Refrigerators are essential appliances for homes that keep our food safe and fresh. But, we often ignore a key part of our fridge – the coils. The coils in the refrigerator are responsible for removing heat from the fridge’s interior.
But, if they are filthy or blocked with debris and dust, the coils can make your fridge operate more intensely, consume more energy, and eventually be damaged. In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of keeping your fridge’s coils clear, the negative effects of neglecting them, and how to maintain well-maintained coils to ensure that your refrigerator operates efficiently.
Explain the purpose of refrigerator coils and what they do
Refrigerator coils are a vital element of your refrigerator’s cooling system. They’re usually located in the back of the fridge or under it. They are made up of a set of tubes that contain refrigerant.
The coils take heat from the refrigerator’s interior and then transfer the heat to the outside. The refrigerant contained in these coils is absorbed by air within the refrigerator and turns into a gas.
The gas then gets compressed, which causes it to get extremely hot. The hot gas is moved to the coils outside the refrigerator and releases their heat in the air, which causes that gas to cool and turn into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant is then transported through the wires within the refrigerator to begin the process.
This absorption and release process keeps the fridge cool and food fresh. But, if the coils get filthy or blocked with debris, they can’t release heat as efficiently and cause your refrigerator to work harder to maintain the ideal temperature. This can lead to more energy use, higher electric bills, and even damage to the compressor in your fridge.
What happens when the refrigerator’s coils become dirty?
What happens to dirt and debris that are deposited on the coils?
Sometimes, the refrigerator’s coils get sprayed with dust filth, pets’ hair, and other particles. This can happen naturally due to normal usage, but it can also be caused due to other factors, such as pets, inadequate ventilation, or a dusty environment.
The effects of dirty coils on the performance of refrigerators and the consumption of energy
- More energy use: As your refrigerator works harder to keep the ideal temperature, it will consume more energy, which could result in higher electric bills.
- Inefficient cooling: If you have dirty coils, they cannot efficiently take heat away from the refrigerator’s interior, meaning that food items may not remain as cool as they should be. This could result in food spoilage, bacterial growth and a risk to your health. Coil’s Failure of the compressor inside your refrigerator compresses the refrigerant, then circulates it around the coils. If the coils get filthy, the compressor could need to work harder to move the refrigerant, which could lead to problems with the compressor and cost-intensive repairs.
- The lifespan of your fridge has reduced: A dirty coiled fridge will likely have to perform more than it has to. It will suffer more damage and wear, which could lower its lifespan.
How to cleanse refrigerator coils in 7 steps?
Below are some steps for thoroughly and safely removing the refrigerator’s coils
- Unplug your fridge before cleaning your coils, and disconnect your refrigerator to avoid any electrical dangers.
- Find the coils: The locations of the coils could differ based on the brand and model of your refrigerator. Consult the instruction manual for your fridge or visit the manufacturer’s site to discover the coils’ location.
- Remove the front grille. Most fridges have an exterior grille that protects the coils. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the grille in place, and then gently lift the grille off the fridge.
- Use a coil brush or vacuum cleaner: After the coils are exposed, use a coil brush or a vacuum equipped with an attachment for a crevice tool to clean dust. Ensure not to scratch the coils or any other fridge parts.
- Clean up the area around the fridge while removing the grille on the front, and take the time to scrub the surrounding area, which includes the fan blades and the floor underneath the refrigerator.
- Reinstall the front grille. After cleaning the coils, put on the front grille and fix it with the screws you removed earlier.
- Plug in your fridge. When the grille is set, Plug it back into the fridge and allow it to begin again.
If you follow these steps, you can easily and efficiently clean your refrigerator’s coils and ensure that your refrigerator operates efficiently. You should wash your fridge’s cooling coils every two years, based on the frequency of use and the environmental conditions.
Tips for maintaining clean refrigerator coils
Keep refrigerator coils clean and operating at their best
In addition to regularly cleaning your refrigerator’s coils, a few good practices can be used to keep them functioning optimally:
- Maintain the space surrounding your refrigerator clean: Every day, clean or sweep the fridge’s area to keep dust and other debris from building up over the wires.
- Be sure not to block the airflow. You must leave enough space around the fridge to allow adequate airflow. Avoid placing things close to or above the fridge since this could cause interference with airflow and lead to the coils getting dirty.
- Be sure to keep pets out of the fridge: Keep them out of the refrigerator when you own them. Dander and pet hair can accumulate on coils, leading to lower efficiency and higher energy use.
- Use a coil brush regularly. Even if you do not regularly clean your coils, it’s recommended to employ a coil cleaner to get rid of any visible dust or dirt every couple of months. This will help avoid dirt buildup and reduce the frequency of deep cleaning.
The frequency of coil cleaning
The frequency you clean your refrigerator’s coils depends on factors like usage and the environment. It’s generally suggested to clean your coils at least every two years. However, you might need to do it more often in the case of pets, living in a dusty area, or experiencing lots of people walking near your refrigerator.
Regular maintenance techniques such as using a coil cleaner and maintaining the space surrounding your fridge spotless will also aid in extending the interval between deep cleanings.
Benefits of having clean refrigerator coils
Benefits of keeping your refrigerator’s coils clear
- Better efficiency: Dirty or dirty coils can cause your refrigerator to be more difficult to maintain the same temperature, leading to higher energy use and costs.
- The longer the lifespan of a refrigerator: A fridge that works more than it has to will experience use and wear on the parts, resulting in a shorter run time.
- Improved food preservation: A refrigerator that has clean coils can keep the temperature constant and help keep your food fresher longer.
Energy savings and other financial advantages
Keeping your refrigerator’s coils clean will save money on electricity bills. A fridge that has dirty coils must be more efficient in maintaining the same temperature, which can lead to higher energy usage and higher prices. If you regularly clean the coils and ensure that your refrigerator is operating efficiently and effectively, you will reduce your expenses over the long term.
The longer-lasting refrigerator you have
Alongside conserving money on energy costs Maintaining your refrigerator’s filters clean will help prolong the life span of your fridge. If your fridge works harder, it should see greater use and wear on the parts that can cause failures and repairs.
By keeping your fridge in good condition with regular cleaning of your coils and maintenance, you can avoid excessive damage, which will help your fridge last longer and save you costs in repairs and replacements.
Expert’s Word
Cleaning your refrigerator’s coils is essential to maintain the efficiency of your refrigerator, its lifespan and overall performance. Following the most effective cleaning methods and maintenance procedures will ensure that your refrigerator runs smoothly and save money over the long haul.
Common myths regarding cleaning refrigerator coils
Problem: A lot of misconceptions about the cleaning of refrigerator coils can result in poor cleaning and can even harm the fridge.
Solution: Once you know the truth of those myths, you will be able to ensure that you’re taking the steps necessary to preserve the efficiency and performance of your refrigerator.
Many common myths claim that it’s not necessary to clean coils; if your refrigerator appears to be working fine, the coils are concealed and don’t require cleaning, and that vacuum or compressed air cleaners work to clean the coils.
In reality, dirty coils will reduce efficiency and cause a rise in energy usage. Refrigerators all have coils that need to be cleaned, and a secure and effective cleaning involves using a coil brush or talking to experts. If you follow these guidelines and avoid common misunderstandings, you can ensure your fridge has operated smoothly for many years.
FAQs
Why is it necessary to keep my refrigerator’s coils free of dust?
Cleaning your refrigerator’s coils can ensure your fridge is more durable and efficient. The dirty coils could make your compressor more efficient and consume more energy. This increases the price of electricity and decreases the longevity of your refrigerator.
What is the best frequency to wash my refrigerator’s coils?
It is recommended to clean your refrigerator’s coils at least once per year or more frequently if you have pets who shed or live in a dusty environment.
Can I clean my refrigerator coils myself?
Cleaning your refrigerator’s coils is something you can tackle yourself. You’ll have to unplug the fridge and then remove the grille at the bottom of the fridge to reach the coils. After that, gently clean any debris or dust using an electric coil brush or a vacuum attachment.
What happens if I don’t wash my refrigerator’s coils?
If you do not regularly clean your refrigerator’s coils, this could make your refrigerator run less efficiently and even break earlier than anticipated. This could lead to expensive repairs or replacing the whole appliance.
Cleansing my refrigerator’s coils helps me save on my electric bill.
Yes! Keeping your refrigerator’s coils clear will ensure that your compressor doesn’t need to perform as hard and can result in lower energy costs over time.
Are there other benefits to washing my refrigerator’s coils besides the savings in money?
Apart from cutting down on your energy bills and prolonging the life of your refrigerator, cleaning your refrigerator’s coils clean will also aid in improving the quality of indoor air by eliminating dust and allergens from the house.
Conclusion
Cleaning your refrigerator’s coils is vital to maintain the efficiency and performance of the refrigerator. Clean coils can increase energy usage, resulting in more expensive electricity bills and damage to your refrigerator.
Suppose you know the importance of regularly cleaning your coils, following the best methods for safe and efficient cleaning, and staying clear of common misconceptions regarding cleaning your coils.
In that case, you will ensure your fridge operates efficiently and smoothly for many years. Alongside the financial benefits, regular cleaning can also extend the life of your fridge and is a worthy purchase for anyone with a homeowner.
