20 Myths About Fridges: Busted

How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators come in an array of shapes and sizes. They can be fitted into small spaces, including dorm rooms.

Certain models are compatible with smart phones. You can monitor your fridge from afar and resolve issues in the event of an issue. You can also control them via voice commands.

Noise

Refrigerators can emit a variety of sounds while operating, some of which are more prominent than others. Before calling a repair service, try to identify the cause of any noises you hear.

Rattling

The rattling of the Fridge Containers can happen 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 simple to fix. You just need to ensure that there is at least a couple of inches between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling legs or screws to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.

Hissing

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

Squeaking

The sound of refrigerators can be loud when the fan or coils are dirty. If you hear a squeaking sound coming from your refrigerator, Fridge Containers 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 coils and fan. This should be done at least twice each year, or more often if your refrigerator is older or is heavily used.

Clicking

Frigs may also make a clicking sound that is usually caused by ice buildup around the freezer fan. Defrosting by hand can fix the problem however it is likely to recur in the event that a professional is not called to assist.

Clicking can also happen when the tall larder fridge is turned off, so make sure to switch it back on if this occurs. If you have an ice maker installed to your fridge, this sound could be caused by it. Make sure to turn it off when are not using ice constantly.

The hum of your refrigerator is normal. It can be more pronounced during certain times of the day, or following heavy stockings or intensive 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 refrigerator or its performance.

Dust

Household dust is an excellent magnet for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, and also traces of everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be inhaled and elicit allergic reactions, and provide a perfect environment for microbes to thrive including those that could cause infections when they come in contact with a wound.

Cleaning a refrigerator isn't easy but regular cleaning can help to reduce dust and keep the temperature at a constant level. A fridge that is dirty uses up energy because it overheats and is inefficient. If you suspect that your refrigerator is producing louder sounds than normal, or is wasting power by overworking itself, it might be time to call the experts.

Dust doesn't drift into the air from the outside as is often believed. It is made up of soil that has been resuspended from your home that is often contaminated with lead and other toxicants in addition to pollen, mold spores and car exhaust. It also contains the legacy pollutants like DDT that were banned 100 years ago.

Certain compounds, like flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether are able to volatilize and enter the air, but the majority of chemicals in house dust are transferred directly from one object to another for example, by 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 smoky fridge larder can also negatively affect your health. It can contain allergens, like pet dander or droppings of cockroaches that can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. It can also contain bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.

Researchers have discovered that dust pollution can be linked to a broad range of health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia and inflammatory intestinal disease. A recent study found that homes of children diagnosed with leukemia were more likely to have higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PDEs and PCBs in their dust than homes of healthy children.

Condenser Coils

When refrigerators run correctly, the coils on the back and front of the appliance should dissipate heat generated by the compressor. However, when these radiator-like components are covered in pet hair, dust, or lint, the compressor will work overtime trying to cool the fridge and eventually wears down the appliance. It is important to regularly clean your coils.

Before starting, disconnect and shut off the refrigerator's power supply. This will reduce the risk that you or your family members may be struck by electricity while working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust it's recommended to wear a face mask. You will then have to find the coils. They are typically located on the back of the fridge or on the front, across the base in some units. If you're not sure where to look check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.

Once you've located the coils, you'll have to take off the access panel, if there's one. You can then alternate between vacuuming the coils using a narrow hose attachment and brushing them with a condenser coil cleaning brush. It's important to take your time when doing this to avoid bending or damaging the coils. Replace the kick panel or move the refrigerator to its position, then connect it to the electrical outlet.

You can hire an expert if you're not confident in doing it yourself. It's less expensive and easier to maintain the routine of cleaning to prevent the issue from occurring.

Maintenance

Fridges are powerful appliances that operate all day long to cool your food. To help them do their jobs well they require regular maintenance. Simple preventive maintenance can ensure that your machines are running smoothly for a long time.

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

Another spot to look for problems is the fan at the back of the fridge. It could be loud if it's blocked by paper, insulation or even a mouse. Unplug the refrigerator, take out all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Clean the coils and the area around them with a vacuum cleaner with an attachment for a hose. Make sure you turn the fridge back on when you're finished.

It is recommended to consult the owner's manual to find out more on how to locate the fan and coils and what kind of cleaning tools you'll need. It is also recommended to read the warranty to make sure you understand what's covered.