According to many sources I’ve found (2007 Buildings Energy Data Book for the image below, your refrigerator is one of the largest energy consumers in the house – ok, other than your kids leaving the lights on for the 1,000th time.). As such, one thing you can do to help minimize energy cost is clean your refrigerator coils twice a year.
Why clean the coils? Is it simply for the aesthetic look of clean coils (hidden under or behind your fridge)?! Its the coils that get rid of the heat and ultimately cool down your fridge. That hair, dust balls, and small toys are working just like your insulation in your roof or walls. The difference is that your refrigerator motor is working overtime to get rid of that heat! Not only should you save a small bit of money on electricity costs but hopefully extend the life of your fridge!
Of course, this is where I tell you to consult your refrigerator manual. However, a couple of general steps:
- Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it.
- Locate your coils! Depending on your model, the coils could be covered with a kick plate or top trim plate….worst case you might need to remove a couple of screws to get to them.
- Use your vacuum and get rid of the obvious stuff.
- Plug it back in and you’re done!
This shouldn’t take too terribly long and can easily fit into your weekend chores. If Thrifty Al can do it….then believe me, you can too!
atlanta house cleaning mom
I find it that there is nothing better than coming home to a clean home. It feels so go and fresh. Something really comfortating about a clean home.