Refrigerator - Condenser Types

A refrigerator condenser is a crucial part of the cooling system, typically found as coils at the back, top, or underneath, which transfer heat away from the inside to keep food cold. There are various styles of condenser design.

Defining Various Refrigerator Condenser Types

Neverclean Condenser

On refrigerators, air is "forced" across the condenser coils by a condenser fan to aid in removal of the heat being pulled from the refrigerator during the cooling process. This movement of air collects dust and household debris which can affect cooling performance. Newer automatic defrost refrigerators have a Neverclean Condenser. The condenser coils are located in the compressor housing instead of on the back, keeping them clean and functioning optimally. This design allows for more efficient airflow. The coils will not require cleaning under normal conditions.

Forced Air

Many refrigerators have forced air condensers. Air is "forced" across the condenser coils by a condenser fan to aid in removal of the heat being pulled from the refrigerator. Forced air condensers are located under the refrigerator with a fan sitting to the side pulling cool air in from the right front of the refrigerator and exhausting the warm air out to the left front. This warm air is also passed over the drip pan to aid in evaporating the water accumulated from defrosting. As a general rule, automatic defrost models will have a forced air condenser.

Natural Draft

Some refrigerators such as compact, single-door, and manual defrost models, have a natural draft condenser designed to dissipate heat being pulled from the refrigerator through normal room air flow. Natural draft models have the condenser on the back of the refrigerator. There is no fan motor under the refrigerator to aid in removing heat from the condenser.

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