What are the clearance requirements for my built-in refrigeration appliance?

The clearance requirements for your appliance will be noted in the user manual or specifications document that shipped with your unit.  It is very important that you follow these requirements when installing your appliance.  All standard built-in (front venting) refrigeration appliances require some amount of air movement / ventilation in order to operate efficiently. A household refrigeration appliance operates on a heat transfer system whereby a refrigerant gas, such as R134a or R600a, passes thru a series of components that change the refrigerant from a hot gas to a cool liquid and then back to a gas in a continuous looped cycle.  Ensuring that air from the surrounding environment can flow freely to the unit's fans and that warm air can be properly expelled is critical to ensuring optimal performance.  Without proper ventilation, undue strain can be put on a refrigeration system resulting in poor cooling performance and premature unit failure.

PLEASE REFER TO YOUR USER MANUAL OR PRODUCT SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT TO DETERMINE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE FOR YOUR SPECIFIC MODEL.

As a general recommendation, you should allow a minimum clearance of ½” on the top and left and right sides and 2” on the rear of the appliance.  See diagram below for additional clarification.