How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

mini fridges on amazon come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight spaces, such as dorm rooms.

Some models can also connect to smart devices. They'll let you monitor your fridge from afar and fix any issues that might arise. You can also control them via voice commands.

Noise

Refrigerators produce a variety of noises while they're operating. Certain sounds are more noticeable than others. If you hear any of the noises below find out the cause and check for a quick fix prior to calling a repair company for your fridge.

Rattling

The fridge may rumble when there's 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 all you need to do is 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's oil or the flow of refrigerant flowing through the system. If you're concerned, note how often the compressor cycles and call a refrigerator repair service immediately if it does so more frequently than usual.

Squeaking

The refrigerator may sound loud when their fans or coils are filthy. If you hear a squeaking sound coming from your refrigerator, you can use a vacuum cleaner brush attachment or a rag along with water or dish soap and warm water to wash the fan and coils. It is important to clean the fridge at least twice a year and more frequently if your fridge is older or is used frequently.

Clicking

Frigs can also produce click sounds typically caused by ice accumulation around the freezer fan. Manual defrosting can resolve the problem but it could recur until a professional is brought in.

If you hear clicking, turn the refrigerator back on. This sound can also be caused by an Ice maker if you have one attached to your fridge, so be sure to ensure that it's turned off when you don't need an ice maker that is constantly running.

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 due to the fact that the refrigerator has to work harder and faster to keep your food cold but it's not an indication of a problem with the fridge or its performance.

Dust

Household dust attracts dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as traces from daily exposures to chemicals in the home. The tiny particles can be breathed in and trigger allergic reactions and serve as an ideal surface for microbes to colonize, including some that may cause infection when they come into contact with a wound.

It's impossible to completely clean a fridge but regular cleaning can help reduce dust build-up and keep the temperature consistent. A dirty bosch under counter fridge wastes energy because it overheats, and is inefficient. If you suspect that your fridge is producing louder sounds than normal, or is wasting power by overworking itself, it might be time to call the experts.

Dust does not drift into the air from the outside as is commonly thought. It contains resuspended soil from your home that is often contaminated with lead and other toxicants, as well as pollen, mold spores, and car exhaust. It also contains legacy pollutants such as DDT that were banned a century ago.

Some compounds, like flame retardants, such as decabromodiphenylether, are able to be dissolved into the air. But the majority of substances found in dust originate from objects that have been knocked off, such as 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 fridge can also negatively affect your health. It can contain allergens, like pet dander and droppings of cockroaches that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It also contains bacteria spores, like staphylococcus aureus, which can cause infections if they find their way into a wound.

Researchers have discovered that a wide range of health conditions are linked to dust contamination, from cardiovascular disease to cancer to leukemia and Integrated fridge inflammatory bowel diseases. A recent study found that homes of children diagnosed with leukemia were more likely to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the PBDEs, and PCBs in their dust than the homes of healthy children.

Condenser Coils

If refrigerators are operating correctly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance should be able of dispersing the heat created by the compressor. However, when these radiator-like components are covered with dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor will work all day long trying to cool the fridge but ends up wearing down the unit. This is why it's crucial to regularly clean the coils.

Before you begin, unplug and shut off the refrigerator's power supply. This can lower the risk of electrocuting yourself or family members while working on the appliance. If you're allergic to dust it is an ideal idea to wear a face mask. Then you will have to locate the coils. These coils are usually located at the back of the refrigerator, or in certain cases, on the front and at the base. Refer to the manual for your fridge or contact the manufacturer if aren't sure where to find them.

Once you've located the coils, you will need to remove the access panel, if there's one and then alternate between vacuuming the coils using a narrow hose attachment and brushing them with a condenser brush to clean the coils. Take your time to avoid damaging or twisting the coils. Replace the kick panel or push the refrigerator into position, then plug it in.

You can engage a professional if you're not at ease doing it yourself. However, it's a lot cheaper and less trouble to just keep up with the routine of cleaning to avoid the issue from arising in the first place.

Maintenance

Fridges are hard-working appliances that keep running all day and night to cool your food. They require regular maintenance to ensure they accomplish their task effectively. This simple preventive maintenance can ensure that they are running smoothly for years to come.

Wipe down the door bottom Freezer fridge seals. The gaskets can become clogged with jelly and other food items that stick which allows cool air to escape through tiny gaps. Every few months, clean them down with a baking soda solution and warm water with the toothbrush or sponge.

Another place to check for issues is the fan in the back of the fridge. It may be noisy if it's clogged up with insulation, paper or even mice. Take the shelves off, unplug the refrigerator and then remove any removable parts. Clean the coils as well as the area surrounding them with a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment. Make sure you turn the fridge off when you're finished.

You should check your owner's guide for information about where to locate the coils, the fan, and what cleaning tools you may need. It's recommended to read through the warranty carefully to make sure you know what is and isn't covered.