Clean This Fridge Part Every 6 Months and Save Big on Electricity
March 15, 2024
source: Youtube
It’s very important to clean our fridges, not just from the inside but also the outside too. I must confess that I didn’t do this very often until now, when I realized how crucial it is, folks. We often overlook one tiny yet significant organ of our fridge: the condenser coil. This little buddy, tucked away behind or beneath the refrigerator, plays a massive role in the cooling process and, believe it or not, in saving us a good chunk of money on electricity if kept clean.
So, what exactly is the condenser coil? Well, it’s located outside the refrigerator, often exposed but sometimes hidden behind a panel or screen at the bottom or back of the unit. This part is constantly exposed to dust and pet hair, making it a critical spot that needs regular cleaning. However, because it’s usually out of sight, many of us (myself included, until recently) rarely think to check and clean it.
Now, you might wonder how you’d know if your condenser coil needs a cleaning. A tell-tale sign is if your refrigerator seems to be working harder than usual or if it’s not cooling as efficiently. These symptoms might not always prompt an immediate check of the condenser coil, but they should. Experts recommend cleaning it every 6 months to keep your fridge running smoothly and to save on those electricity bills.
Cleaning the condenser coil is surprisingly simpler than it might seem. Here’s how you should do it:
Unplug your fridge. Safety first, always. Make sure your refrigerator is unplugged before you start poking around back there.
Locate the coil. As mentioned, it’s usually at the bottom or back of the refrigerator. You might need to remove a panel or protective grille to access it.
Use a refrigerator coil brush. This special brush is designed to get into the nooks and crannies of the coil without damaging it. Gently brush away the dust, pet hair, and any other debris that’s accumulated.
Vacuum. After loosening the debris, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to carefully remove it from the area. Be gentle to avoid bending the coil fins.
Reattach the panel or grille. Once you’re done cleaning, put any protective coverings back in place.
Plug the fridge back in. And you’re done!
This seemingly small maintenance task can lead to significant savings on your energy bills and extend the life of your fridge. I’ve started marking my calendar to do it every six months, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer. My fridge runs more efficiently, and I feel good knowing I’m doing my part to take care of it.