Newer refrigerator models have their coils at the back so leaving space is imperative to have proper ventilation.
You need the cardboard cover on the back of the refrigerator. It helps direct the flow of air from the fan over the condenser. Otherwise the refrigerator will overheat.
A minimum of 200 cm2 of ventilation must be provided at both the top and the bottom of the cabinetry to allow correct airflow. Without the correct amount of ventilation, a cooling appliance cannot run or cool inside properly, longer running times will result and therefore higher energy costs will be incurred.
Without adequate ventilation, the refrigerator can overheat, and the unit may display immediate symptoms or slowly deteriorate over the course of time with issues that may include: Insufficient cooling. Unusual or loud operation.
Storing dishes that are still warm inside a fridge can also release moisture. The moisture from these items will condense on the coldest part of the fridge, the rear wall, as condensation. Until the temperature inside the fridge stabilizes again, the condensation will remain.
While it is normal to find a small amount of water or ice on the back of your fridge, it is not normal for there to be large amounts of frost/ice build-up inside your appliance.
The degree of air humidity and the amount and temperature of fresh food can influence the degree of condensation inside the fridge. During the cooling process, the humidity/moisture starts to condense on the back wall as this is one of the coldest places in the fridge.
There should also be a space of 1-2 inches on the back of the fridge to allow proper air circulation. Newer refrigerator models have their coils at the back so leaving space is imperative to have proper ventilation. On each of the sides, there should be a space of 1/2-1 inch.
Spacing Requirements
To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, allow for a ¹/4" (6.35 mm) space on each side and at the top. When installing your refrigerator next to a fixed wall, leave 2¹⁄2" (6.35 cm) minimum clearance on each side to allow for the door to swing open.
Generally speaking, integrated fridges, freezers or combined fridge/freezers require air to be able to circulate in under the appliance, behind the appliance and back out through the top above the appliance. This can mean gaps or vents need to go on any cabinetry surrounding the appliance in the appropriate areas.
Measure the Ventilation Space
The refrigerator will need minimum clearances of 2 inches from the back wall, 1-inch from the upper cabinet and 1/8-inch on either side of the fridge.
Become aware of where your fridge vents are located. They may be placed along the surface between the freezer and fridge. They may also be along the back, coming directly from the cooling coil areas. Make certain that these vents are not blocked and there is some space around them for cold air to escape and disperse.
The three most common reasons for failures that we see as a result of wear & tear are a mechanically locked compressor, failure of the fan motor, and dirty condenser coils. The refrigerator's compressor is the heart of the cooling system; without a working compressor the refrigerator cannot function.
In the rear of the refrigerator, the condenser (the black radiator) on the back of the refrigerator gets hot as the inside of the fresh food or freezer section gets cold. On hot days, the condenser has to work harder to get rid of the heat created by keeping the refrigerator cold.
Cardboard Under Condenser
This is actually a piece of Masonite and it is there to ensure proper air flow. Do not remove it. On some models, this piece may be a V-Shaped piece of metal, this is also considered normal and should not be removed.
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.
Minimum 1-inch clearance
This space is essential for proper air circulation and ventilation, preventing overheating and ensuring your fridge works optimally.
No not normally, a compressor fridge runs rather like a domestic fridge as it compresses a contained gas and needs only a modest amount of airflow that can be internal depending on design.
Yes, commercial refrigerators need air circulation to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the unit.
These covers force air to be pulled over the hot condenser, cooling it, rather than being sucked in from open areas at the rear of the refrigerator. Without this cover it will overheat and may burn out the compressor."
The wet wall is part of normal functioning. The degree of air humidity and the amount and temperature of fresh food can influence the degree of condensation inside the fridge. During the cooling process, the humidity/moisture starts to condense on the back wall as this is one of the coldest places in the fridge.
Key Takeaways. Modern frost-free refrigerators often have two fans: one beneath the refrigerator to cool the compressor and force air through the exterior coils and another inside to move air around the coils within the refrigerator.
Typically, the vents are placed at a high point of a fridge shelf. Still, putting a tall item in front of the vet will block it. As a rule of thumb, don't put tall items (like tall bottles) at the back. It's also essential that you avoid over-packing the refrigerator.
During the cooling process, the humidity/moisture starts to condense on the back wall as this is one of the coldest places in the fridge. These droplets can be frozen, and ice can build up on the back wall.