Maintenance · 5 min watch

Clean your refrigerator condenser coils

Dust-covered coils force the compressor to run longer, raising your power bill and cutting fridge life by years.

What you'll learn

  • Where the condenser coils live (bottom rear on most models, top rear on some)
  • Why dust buildup makes the compressor work 20–30% harder
  • How often to clean (twice a year; four times if you have pets)
  • Which tool actually reaches behind the fridge without moving it

Step by step

  1. Unplug the refrigerator at the wall.
  2. Remove the bottom kickplate grille (usually snaps off or has two screws).
  3. Insert a long-handled appliance coil brush and sweep dust from the coils.
  4. Vacuum the loose debris with a hose attachment.
  5. Replace the kickplate, plug the fridge back in.
Safety note

If the compressor still runs constantly after cleaning, the issue is deeper, usually low refrigerant, a failed fan, or a dying compressor. Book a diagnostic.

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