Since your refrigerator is one of the most costly and hard-working appliances in your kitchen, you naturally want it to operate as long and efficiently as possible. Ensuring that the condenser coils are kept clean is the simplest way to accomplish these objectives. The following five simple steps, which only take ten to fifteen minutes to accomplish, are provided by the home inspection experts at HomePro Inspections to assist with this essential cleaning requirement.
Dirty refrigerator condenser coils at the base of a refrigerator.
What Are Refrigerator Condenser Coils, and What Do They Do?
Condenser coils are an essential component of the refrigerator's cooling mechanism, which disperses heat from the interior of the appliance back into the surrounding air. Typically located on the rear or underneath a refrigerator, the condenser coils are exposed to aid with airflow and heat dissipation.
Why Do Refrigerator Coils Require Cleaning?
Dust, debris, and pet hair can clog the refrigerator’s condenser coils over time, hindering its ability to disperse heat easily and uniformly. When this happens, your refrigerator must work harder to stay cool, which increases its electricity use and shortens its lifespan.
Dirty refrigerator condenser coils on the back of a refrigerator.
The good news is that cleaning the condenser coils on your refrigerator is a reasonably easy do-it-yourself task. Cleaning the condenser coils should be done at least once a year, and ideally every six months if you have furry pets.
Tools required:
· Flashlight
· Dust mask
· Vacuum cleaner
5 Easy Steps:
1. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Depending on the location of the outlet, you may need to pull your refrigerator away from the wall. Keep the refrigerator doors closed to help maintain the cold temperature of their contents.
2. Locate the condenser coils, which are typically found on the back or underneath your refrigerator. If they are underneath, you will need to remove the toe grill.
3. Wear your dust mask to avoid inhaling any airborne dust you might stir up. Using your flashlight, check the condenser coils. Vacuum as much as possible with a narrow vacuum attachment.
4. Using the condenser coil brush, work through the coils to loosen debris and dust. Keep the vacuum attachment close to the brush to reduce dust. The brush should reach most of the coils. These brushes are usually flexible, and you might need to bend the tip to access difficult areas.
5. Take a minute to check your work and vacuum up any lingering dust, debris, or runaway dust bunnies. Wipe down the toe grill and snap it back into place. Plug your refrigerator back into the wall outlet and roll it back into position.
Dirty toe grill at the front of the refrigerator
Conclusion
Keeping your refrigerator running at peak performance is as easy as doing a 15-minute cleaning once or twice a year. When you're finished, treat yourself to a cold beverage for a job well done. Your refrigerator will consume less energy and last longer, which, when you think about it, is really pretty cool, right? (See how I did that?)
At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to identify and report any potential issues they may encounter. Any problems are documented in your home inspection report and recommended for resolution by a qualified professional.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942, send us an email, or utilize our online “Schedule Now” feature to set up an appointment.