How To Improve The Efficiency Of Your Fridge

Residential refrigerators can soak up alot of electricity. Many people are understandably tempted to invest in an Energy Star unit that could save them up to $300 over its lifetime. However, a new fridge can cost over $1,000, so it is often not a plausible solution. If your refrigerator is running inefficiently, you might be able to fix the problem on your own. These simple maintenance steps will improve the efficiency of your refrigerator but also increase its lifespan. This article explains a simple repair that could greatly improve the electricity usage of your refrigerator.

Clean the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are a vital part of a refrigerator cooling system. The coils transfer warm air from inside the unit, allowing the evaporator to cool the unit more effectively. The coils can get dirty and dusty, which will greatly reduce their productivity.

Accessing the Coils

Before you do anything, unplug your fridge. The first step is to locate the condenser. On most fridges the condenser coils will be at the front of the fridge along the bottom. Alternatively, they might be on the backside of the unit. Either way, they will be protected by grate. The plastic grate on front-mounted condensers usually snaps right off without any tools. This grate can get clogged, so give it a thorough cleaning before you reattach it.

Cleaning the Coils

Now that the condenser coils are exposed, you can clean them. You might need to get creative with the cleaning supplies that you use. For instance, a simple scrub brush might get the job done. Likewise, you can use a sponge or rag. In some cases you will need to use some sort of cleaning liquid to help loosen the dirt. You might be able to find condenser coil cleaning solution. However, it is not sold at most home improvement stores and it is rather expensive. You can probably get just as good results if you use a basic all-purpose liquid cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the coils and let it soak in for a few minutes. Use whatever scrubbing device you have to loosen the more stubborn dirt build up. You can then use a vacuum to suck up any dirt that was loosened and fell behind the coils. You will also need to vacuum up all the dirt that fell underneath the refrigerator.

This basic coil cleaning should improve the everyday function of your refrigerator, helping it to lose less energy and save you money. If you need help, contact a company like Roia Appliance.

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