The 10 Most Scariest Things About Fridges

How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators come in an array of shapes and sizes. They can be a perfect fit in small places like dorms.

Some models are compatible with smart devices. They let you monitor your fridge remotely and fix any issues that may occur. You can also control them with voice commands.

Noise

Fridges can make many different sounds while running, some of which are more obvious than others. Before calling a repair service, you should determine the source 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 is positioned at an unlevel angle. This is easy to repair - all you need to do is ensure that there's at least a few inches of space on each side and then adjust the legs of your fridge or leveling screws to raise or lower it accordingly.

Hissing

The compressor may hiss when cooling your food. This is a typical sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid moving through the system. If you are concerned, keep track of how often the compressor runs. Call a fridge repair company immediately if this happens more than normal.

Squeaking

Fridges can be noisy if the coils or fan are filthy. If you hear a squeaking sound from your refrigerator, you can use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner along with a rag and water or dish soap and warm water to clean the fan and coils. It's important to do this at least twice a year and more frequently if your fridge is older or is used frequently.

Clicking

A clicking sound may be heard from a fridge. It is usually due to frozen air around the freezer fan. Manual defrosting can solve the problem however it is likely to recur unless a professional is called in.

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. Make sure to switch it off when you are not using ice constantly.

The hum coming from your fridge is normal. It may get more pronounced during certain times of the day, or following heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. This is because the refrigerator has to work harder and faster in order to keep your food cold but it's not an indication of a problem with the refrigerator or its performance.

Dust

Household dust attracts dirt bacteria and other microorganisms, refridgerator Uk as well as traces of daily exposures to chemicals in the home. The tiny particles can cause allergic reactions as well as inhalation, and they are an ideal surface for microbes, which includes those that could cause infection when they come into contact with a cut.

It's impossible to clean a fridge completely, but cleaning regularly can help reduce dust build-up and help keep the temperature stable. A dirty refrigerator also consumes energy because it gets overheated and performs inefficiently. If you suspect that your refrigerator is producing louder sounds than normal, or is running out of power due to overworking it is it time to call experts.

Dust does not drift into the air from outside as is often believed. It is made up of soil that has been resuspended from the home and is often contaminated with lead and other toxicants in addition to pollen, mold spores, and car exhaust. It also retains the legacy pollutants like DDT which were banned more than half a century ago.

Some compounds, such as flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether are able to volatilize and enter the air, but the majority of chemicals in dust from homes are transferred from one object to the next, such as by people throwing fibers and tiny 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.

In addition to contaminating food items in the refrigerator, a dirty refrigerator can also affect your health. It can harbor allergens like pet dander or cockroach droppings that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It may also contain bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.

Researchers have discovered that contaminated dust is linked to a wide range of health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, leukemia, and inflammatory intestinal diseases. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children who had leukemia had higher levels of PCBs as well as PBDEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators function correctly, the coils on the back and front of the appliance should dissipate the heat generated by the compressor. If these radiator-like components are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor is forced to work hard trying to cool the refrigerator, which wears down the appliance. This is why it's crucial to keep the coils clean.

If you're planning to tackle the task yourself It is recommended that you disconnect the refrigerator and switch off the power source before beginning. This will reduce the chance of electrocuting yourself and your family members 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 locate the coils. They are usually located at the rear of the fridge, or on the front, across the base in certain models. Consult your fridge's manual or contact the manufacturer if you don't know where to get cheap fridge they are.

After you've located the coils, take off the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them using the hose attachment that is narrow or brushing them with condenser cleaning brushes. It's important to take your time when doing this so that you don't bend or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel, or put the refrigerator in position, then connect it to the electrical outlet.

If you aren't comfortable doing this yourself, then you can always hire a professional. However, it's a lot cheaper and less trouble to simply keep up with the routine of cleaning to stop the problem from occurring in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are powerful appliances that run all day to cool down your food. To help them do their job well they require regular maintenance. Simple preventive maintenance will ensure that your machines run smoothly for many years.

One simple thing to do is clean the door seals. The gaskets can become clogged with jelly and other sticky food items which allows cool air to escape through tiny holes. Clean them off by putting baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every couple of months.

The fan in the back of the refrigerator is another spot to check. It can get noisy when it's blocked by insulation, paper and even mouse (gasp). Unplug the refrigerator and take it off all shelves and then take out any parts that are removable. Vacuum cleaners that have connections for hoses are a great option to clean the coils as well as the area around them. Be sure to turn the fridge back on when you're done.

It's best to check your owner's manual for details on how to locate the coils and the fan and what kind of cleaning tools you'll need. Also, you should go through the warranty to make sure you understand what's covered.