How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly Fridges come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can fit in tight spaces, such as dorms. Some models are compatible with smart phones. You can also monitor your fridge remotely, and troubleshoot problems when they arise. You can also control them using voice commands. Noise Refrigerators emit a wide variety of noises while they are operating. Some of these sounds are more noticeable than others. Before calling a refrigerator repair service, try to identify the source of any noises you hear. Rattling Fridge rattling can occur when there's not enough space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or when it's sitting at an uneven angle. It's not difficult to repair. You just need to make sure there are at least two inches between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or adjust the leveling legs or screws to raise or lower your fridge. Hissing The compressor could make a loud noise while cooling your food. This is a normal sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid that is moving through the system. If you are concerned, keep track of how often the compressor runs. Call a fridge repair service immediately if this happens more than usual. Squeaking Refrigerators can be noisy if their coils or fans are dirty. If you notice a fridge making noises clean the coils or fan using a vacuum with a brush attachment or water and a rag, or just use dish soap and water. This should be done twice a year or more frequently if your refrigerator is older or is heavily used. Clicking A click sound can also be heard from a refrigerator. It is usually caused by freezing around the fan of the freezer. This can be solved with a manual defrost, but will likely return unless the issue is addressed by a service expert. If you hear clicking, switch the fridge back on. If you have an ice maker installed, this sound can be caused by it. Make sure you switch it off when you aren't using ice regularly. The hum of your refrigerator is normal. It may be more pronounced during certain times of the day, or after heavy stockings or a lot of freezer functions. This is because the refrigerator needs to perform more efficiently and faster to keep your food cool, but it is not an indication of a problem with the refrigerator or its performance. Dust Dust in the house attracts dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, and traces of the everyday exposure to chemicals in our homes. The tiny particles can cause allergic reactions and inhalation and provide a perfect surface for microbes, such as those that may cause infection if they come into contact with a cut. It's impossible to clean a fridge completely but regular cleaning can help reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature more consistent. A dirty fridge is a waste of energy because it overheats, and is inefficient. If you suspect that your refrigerator is making louder noises than normal, or is running out of power due to overworking it It's probably time to call experts. Dust doesn't float into the air from outside as is often believed. It is made up of resuspended dirt from your home which could be contaminated with lead or other poisonous substances. built-in fridge contains mold, pollen, and car exhaust. It also contains pollutants from the past, such as DDT which was banned more than 50 years ago. Some compounds, like flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether, are able to be dissolved into the air. However, the majority of chemicals found in house dust come from objects that are knocked off, such as 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 dirty fridge can also negatively affect your health. It can contain allergens, like pet dander or droppings from cockroaches, which can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It can also contain bacterial spores such as staphylococcus. Researchers have discovered that contaminated dust can be linked to a broad range of health problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, leukemia, and inflammatory intestinal diseases. Recent research has revealed that the dust in the homes of children with leukemia had higher levels of PCBs as well as PBDEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Condenser Coils If refrigerators are functioning correctly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance are supposed to be able to disperse 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 overtime trying cool the refrigerator and wears down the unit. That's why it's important to regularly clean the coils. If you're planning to tackle the task yourself It is recommended that you unplug the refrigerator and turn off its power supply before beginning. This will lower the chance that you or your family members may be electrocuted while working on the appliance. It's also an excellent idea to wear a mask if you are sensitive to dust. You'll then have to locate the coils. These coils are usually located in the back of the refrigerator, or in some cases, at the front and at the base. If you're unsure of where to look, consult your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more information. After you've found the coils, take off 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. It is essential to be patient when doing this to avoid bending or damaging the coils. After you're done take the kick panel off, replace it or push the fridge into position and plug it back into. You can hire an expert if you're not confident in doing it yourself. It's cheaper and simpler to keep up the cleaning routine in order to prevent the issue from occurring. Maintenance Fridges are hard-working appliances that run throughout the day and night to cool your food. They require regular maintenance to help them do their job effectively. Simple preventive maintenance can ensure that your machines are running smoothly for a long time. Clean the door seals. Jelly and other sticky foods can accumulate and block gaskets from sealing properly, letting cool air seep out of tiny openings. Wipe them down using a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every few months. Another spot to check for problems is the fan at the back of the refrigerator. It can get noisy when it's blocked with paper, insulation and even mouse (gasp). Remove the shelves, unplug the refrigerator and remove all the parts that are removable. Vacuum cleaners equipped with hose attachments can be used to clean the coils and the area surrounding them. Make sure you turn the fridge back on when you're finished. You should check the owner's manual for details about where to locate the coils, the fan and what tools for cleaning you might require. Also, you should review the warranty to be sure you are aware of the coverage.
built-in fridge
