How To Clean Your Refrigerator Condenser Coils
Household appliances will inevitably become less efficient over the years. New appliances, like refrigerators, have better energy efficiency ratings. That does not mean you should run out and buy a new fridge just because yours is acting up. It is much cheaper and more eco-friendly to repair your refrigerator, if possible. This article explains how to clean dirty condenser coils. Coils are vital to the operation of the fridge and they can get dirty very easily. With a simple cleaning, you can ultimately increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your refrigerator.
Accessing the Coils
Dirty condenser coils are a very common problem. Condenser coils are responsible for transferring heat out of your refrigerator unit, allowing it to cool down inside. The coils are usually located on the front, along the bottom of the unit, just below the doors. They are made of copper and are usually behind a protective plastic vent. The vent can pop right off without any tools. You need to unplug the unit before you begin any work. This usually means you will need to slide the fridge forward to unplug the cord. Most fridges have wheels, but be careful on hardwood floors, as the wheels can gouge the wood.
Cleaning Dirty Condensers
First, clean off as much dust as possible with with a basic hose vacuum. Use a brush attachment to help knock dust off of the coils with your vacuum. Be careful to not hit the coils too hard, as it could bend and damage the coils. A ton of the dust and dirt will probably fall onto the floor underneath the fridge, so clean it up too before proceeding. There is likely to be buildup on the coils that will not come off with the vacuum. You can use condenser coil cleaner, but you can substitute it with a cheaper multi-purpose household cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the coils and let it soak in for a few minutes.
Finally, the removable vent should also be cleaned before you reattach it. Most often, clogging of the condenser coils will be the result of dirt from the floor. So, the more often you clean your floors, the longer your coils will stay clean. Also, you need to be cautious during your normal cleaning to not sweep more dust into the vent. In fact, during your regular floor cleaning, you can remove your vent and give it quick dusting. This will do wonders in keeping your coils clean.
For more information, contact a business like Roia Appliance.