Refrigerator condenser: a thorough and periodic cleaning chore not to be forgotten
Refrigerators are amongst the appliances that consume the most energy in the home, contributing substantially to the electricity bills. And their consumption increases when they are not maintained properly. Poorly maintained fridges have to work twice as hard to be able to create the desired temperature conditions inside.
This happens not only if it is hot or if they have sources of heat nearby (or they are not defrosted regularly). One of the reasons for excessive energy consumption - and which in the long run, also leads to serious damage - is the lack of cleaning of the condenser coils. In some models, they are hidden at the bottom; in others, they run along the back.
The coils should be cleaned every 6 months to avoid the excessive accumulation of dust. Clean condensers can consume up to 30% less energy. This is because the dust and lint causes the coils to overheat.
How to clean the condenser:
There are several methods to try, but the bulk of the dust can be removed, in two different ways.
- With a compressor: Shooting compressed air onto the coils and between the grids will be able to dislodge the most stubborn dirt and dust, and is a quick operation. The problem, however, is that you will scatter all dust around the kitchen. You can offset this mess by placing damp rags (even old, cut-up sheets) around the bottom of the fridge.
- With a powerful vacuum cleaner: In this case, some models have accessories with nozzles of various shapes and sizes, which are able to reach between the gaps of the grill. Otherwise, you can search online for cleaning kits that are attachable to various models of vacuum cleaners.
This second example is the one illustrated in the first and second videos on @southernescape's TikTok account, where it shows how you can clean this difficult kitchen appliance quite thoroughly.
What is your favorite method of doing this cleaning?
