Rv Refrigerator Efficiency 101

Rv refrigerators, for the most part, are efficient. In many cases it is something the owner does that makes the refrigerator less efficient.

There are any things we can do to help the refrigerator do its job more efficiently. First and foremost the Rv must be fairly level for the refrigerator to operate properly. Older Rv refrigerators required more spoton leveling, but even the newer models need to be close to level for optimum performance. Over time a cooling unit operated out of level will be constantly damaged. Traveling with the refrigerator on will not cause problems because the liquids and gases in the cooling unit are constantly moving around. They don't collect and stay in areas of the cooling unit like they can in a stationary, out of level refrigerator.

Door Gasket Refrigerator

The first cool down process can take four to six hours. You should turn the refrigerator on the day before you plan to leave, and before you put any food in it. When you do load the refrigerator the food you put in should already be cold, and the food put in the freezer should already be frozen. Putting cold food in the refrigerator, rather than adding warm food, lets the refrigerator work less to cool down. One base mistake made is to over pack the refrigerator. There has to be space between the foods to allow for air to circulate throughout the compartment. In most situations you will have access to a store where you can buy food. A two to three day contribute should be enough.

To support with air circulation you can buy an inexpensive, battery operated refrigerator fan. Put the batteries in and place the fan in the front of the refrigerator compartment blowing up. Cold air drops and warm air rises. The fan will enhance the efficiency by circulating the air and it will reduce the first cool down time by 50%.

The heat created by the cooling process is vented behind the refrigerator. Air enters straight through the face lower refrigerator vent and helps to draft the hot air out straight through the roof vent. Periodically search for the back of the refrigerator and the roof vent for any obstructions like bird nests, leaves or other debris that might preclude the heat from escaping.

To keep the refrigerator operating efficiently in the Lp gas mode there is some habit maintenance you can perform. Remove the face lower vent cover to access the back of the refrigerator. With the refrigerator turned off ensure all connections are clean and tight. Turn the refrigerator on in the Lp gas mode and a look at the flame. If the flame is burning poorly, a yellow colored flame, or if the refrigerator isn't operating properly in the gas mode it's inherent that the baffle inside the flue is covered with soot. Soot, rust and other debris can fall down and obstruct the burner assembly. When this happens it will be principal to clean the flue and the burner assembly. Turn the refrigerator off again and locate the burner. Directly above the burner is the flue. The baffle is inside the flue. Wear a pair of protection glasses and use an air compressor to blow air up into the flue. After the flue is clean use the compressed air to Remove any debris from the face refrigerator compartment. Now, turn the refrigerator on in the Lp gas mode to make sure it is working properly. Look for the moving blue flame. For a thorough cleaning of the flue and baffle it will be principal to have your Rv dealer do it for you. While it's there have them to do an Lp gas pressure test too.

Another good idea is to install a 12 volt, thermostatically controlled refrigerator vent fan at the back of the refrigerator, or at the top of the roof vent, to support with drafting the hot air away from the refrigerator. If you are mechanically inclined these fans are fairly easy to install, or you can have your Rv dealer install one for you. Whether way it's worth it. The fan removes the heat built up behind the refrigerator enhancing the refrigerators execution by up to 40%.

The face climatic characteristic also affects the execution and efficiency of your Rv refrigerator. When it's cold out you can lower the climatic characteristic setting and when it's hot out you can raise the setting. Some refrigerators are preset by the manufacturer. Very hot weather will directly influence the refrigerators efficiency. When it's nothing else but hot face try parking your Rv with the side the refrigerator is on in the shade. Periodically search for and clean the refrigerator door gaskets. Check them for a good seal. Place a dollar bill behind the seal and close the door. It should stay there and not drop. When you try to pull it out there should be some resistance felt. Do this in any dissimilar places and have any damaged seals replaced.

Try to limit the estimate of times you open the refrigerator or freezer doors and the distance of time you leave the doors open. Every time the door is opened it loses a few degrees of heat. On a hot summer day it won't take long to lose all of its cooling capacity. Last but not least you should always have a thermostat in the food compartment. Food will begin to spoil at temperatures above 40 degrees.

Rv absorption refrigerators do a great job for Rvers. They will do an even good job, and last longer, if we apply these simple tips to make their job easier and less demanding.

Happy Camping,

Mark

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of Rv study 101

Rv Refrigerator Efficiency 101

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