Function

• Refrigerator condensers help cool refrigerant that comes from the compressor. The location and type of condenser mechanisms will vary by make and model of your refrigerator. Some will have black condenser coils located along the back of the refrigerator, while others will have condenser coils located along the bottom of the refrigerator. If your refrigerator has condenser coils along the bottom, it will also have a condenser fan as part of the condenser unit. The fan helps further cool the warm condenser coils.
  
  

Effects of Dirt

• Dust, pet hair and other dirt can accumulate on the condenser coils and fan over time. This can lead to inefficient cooling of the refrigerant passing through the coils from the compressor. Condenser fans can even stop running completely if debris, such as a mouse, becomes lodged in the blades of the fan. Clogged condenser coils and fans will not allow heat to escape, resulting in a reduced cooling capacity for your refrigerator. To compensate, your refrigerator’s compressor will essentially run nonstop. If not addressed, a compressor forced to run continuously can become overheated and stop the refrigeration process completely.
  
  

Condenser Cleaning

• Regular cleaning of the condenser unit on your refrigerator can help ward off expensive service calls and is the best way to extend the life of your refrigerator. Unplug the refrigerator before attempting to clean your refrigerator’s condenser coils or fan. Use a vacuum to remove the dust from the coils and the fan. Use a cloth soaked in soap and water to remove excess grime from the coils and fan. Another option for cleaning the condenser coils or fan is to purchase a coil-cleaning brush from a local hardware or automotive store. This will help clean hard-to-reach areas.
  
  

Considerations

• Check the owner’s manual that came with your refrigerator to locate the condenser coils and fan, if necessary. Cleaning should be done once a year in most homes, while those with cats and dogs may want to consider cleaning once every six months. When you clean the condenser coils and fan, consider wiping out the drain pan under the refrigerator and wiping down door gaskets at the same time. This will help you address several aspects of maintaining your refrigerator at the same time.