25 Surprising Facts About Fridges
How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly
Fridges come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight spaces including dorms.
Some models can be used with smart devices. You can also monitor your fridge remotely and fix any issues when they arise. You can also use voice commands to manage them.
Noise
Refrigerators can produce a variety of sounds while operating, some of which are more prominent than others. If you hear any of the sounds below identify the source and search for a quick fix before calling a repair company for your fridge.
Rattling
The rattling of the fridge can happen when there's not enough space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or if it's sitting at an uneven angle. It's easy to fix - all you have to do is ensure there's at least a couple of inches of space between the sides, and adjust the legs of the fridge or leveling screws to lower or raise it according to.
Hissing
The compressor may hiss when cooling your food. This is a common sound that is caused by refrigerant or compressor fluid that is moving through the system. If you're worried, count how often the compressor cycles and call an emergency repair service for your fridge in the event that it occurs more frequently than normal.
Squeaking
Fridges may be noisy when their fans or coils are filthy. If you hear a squeaking sound coming from your fridge, use a vacuum cleaner brush attachment or a rag along with dish soap or water along with warm water to clean the coils and fan. This should be done at least twice every year or more often when your refrigerator is old or heavily used.
Clicking
Frigs can also make a clicking sound that is usually caused by the accumulation of ice around the freezer fan. Defrosting by hand can fix the problem but it could recur until a professional is brought to assist.
If you hear clicking, turn the refrigerator back on. If you have an ice maker installed to your fridge, this sound could be caused by it. Be sure to switch it off when you are not using ice constantly.
The hum from your fridge is normal, but it can be a bit louder during certain times of the day or after large stockings or intensive freezing functions. This is because the refrigerator has to work harder and faster in order to keep your food cool however it isn't an indication of a problem with the refrigerator or its performance.
Dust
Household dust attracts dirt bacteria and other microorganisms as well as traces of the everyday exposure to chemicals in our homes. The tiny particles can trigger allergic reactions and inhalation and are a perfect substrate for microbes, including those that may cause an infection when they come into direct contact with an open cut.
It's impossible to clean a fridge entirely however, regular cleaning can reduce the accumulation of dust and keep the temperature constant. A dirty fridge wastes energy because it overheats, and is inefficient. If your fridge is producing more noise than usual, or If you suspect that it is running out of energy due to overworking it might be time to have it checked out.
Dust doesn't float into the air from outside as is often believed. It contains resuspended soil from your home that is often contaminated with lead and other toxic substances, along with pollen, mold spores and car exhaust. It also has legacy pollutants such as DDT which were banned more than half 100 years ago.
Certain compounds, like flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether can be dissolved and released into 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 electronic equipment. High-molecular-weight substances, such as surfactants used in cleaners and paint strippers, also migrate directly into dust.
A dusty refrigerator can negatively impact your health, in addition to the food you eat being contaminated. It can harbor allergens like pet dander and cockroach droppings that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It may also contain bacterial spores such as staphylococcus.
Researchers have found that dust pollution can be linked to a broad range of health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia, and inflammatory intestinal diseases. Recent research revealed that dust in the homes of children with leukemia had higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
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If refrigerators are functioning correctly, the coils on the front and back 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 dust, pet hair, or lint, the compressor works overtime trying to cool the fridge but eventually wears down the appliance. That's why it's important to clean the coils regularly.
If you're looking to tackle the job yourself it is recommended you unplug the refrigerator and switch off the power source prior to beginning. This will decrease the chance that you or your family may be electrocuted while working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust it's an ideal idea to wear a face mask. Then you will need to find the coils. The coils are typically located in the back of the refrigerator, or in some cases, at the front and base. If you are unsure where to find them go through your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.
After you have located the coils, you'll have to take off the access panel, if there's one and then alternate between vacuuming the coils using an attachment for a narrow hose and brushing them with a condenser coil cleaning brush. Be careful not to risk damaging or bent coils. Replace the kick panel or put the refrigerator in the correct position, and then plug it in.
You can hire a professional if you're not confident in doing it yourself. But it's much cheaper and less of a hassle to just keep up with the cleaning routine to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.
Maintenance
Fridges are hard-working appliances that run throughout the day and night to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to help them do their job effectively. Simple preventive maintenance will ensure that your machines run smoothly for many years.
Clean the door seals. The gaskets may become blocked by jelly and other sticky foods, allowing cool air to escape through tiny holes. Clean them by putting baking soda and warm water on a sponge or toothbrush every few months.
The fan in the rear of the refrigerator is a different location to look at. It can become noisy when it's blocked by paper, insulation or even mouse (gasp). Unplug the fridge remove all the shelves and take out any parts that are removable. Vacuum cleaners that have hose attachments can be used to clean the coils as well as the surrounding area. Make sure you turn the fridge on again when you are finished.
It's best to check the owner's manual for specifics on how to locate the coils and the fan and what cleaning tools you might need. It's recommended to read the warranty thoroughly, to be sure you understand what is and isn't covered.