Why Your Freezer Needs a Spring Coil Cleaning

As the snow melts and the Minnesota “Mud Season” begins in Ham Lake, homeowners are usually thinking about yard work and spring cleaning. But there is one hidden chore that often gets overlooked: cleaning your refrigerator and freezer coils. At Appliance Solutions, we see a major spike in service calls every July. Why? Because the high humidity of a Minnesota summer forces your refrigerator to work overtime. If your coils are covered in a winter’s worth of dust and pet hair, your appliance might just give up when you need it most.

Humidity: The Silent Refrigerator Killer

Refrigerators and freezers work by removing heat from the inside and releasing it through condenser coils (usually located at the bottom or back).

When our local Ham Lake humidity rises, the air is heavier and holds more heat. If your coils are dirty, they can’t “breathe” properly to release that heat. This creates a dangerous cycle:

The Compressor Overheats: It runs longer to try and reach the target temperature.
Energy Bills Spike: A dirty fridge can use up to 25% more electricity.
Frost Buildup: In humid conditions, a struggling unit often develops excess frost in the freezer, leading to “freezer burn” on your food.

3 Steps to a Spring Coil Tune-Up

You don’t need to be a pro to give your fridge a fighting chance this summer. Follow this simple checklist:

Safety First: Always unplug the unit before you begin.
Locate the Coils: Most modern units have a “kick plate” at the bottom front. Snap it off to reveal the coils. Older units may have them on the back.
Vacuum and Brush: Use a narrow vacuum attachment to suck up the big dust bunnies. For the stubborn grime, a specialized coil brush (available at our shop on Highway 65!) will get into the tight spaces.

FAQ

How often should I clean my refrigerator coils in Minnesota?

For most Ham Lake homes, twice a year is perfect. However, if you have shedding pets or live near a dusty gravel road, we recommend a quick cleaning every three months.

Will cleaning my coils actually lower my electric bill?

Yes. When coils are clean, the compressor cycles off more frequently. This reduces energy consumption and can save you between $50 and $150 annually on utility costs.

Can I use compressed air to clean the coils?

While effective, we don’t recommend it for indoor use. It will blow a winter’s worth of dust directly into your kitchen. A vacuum-and-brush combo is much cleaner and safer for your home’s air quality.