Friday, September 20, 2013

Installing The Fridge Cooling System After Getting A Boiler Rebuild

Installing The Fridge Cooling System After Getting A Boiler Rebuild

By Dale Peck


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 best advantages for using a gas fueled refrigerator are more than just saving money. A propane fueled refrigerator is great for keeping most food cold when people are living off the grid, or other places that have no access to electric power. They typically have no moving parts in their cooling system so the parts do not wear out. They generally require little maintenance as well when compared to an electrical fridge.

Often the initial cost of buying a propane refrigerator is often higher than a normal AC refrigerator, but this cost is often recouped in cost savings from food and overall ease of use. Some newer models do use a small 12v fan that can easily be powered by a small solar cell array and battery. The gas hook up generally requires a small 3/8 or 1/4 line to power 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 generally the reverse of taking it out. Getting your boiler rebuild can be cheaper than buying a new unit. The key is ensuring the unit's cooling head is completely sealed and airtight. The freezer pipe should also be perpendicular with the cooling unit's back. Remember that these units use ammonia, so always practice good safety practices so your lines do not get punctured.




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