20 Myths About Fridges: Busted
How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Fridges are available in many different sizes and shapes. They can be tucked away in tight spaces, including dorm rooms.
Some models can be used with smart devices. They allow you to monitor your fridge from afar and troubleshoot any problems that might occur. You can also use voice commands to manage them.
Noise
Fridges can make many different sounds while operating, and some are more prominent than others. If you hear any of the below sounds find out the cause and search for a fix before calling a repair company for your fridge.
Rattling
The fridge can rattle when there's not enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if its sitting at an unlevel angle. It's easy to fix. It's all you need to do is ensure that there is at least two inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or you can 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 compressor fluid or refrigerant moving through the system. If you're concerned, note how often the compressor is running and contact an emergency repair service for your fridge when it happens more frequently than normal.
Squeaking
Fridges may be noisy when their fans or coils are dirty. If you hear a squeaking sound from your fridge, make use of the brush attachment of 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 every year or more often in the case of older refrigerators or heavily used.
Clicking
Frigs may also make an ear-piercing sound that is usually caused by the accumulation of ice around the freezer fan. This issue can be fixed by a manual defrost but it is likely to recur in the event that the issue is not addressed by a professional service.
If you hear clicking, turn the fridge back on. If you have an ice maker connected the sound could be caused by it. Make sure you turn it off when you aren't using ice regularly.
The hum of your fridge is normal, and it can be a bit more pronounced at certain periods of the day or after heavy stockings or intense freezing processes. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, which means it is working faster. This is not an indication of an issue.
Dust
Household dust attracts dirt, bacteria, and other microorganisms as well as traces of the everyday exposure to chemicals in our homes. The tiny particles can be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions and provide a perfect surface for microbes to colonize and, in some cases, cause infections if they come into contact with a wound.
It's impossible to completely clean a fridge however, regular cleaning can help reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature more stable. A fridge that is dirty uses up energy due to overheating, and is inefficient. If you suspect that your fridge is producing louder sounds than usual, or if it's wasting power by overworking itself is it time to call in the experts.
Dust doesn't float into the air from the outside as is commonly thought. It is made up of resuspended dirt from your home and can be contaminated by lead or other toxic substances. It also contains mold, pollen and car exhaust. It also contains legacy pollutants like DDT, which was banned more than 50 years ago.
Certain compounds, such as flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether, volatilize into the air. However, the majority of substances found in dust are derived from objects that are thrown off, for example, electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.
In addition to contaminating food items in the refrigerator, a dusty fridge can also negatively affect your health. It can contain allergens, like pet dander and droppings of cockroaches that can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It also can contain bacteria spores like staphylococcus aureus, which can cause infections if they make their way into a wound.
Researchers have found that dust contamination is linked to a wide variety of health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, leukemia, and inflammatory intestinal diseases. Recent research showed that the dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia had higher levels of PCBs as well as 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 of dispersing the heat generated by the compressor. However, when these radiator-like components are covered in dust, pet hair, or lint, the compressor is forced to work all day long trying to cool the fridge, and ends up wearing down the appliance. It is important to regularly clean your coils.
If you're planning to tackle the job yourself it is recommended you unplug the refrigerator and switch off the power source prior to starting. This will decrease the chance that you or your family members may be electrocuted while working on the appliance. It's also recommended to wear a protective mask if you are sensitive to dust. Then you will have to find the coils. They are usually located at the back of the refrigerator, or in some instances, at the front and base. If you are unsure where to locate them, consult your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
Once you have found the coils, you'll have to take off the access panel if there is one. You can then alternate between vacuuming the coils using a narrow hose attachment and brushing them with a condenser brush for cleaning the coils. Take your time to avoid damaging or bent coils. Replace the kick panel, or push the refrigerator into the correct position, and then plug it in.
If you're not confident doing it yourself, you can always employ a professional. However, it's a lot cheaper and less of a hassle to just keep up with the routine of cleaning to avoid the issue from arising in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are hard-working appliances that run throughout the day and night to cool your food. To ensure they do their jobs well, they need regular maintenance. Simple preventive maintenance can ensure that your machines are running smoothly for a long time.
Clean the door seals. cheap fridge for sale can get clogged with jelly and other food items that stick and allow cool air to escape through tiny openings. Every few months, clean them clean with baking soda solution and warm water with the toothbrush or sponge.
The fan in the back of the refrigerator is another location to look at. It can become noisy when it's blocked with paper, insulation and even mouse (gasp). Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator and then remove all the parts that are removable. Clean the coils and the area surrounding them using a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment. Be sure to turn the fridge back on after you're finished.
It is recommended that you read your owner's guide for information about where to locate the coils, the fan, and the tools to clean it with. Also, you should read the warranty to make sure you understand what's covered.