PSA for those owning fancy fridges

[LVSteve]

Do you have one of those fancy fridges where the compressor lives on top behind a grille and a decorative panel? Some may not realize that the condenser and a fan are also up there. The condenser has very fine fins and is liable to clog with dust. Signs that this has happened are the fridge running all the time and a lot of heat in the decorative panel.

So, from time to time, it's a good idea to turn off the fridge, disconnect any obstructing wires, and use a soft brush to knock off that dust and lint. Follow up with a vacuum to remove the loosened crud. Reconnect the wires and then power up again.

You may guess how I know this.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I have two boys under roof. I worry less about fins and more about hinges.

 

[jeffrefrig]

LVSteve, I’ve seen pictures of kitchens with the refrigerator all boxed in and with the condensing unit on top and thank my maker I never had to do any residential work! It looks nice, but hopefully the whole fridge has the ability to roll out. I’m wondering if the install includes an exhaust fan back in there? It’s nice that you can get to the coil for cleaning it, plus I suppose all the controls are on top for repairs, etc.? Mainly I wonder about the heat exhaust. And thanks for reminding me to clean out my condenser under my fridge!
Peace, Jeff T.

 

[LVSteve]

LVSteve, I’ve seen pictures of kitchens with the refrigerator all boxed in and with the condensing unit on top and thank my maker I never had to do any residential work! It looks nice, but hopefully the whole fridge has the ability to roll out. I’m wondering if the install includes an exhaust fan back in there? It’s nice that you can get to the coil for cleaning it, plus I suppose all the controls are on top for repairs, etc.? Mainly I wonder about the heat exhaust. And thanks for reminding me to clean out my condenser under my fridge!
Peace, Jeff T.

The heat exhausts out the front through a grille below the decorative panel. Intake to the condenser is on the left behind the same grille, with the exhaust on the right. No need to roll the fridge out to get to stuff, although I have no clue how the control box comes apart to gain access.

 

[Sarge9]

Recommend a plug in type surge unit as well.

If you have pets you must vac em out, 2x yr. or so.
73,

 

[drgbike]

Pain in the butt, I wont work on them. Schafer Appliance Repair

 

[Kenna]

Installed a few over the years in kitchens we did, usually the high end ones. After a while we got smart and had appliance group do the install much easier but we had to watch their every move! as the want to get to the next installation. Had one BOZO put a screw thru to the face of an exposed panel oops after I had told him it was only 3/4 thick. Appliance Co fixed the panel.
They had a in house team for these issues. Yes they get very dirty up there also!!!

 

[WR Moore]

Just had to have my HVAC guy clean the coils on the outside heat exchanger for our upstairs unit. The really nasty stuff was on the back of the unit & facing the house.

 

[chief38]

Do you have one of those fancy fridges where the compressor lives on top behind a grille and a decorative panel? Some may not realize that the condenser and a fan are also up there. The condenser has very fine fins and is liable to clog with dust. Signs that this has happened are the fridge running all the time and a lot of heat in the decorative panel.

So, from time to time, it's a good idea to turn off the fridge, disconnect any obstructing wires, and use a soft brush to knock off that dust and lint. Follow up with a vacuum to remove the loosened crud. Reconnect the wires and then power up again.

You may guess how I know this.

IMHO your advise is spot-on, but not just for the fancy fridges. ALL refrigerator's should have their cooling fins and motors dusted and vacuumed a few times a year - especially when you own dog or cat.

I make lemonade out of lemons - lol My wife is a bit of a klutz and she manages to break something made out of glass every few months. I take that opportunity to move the fridge, clean up the glass that slides under it and clean off the coils and components of the fridge at the same time. While I am not happy about her breaking glasses, at least the Fridge remains clean!