How to Locate Freezer Condenser Coils

Pull your refrigerator away from the wall if you have a top freezer unit. Some top freezer units – especially older ones – have the coils on the back of the refrigerator itself.

Remove your refrigerator’s grill, which is found on the bottom front of the refrigerator, if you do not see the coils on the back of the unit. You can sometimes spot the freezer condenser coils under the grill, especially with top freezer units. The grill is usually held in place by a pair of clips or screws.

Locate your refrigerator’s access panel. If you could not locate the condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator or under the grill, they’re likely behind the access panel. The location of the access panel varies depending on the make of your refrigerator and freezer and whether you have a top freezer or bottom freezer unit. The access panel for most top freezer units is located on the back of the refrigerator. Some bottom freezer units also have the access panel on the back of the unit, while the panel for others is located inside the freezer itself.

Remove the access panel. Most access panels are held in place with four screws, one in each corner of the panel. If the panel is located in your freezer, allow your freezer to defrost prior to removing the panel. Behind the access panel you will find the condenser coils.