The Most Prevalent Issues In Fridges

How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Fridges are available in many different sizes and shapes. They can fit in tight spaces, such as dorms.

Certain models are compatible with smart devices. You can also monitor your spacious fridge remotely and fix any issues in the event of an issue. You can also control them via voice commands.

Noise

Fridges make a wide range of sounds 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 check for a quick fix before calling a repair company for your fridge.

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 when it's sitting at an uneven angle. It's simple to fix. It's just a matter of make sure there are at least a couple of inches between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or adjust the leveling legs or screws to raise or lower your fridge.

Hissing

The compressor may hiss when cooling your food. This is a common sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid moving through the system. If you're concerned, note how often the compressor runs and call an emergency repair service for your fridge when it happens more frequently than usual.

Squeaking

Refrigerators can sound raucous if the coils or fan are dirty. If you hear a squeaking sound coming from your fridge, use an attachment for a vacuum cleaner along with a rag and water or dish soap and warm water to clean the coils and fan. This should be done twice each year, or more often if your refrigerator is older or heavily used.

Clicking

Frigs can also produce an ear-piercing sound typically caused by ice buildup around the freezer fan. This issue can be fixed by a manual defrost but will likely return in the event that the issue is not addressed by a service expert.

If you hear clicking, turn the refrigerator back on. This sound could be caused by the ice maker if you have one attached to your fridge, so be sure to ensure that it's turned off when you don't need ice continuously.

The hum of your refrigerator frydge is normal. It may get more pronounced during certain times of the day, or following heavy stockings or intense freezer functions. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator has to work harder and faster to keep your food cold, but it is not a sign of a problem with the refrigerator or its performance.

Dust

Household dust is an excellent magnet for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms as well as traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions and provide a perfect surface for microbes to colonize, including some that may cause infections if they come into contact with a wound.

Cleaning a refrigerator is not easy however regular cleaning can help reduce dust and keep a more constant temperature. A dirty fridge also wastes low energy fridge because it gets overheated and performs inefficiently. If you suspect your fridge is making louder noises than usual, or if it's running out of power due to overworking it, it might be time to call the professionals.

Contrary to other airborne particles dust doesn't simply drift into the air from outside it is believed. It's made up of resuspended dust from your home and can be contaminated with lead or other toxic substances. It also contains mold, pollen and car exhaust. It also contains pollutants from the past, such as DDT which was banned over 50 years ago.

Certain compounds, such as flame retardants like decabromodiphenylether, are able to be dissolved into the air. However, the majority of substances found in dust are derived 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.

Apart from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a dusty fridge can also negatively affect your health. It can contain allergens, like pet dander and droppings from cockroaches, which can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It can also contain bacteria spores like staphylococcus aureus, that can cause infections if they make their way into wounds that are open.

Researchers have discovered that a range of health issues are linked to dust pollution, ranging from cancer to cardiovascular disease to leukemia and inflammatory bowel diseases. Recent research has revealed that the dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia contained higher levels of PCBs as well as PBDEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Condenser Coils

When refrigerators are running properly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should be able to dissipate the heat generated by the compressor. If these radiator-like components are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor has to work overtime trying cool the refrigerator and wears down the unit. It's important to regularly clean your coils.

Before you begin, unplug and shut off the refrigerator's power source. This will lower the chance that you or your family members may be electrocuted while working on the appliance. It is also recommended to wear a mask if you are sensitive to dust. The next step is to locate the coils. The coils are typically located in the back of the refrigerator or, in some instances, at the front and at the base. Consult your fridge's manual or contact the manufacturer if you don't know where they are.

After you've found the coils, take off the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them with the hose's narrow attachment or brushing them with condenser cleaning brushes. It is essential to take your time when doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. When finished you can replace the kick panel or push the fridge into place and plug it back into.

If you're not confident doing this yourself, then you can always employ a professional. But it's much cheaper and less of a hassle to keep up with the routine of cleaning to prevent the problem from arising in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are powerful appliances that run all day long to cool your food. To help them do their jobs well, they need regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance can keep them running smoothly for many years to come.

One easy thing to do is clean the door seals. The gaskets can become blocked by jelly and other sticky foods, allowing air to escape through tiny holes. Wipe them down by putting baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every couple of months.

Another spot to look for issues is the fan in the back of the refrigerator. It could be loud if it's blocked up with insulation, paper or even mice. Unplug the refrigerator remove all shelves and then take out any parts that are removable. Clean the coils and the space surrounding them with the vacuum cleaner using an attachment for a hose. Make sure you turn the top mount fridge on again when you are finished.

It is best to refer to the owner's manual for specifics on where to find the coils and the fan and what kind of cleaning tools you might need. Also, you should read the warranty to make sure you are aware of the coverage.