Fridges are available in many different sizes and shapes. They can be tucked away in tight areas, like dorm rooms.
Certain models also connect to smart devices. They allow you to monitor your fridge remotely and troubleshoot any problems that might arise. You can also utilize voice commands to control them.
Noise
Refrigerators produce a variety of noises while they are operating. Certain sounds are more noticeable than others. Before calling a refrigerator repair service, try to identify the cause of any noises you hear.
Rattling
The fridge could rattle if there is not enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if it's sitting at an unlevel angle. This is easy to solve - all you have to do is make sure there's at least a couple of inches of space on either side and then adjust the fridge legs or leveling screws to raise or lower it according to.
Hissing
When the compressor is cooling your food, it can make a hissing sound. This is a normal sound and it is caused by the compressor oil or flow of refrigerant through the system. If you're worried, count how often the compressor cycles and call a fridge repair service immediately if it does so more frequently than usual.
Squeaking
The refrigerator may sound loud if their coils or fans are filthy. If you hear a squeaking sound coming from your fridge, make use of a vacuum cleaner brush attachment, a rag, and dish soap or water along with warm water to clean the fan and coils. It is recommended to do this twice every year or more often in the case of older refrigerators or heavily used.
Clicking
Frigs may also make a clicking sound, which is generally caused by ice buildup around the freezer fan. This can be solved with a manual defrost, but will likely return until the issue is resolved by a professional service.
The clicking can also occur when the fridge is shut off, so make sure to turn it back on if this occurs. If you have an ice maker connected the sound could be caused by it. Make sure you switch it off when you are not using ice constantly.
The hum of your fridge is normal, but it can be a bit more pronounced at certain times of the day, or after heavy stockings or intense freezing functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, and therefore it has to work faster. This is not an indication of a problem.
Dust
Household dust is an ideal habitat for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms as well as traces of chemical exposures that are commonplace in the household. The tiny particles can be breathed in and elicit allergic reactions, and can provide a great environment for microbes to thrive and, in some cases, cause infections if they come in contact with an open wound.
It's impossible to clean a fridge entirely but regular cleaning will help to reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature more consistent. A dirty refrigerator also consumes energy because it gets overheated and performs inefficiently. If your fridge is making more noise than usual or if you think it's running out of energy due to overworking it might be time to have it checked out.
Dust doesn't float into the air from outside as is often believed. It contains resuspended dirt from the house which could be contaminated with lead or other poisonous substances. It also contains pollen, mold, and car exhaust. It also has legacy pollutants such as DDT that were banned 100 years ago.
Certain compounds, like flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether can be dissolved and released into the air, but the majority of chemicals found in dust from homes are transferred from one object to the next 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.
Apart from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a dirty fridge can also negatively affect your health. It can contain allergens like pet dander and the droppings of cockroaches which can trigger asthma and allergies for many people. It may also contain bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that dust contamination is linked to a wide variety of health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia had higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
If refrigerators are functioning properly, the coils located on the back and front of the appliance should be able to dissipate the heat generated by the compressor. But if these radiator-like parts are covered with pet hair, dust, or lint, the compressor works continuously trying to cool the fridge, and will eventually wear down the unit. This is why it's crucial to clean the coils regularly.
If you're planning to do the work yourself, it is recommended that you disconnect the refrigerator and switch off the power source prior to starting. This will decrease the chance that you or your family members may be injured by electrocution while working on the appliance. It's also a good idea to wear a mask if are sensitive to dust. You will then need to find the coils. These are typically on the back of the fridge, or on the front, across the base of some models. Refer to the manual for your fridge or contact the manufacturer if you don't know where they are.
Once you've located the coils, take down the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them with the narrow hose attachment or brushing them with condenser cleaning brushes. It is important to take your time when doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. Replace fridge for sale , or move the refrigerator to its place, and connect it to the electrical outlet.
If you aren't comfortable doing this by yourself, you can always hire an expert. However, it's a lot cheaper and less of a hassle to just keep up with the routine of cleaning to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are powerful appliances that operate throughout the day to cool your food. They require regular maintenance to ensure they accomplish their task effectively. This simple preventive maintenance can keep them running smoothly for years to come.
One simple thing to do is to clean the door seals. Jelly and other food items that stick can build up and prevent gaskets from sealing properly, allowing cool air to leak through tiny cracks. Wipe them down using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every couple of months.
Another spot to check for problems is the fan in the back of the refrigerator. It can be noisy if it's clogged with paper, insulation and even mouse (gasp). Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator and remove all removable parts. Vacuum cleaners equipped with connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils and the area surrounding them. Make sure that you switch off the fridge when you're done.
It is best to refer to the owner's manual for specifics on where to find the fan and coils and what cleaning tools you'll need. It's recommended to read the warranty carefully to make sure you know what's covered and what isn't covered.
