Condensation on top of Fridge (External)

OPJ · 1 Sep 2014

Hi all,

I wasn't sure of where to post this one so I hope you don't mind it appearing in this forum.

In my flat (rented), I have a problem where after boiling something on the hob, as that warm air later cools, it settles on top of my fridge, where I often happen to leave my oven gloves (they're looking quite mouldy - not to mention the pools of water).

What I'd like to ask is for any suggestions on how to prevent this? Is there some kind of matting I can place on top of the fridge, for instance?

There is an extractor fan but it's mounted to an adjacent external wall above fitted wall units.

Any thoughts or suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you,

Olly

JohnD · 1 Sep 2014

does the extractor work?

OPJ · 1 Sep 2014

Yes, the extractor does work it just doesn't seem to be in the best position and I cannot move the cooker any closer to it.

JohnD · 1 Sep 2014

run the extractor more often, and for longer.

water vapour will diffuse through the entire room, so the position of the extractor is not really a problem. As long as it is not just a recirculating hood which would be 100% useless.

Clean the cobwebs off it, inside and out, and get someone to hold a smoking fag under it while you stand outside and sniff.

Also put a tray on top of the fridge to make sure water is not dripping on it.

Does the casing of the fridge feel colder than the room?

Does anyone drape wet washing inside your home?

OPJ · 1 Sep 2014

Thanks, John, I'll give it a try.

It's just a simple wall-mounted fan; probably about 6in across the square plate.

I will also put a tray on top. I'm confident there are no leaks from the ceiling but I imagine water could be settling on the ceiling.

I'd say the top of the fridge is the coldest part. The rest feels only only slightly less than the room temperature, which is never that high to be honest (ground floor, within a courtyard, little exposure to sunlight).

Thanks for your help.

foxhole · 1 Sep 2014

The fan needs to run all the time the room is in use. What is the model of fan?, is there a permanent vent, fan useless without one.

OPJ · 1 Sep 2014

I can only see the name 'Steeple' on the fan itself, which leads outside through a vent in the external wall. I'm not sure if I understand correctly but there is also a plain vent directly below it at ground level, in the nook where a washing machine can go.

JohnD · 1 Sep 2014

the lower vent is probably provided for a tumble drier.

Does anyone drape wet washing inside your home?

fan like the left-hand picture?
http://www.denmans.co.uk/brands/our_brands_steeple.html

OPJ · 1 Sep 2014

Yes, that does look quite similar, although the grilles a different shape (more of a cross than parallel lines).

I do hang my washing in the same room about twice a week after running it in the drier. But I only notice the water on top of the fridge after I've been boiling water.

JohnD · 1 Sep 2014

that is quite a weedy fan.

turn the fan on before you start cooking, boiling, or hanging washing, and let it run on for ten minutes after you stop,

EightyTwo · 2 Sep 2014

You could also try insulating the top of the fridge a bit... Put something on the top that will help to keep the cold in. Something like a sheet of expanded polystyrene from packaging, a sheet of polyurethane insulation from a building site skip, a bit of worktop/chipboard/mdf or even just an old towel folded in half.

The water vapour will condense on a cold surface first so, if you insulate it a bit (and put a plastic tray on top?), the extractor might just suck it out before it has a chance to condense.

Put lids on your saucepans and stop the kettle as it boils, without waiting for it to stop itself!

r.bartlett · 7 Sep 2014

looks like the insulation of the fridge is breaking down. Probably best to replace the fridge

foxhole · 7 Sep 2014

r.bartlett said:
looks like the insulation of the fridge is breaking down. Probably best to replace the fridge

r.bartlett · 10 Sep 2014

foxhole said:
r.bartlett said:

looks like the insulation of the fridge is breaking down. Probably best to replace the fridge

Click to expand...

care to actually comment on what I wrote ?

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Condensation on top of Fridge (External)

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