refrigerator condenser coil cleaning

[huffmuds9320]

On some of the older refrigerators, the coils are in the back so its fairly easy to clean on those models. The refrigerator (Haier) in my home has the coils on the bottom facing the ground. There is a lot of dust on the coils, so whats the best way to clean them? Any special procedures? I tried using a vacumm cleaner but access is very limited. Also stuck a small broom and sweep it around but doesn't do much. Thanks.

 

[Bob Woods]

The best way is to take it outside and clean the coils with compressed air. I have a brush that gets most of it. I now only buy refrigerators with the coils on the back. The ones on the bottom also have a fan motor to fail.

 

[Al]

I do mine every year.

Unplug refrig.
Move the refrig away from the wall a couple of feet. Take the lower cardboard skirt off the back. Usually a few screws. You need a refrigerator coil brush that is long and thin enough to get between the stakked coils. Take the plastic air diverter off of the front (at bottom). Get a vacuum cleaner running and use a crevice tool at one end. From the other end work the brush between the coil. Takes patience.

Finally wipe off the compressor and the fan and all of the blades. Get all of the dust out of there. It takes a while the first time. Easier the next time.

 

[Kestas]

I think one advantage of coils on the bottom is that the heat can evaporate the water generated during the defrost cycle.

 

[Ray H]

Defintely that (and all but flush mounting against the rear wall).

 

[Virtuoso]

Before we started stocking the fridge in our current place, I had the wife tip the fridge back enough so could get some clearance (bottom mounted coils). Took a vaccum cleaner and some rags and got 'er done pretty good.

They were totally caked with dust. Wonder how much juice this saves?

 

[Kestas]

I put this task under forgotten or ignored maintenance. We all see it when we're visiting others' homes or ride in their cars.

 

[huffmuds9320]

Thanks for the replies. The coils were never cleaned so theres a thick layer do dust there. Right I need a small brush to get all the dust loose then vacuum. Compressed air sounds like a good idea too. I think this will save a bit of energy since it will run more efficiently. I agree this is something that is forgotten/ignored maintenance, not everyone does it. I've noticed that the label on the frige says R-134a, same stuff as car air conditioner?

 

[Not the Autorx Frank]

2 words

leaf blower

 

[1sttruck]

I pull the fridge away from the wall, remove some back panels, remove the front lower grill, use a ling handled brush to break the dust loose, and then use a length of brass tubing duct taped to the vacuum cleaner to clean the dust off. Coils on the bottom seems like a stupid design.

 

[Rick in PA]

I clean the coils at somewhat random intervals (i.e. when I feel like it). Move the fridge out from the wall, use a shop vac to vacuum underneath everywhere I can easily. Then... this is the fun part, switch the shop vac from "suck" to "blow" and blow all the dust and crap off the coils where I can't reach with the vacuum. Makes a big stinkin' mess (do not attempt while wife is home).

Vacuum up the big stinkin' mess and you're all done.

 

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Thought you refrigerator guys might enjoy "Tricks to Installing New Refrigerator Door Gasket, Without Warping Door."

1. Stick new gasket in clothes dryer, on medium heat, for 10 minutes.
2. Take all food off door shelves.
3. Loosen all retaining screws 2 turns.
4. Remove old door gasket.
5. Install new gasket all around, starting at a corner.
6. Start tightening the new gasket from the top, working down to the bottom of the door. If it seems to be warping, hold bottom half with your leg and warp it back into place.
7. You just saved yourself over $200.

 

[Al]

quote:

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Originally posted by Rick in PA:
switch the shop vac from "suck" to "blow" and blow all the dust and crap off the coils where I can't reach with the vacuum.

You really need to get one of those "refrigerator coil brushes" they are available everywhere. You just fun the sweeper on vacuum under there and run the brush through there. Absolutely no dirt.

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