Is Your Fridge Costing You Money? Why Cleaning Refrigerator Coils is the Easy Fix You’re Ignoring!

Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. But what happens if its coils—critical components that help cool the unit—get clogged with dust and debris? The answer is higher energy bills, spoiled food, and costly repairs. Fortunately, with a little routine maintenance, these problems are easy to prevent.

What Are Refrigerator Coils and Why Do They Matter?

Refrigerator coils are located either on the back or at the bottom of your appliance. They contain refrigerant that removes heat from inside the fridge, allowing it to stay cold. When these coils are dirty, they can’t release heat efficiently, forcing the appliance to work overtime.

Common Issues If You Skip Routine Coil Maintenance

1. Increased Energy Consumption:
   Clogged coils make the compressor work harder and longer to cool the interior. This extra effort can increase your electricity bill by as much as 15-25%!

2. Food Spoilage:
   If the fridge can't maintain a consistent temperature, your food might spoil faster, leading to waste and unnecessary grocery runs.

3. Compressor Failure:
   The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator. When coils stay dirty, the unit can overheat and wear out the compressor, resulting in expensive repairs or even the need for a replacement.

4. Shortened Appliance Lifespan:
   Routine cleaning helps your refrigerator run efficiently and prolongs its lifespan. Neglecting this simple task can reduce your appliance’s lifespan by years.

How to Clean Your Refrigerator Coils in 5 Easy Steps

Materials Needed: Vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush, flashlight

1. Unplug the Refrigerator:
   Always prioritize safety by disconnecting the fridge from the power supply.

2. Locate the Coils:
   Check the manual to find whether the coils are at the back or underneath the appliance. Use a flashlight if needed.

3. Remove the Cover or Base Plate:
   If coils are underneath, you might need to remove a protective base plate first.

4. Vacuum and Brush the Coils:
   Use the vacuum’s brush attachment to remove surface dust. Then use a coil brush to clean between the coils.

5. Restore Power and Monitor Performance:
   Plug the fridge back in and listen to ensure it runs smoothly. Keep an eye on the temperature over the next few hours.

How Often Should You Clean Refrigerator Coils?

For optimal performance, clean your refrigerator coils every six months. If you have pets or a dusty home environment, you may need to clean them more frequently to prevent debris buildup.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Dirty Coils Drain Your Wallet

Cleaning refrigerator coils is an easy DIY task that can prevent major headaches and save you money. Whether you’re trying to avoid surprise repair bills, cut down on energy consumption, or keep food fresh longer, taking 30 minutes twice a year to clean your fridge coils is well worth the effort.