Why It’s Necessary to Clean Refrigerator Coils
“Refrigerator coils help dissipate heat generated by the compressor, allowing your refrigerator to maintain the desired temperature inside," says Alex Gardner, director of engineering programs for refrigeration at GE Appliances. He explains that dust, dirt, and even pet hair can accumulate on the coils, which causes your fridge to work harder to maintain its cold temperature.
What may be news to you is that the coils are also responsible for removing debris from the air that passes from the front of the unit to its compressor, says Nicholas Webert, the senior director of customer care and field service operations at Samsung. The problem arises when excessive dust, dirt, and hair accumulate around the coils, preventing them from performing their job adequately. “If your coils are clogged up with debris, it could impact the compressor’s ability to create heat and keep the unit’s internal system from running accordingly,” Webert says. “I like to compare it to the idea that our own muscles move more fluidly when warm.”
Both Gardner and Webert stress that cleaning the excess debris will keep your refrigerator running more efficiently and extend its life, which will more than likely result in saving money on energy bills and maintenance costs. Therefore, it’s worth the small amount of time and effort to clean them. Let’s dive into how to do so and how often.
How Often to Clean Refrigerator Coils
Even with instructions, this task seems tedious, but it only needs to be tackled occasionally. According to Weber, how often you clean fridge coils depends on your home environment. “The general rule states every six months, but if you are someone who owns pets, I would recommend every three,” he says. “Remember coils collect air debris, so dog hair can easily impact the unit’s function.”
Gardner agrees that cleaning fridge coils every six months is a good idea to ensure your appliance is healthy. If you have pets that shed or refrigerators located in particularly dusty areas, such as a garage, he suggests checking off the chore every two to three months.
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How to Clean Refrigerator Coils
Before tackling the task, refer to your appliance manual, as the instructions for various makes and models may differ. The next important step is to unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall. Then, it’s time to locate the coils. Depending on your appliance, Gardner says, “The condenser coils are located either under the refrigerator behind the base grill, on the back of the machine, or on the top.”
How to Clean Coils Located Under the Fridge
Remove the base grill (most appliances have one) and use a designated coil cleaning brush to remove debris. “Clean the floor surrounding the refrigerator with a sweep or vacuum,” Gardner says. “Replace the grill if you removed it from the bottom or push the refrigerator back into place, being careful not to run over any cords or tubing.”
How to Clean Coils Located at the Back of the Fridge
Follow the same instructions as for coils located under the fridge, except for removing and replacing a grill piece, as this type of refrigerator does not include one.
How to Clean Coils Located on the Top of the Fridge
This process is a bit tricky, but Gardner breaks it down. He advises first disconnecting the power at the fuse box or circuit breaker and wearing a long-sleeved shirt and gloves for protection. Next, he explains that you must raise the grill panel at the top of the refrigerator to locate the condenser, which, on some models, can be found on the right side and behind the compressor. “Reach back through the middle section of the machine compartment with a soft bristle brush and loosen dust and dirt on the condenser fins,” Gardner says. “From there, use a vacuum hose to remove any remaining soil.”
