What Happens When a Refrigerator Can't Breathe?

Condenser

• A refrigerator condenser consists of black tubes, typically curved at the ends, on the back or bottom of the refrigerator. A non-enclosed condenser on the back carries heat away from the refrigerator and allows it to rise. In contrast, a forced air condenser typically is on the bottom of the appliance, although sometimes on back behind a panel. A fan moves air across this type of condenser.

Space

• A non-enclosed condenser on the back of the refrigerator needs room to breathe. If you place your refrigerator in a space with cabinets or walls on both sides and a cabinet over the top, heated air has trouble escaping. Pushing the refrigerator up against the wall also can cause problems. In these instances, the refrigerator may not keep your food as cool as you like or may use extra energy to do so. This situation is more likely when your house is especially warm.

Cleaning

• While a forced-air condenser doesn't have the space requirements of the condenser that works on the principle of heat rising, it benefits from regular cleaning. Because of the fan, these condensers accumulate dust, lint and hair. This reduces the cooling ability of the refrigerator. The situation is more likely to develop during summertime, when the refrigerator works harder. Cleaning the condenser at least once before summer and again in fall can help. You can clean the condenser with a coil brush designed for this purpose and a vacuum cleaner. For safety reasons, unplug the refrigerator before you clean the condenser. Don't tip the refrigerator when you move it, to prevent the unwieldy appliance from falling over.

Inner Air Circulation

• Another problem involves packing your refrigerator so full that there's no air circulation to speak of. While a full refrigerator generally is more efficient than an empty one, it still needs a certain level of air circulation, or that efficiency drops off. You might consider removing some items that are less essential to keep cool, such as canned or bottled soda.