The outside of refrigerators and freezers can get hot when they are in use due to the way the cooling system works. This phenomenon is known as "refrigerator condenser heat."
Refrigerators and freezers work by removing heat from the inside and expelling it to the outside, which helps to maintain a cold environment inside the appliance. The cooling process involves several components, including a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and refrigerant fluid.
Compression: The compressor, located at the back or bottom of the appliance, compresses the refrigerant gas. This compression raises the temperature and pressure of the gas.
Condensation: The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas flows through coils or tubes at the back or bottom of the refrigerator. These coils are part of the condenser, and as the hot gas comes into contact with them, it releases its heat to the surrounding environment. The coils are designed with fins to maximize heat dissipation.
Expansion: After releasing heat in the condenser, the refrigerant cools down and changes into a high-pressure liquid.
Evaporation: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, which causes it to rapidly expand and turn into a low-pressure gas. This process cools the refrigerant significantly.
Absorption of heat: The cold refrigerant gas now moves through the evaporator coils located inside the refrigerator or freezer. As the gas absorbs heat from the interior, it cools down the air and items inside the appliance.
The continuous cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation allows the refrigerator to maintain a cool temperature inside while releasing heat to the outside. That's why you'll often feel warmth on the sides, back, or bottom of the appliance.
To ensure proper functioning and energy efficiency, it's essential to maintain adequate ventilation space around the refrigerator or freezer. Dust and debris accumulation on the condenser coils can also reduce the cooling efficiency and cause the appliance to work harder, leading to more heat generation on the outside. Regular cleaning and proper airflow around the appliance can help optimize its performance and prevent overheating.