Keeping your fridge clean should be part of your regular cleaning routine. However, when it comes to fridge cleaning, there’s one thing many people overlook – the condenser coils. As the owner of a fridge, being aware of the condenser and properly maintaining it can make a big difference in how well your fridge runs.
What Are the Condenser Coils?
The condenser coils are part of your fridge’s cooling system. They are usually located along the back of your fridge or underneath it. The condenser coils help remove heat from the fridge and make sure the interior stays cold.
Here’s how the condenser coils work:
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The refrigerant flows through the coils while releasing heat. This causes the refrigerant to condense from gas to liquid.
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The now liquid refrigerant passes through the evaporator coils inside the fridge, where it absorbs heat from inside the fridge and evaporates back into a gas.
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The gas is pushed back through the condenser coils by the compressor, starting the cooling cycle over again.
So in short, the condenser coils help release the heat that gets removed from the fridge interior, helping maintain the proper cooling temperature.
Why Cleaning the Condenser Coils Matters
When condenser coils get dirty with dust, pet hair or other debris, it affects their ability to release heat properly. Dirty coils have to work harder to cool the fridge.
This can lead to:
- The fridge interior not staying as cold.
- The compressor working harder and potentially burning out sooner.
- Higher energy bills since the fridge uses more electricity.
Cleaning the condenser coils helps remove built-up debris and allows the coils to work efficiently again.
How to Clean the Condenser Coils
Cleaning fridge condenser coils is an important maintenance task. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Unplug the fridge
Before doing any work on the fridge, always unplug it first. This ensures the condenser fan won’t turn on while you’re cleaning the coils.
2. Remove the access panel
There will often be a removable access panel either along the lower back of the fridge or underneath it to expose the coils. This may be held on with screws or clips. Consult your fridge manual if needed.
3. Use a vacuum attachment
Use the narrow crevice tool attachment on your vacuum cleaner to vacuum all the dust buildup off the coils. Make sure you get between each coil for thorough cleaning.
4. Use a coil cleaning brush
For a deeper clean, use a special coil cleaning brush to gently brush each coil fin while vacuuming. These are inexpensive and remove embedded debris.
5. Check airflow beneath the fridge
If accessing the coils from underneath, also check for obstructions blocking airflow under the fridge while you have access, and remove any debris.
6. Replace the access panel
Once finished cleaning the condenser coils, replace any access panels securely.
7. Plug fridge back in
The fridge can now be safely plugged back in. The newly cleaned coils will help it run more efficiently.
How Often to Clean the Condenser
Clean the condenser coils at least every 6 months. If you have pets or notice your fridge struggling to stay cold, clean every 3-4 months.
Signs Your Condenser Needs Cleaning
Watch for these signs that your condenser coils need cleaning:
- Fridge running louder than usual
- Fridge interior temperature rising
- Exterior of fridge feeling hot to the touch
- Frost buildup inside the freezer
- Your energy bills increasing
Taking time to properly clean the condenser coils helps ensure your fridge runs properly for years to come. Just don’t forget this important maintenance step!
