20 Myths About Fridges: Dispelled
How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Fridges come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight areas, like dorm rooms.
Some models are compatible with smart devices. They allow you to monitor your fridge remotely and troubleshoot any problems that may arise. You can also control them using voice commands.
Noise
Fridges make a wide range of sounds when they're operating. Certain noises are more obvious than others. Before contacting a refrigerator repair company, try to identify the cause of any sounds you hear.
Rattling
The sound of a refrigerator rattling could be caused by there's no space between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or if it's positioned at an unbalanced angle. This is a simple fix - all you have to do is make sure there's at least a couple of inches of space on each side, and adjust the fridge legs or leveling screws to lower or raise it accordingly.
Hissing
When the compressor is cooling your food, it may make a squealing sound. This is a normal sound and it's caused by the compressor's oil or the flow of refrigerant flowing through the system. If you're concerned, keep track of how often the compressor runs. Contact a repair company right away in the event that this occurs more often than normal.
Squeaking
Refrigerators can sound raucous if the coils or fan are filthy. If you hear a loud squeaking sound from your refrigerator, you can use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner or a rag along with water or dish soap and warm water to wash the coils and fan. It is essential to do this every two years, or more often in the case of a fridge that is older or is used frequently.
Clicking
Frigs can also produce a clicking sound, which is generally caused by ice buildup around the freezer fan. Manual defrosting can resolve the issue, but it will return in the event that a professional is not called to assist.
The clicking can also occur when the fridge is turned off, so make sure to restart it if this occurs. This sound could also be caused by an ice maker if you have one installed, so it's important to ensure that it's turned off when you aren't using ice continuously.
The hum from your fridge is normal. It may get louder during certain times of day, or following heavy stockings or intensive freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, which means it is working faster. This isn't an indication of an issue.
Dust
Household dust attracts dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms as well as traces of daily exposures to chemicals in the home. The tiny particles can be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions and can provide a great environment for microbes to thrive including those that could cause infection when they come into contact with an open wound.
It's impossible to clean a fridge completely but regular cleaning will help to reduce dust build-up and help keep the temperature constant. A dirty fridge also wastes energy when it overheats and is inefficient. If you suspect that your fridge is producing louder sounds than normal, or is wasting power by overworking itself, it might be time to call the experts.
Dust doesn't float into the air from outside as is commonly thought. It contains resuspended soil from the home, which is often tainted with lead and other toxicants as well as pollen, mold spores, and car exhaust. It also contains pollutant residues from the past, such as DDT which were banned more than half a century ago.
Certain compounds, such as flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether are able to volatilize and enter the air, however the majority of chemicals in dust in the house are transferred directly from one object to another for example, by knocking fibers and minute bits of plastic off of electronic equipment. fridge frydge.uk -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 refrigerator can also affect your health. It could harbor allergens, such as pet dander, and the droppings of cockroaches which can trigger asthma and allergies in many people. It also contains bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that dust contamination can be linked to a broad range of health conditions that include cardiovascular disease, cancer, leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. A recent study found that homes of children with leukemia had higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PBDEs and 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 be able to dissipate the heat created by the compressor. However, when these radiator-like components are covered with dust, pet hair, or lint, the compressor will work continuously trying to cool the fridge, and eventually wears down the unit. That's why it's important to regularly clean the coils.
If you're planning to do the work yourself It is recommended that you unplug the refrigerator from its outlet and shut off the power source prior to beginning. This will decrease the chance that you or your family members may be struck by electricity while working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust it is a good idea for you to wear a face mask. You will then have to find the coils. They are usually located in the back of the refrigerator or, in certain cases, on the front and at the base. If you are unsure where to look, consult your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
After 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 using a condenser cleaning brush. Be cautious not to risk breaking or twisting the coils. After you're done you can replace the kick panel or push the fridge into place and plug it into.
If you aren't comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire a professional. It's less expensive and easier to maintain the cleaning routine to prevent the issue from occurring.
Maintenance
Refrigerators are powerful appliances that run all day to cool down your food. To ensure they do their job effectively, they need regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance can ensure that they are running smoothly for many years to come.
Wipe down the door seals. Gaskets can get blocked by jelly and other sticky food items, allowing cool air to escape through tiny gaps. Clean them off using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every few months.
Another spot to check for issues is the fan at the back of the fridge. It may be noisy if it's been clogged up with insulation, paper or even mouse. Unplug the refrigerator and take it off all the shelves and take out any removable parts. Clean the coils as well as the area surrounding them using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. Make sure you switch off the fridge when you're done.
It is recommended to check your owner's guide for information on where to find the coils, the fan and the tools for cleaning you might require. It is also recommended to review the warranty to be sure you understand what's covered.