If you own a Whirlpool fridge, you may wonder how to keep it running efficiently and prevent costly repairs. One of the most important maintenance tasks you can do is to clean the condenser coils on your fridge. These are the metal tubes that run along the bottom or the back of your fridge and help to dissipate heat from the refrigerant. Over time, dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris can accumulate on the coils and reduce their ability to cool your fridge. This can lead to higher energy bills, spoiled food, and even damage to the compressor.
To clean Whirlpool fridge coils, you need to unplug the fridge, remove the base grille or the back panel, use a brush and a vacuum to remove the dust and dirt from the coils, and replace the panel or grille.
Why You Should Clean Whirlpool Fridge Coils
Cleaning Whirlpool fridge coils is not only good for your fridge, but also for your wallet and the environment. Here are some of the benefits of cleaning your fridge coils regularly:
- It improves your fridge’s performance. When the coils are dirty, they cannot release heat efficiently and cause your fridge to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This can result in uneven cooling, frost buildup, ice maker problems, and food spoilage.
- It lowers your energy consumption. A dirty fridge can use up to 25% more energy than a clean one, according to Energy Star. By cleaning your fridge coils, you can save money on your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
- It extends your fridge’s lifespan. A dirty fridge can put more stress on the compressor, which is the most expensive part of your fridge to replace. By cleaning your fridge coils, you can prevent overheating and premature wear and tear on the compressor and other components.
How Often You Should Clean Whirlpool Fridge Coils
The frequency of cleaning Whirlpool fridge coils depends on several factors, such as the model of your fridge, the location of the coils, and the environment in which you live. Some models do not require cleaning at all, while others may need a professional’s touch. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on cleaning your fridge coils.
As a general rule of thumb, you should clean your Whirlpool fridge coils every 2 to 3 months if you live in a dusty or greasy environment or have pets in your home. Otherwise, you can clean them once or twice a year.
How To Clean Whirlpool Fridge Coils Step By Step
Cleaning Whirlpool fridge coils is not a difficult task, but it does require some tools and precautions. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Unplug your fridge or disconnect power. This is a safety measure to prevent electric shock or damage to your fridge.
- Remove the base grille or the back panel. Depending on where your coils are located, you may need to remove either the base grille at the bottom of the fridge or the back panel behind the fridge. To remove the base grille, open both doors and place your hands along the ends of the grille. Push in on the top of the grille while pulling up on the bottom. To remove the back panel, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and lift off the panel.
- Use a brush and a vacuum to clean the coils. You can use a refrigerator coil brush or a multi-purpose stiff brush to loosen and remove the dust and dirt from the coils. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to suck up the debris. Be careful not to bend or damage the coils while cleaning them.
- Replace the panel or grille. After cleaning the coils, put back the panel or grille in reverse order of how you removed it. Make sure it is securely attached and aligned with the metal clips or screws.
- Plug in your fridge or reconnect power. Your fridge should now run more efficiently and quietly.
FAQs About Cleaning Whirlpool Fridge Coils
Here are some common questions and answers about cleaning Whirlpool fridge coils:
- How do I know if my Whirlpool fridge coils need cleaning? Some signs that your Whirlpool fridge coils need cleaning are: your fridge is running louder than usual, your food is not as cold as it should be, there is frost or ice buildup in your freezer, or you notice an increase in your energy bill.
- What kind of brush should I use to clean Whirlpool fridge coils? You can use any kind of stiff-bristled brush that can reach between and around the coils without damaging them. You can also buy a special refrigerator coil brush from Whirlpool or other appliance stores that is designed for this purpose.
- Can I use compressed air to clean Whirlpool fridge coils? You can use compressed air to blow away the dust and dirt from the coils, but you need to be careful not to blow the debris into other parts of the fridge or the surrounding area. You also need to wear eye protection and a mask to avoid inhaling the dust.
Conclusion
Cleaning Whirlpool fridge coils is an easy and effective way to keep your fridge running smoothly and save money on energy and repairs. By following the steps above, you can clean your fridge coils in less than an hour and enjoy a cooler and quieter fridge. Remember to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations for your fridge model.
