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The condenser coils are located either under the refrigerator behind the base grille, on the back of the refrigerator or on the top of the refrigerator. To minimize the possibility of electric shock, always unplug the refrigerator from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
How do you know if your refrigerator coil is bad?
The easiest way to identify dirty coils is simply to look at them. If a visual inspection reveals cobwebs and other debris, you can be certain it’s time to give the coils a cleaning. Alternatively, if it’s been a year or longer since you brushed them down, it’s a safe bet that it’s time to do so.
Where is refrigerator evaporator coil?
The evaporator coils sit in the back of the freezer compartment of a refrigerator and look like a radiator. The back wall of the freezer is actually the cover of the evaporator coil and can easily be opened with a screwdriver.
Do you have to unplug fridge to clean coils?
Locate the condenser coils at the base of the fridge in front, behind a toe-grill that snaps off. Condenser coils are metal tubes, wound in a U-shaped grid pattern. If the refrigerator’s coils are on the back, you’ll need to pull the fridge fully away from the wall to clean them.
What happens when refrigerator condenser coil is dirty?
When the coils are clogged with dirt and dust, they can’t efficiently release heat. The result is your compressor works harder and longer than it was designed to, using more energy and shortening the life of your fridge. Clean the coils with a coil cleaning brush and vacuum.
What happens when condenser coil is dirty?
A dirty condenser coil with have a reduced ability to transfer heat to the outside air and this can lead to a less effective cooling system. A dirty condenser coil forces the unit to work harder, which leads to more wear and tear on the system.
Do all refrigerators have coils?
Not all refrigerators have condenser coils in a location that can be accessed for cleaning by the owner of the fridge. Cleaning of the condenser coils is needed more often if you have pets that shed or if the area where the refrigerator is located is particularly dusty, such as a garage.
Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?
The most common reason why a refrigerator is not cooling is a problem with the evaporator coils. Over time, evaporator coils can become covered with ice, which prevents the coils from working properly. If the coils are covered in ice, the ice will need to be defrosted to fix the problem.
What causes refrigerator evaporator coils to freeze up?
If the door gasket is torn or not creating a reliable seal, or if the freezer is not shut tightly, humid air can leak into the freezer. When this humid air passes over the cold evaporator coils, it condenses and freezes on the coils.
How do you clean under a fridge without moving it?
To clean under your appliances without moving them, grab a yardstick and cover the end with an old pair of pantyhose, a microfiber cloth attached with a rubber band, or an old tube sock. Sweep your tool multiple times under each appliance. Vacuum or sweep up what you’ve unearthed.
How long does it take for fridge to cool after coil cleaning?
Give the fridge about 24 hours to cool to your set temperature.
What happens if you don’t clean your fridge condenser coils?
If the coils are clogged, they are unable to release heat efficiently, which causes the compressor to work harder, using more energy and placing the entire appliance under strain. Unfortunately, condenser coils can accumulate dirt, dust, pet hair and other debris from your home.
How often should refrigerator coils be cleaned?
It’s recommended that you clean condenser coils every 6 months to avoid these outcomes and ensure that your refrigerator runs optimally. You may have to clean them more often if pets in the home create extra dander and dirt.
Will a dirty refrigerator condenser coil cause freezing?
The prime job of a condenser is to cool the refrigerant and expel the heat out of the refrigerator continuously until the air inside the fridge and freezer is at the required temperature. When the coils are blocked due to dirt, the process of expelling heat is affected, and the coolant cannot do its job.
How do you tell if your condenser is clogged?
3 Warning Signs You Have a Bad AC Condenser Loud and abnormal noises coming from the unit. Significantly reduced cooling capability from the unit. The unit is leaking a noticeable amount of fluid past the typical amount of condensation.
How do you clean a dirty or blocked air condenser?
Use the water hose spray to clean off loose debris (grass, leaves, etc) on the outside unit. Spray the outside unit with the coil cleaner. Wait 10-15 minutes as the cleaner foams and bonds with the dirt on the coils. Rinse the coil cleaner off with the hose.
Can a refrigerator run without a condenser fan?
This air than become cold by this act and is directed inside your refrigerator. However, if the condenser fan isn’t working, your refrigerator will still be drawing in air, just much less efficiently. The refrigerator will have to run almost constantly in order to make up for the fan not working anymore.
