Refrigerators require a minimal amount of maintenance to run effectively; however, this regular maintenance should be done annually to get the longest and most efficient life out of your refrigerator, wine cooler, freezer or any other refrigeration appliance. The condenser coil should be cleaned at 12 month (or less) intervals. This essential maintenance is quickly and easily performed in an hour or less, and the procedure and recommendation can be found in your refrigerator's "Use and Care Manual."
Condensor cleaning is a service we provide to our customers on a regularly scheduled maintenance service should you so desire. We do provide 2 levels of service for our customers: Standard condensor cleaning with spray application and the NuCalgon cleaning with special disinfecting pads and application.
For those who prefer to do this essential cleaning themselves:
== Steps ==
1. First and foremost. IMPORTANT -- Disconnect. Shut off the circuit breaker, remove the fuse or slide the refrigerator away from the wall as needed(use care to avoid damage to the floor) AND UNPLUG the refrigerator's plug from the electrical outlet. SHUT OFF WATER SUPPLY LINES if equipped with ice maker or water dispenser.
2. Locate the condenser coil. There are two sets of coils for cooling appliances like refrigerators, they are called the evaporator and condenser coils. Overly simplified, the two coils are filled with gas and liquid respectively. The gas filled evaporator coil is located in the space to be cooled, and performs the task by absorbing heat from that space. It is usually protected from damage and out of view inside the freezer section. The "heated" gas is compressed by the compressor, where it is further heated (hot to the touch) by the compression process. The heated gas and liquid is passed through the condenser coil that is located away from the cooled space. This condenser coil is where some of the heat in the liquid is released to the air. The cooled liquid is then drawn through the expansion valve by the suction of the compressor, where the liquid immediately boils off to a gas. This causes the temperature of the gas to drop significantly (well below freezing) in the evaporator coil. The process repeats until the thermostat in the space is satisfied. Because the condenser coil is exposed to the ambient air on the refrigerator, it requires regular cleaning. There are a few locations that the condenser coil may be
3. Older refrigerators have the coil (a grid-like structure often painted black) mounted on the rear of the refrigerator.
4. Newer refrigerators often position the condenser coil at the bottom of the refrigeration unit; however, it can be located at the top of the refrigeration unit. It is likely that a fan (that may or may not be readily visible) will be directed at the coil to assist with heat dissipation. Use a flashlight to assist locating the coil and fan if needed. The coil will be accessible from one of two places:
a. Toe space panel. Remove the panel at the bottom of the front of the refrigerator and carefully slide the condensate tray out (if present, the condensate tray may contain water). A visual inspection upward into this space may reveal a flat condenser coil when located here.
b. Rear access panel. If not found behind the toe space, the refrigerator will have to be slid away from the wall further to work from behind. Disconnect water supply lines if too short to allow enough room to work. Remove the fasteners that holds an access panel in position. The condenser coil may be flat, but will likely be cylindrical in shape when located here.
5. Disconnect power. IMPORTANT: Make sure the power to the refrigerator is disconnected.
6. Vacuum the coil. With a plastic crevice or brush attachment, carefully vacuum dirt and dust wherever it is seen. Use care not to damage the fins or coil. A breech created in the coil will allow the refrigerant to escape and will likely result in an expensive repair.
7. Vacuum the fan. If the fan is visible and accessible, cleaning it will help it move air across the condenser coil as designed. Dirt and dust, if allowed to accumulate on the fan blades, decreases airflow, affects balance and can contribute to early failure of the compressor.
8. Brush away stubborn dirt and dust. Use a narrow paint brush to gently remove stubborn dirt and dust from the coil and fan if able to get sufficient access.
9. Slide refrigerator back into position, taking care not to damage the floor. Plug the refrigerator back into wall outlet. Arrange any water supply lines and power cords so that they will not be kinked or crushed by the refrigerator.
