Fridges: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators are available in a variety of different sizes and shapes. They can fit into tight areas, like dorm rooms.

Certain models also sync with smart devices. You can also monitor your fridge from afar, and troubleshoot problems when they arise. You can also use voice commands to control them.

Noise

Refrigerators emit a wide variety of sounds when they are in operation. Some of these noises are more prominent than others. Before contacting a refrigerator repair service, try to determine the source of any sounds you hear.

Rattling

The cheap fridge freezers may rumble in the event that there isn't enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if its sitting at an unlevel angle. It's easy to repair - all you need to do is ensure that there's at least a few inches of space on each side, and adjust the legs of the fridge best price or leveling screws to lower or raise it accordingly.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it can make a squealing sound. This is a typical sound that is caused by the refrigerant or compressor fluid that is moving through the system. If you're concerned, time how often the compressor is running and contact a fridge repair service immediately when it happens more frequently than normal.

Squeaking

The refrigerator may sound loud 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 or a rag along with dish soap or water and warm water to clean the coils and fan. This should be done at least twice every year or more often if your refrigerator is older or heavily used.

Clicking

A clicking sound may also be heard from a fridge. It is usually due to frozen air around the freezer fan. Defrosting by hand can fix the problem, but it will return in the event that a professional is not called in.

Clicking can also happen when the fridge is turned off, so make sure to turn it back on in the event that this happens. If you have an ice maker installed, this sound can be caused by it. Make sure you switch it off when you are not using ice constantly.

The hum of your refrigerator is normal. It can be louder during certain times of day, or after heavy stockings or intensive freezer functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, which means it has to work faster. This isn't an indication of an issue.

Dust

Dust in the house attracts dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms as well as traces of the everyday exposure to chemicals in our homes. The tiny particles can cause allergic reactions and inhalation, and they are a perfect substrate fridges for sale uk microbes, such as those that could cause infection when they come into contact with an open cut.

Cleaning a refrigerator is impossible however regular cleaning can help to reduce dust and keep an even temperature. A dirty refrigerator also consumes energy when it overheats and operates inefficiently. If you suspect that your refrigerator is producing louder sounds than usual, or if it's wasting power by overworking itself is it time to call the professionals.

Unlike other airborne particulates, dust doesn't just come in from outside, as is commonly believed. It's made up of resuspended dust from your home, which can be contaminated by lead or other poisonous substances. It also contains pollen, mold and car exhaust. It also contains a number of legacy pollutants, including DDT, which was banned over 50 years ago.

Certain compounds, like flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether are able to volatilize and enter the air, however the majority of chemicals in dust from homes are transferred from one object to another like by knocking fibers and minute 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.

A dirty refrigerator can adversely impact your health, not to mention contaminating food. It could harbor allergens, like pet dander and the droppings of cockroaches which can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in a lot of people. It may also contain bacteria spores, such as staphylococcus.

Researchers have discovered that contaminated dust is linked to a wide variety of health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. A recent study showed that the homes of children diagnosed with leukemia tended to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PDEs and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy children.

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. However, when these radiator-like components are covered in dust, pet hair, or lint, the compressor works all day long trying to cool the fridge, and ends up wearing down the unit. This is why it's crucial to regularly clean the coils.

Before starting, disconnect and shut off the power source of your refrigerator. This will reduce the chance of electrocuting yourself or your family members while working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust, it's a good idea for you to wear a face mask. You will then need to find the coils. They are typically located at the rear of the fridge or at the front across the base of some models. Refer to the manual for your fridge or contact the manufacturer if you don't know where to buy fridge freezer they are.

Once you've located the coils, take off the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them using the narrow hose attachment or brushing them with condenser cleaning brushes. Be cautious not to risk breaking or twisting the coils. Replace the kick panel, or move the refrigerator to its position, then plug it in.

If you're not confident doing it yourself, you could always seek out a professional. It's cheaper and less trouble to keep up with the cleaning routine to stop the problem from happening in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are durable appliances that are running all day and at night to cool your food. They require regular maintenance to ensure they perform their job well. This simple preventive maintenance can keep them running smoothly for years to come.

Wipe down the door seals. The gaskets can become blocked by jelly and other sticky foods, allowing air to escape through tiny gaps. Wipe them down with a solution of baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every couple of months.

Another spot to check for issues is the fan in the back of the refrigerator. It can become noisy when it's blocked by insulation, paper and even a mouse (gasp). Unplug the shelves, remove the shelves, the refrigerator and remove all the parts that are removable. Clean the coils as well as the area around them with the vacuum cleaner using a hose attachment. Be sure to turn the fridge back on when you're done.

It is recommended that you read the owner's manual for information on where to find the coils, the fan, and what tools for cleaning you might require. It is also recommended to go through the warranty to make sure you know what's covered.