25 Unexpected Facts About Fridges

How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly

Refrigerators come in an array of shapes and sizes. They can fit into tight places like dorms.

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

Noise

Refrigerators emit a wide variety of sounds when they are in operation. Certain sounds are more noticeable than others. If you hear any of the noises below identify the source and check for a fix before calling a repair company for your portable fridge.

Rattling

The rattling of the fridge can happen when there's no space between the fridge and the wall or cabinet, or when it's sitting at an uneven angle. It's not difficult to solve. It's just a matter of ensure that there's at least a couple of inches between the fridge and wall or Low Energy Fridge cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling screws or legs to increase or decrease the height of your fridge.

Hissing

When the compressor is cooling your food, it can make a hissing sound. This is a normal sound, and it is caused by the compressor's oil or the flow of refrigerant through the system. If you're concerned, time how often the compressor runs and call a refrigerator repair service immediately when it happens more frequently than usual.

Squeaking

Fridges can be noisy if the coils or fan are dirty. If you notice a fridge making noises, clean the coils or fan using a vacuum using a brush attachment, water and a rag, or simply use dish soap and water. It is essential to do this every two years or more frequently when your fridge is old or used heavily.

Clicking

A clicking sound may be heard from a fridge. It is usually due to ice around the freezer fan. This can be solved with a manual defrost, but will likely return in the event that the issue is not addressed by a service expert.

If you hear clicking, turn the fridge back on. This sound can be caused by the ice maker if you have one installed to your fridge, so be sure to make sure that it's switched off when you aren't using continuous ice.

The hum of your refrigerator is normal, but it may be more pronounced at certain periods of the day or after heavy stockings or intense freezing functions. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, so it has to work faster. This isn't an indication of a problem.

Dust

Household dust is an excellent magnet for dirt, bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as the traces of everyday household chemical exposures. The tiny particles can be inhaled and elicit allergic reactions, and provide a perfect surface for microbes to colonize and, in some cases, cause infection when they come into contact with an open wound.

Cleaning a refrigerator is impossible, but regular cleaning can help to reduce dust and ensure the temperature at a constant level. A dirty refrigerator also consumes Low Energy fridge as it overheats and operates inefficiently. If you suspect that your refrigerator is making louder noises than normal, or is wasting power by overworking itself is it time to call in experts.

Dust does not drift into the air from outside as is often believed. It's made up of resuspended dust from the home and can be contaminated with lead or other toxicants. It also contains pollen, mold, and car exhaust. It also contains pollutants from the past, such as DDT, which was banned more than 50 years ago.

Some compounds, like flame retardants like decabromodiphenylether, volatilize into the air. But the majority of substances found in dust come from objects that have been knocked off, like 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 affect your health, in addition to the food you eat being contaminated. It can harbor Low Energy Fridge allergens, such as pet dander, and the droppings of cockroaches, which can trigger asthma and allergies for many people. It can also contain bacteria-related spores like staphylococcus.

Researchers have found that contaminated dust can be linked to a broad range of health problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. Recent research has revealed that the dust in the homes of children suffering from leukemia contained higher levels of PCBs as well as PBDEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Condenser Coils

When refrigerators are running properly, the coils on the front and back of the appliance are supposed to be able to disperse the heat generated by the compressor. If these radiator-like parts are covered in dust, pet hair or lint, the compressor has to work harder trying to cool the refrigerator and wears down the unit. It is essential to keep your coils clean.

Before starting, disconnect and turn off the power source of your refrigerator. This will reduce the chance of electrocuting yourself or your family members when working on the appliance. If you are allergic to dust it's an ideal idea to wear a mask for your face. The next step is to find the coils. These are typically in the rear of the fridge, or in front of the base in certain models. If you're unsure of where to find them go through your fridge's owner manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.

Once you've located the coils, you'll need to remove the access panel if you have one and then alternate between vacuuming the coils using a narrow hose attachment and then brushing them with a condenser coil cleaning brush. Be cautious not to risk damaging or twisting the coils. Replace the kick panel or move the refrigerator to its the correct position, and then plug it in.

You can employ an expert if you're confident in doing it yourself. However, it's a lot cheaper and less of a hassle to just keep up with the cleaning routine to avoid the issue from occurring in the first place.

Maintenance

Refrigerators are durable appliances that are running all day and at night to cool your food. To help them do their job effectively they require regular maintenance. This simple preventive maintenance will keep them running smoothly for many years to come.

A simple task is to wipe down the door seals. Gaskets can get filled with jelly and other food items that stick and allow air to escape through tiny gaps. Every few months, wipe them clean using a baking soda solution and warm water with the toothbrush or sponge.

Another spot to look for problems is the fan at the back of the refrigerator. It can get noisy when it's clogged with insulation, paper and even mice (gasp). Unplug the shelves, remove the shelves, the refrigerator, and take out all the parts that are removable. Vacuum cleaners equipped with attachments for hoses can be used to clean the coils and the area surrounding them. Make sure that you switch off the fridge when you are finished.

You should check the owner's manual for details about where to locate the coils, the fan, and the cleaning tools you may need. It's also a good idea to read the warranty carefully, to be sure you know what's covered and what isn't covered.