A Look At The Ugly The Truth About Fridges
How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Refrigerators are available in a variety of different sizes and shapes. They can be a perfect fit in small spaces, such as dorms.
Some models also connect to smart devices. They allow you to monitor your fridge remotely and help you fix any issues that may arise. You can also control them via voice commands.
Noise
Refrigerators can emit various sounds when operating, some of which are more obvious than others. If you hear any of the noises below identify the source and search for a quick fix before calling a repair company for your fridge.
Rattling
The fridge may rumble if there is not enough space between it and the cabinet or wall or if its sitting at an unlevel angle. It's not difficult to fix. It's just a matter of ensure that there's at least a couple of 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 typical sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid that is moving through the system. If you're worried, count how often the compressor is running and contact an emergency repair service for your fridge if it does so more frequently than normal.
Squeaking
Refrigerators can sound raucous if the coils or fan are dirty. If you hear a squeaking sound from your fridge, make use of a vacuum cleaner brush attachment, a rag, and water or dish soap and warm water to wash the coils and fan. It is essential to do this at least twice a year, or more often if your fridge is older or used heavily.
Clicking
A clicking sound can also be heard from a fridge. It is usually due to ice around the freezer fan. Manual defrosting can resolve the problem however it is likely to recur in the event that a professional is not called to assist.
If you hear clicking, switch the fridge back on. This sound can be caused by the ice maker if you have one to the fridge, so it's crucial to ensure that it's turned off when you aren't using ice continuously.
The hum coming from your fridge is normal. It may be more intense during certain times of day, and also after heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, and therefore it will work more quickly. This is not an indication of an issue.
Dust
Household dust attracts dirt, bacteria, and other microorganisms and traces of daily exposures to chemicals in the home. best fridges uk can be breathed in and trigger allergic reactions and can provide a great place for microbes to grow and, in some cases, cause infection when they come in contact with an open wound.
It's impossible to clean a fridge entirely, but cleaning regularly will help to reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature constant. 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 running out of power due to overworking it, it might be time to call the professionals.
Unlike other airborne particulates, dust doesn't just come in from outside as is often believed. It's made up of resuspended dust from your home and can be contaminated with lead or other toxic substances. It also contains pollen, mold, and car exhaust. It also contains legacy pollutants such as DDT which were banned more than half 100 years ago.
Some compounds, like flame retardants like decabromodiphenylether, volatilize into the air. But the majority of substances found in dust are derived from objects that are knocked off, for example, electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.
A dirty refrigerator can adversely impact your health, not to mention contaminating food. It could harbor allergens like pet dander or cockroach droppings that can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It may also contain bacteria spores, such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have discovered that a wide range of health conditions can be traced to contaminated dust, from cancer to cardiovascular disease to leukemia and inflammatory bowel diseases. Recent research showed that the dust in the homes of children who had leukemia contained higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Condenser Coils
When refrigerators run correctly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should dissipate heat generated by the compressor. But when these radiator-like parts are covered in 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 so important to keep the coils clean.
Before starting, disconnect and shut off the refrigerator's power supply. This will reduce the risk that you or your family members could be injured by electrocution while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust, it's an ideal idea to wear a mask for your face. Then, you'll need to find the coils. They are usually located in the rear of the fridge or in front of the base in certain models. If you are unsure where to find them check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.
After you've located the coils, take off the access panel (if there is one) and alternate between vacuuming them using the hose's narrow attachment or brushing them using a condenser cleaner brush. Take your time to avoid damaging or bent coils. When finished you can replace the kick panel or push the fridge into place and plug it in.
If you aren't comfortable doing it yourself, you can always employ an expert. But it's much cheaper and less hassle to simply keep up with the routine of cleaning to stop the problem from happening in the first place.
Maintenance
Refrigerators are powerful appliances that run throughout the day to cool your food. To ensure they do their job effectively they require regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance can keep them running smoothly for many years to come.
Clean the door seals. The gaskets can become clogged with jelly and other food items that stick, allowing air to escape through tiny openings. Clean them using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every few months.
Another spot to check for issues is the fan at the back of the fridge. It can be loud if it's blocked by paper, insulation or even mouse. Remove the shelves, unplug the refrigerator, and take out all removable parts. Clean the coils and the space surrounding them with an air cleaner and a hose attachment. Make sure you turn the fridge back on after you're done.
It is recommended that you read your owner's guide for information about where to locate the coils, the fan, and what tools for cleaning you might require. You should also review the warranty to be sure you are aware of the coverage.