The back wall of a refrigerator with a grill or an open condenser often spoils the interior of the kitchen, collects dust and becomes a breeding ground insects But simply taking it and covering it with the first available material means risking overheating of the compressor, increasing energy consumption, or even equipment breakdown. Why do manufacturers leave this part open? It's all about heat exchange: the compressor and condenser remove heat, and without normal air circulation, the refrigerator will no longer cope with cooling.
In this article we will look at how how can you close the back wall of the refrigerator without harm to its operation, and what is absolutely not allowed. Let's look at ready-made solutions (from decorative panels to furniture facades) and home-made options (from plastic to drywall), and also explain how to check whether your “plug” is not interfering with cooling. Let us dwell separately on models with the No Frost system —they have their own nuances of ventilation.
Why the back wall of the refrigerator cannot be closed “at random”
The main function of the open back is heat removal from the compressor and condenser. If you block the access of air, the following will happen:
- 🔥 Overheating of the compressor —it will start working non-stop, which will reduce the service life by 2-3 times.
- ⚡ Increase in energy consumption by 15–30% (according to tests ROSCONTROL 2023).
- ❄️ Violation of the freezing regime —in the freezer the temperature will rise to -10...-15°C instead of -18°C.
- 🚨 Automatic shutdown in modern models with protection against overheating (for example LG Inverter Linear or Samsung Twin Cooling Plus).
This is especially critical for refrigerators with No Frost system: their evaporator blower fan requires a constant flow of air. If it is blocked, it will begin to build up on the back wall ice, and an unpleasant odor will appear in the chambers.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator was manufactured before 2010, it may not have protection against overheating. In this case, improper closing of the back wall will lead to fire hazard - the compressor can heat up to. 90–100°C.
7 materials that can be used to cover the back wall of the refrigerator
We have selected options that provide Ventilationnot. burn and do not deform from heat. The table below shows a comparison by key parameters:
| Material | Ventilation | Heat resistance | Complexity installation | Cost (per 1 m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perforated MDF panel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | up to 80°C | Average | from 800 ₽ |
| Plastic grid | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | up to 120°C | Lightweight | from 500 ₽ |
| Metal mesh (stainless steel) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | to 200°C | Complex | from 1,200 ₽ |
| Drywall with ventilation holes | ⭐⭐⭐ | up to 60°C | Medium | from 300 ₽ |
| Decorative screen with perforation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | up to 90°C | Light | from 1 500 ₽ |
The best balance of price and safety - plastic grill or perforated MDF. Metal mesh is suitable for built-in models where maximum strength is needed. Drywall is used less often due to low heat resistance, but it is cheap and can be easily painted to match the color of the kitchen.
Step-by-step instructions: how to close the back wall of the refrigerator with your own hands
Let's consider a universal algorithm for a plastic grill - the most popular option. You will need:
- 📏 Tape measure and a pencil for marking.
- 🔨 Drill or screwdriver (if attached to the wall).
- 🔧 Self-tapping screws or double-sided tape (for lightweight panels).
- 🧰 Construction knife or hacksaw for metal.
- 🔥 Heat-resistant sealant (optional, for gaps).
Measure the dimensions of the back wall of the refrigerator (with a margin of 2-3 cm on the sides)
Buy a grille with cells of at least 1 × 1 cm
Check whether the grille is blocking the ventilation holes (if any)
Prepare fasteners (screws for the wall or tape for furniture)
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Step 1. Marking and trimming. Attach the grille to the back wall and trace with a pencil. If the refrigerator is in a niche, keep in mind that the panel should protrude 1-2 cm forward for air circulation. Cut off the excess with a hacksaw or a construction knife (for plastic).
Step 2. Fastening. Options:
- 🪛 To the wall: Drill holes in the grille and wall, screw in self-tapping screws with dowels. Leave a gap of 1-1.5 cm between. refrigerator and panel.
- 🧲 On double-sided tape: Suitable for light panels (up to 1 kg). Apply tape around the perimeter of the grill and press it to the body of the refrigerator.
- 🔧 On furniture corners: Use if the refrigerator is standing in cabinet. Attach the corners to the side walls of the niche.
Step 3: Check ventilation. After installation, turn on the refrigerator to maximum cooling mode. After 30 minutes, touch the back wall: if it is hot (more than 50°C), then increase the air gap by placing gaskets.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is with No Frost system, after installing the panel, check to see if ice has appeared on the back wall inside the chamber. If so, it means the evaporator airflow is blocked. Increase the size of the grid cells or remove the panel.
What NOT to cover the back wall of the refrigerator
Some “folk” methods seem cheap, but in fact lead to breakdowns:
- 🚫 Solid panels (chipboard, plywood, plastic without holes) - block heat transfer by 100%.
- 🚫 Fabric or wallpaper - collect dust, make cleaning difficult and can catch fire.
- 🚫 Foam or polyurethane foam —overheat and emit toxic gases.
- 🚫 Mirrors or glass —reflect heat back to the compressor, increasing heating.
Also avoid materials with low heat resistance:
- 🔥 Ordinary polystyrene foam —melts at 70°C.
- 🔥 PVC film —is deformed and sticks to heated surfaces.
- 🔥 Wooden slats —they dry out due to temperature changes.
If you see advice to close the back wall “to save energy” - this is a myth, on the contrary, overheating of the compressor will increase electricity consumption by 20–40%, and in some cases will lead to it. to breakdown of the start relay (repair will cost 3-5 thousand rubles).
Features for refrigerators with the No Frost system
Models s No Frost (for example, Beko RCNE530E20ZXB, Indesit ITF 118 W) have forced ventilation, so strict requirements are imposed on their back wall:
- 🌀 Minimum the gap between the panel and the body - 3 cm (versus 1-2 cm for drip models).
- 🕳️ The holes in the panel must occupy at least 50% of its area.
- 🚪 Ventilation compartment door (if any) should not be blocked.
B refrigerators Samsung and LG with technology Twin Cooling the rear grille often hides two separate cooling circuits. If you block one of them, the freezer or refrigerator will stop working. Before installing the panel study the ventilation diagram in the instructions for the model.
How to check whether the panel interferes with the No Frost system?
After installing the panel, turn on the mode Super Freeze or Power Cool (if available). After 2 hours, check:
1. The temperature in the freezer should be –18°C or lower.
2. The presence of frost on the back wall inside the chamber - if there is any, the ventilation is impaired.
3. The noise of the fan - it should turn on/off periodically, and not work constantly.
Ready solutions: decorative panels and furniture facades
If you don’t want to bother with homemade structures, you can buy ready-made solutions:
| Solution type | Examples of models | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative screen | Kitfort KT-1001, Gorenje D55E | Easy installation, design for kitchen | Expensive (from 2,000 ₽), not suitable for all models |
| Furniture façade | IKEA METOD, Schüller | Full camouflage, built-in view | Requires kitchen remodeling, price from 5,000 ₽ |
| Ventilation grille | Vents 100 KVL, Systemair KVK | Cheap (from 300 ₽), universal | Needs to be adjusted to size |
Finished screens are usually attached with magnets or latches, which simplifies cleaning. The facades are suitable if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit - they completely hide the appliances, leaving only ventilation slots.
⚠️ Attention: Fastening details and sizes of finished panels may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the refrigerator. Check compatibility with the seller or in the documentation for the model.
How to care for the closed back wall of the refrigerator
Even if you closed the back wall correctly, it needs to be cleaned periodically. Accumulated dust and grease impair heat transfer and can cause breakdowns. Recommendations:
- 🧹 Cleaning the grill: Remove the panel once every 3 months and vacuum the back wall. To wash, use a damp cloth with soapy water (no abrasives!).
- 🌬️ Checking ventilation: Once every six months, turn on the refrigerator to maximum mode and check if the panel is overheating (it should be warm, but not hot).
- 🔧 Checking fasteners: Screws or tape may loosen over time - tighten them once a year.
If you notice that the refrigerator has become noisier or is working longer, remove the panel and check:
- 🔍 The gap between the panel and the body —it could have decreased due to vibration.
- 🕷️ Cobwebs or insects in the ventilation holes.
- 💧 Condensation on the back wall is a sign of impaired circulation air.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about closing the back wall of the refrigerator
Is it possible to cover the back wall of the refrigerator with plasterboard?
It is possible, but only if:
- Drywall moisture resistant (GKLV).
- Holes are drilled in it (at least 30% of the area).
- The temperature of the back wall does not exceed 60°C (check with a thermometer).
For models with No Frost plasterboard is not recommended - it is better to take plastic or metal.
What happens if you completely close the back wall of the refrigerator?
The consequences depend on the model:
- Drip refrigerators (Atlant, Biryusa): the compressor will work without stopping, the temperature in the chamber will rise by 3–5°C.
- No Frost (Samsung, LG): ice will build up on the back wall inside, the fan will stop spinning.
- Inverter models (Hitachi, Panasonic): overheating protection will work, the refrigerator will will turn off.
In the worst case, the compressor will burn out - repairs will cost 7-15 thousand rubles.
How to close the back wall of a built-in refrigerator?
Built-in models (Bosch KIV38X20, Electrolux ENE34200OX) already have a ventilation system in the furniture body. There is no need to close them additionally! If you want to hide the ventilation grille:
- Use decorative trim from the furniture manufacturer.
- Make sure that the holes in the trim coincide with the ventilation ducts of the refrigerator.
Do I need to leave a gap between the panel and the refrigerator?
Yes, definitely! Minimum gaps:
- For drip models: 1–2 cm on the sides and top.
- For No Frost: 3–5 cm on all sides.
- For built-in ones: according to the instructions (usually 5–10 cm at the back).
If the gap is smaller, the heat will not escape and the compressor will overheat.
Is it possible to close the back wall of the refrigerator on the balcony?
On the balcony the temperature changes are stronger, so the requirements harder:
- Use metal mesh —it does not deform from cold/heat.
- Increase the gap to 5–7 cm for air circulation.
- Check the back wall in winter - at -10°C on the balcony, condensation can freeze and block ventilation.