Clogged Condenser Coils Complicate Cooling

Refrigerator coils, also known as condenser coils, are often overlooked in the usual steps of a thorough kitchen clean. They need to be properly maintained if you want your fridge to stay as cold as possible without wasting excess energy. If you've never cleaned these coils off, they can't efficiently release the heat that is built up inside of them when the cooling process takes place. When this happens, your refrigerators condenser has to go into overdrive and you waste inefficiently waste power.

If you take care of this problem, your beers will be colder and your wallet will be thicker. Who could complain about that? You can wait a while in between cleans but as soon as you notice a rise in overall refrigerator temperature this is the first place you should place your effort. It's a simple process, so let's step through it together.

Reasons that your coils might get clogged up

Refrigerators that are located in a dusty garage, or around areas where pet hair may accumulate are the most likely to need a routine cleaning. Dust and fur can slip in through the ventilation holes in the baseplate and accumulate a surprising amount of unwanted material. While you're at it, check out our other environmentally friendly cleaning guides on The Ultimate Guide to Naturally Cleaning Your Kitchen.

Locate your Condenser Coils

• Before you move your refrigerator or do any sort of maintenance, you must unplug it so that you don't run the risk of electric shock.
• These coils will be located in one of three places if your refrigerator has them in an area that is accessible. They will be behind the base grille, on the back, or even on top of the refrigerator.
• You'll be able to tell where they are when you notice a series of metal tubes wound up in a grid-like pattern. 

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How to clean your Condenser Coils

• You have the option of purchasing a brush specifically meant for cleaning your coils such as Condenser Cleaning Coil Brush, which can be purchased directly from GE appliances. That's a great timesaving tool that will ensure you only have to take care of these coils once or twice a year. However, if that is not something you're interest in - feel free to hook up your vacuums hose, and using the brush attachment on the condenser coils. Make sure that they have cooled down before attempting anything. Go ahead and vacuum under the fridge as best as possible while you're already at it. 
• Try to get all of the dirty and or pet hair as thoroughly as possible, remove all visible dirt, dust, and animal hair. 
• If that doesn't get all of the visible dirt - try using an old tooth brush to get the remaining bit.