Why Your Fridge Is Running Hot (and How to Fix It in 10 Minutes)

If your refrigerator is running warmer than it should, or the compressor seems to be running nonstop, dirty condenser coils are one of the first things worth checking — and it's a fix most homeowners can do themselves.

The condenser coils are usually located either behind a panel at the bottom front of the fridge, or on the back. Their job is to release heat as refrigerant moves through the system. When they get coated in dust, pet hair, and kitchen grease, the fridge has to work much harder to stay cold, which stresses the compressor and drives up your energy bill.

To clean them, unplug the refrigerator first. Remove the bottom grille or pull the fridge away from the wall, then use a coil brush or a vacuum with a narrow attachment to clear off the buildup. Most manufacturers recommend doing this every six months, more often if you have pets.

If you clean the coils and the fridge is still running warm, or you notice water pooling underneath, that usually points to something else — a failing door seal, a blocked drain line, or a compressor issue. That's a good time to give us a call rather than guessing.