How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators come in an variety of shapes and sizes. They can fit in tight spaces including dorms.

Some models also connect to smart devices. You can also monitor your fridge from afar and resolve issues if they arise. You can also control them with voice commands.

Noise

Refrigerators can produce many different sounds while operating, some of which are more noticeable than others. If you notice any of the below sounds identify the source and check for a fix before calling a fridge repair company.

Rattling

The rattling of the fridge can happen when there's no space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's placed at an uneven angle. It's easy to repair. It's just a matter of ensure that there is at least two inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling screws or legs to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.

Hissing

The compressor could make a loud noise while cooling your food. This is a normal sound, and it is caused by the compressor's oil or the flow of refrigerant flowing through the system. If you are concerned, keep track of how often the compressor runs. Contact a refrigerator repair company immediately if this happens more than usual.

Squeaking

The sound of refrigerators can be loud if the coils or fan are filthy. If you notice that your fridge with water dispenser is making squeaking sounds clean the coils or fan using a vacuum cleaner using a brush attachment, a rag and water or just use dish soap and water. This should be done twice each year, or more often when your refrigerator is old or used a lot.

Clicking

A clicking sound may be heard from a fridge. This is usually due to ice around the freezer fan. Defrosting by hand can fix the problem however it is likely to recur unless a professional is called to assist.

If you hear clicking, turn the refrigerator back on. If you have an ice maker attached to your fridge, this sound could be caused by it. Be sure to turn it off when you aren't using ice regularly.

The hum from your fridge is normal. It can be louder during certain times of day, or following heavy stockings or intensive freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, and therefore it has to work faster. This is not an indication of any issue.

Dust

Dust in the house is a magnet for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms as well as the traces of household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions and can provide a great environment for microbes to thrive, including some that may cause infection when they come into contact with wounds that are open.

Cleaning a refrigerator is not easy, but regular cleaning can help to reduce dust and keep the temperature at a constant level. A dirty fridge also consumes energy as it gets overheated and performs inefficiently. If you suspect your fridge is making louder noises than normal, or is wasting power by overworking itself It's probably time to call experts.

Dust doesn't float into the air from outside as it is thought to be. It contains resuspended soil from your home that is often contaminated with lead and other toxic substances, in addition to pollen, mold spores, and car exhaust. It also contains pollutants from the past, such as DDT, which was banned 50 years ago.

Some compounds, such as flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether are able to volatilize and enter 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 of 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 smoky fridge can also be detrimental to your health. It can contain allergens such as pet dander, and the droppings of cockroaches, which can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in many people. It can also contain bacteria spores, such as staphylococcus.

Researchers have discovered that contaminated dust is linked to a wide range of health conditions that include cancer, cardiovascular disease, leukemia, and inflammatory intestinal diseases. A recent study revealed that the homes of children diagnosed with leukemia were more likely to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons the PBDEs, and table top fridges PCBs in their dust than the homes of healthy kids.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators are operating correctly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should help disperse the heat produced by the compressor. But when these radiator-like parts are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor works all day long trying to cool the fridge but ends up wearing down the unit. That's why it's important to keep the coils clean.

Before you begin, unplug and shut off the refrigerator's power supply. This will decrease the chance that you or your family may be electrocuted while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust it's recommended to wear a mask for your face. Then, you'll need to locate the coils. The coils are typically located in the back of the refrigerator, or in some cases, at the front and at the 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've located the coils, you'll have to take off the access panel if you have one. You can 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 is essential to take your time when doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel or move the refrigerator to its place, and plug it in.

If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, you could always seek out a professional. However, it's a lot 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

Table Top Fridges are hard-working appliances that run all day and night to cool your food. To help them do their job effectively they require regular maintenance. Simple preventive maintenance can ensure that your machines are running smoothly for many years.

Clean the door seals. The gaskets can become blocked by jelly and other food items that stick which allows cool air to escape through tiny gaps. Every few months, wipe them clean with baking soda solution and warm water using a toothbrush or sponge.

The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is another place to check. It may be loud if it's blocked by paper, insulation or even mice. Unplug the fridge and take it off all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Clean the coils and the area surrounding them using an air cleaner and a hose attachment. Make sure you switch off the fridge cake when you're done.

It is best to refer to the owner's manual to find out more on how to locate the fan and coils 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.