How to Clean Your Fridge Coils for Better Performance

What Are Refrigerator Condenser Coils?

Your refrigerator condenser coils play a crucial role in keeping your fridge cool. These coils are responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant, allowing your fridge to maintain a steady temperature.

Most fridges have condenser coils located either:

• Behind the refrigerator (common in older models)
• Underneath the fridge (common in newer models)

Over time, dust, pet hair, and debris build up on the coils, making it harder for the refrigerator to dissipate heat. This forces your fridge to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and potential breakdowns.

Why Learning How to Clean Refrigerator Coils Is Important

If you’ve never cleaned your fridge coils before, you might be wondering: why does this matter? Here’s what happens when they get dirty:

• Improved Efficiency: Clean coils help your refrigerator cool more efficiently, reducing energy consumption.
• Lower Energy Bills: A fridge with dirty coils uses up to 15% more energy than a clean one.
• Longer Lifespan: Regular cleaning prevents overheating, which can lead to compressor failure and expensive repairs.
• Better Cooling Performance: If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, dirty coils might be the culprit. Cleaning them can restore optimal performance.

Now that you understand why it’s important, let’s go through a step-by-step guide on how to clean refrigerator coils.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Clean Refrigerator Coils

What You’ll Need:

• A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
• A coil brush (available at hardware stores)
• A damp cloth
• A flashlight (if needed for visibility)

Step 1: Unplug the Refrigerator

For safety, always unplug your fridge before cleaning the coils. If the plug is hard to reach, turn off the power at the breaker box.

Step 2: Locate the Condenser Coils

• If your coils are behind the fridge, carefully pull the appliance away from the wall.
• If they’re underneath, remove the kick plate or grille at the bottom front of the fridge.

Step 3: Use a Coil Brush to Remove Dirt and Dust

A coil brush is designed to loosen debris stuck on the coils. Gently brush away dust and pet hair, making sure to get into all the small gaps.

Step 4: Vacuum the Coils

Use the hose attachment on your vacuum to remove any remaining dust and debris. Move the hose carefully around the coils to avoid damaging them.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Area

Use a damp cloth to clean the surrounding area, including the floor underneath the fridge. This prevents dirt from building up again too quickly.

Step 6: Plug the Fridge Back In

Once everything is clean, plug the fridge back in and monitor its cooling performance over the next few hours.

How Often Should You Clean Refrigerator Condenser Coils?

Experts recommend cleaning your refrigerator coils every 6 to 12 months. However, you may need to clean them more frequently if:

• You have pets (pet hair clogs coils faster).
• Your kitchen accumulates a lot of dust or grease.
• You notice your fridge running constantly or not cooling properly.

Regular maintenance will help extend your fridge’s lifespan and keep it working efficiently.

Need Help? Contact GIR Appliance for Expert Repairs!

If your fridge isn’t cooling properly even after cleaning the coils, there might be a bigger issue. GIR Appliance specializes in refrigerator repair in The Woodlands and Houston area, offering expert diagnostics and solutions for all major brands. Contact GIR Appliance today for reliable fridge repairs and maintenance!