20 Myths About Fridges: Dispelled

How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators are available in different sizes and shapes. They can fit into tight places like dorms.

Some models can also sync with smart devices. They allow you to monitor your fridge from afar and troubleshoot any problems that may occur. You can also control them using voice commands.

Noise

Refrigerators can emit various sounds when running, some of which are more prominent than others. If you notice any of the below sounds identify the source and check for a quick fix prior to calling a repair service for your fridge.

Rattling

The larder fridge (oy2b33di2g89d2d53R6oyika.kr) can rattle when there's not enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if it is positioned at an unlevel angle. It's easy to solve. 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 adjust the leveling legs or screws to raise or lower your fridge.

Hissing

The compressor may hiss when cooling your food. This is a normal sound and it's caused by the compressor oil or the flow of refrigerant that is flowing through the system. If you're concerned, note how often the compressor runs and call an emergency repair service for your fridge in the event that it occurs more frequently than normal.

Squeaking

Fridges can be noisy when the fan or coils are filthy. If you notice your fridge making a squeaking sound clean the coils and fan using a vacuum cleaner using a brush attachment, a rag and water, or use dish soap and water. It is recommended to do this twice each year, or more often when your refrigerator is old or heavily used.

Clicking

A clicking sound can also be heard from a fridge. This is usually due to freezing around the fan of the freezer. This can be solved with a manual defrost, but it is likely to recur unless the issue is addressed by a service professional.

The clicking can also occur when the fridge is turned off, so be sure to restart it in the event that this happens. If you have an ice maker connected, 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 may be more pronounced during certain times of the day, and also after heavy stockings or intense freezer functions. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator has to work harder and faster in order to keep your food cold but it's not a sign of a problem with the refrigerator or its performance.

Dust

Household dust is an excellent magnet for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms as well as the traces of everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can trigger allergic reactions as well as inhalation, and they are an ideal surface for microbes, which includes those that could cause an infection when they come into direct contact with a cut.

Cleaning a refrigerator is impossible but regular cleaning can help reduce dust and maintain the temperature at a constant level. A dirty integrated fridge frezer also wastes energy because it gets overheated and performs inefficiently. If you suspect that your refrigerator is producing louder sounds than normal, or is operating at a high rate of energy consumption due to its overwork, it might be time to call in experts.

Dust doesn't float into the air from the outside as is commonly thought. It is made up of resuspended dirt from the house which could be contaminated by lead or other toxicants. It also contains mold, pollen, and car exhaust. It also contains a number of legacy pollutants, including DDT, which was banned over 50 years ago.

Some compounds, such as flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether are able to volatilize and enter the air, but the majority of chemicals in house dust are transferred directly from one object to the next 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.

Aside from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a smoky fridge can also be detrimental to your health. It can contain allergens, such as pet dander or droppings from cockroaches, which can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It also contains bacteria-related spores like staphylococcus.

Researchers have discovered that a variety of health conditions can be traced to dust contamination, from cardiovascular disease to cancer to leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. A recent study showed that homes of children who were diagnosed 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 properly, the coils located on the back and front of the appliance are supposed to be able to disperse the heat created by the compressor. But if these radiator-like parts are covered in pet hair, dust, or lint, the compressor is forced to work overtime trying to cool the fridge but eventually wears down the unit. That's why it's so important to regularly clean the coils.

If you're looking to tackle the task yourself it is recommended you unplug the refrigerator from its outlet and turn off its power supply before beginning. This will decrease the chance that you or your family may be electrocuted while working on the appliance. It's also a good idea to wear a mask if are sensitive to dust. Then, you'll need to find the coils. They are usually located in the rear of the fridge or in front of the base of some models. Refer to the manual for your lader fridge or contact the manufacturer if aren't sure where to find them.

After you've found the coils, take down the access panel (if there is one) and alternate between vacuuming them with the narrow hose attachment 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 move the refrigerator to its place, and connect it to the electrical outlet.

You can engage an expert if you're confident in doing it yourself. It's cheaper and easier to keep up the cleaning routine in order to avoid the issue.

Maintenance

Fridges are powerful appliances that run all day to cool down your food. They need regular maintenance to enable them to perform their job well. Simple preventive maintenance can keep your machines running smoothly for many years.

One easy thing to do is to clean the door seals. Gaskets can get clogged with jelly and other sticky foods and allow cool air to escape through tiny gaps. Every few months, wipe them down with a baking soda solution and warm water using the toothbrush or sponge.

The fan at the rear of the refrigerator is a different place to check. It can become noisy when it's blocked by insulation, paper and even a mouse (gasp). Unplug the refrigerator remove all the shelves and take out any removable parts. Clean the coils and the space surrounding them with a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment. Make sure to switch the fridge back on when you are finished.

It is best to refer to your owner's manual for details on where to find the coils and the fan and what kind of cleaning tools you'll need. It is also recommended to review the warranty to be sure you are aware of the coverage.