NB: Before taking any action, consider if the power has recently gone out or if a large amount of food has been added. If so, the temperature can take several hours to return to normal. Similarly, if the refrigerator has just been installed, it can take 24 hours to completely cool.
Check the power supply: Ensure the refrigerator is properly plugged in and receiving power. Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure no tripped breakers or blown fuses.
Clean the condenser coils: Dirty condenser coils can restrict airflow and cause cooling issues. Thus, clean them using a vacuum cleaner or a brush specifically designed for this purpose. NB: unplug the refrigerator before cleaning.
Check the evaporator fan: Open the freezer compartment and listen for the sound of the evaporator fan running. A faulty fan can prevent cold air from properly circulating.
Test the defrost system: Look for excessive ice build-up on the evaporator coils. The defrost system may be malfunctioning. In this case, inspecting the defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and defrost timer/control board is necessary.
Inspect the compressor: The compressor is a vital component responsible for cooling. If you hear a clicking sound coming from the back of the refrigerator, it could indicate a problem with the compressor. The best is to call a professional technician for repair or replacement.
Check the temperature sensor: Some refrigerators have a temperature sensor that may need calibration or replacement. Refer to the user manual, contact the manufacturer for specific instructions on testing and troubleshooting the sensor, or contact the refrigerator experts to define and resolve the problem.
Prevention and regular maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your refrigerator and reduce the chances of major repairs. Here are some tips to keep your fridge in good working condition:
Clean the condenser coils: Dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils, causing the refrigerator to work harder and potentially leading to cooling problems. Clean the coils regularly, usually located at the back or bottom of the fridge, using a vacuum cleaner or a coil brush.
Check and maintain proper temperature settings: Set the refrigerator and freezer compartments to the recommended temperature settings as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Extreme temperatures can affect the appliance’s efficiency and lead to food spoilage.
Keep the refrigerator well-ventilated: Ensure that there is sufficient space around the refrigerator for proper air circulation. Avoid blocking the vents at the back or inside the fridge, as restricted airflow can impact cooling performance.
Clean and check the door seals/gaskets: Periodically clean the door seals with mild detergent to remove dirt and food particles. Inspect the seals for any signs of damage or wear. Replace faulty seals to maintain an airtight closure, preventing warm air infiltration and energy loss.
Avoid overloading the refrigerator: Overloading the fridge with too much food can obstruct cool air circulation. This can strain the compressor and reduce cooling efficiency. Maintain a reasonable amount of items in the fridge to ensure proper airflow.
Clean spills and leaks promptly: Clean up any spills, leaks, or condensation inside the refrigerator as soon as possible. This prevents moisture buildup and the growth of mold or bacteria, which can affect both food quality and the refrigerator’s performance.
Check and replace water filters: If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, it likely has a water filter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to regularly check and replace the filter as recommended to maintain water quality and prevent clogs.
Keep the refrigerator level: Ensure that the refrigerator is level to prevent strain on the compressor and maintain proper operation. Use a spirit level to check and adjust the levelling legs if necessary.
Avoid placing hot or warm items in the fridge: Allow hot or warm food to cool down before placing it in the refrigerator. Introducing hot items can raise the internal temperature and make the fridge work harder to cool down, affecting energy efficiency.
Schedule professional maintenance: Consider scheduling regular maintenance visits by a professional technician. They can inspect and service your refrigerator, check for potential issues, clean components, and ensure optimal performance.
By following these prevention and maintenance tips, you can help keep your refrigerator running efficiently, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and potentially save on repair costs in the long run.
Appliance Repair MissisaugaIn most homes, ranges, stoves and ovens are used daily. Due to the nature of these appliances, maintenance and safety procedures are essential for proper and safe operation and to avoid costly repairs. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the above kitchen appliances, as many often refer to a stove as an oven. An oven is a chamber for cooking without external burners, a stove is a cooking appliance without an oven, and a range is typically a combination of both. The differences between a range, stove and oven all start with their purposes and how they can help you create your favourite recipe. A range provides the best of both worlds with an oven and a stove for flexibility when roasting and simmering simultaneously. A range can also be referred to as a stove, while an oven is designed solely for roasting, baking and broiling in the oven cavity.
The right cooking appliance can be the focal point of your kitchen. It would be best to ask what fuel is the best for you and your needs. Let’s look at each of them separately.
Electric Ranges use electric coils or a smooth glass-ceramic cooktop, offer more stable heat for pots and pans, and are easy to clean. However, electric ranges use a lot of electricity and are inoperable during a power outage.
Electric Cooktop provides heat through electricity, and you should choose between a coil element or a smooth surface. The first one is less expensive; smooth tops made of glass or ceramic are easier to clean and have a sleeker and more stylish look. Besides, pay attention to electric induction cooktops, which heat through electromagnetic energy. This new technology is responsive and heats quickly but only works with certain cookware, like stainless steel or cast iron. One of the biggest benefits of an induction cooktop is that the surface doesn’t get hot, making it ideal for households with small children and easy cleanup.
Ovens are kitchen appliances used for cooking, heating, baking and grilling food, and there are many types of them—ovens based on configuration: range ovens or wall ovens. Ovens selected on fuel type: electric ovens or gas ovens. Ovens based on heating style: convection ovens or conventional ovens. Ovens with specialized features: Air fry capabilities, smart ovens, and self-cleaning ovens.
Though there are a lot of electric kitchen appliances in the market, gas appliances are still very popular. Both of them have advantages and disadvantages. Professional chefs continue to sing the praises of cooking over an open flame. The most common reason is that foods cook quickly and evenly, which can be challenging with some electric models.
Gas stoves use an open flame for cooking food inside the oven cavity and on the stovetop. The flame within the oven cavity flickers on and off to maintain a set temperature. At the same time, those on the stovetop can be quickly adjusted to your desired flame size and corresponding heat level. If you like to make meals that require rapid temperature changes, gas ranges might be the way to go. Besides, gas ovens feature an open flame that can be cranked up to preheat quickly. The utility costs heavily influence the operating cost for your range in your area, but gas stoves are generally slightly cheaper to operate than their electric counterparts.
Gas stoves use an open flame for cooking food inside the oven cavity and on the stovetop. The flame within the oven cavity flickers on and off to maintain a set temperature. At the same time, those on the stovetop can be quickly adjusted to your desired flame size and corresponding heat level. If you like to make meals that require rapid temperature changes, gas ranges might be the way to go. Besides, gas ovens feature an open flame that can be cranked up to preheat quickly. The utility costs heavily influence the operating cost for your range in your area, but gas stoves are generally slightly cheaper to operate than their electric counterparts.
As with other appliances, appliances require timely maintenance and repair to avoid problems. Fix Appliances CA has prepared TSSA-certified gas fitters to offer any gas appliance repair on the same day, conveniently, and at affordable prices.
Anything that cleans itself sounds like a blessing that shouldn’t be questioned, but there is always a downside, even for an appliance that can get greasy and grimy, like an oven. Whether the disadvantages outweigh the advantages depends on personal preference and whether smoke and fumes produced by deteriorating food outweigh saving energy and time.
Convenience – You don’t have to scrape and scrub to remove spilled food, and the oven can run through a cleaning cycle while you spend time on other chores or relax.
Energy – Extra-heavy insulation helps the oven reach high temperatures during a self-cleaning cycle. It also keeps heat during regular cooking, reducing the energy used. Over the oven’s life, this can result in significant energy savings.
Cost – A self-cleaning unit has the same operating costs as an oven without the cleaning feature. Besides, no pricey chemical cleaners are needed, and the time spent cleaning the stove can be spent on more enjoyable activities.
Smoke and Odors – A self-cleaning oven uses high heat to break down and burn up food remnants and built-up grease. This can result in foul odours and smoke. This can be avoided by cleaning regularly and removing any visible pieces of food or liquids before turning on the heat.
How you care for your oven is a personal preference; however, remember that an extremely high percentage of service calls occur because of the self-cleaning function’s failures.
After you’ve cooked many meals in your oven, you might notice it getting dirtier and dirtier. An essential part of house cleaning is keeping the surfaces you cook and eat on safe and sanitary.
Remove and clean the racks. Place the racks on a towel in your bathtub. Pour in a gallon of vinegar and add two cups of baking soda. Add water and soak the racks for an hour when the bubbling stops. When they’ve finished soaking, wipe them dry.