have to locate the coils. They are typically located at the rear of the fridge, or at the front across the base in some units. If you're unsure of where to find them check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
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 condenser cleaning brushes. It is essential to take your time while doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel or move the refrigerator to its position, then plug it in.
If you're not confident doing this by yourself, you could always seek out a professional. It's cheaper and less of a hassle to just keep up with the cleaning routine to avoid the issue from arising in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are powerful appliances that operate all day to cool down your food. To ensure they do their job well, they need regular maintenance. Simple preventive maintenance will ensure that your machines run efficiently for a long time.
One simple thing to do is clean the door seals. Gaskets can get clogged with jelly and other sticky foods and allow air to escape through tiny gaps. Clean them using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a sponge or refridgerator; new post from Theabox, toothbrush every few months.
The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is a different location to look at. It can become noisy when it's blocked with paper, insulation and even mice (gasp). Unplug the refrigerator and take it off all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Vacuum cleaners with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils as well as the area around them. Make sure that you turn the fridge on again after you have finished.
It is recommended to check the owner's manual for information about where to locate the coils, the fan and what tools for cleaning you might require. It's also a good idea to read the warranty thoroughly, to be sure you know what's covered and what isn't covered.
