10 Apps To Aid You Manage Your Fridges

How to Keep Your Fridge Running Smoothly Fridges come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They can be tucked away in tight spaces, including dorm rooms. Some models are compatible with smart devices. You can also monitor your fridge remotely and fix any issues in the event of an issue. You can also use voice commands to manage them. Noise Refrigerators can produce various sounds when operating, and some are more obvious than others. If you notice any of the sounds below find out the cause and look for a fix before calling a fridge repair company. Rattling The fridge may rumble in the event that there isn't enough space between it and the wall or cabinet or if it's sitting at an unlevel angle. It's easy to fix. It's just a matter of ensure that there's at least two inches between the fridge and wall or cabinet, or you can adjust the leveling screws or legs to increase or decrease the height of your fridge. Hissing The compressor could make a loud noise while cooling your food. This is a normal sound, and it is caused by the compressor oil or the flow of refrigerant through the system. If you're concerned be aware of how often the compressor cycles. Contact a repair company right away when this occurs more frequently than usual. Squeaking Refrigerators can be noisy when their fans or coils are dirty. If you hear a squeaking sound coming from your fridge, use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner or a rag along with dish soap or water and warm water to wash the coils and fan. This should be done twice every year or more often when your refrigerator is old or heavily used. Clicking A clicking sound can be heard from a fridge. It is usually due to freezing around the fan of the freezer . Manual defrosting can solve the problem however it is likely to recur until a professional is brought in. If you hear clicking, turn the fridge back on. This sound can be caused by the ice maker if there is one installed to your fridge, so be sure to ensure this is switched off when you don't need an ice maker that is constantly running. The hum from your fridge is normal, and it may be louder during certain times of the day, or after large stockings or intensive freezing operations. The refrigerator is working harder to keep your food cool, which means it will work more quickly. This isn't an indication of any issue. Dust Dust in the house is an ideal habitat for bacteria, dirt and other microorganisms as well as the traces of chemical exposures that are commonplace in the household. The tiny particles can be inhaled and elicit allergic reactions, and provide a perfect place for microbes to grow and, in some cases, cause infections if they come into contact with a wound. It's impossible to clean a fridge entirely however, regular cleaning can help reduce dust build-up and help keep the temperature consistent. A dirty fridge also wastes energy as it overheats and operates inefficiently. If you suspect your fridge is making louder noises than normal, or is running out of power due to overworking it is it time to call the experts. Dust doesn't float into the air from the outside as is often believed. It contains resuspended soil from your home, which is often tainted with lead and other toxic substances, along with pollen, mold spores and car exhaust. It also contains pollutants from the past, such as DDT which was banned more than 50 years ago. Some compounds, such as flame retardants such as decabromodiphenylether, volatilize and get into the air, but the majority of chemicals found in house dust are transferred directly from one thing to another, such as by people 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. Apart from contaminating the food in the refrigerator, a dusty fridge can also be detrimental to your health. It can harbor allergens, like pet dander and the droppings of cockroaches, which can trigger asthma and allergies for many people. It can also contain bacteria spores like staphylococcus aureus, which can cause infection if they make their way into wounds that are open. Researchers have found that dust pollution is associated with a wide range of health problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, leukemia and inflammatory bowel disease. A recent study showed that the homes of children with leukemia had higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PDEs and PCBs in their dust than the homes of healthy children. Condenser Coils When refrigerators are running correctly, the coils on the back and front of the appliance should be able to dissipate the heat generated by the compressor. If these radiator-like parts are covered in pet hair, dust or lint, the compressor has to work harder trying to cool the refrigerator, which wears down the appliance. It's important to clean your coils regularly. Before you begin, disconnect and turn off the refrigerator's power supply. This will lower the chance that you or your family members may be struck by electricity while working on the appliance. It's also recommended to wear a mask if are sensitive to dust. You will then have to find the coils. They are usually located at the rear of the fridge, or in front of the base in some units. Check the manual of your fridge or contact the manufacturer if don't know where they are. After you've located the coils, take off the access panel (if there's one) and alternate between vacuuming them with the narrow hose attachment or brushing them using condenser cleaning brushes. Be careful not to risk damaging or bending the coils. Replace the kick panel, or push the refrigerator into the correct position, and then plug it in. You can hire an expert if you're not confident in doing it yourself. However, it's a lot cheaper and less of a hassle to simply keep up with the routine of cleaning to prevent the problem from arising in the first place. Maintenance Fridges are powerful appliances that run throughout the day to cool your food. They need regular maintenance to help them perform their job well. This simple preventive maintenance can ensure that they are running smoothly for years to come. A simple task is to clean the door seals. Jelly and other food items that stick can cause a buildup and stop the gaskets from securing tightly, letting cool air seep out of tiny openings. Clean them by putting baking soda and warm water on a toothbrush or sponge every couple of months. Another spot to check for problems is the fan in the back of the fridge. It could be loud if it's blocked up with insulation, paper or even mice. Unplug the refrigerator, take out all the shelves and remove any removable parts. Clean the coils as well as the area surrounding them using the vacuum cleaner using a hose attachment. Make sure to turn off the fridge off when you're finished. You should check the owner's manual for information on where to find the coils, the fan and what tools for cleaning you might require. It's also a good idea to read the warranty thoroughly to make sure you know what is and isn't covered.