Simple maintenance that will make your fridge last longer and use less energy.

Many people give the interior of their fridge a good clean after the holidays but when was the last time you gave the operating parts of your fridge some TLC? To maximize appliance life and save on energy costs, keep airflow under the fridge clear.

A refrigeration relies on a system that uses a compressor, fan and condenser which remove heat from the appliance to keep your food cold. However, because these components are out of sight, they’re often out of mind. Without regular cleaning, these mechanisms can suffer from a build-up of dust and debris that prevents efficient heat dispersion.

Discover what you need to know about maintenance that keeps your fridge running optimally.

How to clean your refrigerator’s condenser and fan

Cleaning the compressor, condenser and fan is fairly straight forward. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, a soft brush – such as an old toothbrush – and a screwdriver are the only tools you need.

Many refrigerators feature a vented panel at the bottom on the front. Remove the panel and vacuum under the fridge.

For a thorough cleaning, you need to access the back of the fridge and safely follow these steps:

• Turn off the water supply for the ice maker.
• Pull the fridge away from the wall and unplug it.
• Disconnect the the water supply line if it’s too short to provide access to the back of the fridge.
• Unscrew the back panel and remove it.
• Vacuum the panel, the compressor, fan and condenser. Take care that the condenser fins or coils don’t get damaged. You know the condenser is completely clean when light from a flashlight can pass through it.
• Inspect the water line for damage. If it’s in good condition, reconnect and tighten both ends of the line. If the line is damaged, replace it.
• Turn on the water and inspect the water supply line and connections for leaks.
• Plug in the fridge.
• Make sure you hear the fan running and nothing is vibrating. If you hear vibrating, clear whatever is causing it.
• Push the fridge back into place.

How often to maintain your fridge

A general guideline is to clean the compressor, condenser and fan at least twice a year. However if you have pets that shed or excessive dust in your home, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

If the water supply line for the ice maker is older than three years, it’s a good idea to replace it before it fails.

Consumers helps more than 2,000 members finance land, first and second homes, and home improvement projects each year. We’d love to help you with a mortgage or home equity line of credit; contact us online or call us at 800-991-2221.