Cleaning your refrigerator coils improves your fridge’s energy efficiency

This is one of those ‘if you know, you know’ moments #iykyk that most of us just don’t know. Until now. One of the most crucial household maintenance tasks that often goes overlooked is cleaning the refrigerator coils. Not only does keeping the coils clean allow your refrigerator to operate more efficiently but also reduces energy bills and environmental impact as well as prevents future breakdowns and saves you money in the long run. There’s only upside.

Refrigerator coils are a vital component of your fridge’s cooling system. They come in two types: condenser coils and evaporator coils. The condenser coils are typically located on the back of the refrigerator, while the evaporator coils are found inside the unit. These coils are responsible for transferring heat and maintaining the optimal temperature inside your fridge and freezer.

Add cleaning refrigerator coils to your to-do list. Why?

1. Improved Energy Efficiency: Over time, dust, dirt, and pet hair can accumulate on the refrigerator coils, creating a literal barrier that prevents efficient heat transfer. When these coils are dirty, your fridge has to work that much harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption.

2. Prolonged Appliance Lifespan: A well-maintained refrigerator can last for years and years. Neglecting to clean the coils can cause your fridge’s compressor to overheat and potentially lead to costly repairs or even the need for a replacement.

3. Food Waste: An inefficient refrigerator can result in inconsistent temperatures inside the appliance, leading to food spoilage and waste. If you notice your fridge acting a bit wonky and maybe some items inside freezing over or not staying cool enough, it might be due to clogged and dirty coils!

4. Better Cooling Performance: When your refrigerator coils are clean and free from obstructions, your fridge can cool more effectively. This means your ice cream stays frozen, your produce stays crisp, and your drinks stay refreshingly cold. You’ll also reduce the risk of items at the back of the fridge freezing due to uneven cooling.

Cleaning refrigerator coils is a pretty simple process that can be done with a few basic steps:

1. Safety first: Always unplug your refrigerator from the power source or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure safety while cleaning.

2. Find and access the coils: Locate the coils, which are typically found either on the back of the fridge or underneath it. You may need to remove a panel or grille to access them.

3. Use a Vacuum: Gently vacuum away dust, dirt, and debris from the coils. Be careful not to damage the coils during the process.

4. Clean the Surrounding Area: Clean the floor and the surrounding area as well to prevent dust and dirt from getting back onto the coils.

5. Reassemble and Plug In: Once you’ve cleaned the coils and the area around them, reassemble any removed panels or grilles and plug your refrigerator back in or turn on the circuit breaker.