With the cost of electricity raising what seems like almost every day many people are turning to older ideas to try to save money. One of these ideas is the propane refrigerator. They work on the idea of gas absorption. The newer models will typically last up to 25 years before needing a boiler rebuild.
Some of the chief advantages of using a gas fired refrigerator are better than simply saving money. Most propane refrigerators are great for keeping food cool when living off the grid, or in places that have little access to electrical power. They generally have no moving parts in the cooling system so they cannot wear out. They also require very little maintenance when compared to their electrical counterparts.
Generally the initial price of buying a propane fueled refrigerator is somewhat higher than a regular AC refrigerator, though this cost can be recouped in savings from food storage and general ease of use. Some new models have a tiny 12v fan which can be easily powered using a small scale solar array and battery. The gas line only requires a 3/8 or 1/4 line for the gas.
If you do decide to make the green leap and get one you may have to know how to change out the cooling unit after the boiler is rebuilt on it. This same process can sometimes be adapted to different models for DIY conversions. While this process is easy enough, it is time consuming and this is simply and overview of the process. Always exercise caution when working on these units as the ammonia gas they use can be fatal if inhaled.
Take your refrigerator out from where it is sitting and put it where you can work on it easily. Ensure the gas lines and any power lines to it are not connected. Remove the doors and take any items out including shelves or food and clean up inside with disinfectant.
Remove the freezer plate that lets you access the piping inside. Remove the screws holding any pipes so they feel free. Put down a blanket and put the fridge on the side for access the piping on the back. Remove all the screws holding down the boiler assembly, capillary tubes and condensing coils.
Once everything is loose, get a pry bar and carefully pry the complete assembly free of the fridge. Use a cloth or towel to protect the copper you are prying on. You may have to cut some of the foam free to get it out. Keep all the screws and baffles because you will need them to reinstall the new unit.
Installation is basically the reverse of what you just did. Getting a boiler rebuild is often cheaper than a new unit. The key is making sure the cooling head is sealed in airtight. The freezer pipe also needs to be perpendicular to the back of the cooling unit. Remember these units contain ammonia in them so always practice safe handling practices so the lines are not punctured.
Some of the chief advantages of using a gas fired refrigerator are better than simply saving money. Most propane refrigerators are great for keeping food cool when living off the grid, or in places that have little access to electrical power. They generally have no moving parts in the cooling system so they cannot wear out. They also require very little maintenance when compared to their electrical counterparts.
Generally the initial price of buying a propane fueled refrigerator is somewhat higher than a regular AC refrigerator, though this cost can be recouped in savings from food storage and general ease of use. Some new models have a tiny 12v fan which can be easily powered using a small scale solar array and battery. The gas line only requires a 3/8 or 1/4 line for the gas.
If you do decide to make the green leap and get one you may have to know how to change out the cooling unit after the boiler is rebuilt on it. This same process can sometimes be adapted to different models for DIY conversions. While this process is easy enough, it is time consuming and this is simply and overview of the process. Always exercise caution when working on these units as the ammonia gas they use can be fatal if inhaled.
Take your refrigerator out from where it is sitting and put it where you can work on it easily. Ensure the gas lines and any power lines to it are not connected. Remove the doors and take any items out including shelves or food and clean up inside with disinfectant.
Remove the freezer plate that lets you access the piping inside. Remove the screws holding any pipes so they feel free. Put down a blanket and put the fridge on the side for access the piping on the back. Remove all the screws holding down the boiler assembly, capillary tubes and condensing coils.
Once everything is loose, get a pry bar and carefully pry the complete assembly free of the fridge. Use a cloth or towel to protect the copper you are prying on. You may have to cut some of the foam free to get it out. Keep all the screws and baffles because you will need them to reinstall the new unit.
Installation is basically the reverse of what you just did. Getting a boiler rebuild is often cheaper than a new unit. The key is making sure the cooling head is sealed in airtight. The freezer pipe also needs to be perpendicular to the back of the cooling unit. Remember these units contain ammonia in them so always practice safe handling practices so the lines are not punctured.
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