Clean Your Refrigerator’s Condenser Coils to Boost Energy Efficiency

One of the best things you can do to boost your appliances’ energy efficiency is to keep them clean. Fans and motors have to work hard to cool refrigerant and heating systems if the parts are covered with dust and pet hair. Not only does that mean the machine uses up more energy to run at normal performance, but also the appliance becomes more likely to break. To save energy with your refrigerator, one of the biggest energy-using appliances in every household, make sure you clean the condenser coils regularly.

What are condenser coils?

Condenser coils hold the refrigerant that helps control your refrigerator’s temperature. They release heat energy away from your refrigerator, so it can stay cool. But if the coils are too dirty, some of that heat stays trapped in the system. 

Depending on the refrigerator model you have, your condenser coils are either on the back of the refrigerator or underneath the doors where the ventilation grill is. Some models have the coils at the top of the fridge, but these are fairly rare.

How should you clean the coils?

Like with all appliance repair and maintenance, the first step is to unplug the refrigerator. Even though you’re not directly modifying any electrical components, you should unplug to reduce any chance of electrical shock.

All you need is a refrigerator coil brush, which is shaped like a pipe cleaner, so you can reach deep into the nooks and crannies of the condenser coils. For refrigerators with the coils along the bottom of the appliance, remove the grille and brush debris away from the coils. While you have the bottom of the appliance opened, go ahead and vacuum away the debris you just swept off the coils and any pet hair and dirt that has collected overtime below.

The procedure is the same for coils on the back of your refrigerator. The only difference is that instead of removing the ventilation cover, you will need to carefully wheel the machine away from the wall and then back into position when finished. Make sure you don’t pinch any wires or water supply lines as you’re moving it!

For more maintenance tips and ways to save energy on your home’s appliances, contact us today!