It is very important to maintain your refrigerator regularly if you want it to last for many years. Part of this maintenance includes cleaning the refrigerator condenser coils.
Condenser coils are an important component of your refrigerator; without them, the refrigerant circulating inside the sealed refrigerator system cannot be cooled properly. Dirty condenser coils can lead to higher energy bills at best and ruin food at worst.
In this article, we will talk about what condenser coils are for and how to clean them correctly.
Why do you need condenser coils
The operation of the refrigerator is supported by the correct circulation of the special refrigerant. When the refrigerant changes from one state of aggregation to another, that is, from liquid to gaseous, the air inside the refrigerating chamber is cooled.
Under pressure, the refrigerant from the compressor passes through coils, with the help of which the gaseous substance is cooled and converted back to liquid. Then the refrigerant passes through the evaporator and absorbs heat from the refrigerating chamber, cooling it and everything in it. After that, the refrigerant goes back to the gaseous state and the cycle repeats.
In this way, the coils cool the refrigerant so that the refrigerator can constantly maintain a predetermined low temperature inside. If the coils fail or become too dirty, they cannot perform the function of condensing the refrigerant and the products inside the refrigerator compartment may deteriorate.
How to clean the condenser coils
The condenser coils should be cleaned at least 1 to 2 times a year. Some Whirlpool refrigerators can be cleaned by yourself, while others can only be cleaned by a specialist with special equipment. Before you start cleaning, make sure that the instructions for the refrigerator have permission to clean the coils yourself.
If you decide to clean the coils, follow this procedure:
- Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Failure to do so can result in an electric shock.
- Remove the grill panel that hides the condenser coils. For different models of refrigerators, it can be located either on the back of the unit or in front. In order to remove the grill, lightly press on it with your hands and pull it towards you – it should come out of the grooves.
- Use a soft dry brush and vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt from coils and coils. Whirlpool has special brushes for just this purpose, you can find them in the refrigerator accessories sections.
- After cleaning, make sure there is no dust on the coils. After that, put the grill in place, the protrusions on its edges should exactly fit into the grooves intended for them on the body. If the grille is in the correct position, you will hear a slight click.
5 Tips from Whirlpool fridge care professionals
In addition to cleaning the condenser coil, repairmen advise using other methods of servicing the refrigerator.
1. Clean the condenser fan. The condenser fan directs air through the condenser coils, which helps them cool the refrigerant inside faster. Over time, the fan can become clogged with dirt and dust, causing the fan to stop. You can use the same brush or vacuum cleaner that you used to clean the condenser coils to clean the fan.
2. Clean door gaskets. Their purpose is to create a generally airtight seal around the refrigerator door. If juice, syrup, or other sticky material dries on the gasket, it can cause the gasket to stick to the refrigerator, which in turn may cause the gasket to break the next time the door is opened. If you spill anything on the door gasket, simply wipe it off with warm water, but do not use detergent as this may damage the gasket.
3. Clean the ventilation grill. Its openings must always be free from dust and dirt. It can be washed from time to time in warm water and put back after drying.
4. Clean the drip holes. If you allow the drip holes to clog, water will start to build up inside your refrigerator, which will eventually drain out when it is full enough.
5. Adjust temperature control. This can help your refrigerator run more efficiently and save you money on your energy bills. In most cases, you do not need to run the refrigerator at full power to keep food at the correct temperature. Set the average values indicated in the instructions – this will be enough to prevent the food from spoiling.