Why You Should Clean Your Refrigerator Coils Every Year

Keeping your refrigerator coils clean is one of the most overlooked maintenance tasks — but it’s also one of the most important steps you can take to extend the life of your fridge and prevent costly repairs.

In this complete guide, we’ll explain:

• Why refrigerator coils get dirty
• What happens if you don’t clean them
• Which brands are most sensitive to coil buildup
• How to safely clean refrigerator coils yourself
• How much dirty coils can cost you in energy bills
• When to call a professional

This applies to nearly every brand: Sub-Zero, Thermador, Bosch, Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Miele — whether you own a built-in luxury refrigerator or a standard top freezer model.

• What Are Refrigerator Coils?
• Why Do Refrigerator Coils Matter?
• What Happens If You Never Clean Them?
• How Often Should You Clean Refrigerator Coils?
• Brands That Require More Frequent Cleaning
• How Dirty Coils Lead to Compressor Failure?
• DIY: How to Clean Refrigerator Coils Safely?
• Tools You’ll Need for Cleaning
• Video: Professional Technician Coil Cleaning Demonstration
• When to Call a Professional?
• Additional Resources
• Why Local Repair Matters in San Francisco and Bay Area?
• Final Thoughts

Refrigerator coils, also called condenser coils, are metal tubes usually located either:

• Behind the fridge (older models)
• Underneath the fridge (modern models)

These coils release the heat that your fridge pulls out of the interior to keep your food cold. If they get coated with dust, pet hair, or grease, the cooling system has to work harder.

Dirty coils force your compressor to work longer and hotter, leading to early failure, noisy operation, and inconsistent cooling.

If you neglect coil cleaning, here’s what typically happens:

• Compressor runs 40-70% longer per cycle
• Average lifespan of your fridge drops by 3–5 years
• Energy bills increase by $50–150/year
• Food temperature becomes unstable
• Risk of major failure (compressor burnout or main board failure)

Many of the emergency refrigerator repairs we handle in San Francisco neighborhoods like Sunset, Richmond, Pacific Heights, and Russian Hill begin with simple coil neglect.

Some refrigerator brands and models are more sensitive to dirty coils due to compact design or higher-end compressors.

When coils stay dirty:

1. Heat isn’t expelled efficiently
2. Refrigerant pressure increases
3. Compressor temperature rises
4. Thermal overload occurs
5. Compressor shuts down or burns out
6. System loses cooling entirely

Replacing a compressor often costs $800–$1,400, depending on the model.

Step 1: Unplug the Refrigerator

• Always disconnect power before cleaning.

Step 2: Locate the Coils

• Back panel (older models)
• Underside behind kick plate (modern models)

Step 3: Use the Right Tools

• Coil cleaning brush
• Vacuum with hose attachment
• Microfiber cloth
• Flashlight

Step 4: Clean Thoroughly

• Brush gently along coil surfaces
• Vacuum loosened debris
• Wipe surrounding panels

Step 5: Plug Back In

• Restore power and check operation.

Watch Our Certified Appliance Tech Clean Refrigerator Coils

See how a simple 20-minute cleaning can extend the life of your fridge by 3–5 years.

You should call a pro if:

• Coils are fully clogged and inaccessible
• Your fridge already shows cooling problems
• The compressor is noisy or hot
• The unit is a Sub-Zero, Thermador, Miele, or built-in model

Schedule Professional Maintenance or call us 415-728-4163

• Refrigerator Repair Services
• Sub-Zero Fridge Repair San Francisco
• Thermador Repair in San Francisco
• California Energy Rebates
• CPSC Appliance Safety Guidelines

Cleaning your refrigerator coils is one of the best ways to prevent expensive repairs.

For just 15–20 minutes once a year, you can:

• Lower your electric bill
• Extend your appliance’s life
• Protect your food safety
• Avoid costly emergency repair calls