Gas Fridge; Who Needs One? Basic Information from Gas Fridge

A gas powered refrigerator is a household, RV, or commercial refrigerator operating from a gas source in order to create cooling. Usually propane is used since it is portable and relatively easy to handle. Gas refrigerators are also powered by natural gas. Most RV units are manufactured as propane gas models and some have electric 110 and or 12 volt capability. Kerosene can be used, but it is not recommended. It’s not as popular and burns very dirty and requires constant maintenance of the burner to keep it clean. Gas Fridge has a few answers for anyone who is new to the idea of a propane, or gas refrigerator.

Most household style gas fridges do not have electric power options. The gas fridge is intended to be operated in a home without electrical service. Compared to electric units, the household propane powered refrigerator models are simpler in design and construction. This keeps the failure of parts to a minimum. There are no moving parts of a household gas refrigerator other than the operator adjustable thermostat. The cooling unit, or the absorption system, is a completely sealed system with heat and gravity acting as the motivators.

Some off grid appliance owners elect to use a gas refrigerator that has been salvaged from an RV motor home or RV trailer to use within the household. There a few disadvantages to this:

•    The RV units are much smaller in capacity and usually will not provide enough space to feed a family for more than 2 or 3 days.
•    Most of the RV units require 12 volt DC electric to keep the gas solenoids open during gas operation. Two power sources are needed for operation. Gas and electricity
•    The cooling units are designed for the life expectancy of an RV which is much shorter than that of a home's life expectancy.

Before you consider rebuilding a unit for an RV, we recommend a little research, such as an internet search, "rebuilt RV refrigerator cooling units" or, “RV gas Fridge,” before you make any decision. If you have more questions, we’re happy to answer them at 928-636-6674 or visit our website http://gas-fridge.com/

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Propane Refrigerator Transporting and Storage - Gas Fridge

Congratulations! Either you bought a new home, or you just purchased a brand new propane refrigerator. Your baby, whether it's brand new, or you're re-locating, transporting the unit is not as complicated as you might believe. The gas refrigerator or gas freezer is not the same as your ordinary GE (General Electric). Before you strap your beloved fridge to the dolly, Gas-Fridge would like to go over a few facts. Moving a gas – or propane refrigerator is not as complicated as you may think. Here are few simple rules to follow.

The gas refrigerator or gas freezer is not built with the same components as an electric refrigerator. It's okay to tip, or lay the fridge on one side. Keeping it upright, no matter what, does not apply to the gas fridge. Transporting your propane refrigerator on its side has no long term affects to the operation, performance, or lifespan.  Laying the gas fridge on the back or even the front door is not out of the question but if you have a choice, however, we suggest the side to the left. Look to the left of the refrigerator, and lay it with the door's opening toward the floor.

Here's why: 1) With some brands, the solution within the sealed absorption system may get trapped in the wrong location. This limits or blocks the circulation of fluids during operation. A burping procedure must be used to free the “Lock” or “Blockage”. It's a simple process: Burping Your Propane Refrigerator. There are some exceptions, and for some brands, laying the left side down keeps the fluid where it needs to be. When standing the fridge back upright again, a “Lock” or Blockage” is less likely. The EZ Freeze brand is not susceptible to this type of “Lock” or “Blockage”.  2) The side of the fridge is a flat surface and will hold up better during transportation and is less prone to damage compared to the front or back. We suggest extra padding to avoid damage to the thin sheet metal cabinet.

Prolong the life of your gas refrigerator by following these simple steps:

It's okay to store a gas refrigerator while not in use with some basic care. Whether it's long term, or short term storage, a gas fridge stored while not in use will not have a short or long term affect. 1) Remove any moisture from the interior to prevent mold buildup. 2) Put some charcoal inside the refrigerator, or freezer to help absorb moisture, and avoid odor. An old newspaper will work, too. Leaving the door open may work, but for safety reasons is not recommended. Small children or animals may find their way inside.

Storing your propane fridge in freezing climates will not harm the unit. Remember to remove canned drinks. They will explode and will damage the interior – even with the door closed.

Keep insects away! Spray an insect repellent around the burner box to deter insects such as spiders from nesting in the burner. An insect nest in the burner will cause performance issues and possibly a danger upon startup.

When it's time to put your gas fridge back to use, check your flame condition immediately after startup. The flame should be a bright blue at the base and have a clear tip with no yellow or white color. This clear tip is usually at the very top of the flame located up inside the flue exhaust. Use a mirror at the floor facing upwards to inspect it. If a yellow or white tip is present, maintenance is required.  

Gas-Fridge would like to remind you to use caution, check your owners manual before moving your propane refrigerator, and avoid possible injury, or damage to the unit. Visit us online to see our selection of gas refrigerators at http://gas-fridge.com/ or call 928-636-6674

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Gas Fridge Gives Some Insight on the Benefits of Owning a Modern Propane Refrigerator

A Little History and Comparisons about Propane Refrigerators from Gas Fridge

Propane gas refrigerators have changed since they first came onto the market. The newer models with ammonia cooling systems are lighter weight and there is a larger selection of models to choose from. Gas-Fridge provides all the information you need for deciding which propane refrigerator is right for you.

The SERVEL was built from the 1930s – 1950s, for durability and to last for generations. Today’s units are more streamline, lighter weight, yet dependable, and should last about 15 years.

Today you can find propane refrigerators with higher quality workmanship made with lighter materials, and weighing a total of 150-275 lbs. These are sold under the names DIAMOND, EZ-FREEZE, DOMETIC, CONSUL, and DANBY. The older units sold under the names SERVEL, ELECTROLUX, and eventually DOMETIC, weighed as much as 400-500 lbs.

The DIAMOND and EZ-FREEZE are made in the US, by separate manufacturers.

The Pros of and older unit:

Materials used were made of galvanized components, which eliminated rust. The evaporator was galvanized too, which also eliminated rust, and caused no cooling leakage.

Many people loved the longevity and they have been in use for over 70 years.

Older SERVELs burn much dirtier than newer propane refrigerators. Modern units use only half the amount of fuel.

Older propane refrigerators emit CO gas to unhealthy levels, as much as 1500 parts per million.

Older SERVELs are illegal to operate in Canada, and our US government has actively set up a program to eliminate them from the market. An action Committee can be reached at 800-782-7431 for safe disposal. Ask about their $100.00 reward for removal of your old unit.

The pros of owning a new DIAMOND, EZ-FREEZE, DOMETIC, or CONSUL:

Propane refrigerators made since the 1980s, and currently are made to burn cleaner.

They emissions are only 20-30 PPM of Carbon Monoxide gas.

You should never worry about CO poisoning.

A new propane refrigerator usually does not need to be vented to the outside.

Gas Fridge would like to remind you that when incorporating your new Propane Refrigerator into your cabinets, be sure to allow proper ventilation with a vent in the floor towards the back. Also allow ventilation on the top of the refrigerator so that heat can escape the cooling system. Without adequate venting the unit could overheat.

To learn more about gas refrigerators contact Gas Fridge at 928-636-6674 or visit our website at http://gas-fridge.com/

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