Home Mold Inspection in Maryland
The refrigerator is
arguably the most important major appliance in the kitchen, and it’s often the
most expensive one as well. Because you naturally want the best performance
from your fridge, why not extend its life and increase its efficiency by periodically
cleaning its condenser coils?
Located at the base of
the fridge, or behind it, depending on age and brand of the unit, these coils
are filled with refrigerant that cools the air inside. Condenser coils are
exposed, not in a sealed casing, and therefore vulnerable to dust buildup.
Dirty coils force a fridge to work harder keeping food cold, resulting in
higher energy costs and a reduced lifespan for the pricey appliance.
Fortunately, cleaning
your refrigerator’s condenser coils is a simple task for do-it-yourselfers. Home Mold Inspection in maryland Put it on the calendar to complete at least
once a year, or twice a year if you have pets that shed. Keep reading to find
out just how to clean refrigerator coils – and how easy it is to help keep your
fridge functioning at its peak.
- Unplug the unit (the first rule
of any appliance maintenance, upkeep, or repair job). This may require
pulling your refrigerator out from the wall if the power outlet is located
behind it. Don’t worry about spoilage: The coil-cleaning process is quick
(15 minutes or less) and the doors will remain closed, so your cold foods
will keep.
- Locate the condenser coils at
the base of the fridge in front, behind a toe-grill that snaps off. If
your fridge doesn’t have a toe-grill, you’ll find the condenser coils
located at the back of the refrigerator. Condenser coils are metal tubes,
wound in a U-shaped grid pattern. If the refrigerator’s coils are on the
back, you’ll need to pull the fridge fully away from the wall to clean
them.
3.
Don a dust mask (most
dust/debris will get vacuumed up, but some will no doubt become airborne).
Using a flashlight to help you see the coils if they’re located beneath the
fridge, vacuum loose dust and debris along the inside of the toe grill or from
the backside of the fridge Home Inspection Services in Maryland.
- Brush away the dust with a coil
condenser brush, which you can find for about $10 from DIY stores.
Measuring approximately 27 inches long with short bristles on the top
one-third, its cylindrical design lets you easily slip it between the
spaces in the coil grid. Work it back and forth to remove dust, and try
gently twisting it to get into corners and tight spots. Keep the vacuum
running as you brush. If cleaning coils located on the back of the fridge,
hold the narrow end of the nozzle close to the brush with one hand and
brush with the other. If cleaning coils at the base of the fridge, it’s
easier to alternate brushing and then vacuuming up the dust.
- Vacuum any errant dust that
might have gotten on the floor. Replace the toe-grill (it should snap on
easily) and push the fridge back in place if necessary. Plug your
refrigerator’s power cord back in, and you’re good to go!
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