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.
Symptoms of dirty condenser coils include: Warmer than normal temperatures in the freezer and refrigerator section Visable dust build up on condenser coils (behind refrigerator/panel A ruined compressor, clean your coils. It's easy...it's free. Symptoms of a clogged defrost drain line include:
The Impact of a Clogged Condenser
Heat Transfer Inefficiency: The condenser relies on clean, unobstructed coils to release heat effectively. When the coils are covered in dirt and debris, heat transfer is impeded, reducing the system's cooling efficiency.
A blocked condenser coil directly lowers the amount of cooling that your air conditioning system provides. A principal reason behind this is that the obstructed AC condenser coils clog the airflow as the dirt serves as a barrier between condenser coils and refrigerants.
Reduced cooling efficiency: Dirty refrigerator coils struggle to dissipate heat, which can mean your refrigerator doesn't cool as effectively.
You can either use a commercial coil cleaner or make your own by mixing water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the coils and let it sit for five to ten minutes to break down any stubborn dirt.
Shutting off the power to the refrigerator will give all of its systems—including the compressor—time to reset. Power down your refrigerator by unplugging it from the wall or shutting off the circuit breaker connected to the fridge. Leave the unit unplugged for five to ten minutes.
There are several causes for a refrigerator that doesn't cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts.
These coils help dissipate heat generated by the compressor, allowing your refrigerator to maintain the desired temperature inside. Dust, dirt, and pet hair can accumulate on the coils over time, reducing their efficiency and making your fridge work harder.
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.
Symptoms in this system include high discharge temperatures, high condensing pressures, high condenser splits, normal-to-high condenser subcooling, normal-to-high evaporator pressures, normal superheats, high compression ratios, and high amp draw.
Brush Off Loose Debris: Using a soft brush or a specialized furnace coil brush, gently brush away any loose dirt or debris from the coils. Be gentle to avoid bending the fins or damaging the coils. Vacuum the Coils: Attach a soft brush to your vacuum cleaner and carefully vacuum the coils.
The AC coil cleaning cost is around $100 to $400 as of 2024, according to Homeguide (for an evaporator coil), and up to $700 to remove and clean the coil. Cleaning the condenser coil costs $75 to $230. ¹ However, there are many ways paying these costs can save you money.
Reset your refrigerator
Follow the instructions below depending on your model and what you would like to reset: Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.
If the condenser fan does not function properly, the refrigerator's temperature can rise, and the compressor can overheat. Where it's located: The condenser fan is located in the bottom cabinet by the compressor and the condenser coils.
A dirty condenser coil can negatively impact the indoor air quality of your living or working space. When the coil is clogged, airflow becomes restricted, and the air passing through the system may pick up dirt, dust, and other contaminants present on the coil's surface.
Not only does keeping the coils clean allow your refrigerator to operate more efficiently but also reduces energy bills and environmental impact as well as prevents future breakdowns and saves you money in the long run.
You might have dirty condenser coils preventing your fridge from cooling properly. Over time various types of dirt and debris may gather on your fridge's condenser coils, particularly pet hair, and this can cause your fridge to stop functioning properly and not remain cool.
Dirty coils won't cool down refrigerant before it enters the evaporator, resulting in poor cooling performance. Clean the condenser coils if they're caked with lint and dust.