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How to Clean Your Refrigerator Coils

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Have you noticed that your refrigerator seems to be working harder than it used to?

Do you have a pet that sheds lots of fur and hair onto the floor?

Do you forget the last time you cleaned your refrigerator coils?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then it’s time to get to work on those coils!

Cleaning your refrigerator coils (sometimes called “condenser coils”) will keep your unit running efficiently and extend its lifespan because clean, unobstructed coils will allow for easier and faster cooling.

See, when dirt, dust, hair, and other gunk are blocking the coils, your refrigerator consumes a lot more energy attempting to transfer the coolant. So, to keep your unit running at peak performance, you’ll need to periodically remove all that debris from your refrigerator coils.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Unplug your refrigerator from the wall. Don’t worry–the cleaning process should only take about 15 minutes, so there won’t be enough time for your food’s temperature to be affected.
  2. Figure out where your refrigerator coils are located. On older units, the coils are usually at the back of the fridge. On newer units, they’re usually hidden behind a panel at the front-bottom of your fridge.
    • If your coils are at the back of your fridge, pull the unit away from the wall so you can access them.
    • If your coils are at the front-bottom of your fridge, remove the panel (it should easily snap off) so you can access them.
  3. Using a soft-bristled brush, scrape the coils to remove dust, dirt, and grime. Make sure you get between the coils, as well.
  4. Using a vacuum attachment, preferably a narrow nozzle, to suck up the residual dust, hair, and debris.
  5. Repeat this process until all of the debris is gone.
  6. Once finished, replace the front panel or push the unit back towards the wall.
  7. Plug the unit into the wall and restore power.
  8. For optimal performance from your fridge, do this twice a year!

If cleaning your coils still doesn’t solve your refrigerator problems, give us a call! One of the qualified technicians from All Brands Appliance Repair would be more than happy to come out and take a look.