Do all refrigerators have coils on the back?

Author: Jon Von DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, May 17, 2025

Locate the coils, which live either at the bottom of the appliance or in back of it. Older models have exposed coils mounted on the back of the refrigerator. Newer models place the coils at the bottom behind a toe space panel (like the model below) or at the back behind a rear access panel.

Do refrigerators have coils in the back?

The refrigerator condenser coil location is usually on the back or underneath the appliance. If they're on the back, you'll need to pull the refrigerator away from the wall. If they're at the bottom, you may need to remove a protective grille or cover.

Do modern fridges have condenser coils?

Just to clarify, and I hope you don't mind being corrected, not all the refrigerators have the condensor coils in the back. The industrial and laboratory refrigerators normally have the condensor coil on top of the unit or in the bottom, with a ventilator to help cool the coils faster.

What is on the back of a refrigerator?

The condenser sits on the back of a refrigerator, and is likely quite dusty. Inside, the refrigerant is cooled down and condenses, meaning it turns from a gas back into a liquid. The evaporator is located inside a refrigerator and is the part that makes the items in the refrigerator cold.

Should the coils on the back of the fridge be hot?

The warmth is normal and the area can certainly feel hot when the Fridge has to run a lot like on hot, humid Summer days.

How to Clean Refrigerator Coils (Under Fridge) to Maximize Efficiency & Extend Your Fridge's Life

What element is on the back of a fridge?

Compressor

Think of your compressor as the heart of your fridge. By pumping vapor refrigerant through the fridge, the compressor increases the temperature and pressure of the cooling agent. The compressor is often found at the back or bottom of the fridge.

What happens if you don't clean refrigerator coils?

Dirty coils can make your fridge work harder to keep things cool, which means higher energy bills for you.

How much does it cost to replace a condenser coil in a refrigerator?

Refrigerator condenser-coil replacement costs $650 to $1400 on average. New fridge condenser prices are $70 to $225 for the part alone. The condenser extracts heat from the refrigerant. Replacing condenser coils is typically necessary to fix refrigerant leaks.

Do GE refrigerators have coils?

Newer automatic defrost refrigerators have a Neverclean Condenser. The condenser coils are located in the compressor housing instead of on the back, keeping them clean and functioning optimally. This design allows for more efficient airflow. The coils will not require cleaning under normal conditions.

Where can I find a refrigerator coil?

The condenser coils are located either under the Refrigerator behind the base grille, on the back of the Refrigerator or on the top of the Refrigerator. To minimize the possibility of electric shock, always unplug the Refrigerator from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

Should you vacuum the back of your fridge?

Short Answer: Yes! You should clean the back of your refrigerator. Long answer: You should clean the back of your refrigerator AND underneath it, too at least once a year.

Where are the coils located on my refrigerator?

Locate the Condenser Coils: The condenser coils are typically located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator or freezer. Some units may have access panels that need to be removed to reach the coils.

What are the signs that the refrigerator coils need to be cleaned?

The following signs can indicate the need for a coil cleaning: Refrigerator not cooling sufficiently: Coils that are covered in dust and dirt can prohibit refrigerant from releasing its heat.

How long do refrigerators last?

Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge already on its way out.

What is the most expensive part to replace on a refrigerator?

Control Board. The control board is one of the most expensive refrigerator parts to fix, at between $80 and $800, because no part of the appliance can function without it.

What are the symptoms of a blocked condenser coil on a refrigerator?

Reduced cooling efficiency: When the condenser coils are blocked, the heat transfer process is hindered, leading to reduced cooling efficiency. This can result in increased energy consumption, higher utility bills, and decreased system performance.

Which brand of refrigerator is the best?

Our Top Pick: LG produces excellent refrigerators that perform well in our tests and receive high satisfaction ratings from consumers, including our survey participants. The Smart French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker stands out for its simple, user-friendly design and customizable features.

Do new refrigerators have coils in the back?

Locate the coils, which live either at the bottom of the appliance or in back of it. Older models have exposed coils mounted on the back of the refrigerator. Newer models place the coils at the bottom behind a toe space panel (like the model below) or at the back behind a rear access panel.

Can dirty coils cause refrigerator not to cool?

Dirty Condenser Coils

Reason: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils, causing them to work less efficiently and reducing the cooling capability of your refrigerator. Fix: Clean the coils using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a coil brush to remove the built-up dirt.

Why is my fridge not cooling but freezer works?

If your refrigerator won't get cold but the freezer will, you may have a defrost system failure. The defrost system is responsible for melting frost and ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If the freezer is cold but refrigerator is not, it could be because the defrost system has failed.

How do you clean the back coils on a refrigerator?

To clean your refrigerator coils, all you need is a soft-brislted brush and a vacuum. First, unplug the fridge and pull it away from the wall. Unsnap the panel at the bottom of the back to expose the coils. Then, use a brush to rub as much dirt and dust off the coils as you can.

Why is my fridge frozen at the back but not cold?

Still looking for the answer to your question why is my fridge freezing up at the back? Lack of air circulation can be the answer! Proper air circulation is just as important as a good seal. Cold air needs to flow freely throughout the fridge to maintain a consistent temperature.

What are the coils on the back of a fridge?

Condenser coils can be located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator. Back coils are typically used in older refrigerators, while bottom coils are used in newer models. Bottom coils allow for better heat dissipation and are more efficient, making them the preferred choice in modern refrigerators.

Previous article
Can you put glass ramekin in an air fryer?
Next article
How do I know if my freezer compressor is broken?