Did You Know that Gas Fridge Services and Repairs RV Refrigerators?

A non-functioning refrigerator in a recreational vehicle can be problematic. When the refrigerator is down, the RV becomes useless by limiting the ability to travel away from civilization and be self reliant. There are many engine mechanics that can get you and your RV back on the road. There aren’t many RV Refrigerator Repairers that can properly repair your fridge and get you back to your way of life. Gas-Fridge can assist you with maintenance or repairs.
   
Until now, we haven’t advertised this service. We repair refrigerators for local folks as well as vacationers from out of town.  Many times the repair can be as simple as a fouled burner or as complicated as a leaking absorption cooling unit.

Most RV Refrigerators will fail early from the wear life of the unit and the wear life of the vehicle. The fridge might look brand new but will only need service or a repair. RVs travel a lot, leaving the fridge exposed to the elements, and it the will typically need more service than one that is static and in a home. The debris, dirt, road grime, and weather is hard on the burner and controls that are exposed to these elements.

An RV will go through periodic use, and since the fridge is turned on for short periods of time and then turned off for longer periods of time. Condensation develops as a result of this activity and will eventually corrode the cooling bars and cause a leak within the sealed absorption system. Boilers may crack from the constant heating and cooling of these metals. This is becoming more common with newer models. The electronic ignition will turn the flame on and off to control the internal temperatures of the refrigerator and freezer. Older models relied on a continuous flame that switched from high to low.

This would keep the boiler metals from flexing to a state where a crack would develop. We replace these absorption cooling units with either re-manufactured rebuilt cooling units or newly redesigned high performance cooling units.

For the larger model refrigerators, we can replace the cooling unit without removing the refrigerator from inside of the RV coach. Sometimes we replace the cooling when the customer removes a smaller refrigerator and drops it off. We also have the ability to ship the cooling unit directly to you so that you can do the replacement yourself. We have many options to accommodate you and your schedule.

Our maintenance service consists of cleaning the flue, burner, and orifice and is included in any repair or service we perform. This is an important service that most RV owners never perform and is the cause of the majority of the issues we find. We also replace control boards (if available), Igniters, and heat rods for those units that have failed electronics.

At Gas-Fridge, we can evaluate your RV refrigerator and give an estimate of repair and options for the specific problem. Visit us at http://gas-fridge.com/ for more information, and to find directions to our facility, or just give us a call at 928-636-6674.

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Gas Fridge Explains Why You Need a Propane Refrigerator

Gas-Fridge is the leader in propane refrigerators and your expert in knowing which unit best suits the purpose. Gas-Fridge will help you select a propane refrigerator that is perfect for remote cabins, vacation homes, hunting camps, or RV. They come in sizes ranging from 10 cubic feet up to 21 cubic feet.

Here are more reasons to own a gas fridge.

• You live off the grid. You don't like the noise an electric refrigerator makes. You have considered the efficiency of a Gas Fridge. Your home is subject to natural disasters and power outages.
• One of the most basic necessities in life is food. The need for food storage is practical, and how food is stored has an affect on your health and the length of your life. Cold food storage when done properly is important for healthy living. Consider all these reasons and you will see why a gas fridge is right for you.
• All refrigerators must run from an energy source. One of the gas fridge advantages is how easy it is to store propane and unlike electricity, it can be transported. While most homeowners run the risk of losing electricity during a thunderstorm, the propane refrigerator will continue running, keeping your perishables fresh.
• One power outage of more than two days can completely decimate your food supply in your electric fridge. With the cost of food within the fridge being upwards of $500.00, it pays to have a gas fridge as a back up unit.
• The myth that a gas refrigerator does not cool as well as an electric is not true. Not only will they run colder than an electric unit, the absorption unit has far fewer parts than an electric compressor system. Fewer parts mean less chance of a failure. Other than the thermostat, here are virtually no moving parts within the propane gas refrigeration system.

If you have chosen to live off the grid, there is not much of an alternative. Many will find that purchasing ice for coolers will become inconvenient and not cost effective. DC refrigerator solar powered units are an alternative if the area has enough sun light per day and the solar system is large enough to handle the enormous load. Visit Gas-Fridge at http://www.gas-fridge.com, or give them a call at 928-636-1956

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“I found bad advice on the internet about Gas Refrigerators!” Gas-Fridge is here to help.

The founders and employees of Dynamx, Inc. have all enjoyed the off-grid lifestyle for over 25 years. Gas-Fridge understands the systems and usage of the propane appliances they sell, and they understand propane appliances. They have also been using propane refrigerators for over 25 years. They believe in what we sell and our staff has been trained by the manufacturers.

Gas-Fridge offers technical support by phone, and carry in service for repairs on all brands.
Occasionally we discover an article from the internet such as this one posted by The Tiny House that may need clarification.  Gas Fridge would like to point out some misinformation here.

The author should seek advice from a qualified professional, instead of someone who is not an authority. The fridge is not designed for the purpose stated in the article. It should be able to function reasonably well in its current configuration.

Look for user error or installer error. Start by testing the gas pressure. This unit switches from high to low flame to control the rate of ammonia solution circulating through the system. When gas pressure is set too high, then the low flame circuit is not low enough. This causes too much solution circulation and creates freezing.

Propane refrigerators are sensitive to gas pressure. Use a secondary regulator. Be sure to have the correct pressure from the regulator. Most other gas appliances are not that sensitive to pressure. Set the pressure spot to 11 inches of water column for your propane refrigerator, or EZ Freeze brand.

If that tests okay, then the thermostat may have been calibrated too high and the unit is switching back to high flame too early and switching back too late. EZ Freeze uses this same thermostat within both the gas refrigerator units and gas freezer units. The difference is how they calibrate them for the temperature range. Calibration for this unit may have been set leaning to a colder setting from the factory. 

This unit does not have the best thermo-insulation design between the fridge and freezer so leakage between the two spaces is a factor. This fridge was never intended for full time living in a home. It was made for an RV. RV’s are not built for efficiency; they are built for recreation or surviving away from home.

For more information on how Gas Fridge can help with your RV gas fridge, visit our website at http://www.gas-fridge.com or call 928-636-6674.

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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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How to adjust the temperature of a gas refrigerator

Over the years we have sold thousands of Propane Gas Refrigerators and almost all of them have ended up in a remote location for use in a home or cabin that does not have electricity. Because propane is usually trucked to the location or hand carried so it is safe to say that conserving of the gas usage is valued. We would like to provide information on hooking up a digital thermostat to your propane gas refrigerator.

Most rural off grid homes, cabins, and cottages don’t have automatic climate control. This means the off grid refrigerator is subject to a wider range of ambient temperatures during the day as well as the seasonal changes. Gas refrigerators are all manual temperature controlled. No digital thermostats or electronics whatsoever. This is what you would expect from a non-electric refrigerator.

Stabilizing the temperature is fairly simple. It just takes a little time. Starting at the maximum setting, monitor the temperatures of the fridge compartment taking the “true” reading first thing in the morning before the door is opened. When this reading reaches freezing at 32 degrees, start to slightly move the dial toward the minimum setting by approximately 1/12 of a turn. Do this every morning until the temperature reaches your target. My target is usually 34 to 38 degrees.

It is my belief that the best tool you can own when living full time with a gas fridge is a Remote Digital Thermometer. It allows the user to monitor the inside temperatures without opening the door. If an adjustment to the thermostat is needed, It will alert you either by the alarm or by what the display reads. In the case of the fridge stops working from a lack of gas supply, it may save you hundreds of dollars in groceries.

Slight adjustments from this point can be made to compensate for seasonal changes and usage variations. We like to prejudge the high usage times and lower the temperatures in advance to get a head start on the recovery times. For instance, if you are planning a party or family get together, turn the thermostat toward maximum the night prior to the event.

Seasonal changes will usually demand an adjustment. Not only for temperature, but humidity levels will affect the settings more dramatically. High humidity will also produce more frost on the cooling fins and can reduce efficiency. Defrosting is another area of maintenance that can help with temperature stabilization.

One last note, a full refrigerator of cold food will be more temperature stable during the day than one with less food. It is due to the mass of food versus the mass of air. The food mass will retain the cold whereas the air mass will fall out when the door is opened.

For more information regarding Propane Refrigerators contact Gas Fridge at either 928-636-6674 or by visiting our website at http://www.gas-fridge.com/.

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Gas Fridge explains proper ventilation for your propane refrigerator.

In order to allow for proper air circulation and allow the gas fridge to breathe, there are a few rules to follow when designing the gas refrigerator space.  Allowing for ample clearance around the unit is usually enough to allow proper air circulation.  If air circulation is limited, there could be long term damage.  Gas Fridge explains proper ventilation for your propane refrigerator:

Figure 1 – Best case

We describe this as best case since there are no structures (cabinets, shelves, etc…)  above  to obstruct the heat from rising out from the rear of the unit and also with at least one side being completely open, there is no need for further ventilation. 

Figure 2 – Limited top vent
A limited air escape at the top rear of the unit must be addressed with a vent to allow the hot air to rise up and escape. Trapping the hot air behind the unit will cause poor performance and long term damage.

Figure 3 – Boxed in. Worst case
The built-in type of construction is worst case scenario and is not recommended without proper ventilation. Some manufactures will void warranty for this type of install and no or limited venting.

Keep the absorption coils and fins clean from dirt and debris to allow for better heat transfer. Never set anything on top of the refrigerator the covers or partially covers the cooling fins.

We hope you found these tips helpful.  Gas Fridge has many styles of propane appliances for you to choose from.  Please visit us at http://www.gas-fridge.com.  You can also call with questions at 928-636-6674.  Let Gas Fridge assist you in making a great decision with your propane appliances.

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