In 2023, Lenore Satterthwaite’s fridge exploded. The homeowner from North Carolina, USA, was in the other room when she thought an earthquake rocked her kitchen. But when she investigated, she found her less-than-a-year-old Frigidaire refrigerator in pieces and damage on the walls and furniture near it. The Person County Fire Marshall couldn’t determine the exact cause of the fridge explosion, but there are ways to protect other homes from facing the same disaster.
What causes refrigerator explosions?

In Satterthwaite’s case, the fan wasn’t working properly. She had called a technician for a warranty repair because the fridge kept making loud noises. The technician said the problem was with the fan that regulated the temperature. However, before the new fan was delivered, the refrigerator exploded, according to ABC 11.
Poor maintenance

Although the cause of Satterthwaite’s refrigerator explosion is unsolved, there are two possible reasons others might combust. One is poor maintenance.
These appliances keep food cold using a process where a motor pumps a gas refrigerant through compressor coils. The coils cool the gas until it becomes liquid and absorbs the heat from inside. However, the coils are situated at the bottom of the fridge, where they can gather dust, pet hair, and other debris that can hinder them from properly cooling the gas refrigerant. In worst case scenarios, the coils can trap the gas, block proper ventilation, and lead to a fridge explosion.
Dangerous gas refrigerant

Another potential cause of fridge explosions may stem from the gas refridgerant. Fire investigators who had attended to Satterthwaite’s emergency noted that the explosion came from inside the fridge. They also noted the modern appliance used a refrigerant called R-600a, like most new fridges on the market today. Appliance expert Mike Mannino warned that R-600a “can be potentially dangerous for the servicer, plus the homeowner.”
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“Something catastrophic could possibly happen…”

Mannino has been a professional in the appliance repair business for over 45 years, and has seen refrigerants being banned and phased out of manufacturing. R-600a has become popular because of its energy-efficiency and environmentally-friendly qualities. However, it is also an isobutane, a flammable substance that is commonly found in cigarette lighters.
For that reason, Mannino and his company, The Appliance Doctor, refuses to work on these new models. “I’m not saying these things are going to start exploding all over the country, but the potential is there that, you know, something catastrophic could possibly happen,” he said to WFTV9.
How often should you clean fridge compressor coils?

If your fridge’s steady hum has turned choppy, it may be time for cleaning the compressor coils. Generally, Realtor recommends cleaning the coils regularly every six to 12 months, or more if you have pets that shed. Although the chore may seem daunting, it’s fairly quick and simple once you know what you’re doing.
How to clean fridge coils

First, find the coils, which are typically on the bottom or back of the fridge behind removable panels. Once you expose the coils, use a duster or coil brushes designed for this to clean between them. Then use a vacuum to suck up all of the debris. When you’re finished with that, put the panel back on, and you’re done.
How worried should we be?

Remember, refrigerator explosions are rare. The American Consumer Product Safety Commission has only received a handful of complaints about them over the past few years, and other countries began using R-600a as a refrigerant much earlier than the United States. The EPA says the substance is safe in fridges that are properly installed and maintained. Additionally, many experts in appliance repair receive special training and buy specific tools to work on these products.
What about fridges in bedrooms?

However, Mannino is particularly concerned about mini fridges in dorms and children’s bedrooms. This is becoming increasingly popular due to social media trends and the rise of cosmetics and skincare products that require refrigeration. Although Mannino doesn’t know of anyone getting injured from a fridge explosion, he worries about what can happen if a person is nearby when it happens.
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