Is It Normal For The Sides Of A Refrigerator To Be Hot?

Have you ever touched the sides of your refrigerator and felt a warm sensation? If so, you may have wondered if this is normal or a sign of a problem. The answer is: it depends. In this post, we will explain why the sides of your refrigerator may get hot, when it is normal, and when it is not. We will also give you some tips on how to prevent excessive heat and keep your refrigerator running smoothly.

The sides of your refrigerator may get hot because of the heat dissipated from the refrigeration process. This is normal and expected, as long as the heat is not too high or too constant. However, if your refrigerator feels very hot to the touch, it may indicate a lack of ventilation, dirty condenser coils, or a malfunctioning condenser fan. These issues can affect the performance and efficiency of your refrigerator and should be fixed as soon as possible.

Why The Sides Of Your Refrigerator Get Hot

Your refrigerator works by transferring the heat from inside its compartment to its exterior. It does this by continuously evaporating and condensing a refrigerant gas that runs through copper tubes inside the refrigerator. The copper tubes are called the evaporator (the part that takes off the heat a.k.a makes things cold), and the condenser (the part that transfers the heat to the exterior).

The heat you feel coming from the sides of your refrigerator is from the condenser and the copper tubing leading up to it. The condenser is usually located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator, but some models have it on the sides as well. The condenser coils are surrounded by metal fins that help dissipate the heat into the air.

This heat dissipation is normal and necessary for your refrigerator to function properly. However, if the heat is too high or too constant, it can indicate a problem with your refrigerator.

When The Sides Of Your Refrigerator Are Too Hot

There are several factors that can cause your refrigerator to feel too hot to the touch. Here are some of the most common ones:

• No ventilation space around your refrigerator: Your refrigerator needs a ventilation space of around 50mm (2 inches) of space at the sides and the rear, and 100mm (4 inches) at the top to make the transfer of heat efficient. If your refrigerator does not have this breathing space, the heat coming from the condenser may reflect off the wall – causing the ambient temperature around the fridge to shoot up – making your refrigerator work harder than it should.
• Dirty condenser coils: If you don’t properly maintain your refrigerator, dust and grime will coat your condenser coils over time. This coating of dirt will prevent heat from dissipating properly, making your refrigerator run hotter and longer than necessary.
• Malfunctioning condenser fan: The condenser fan is a small fan that blows air over the condenser coils to help cool them down. If the fan is not working properly, it can cause the coils to overheat and make your refrigerator feel hot.

How To Reduce Excessive Heat Coming From The Sides Of Your Refrigerator

If you notice that your refrigerator is too hot to touch, you should take some steps to fix it as soon as possible. Here are some things you can do:

• Clean the condenser coils: Unplug your refrigerator and remove the grille or cover that protects the coils. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove any dust or debris from the coils. Be careful not to damage the coils or fins. Plug your refrigerator back in and check if the heat has reduced.
• Clean the condenser fan: Locate the fan near the compressor at the back or bottom of your refrigerator. Unplug your refrigerator and remove any screws or clips that hold the fan in place. Use a damp cloth or a soft brush to clean the fan blades and motor. Make sure the fan spins freely and does not make any noise. Reattach the fan and plug your refrigerator back in.
• Mind the ventilation space: Make sure your refrigerator has enough space around it for proper airflow. Move your refrigerator away from any walls, cabinets, or other appliances that may block the ventilation. Avoid placing anything on top of your refrigerator that may trap heat.

FAQs

Q: How hot is normal for the sides of my refrigerator?

A: A slight warmth is normal for the sides of your refrigerator, as long as it is not too high or too constant. The exact temperature may vary depending on the model and ambient conditions, but generally speaking, anything below 40°C (104°F) is considered normal.

Q: How often should I clean my condenser coils?

A: It depends on how dusty your environment is, but generally speaking, you should clean your condenser coils at least once a year. If you have pets, you may need to do it more often.

Q: What are the signs of a malfunctioning condenser fan?

A: Some signs of a malfunctioning condenser fan are:

• Your refrigerator is too hot to touch
• Your refrigerator is making loud or unusual noises
• Your refrigerator is not cooling properly or running constantly
• Your refrigerator is tripping the circuit breaker or blowing fuses

Conclusion

The sides of your refrigerator may get hot because of the heat dissipated from the refrigeration process. This is normal and expected, as long as the heat is not too high or too constant. However, if your refrigerator feels very hot to the touch, it may indicate a lack of ventilation, dirty condenser coils, or a malfunctioning condenser fan. These issues can affect the performance and efficiency of your refrigerator and should be fixed as soon as possible. By following the tips above, you can reduce the excessive heat coming from your refrigerator and keep it running smoothly.