Functions of a Propane Refrigerator - Information provided by Gas-Fridge

Gas and propane refrigerators are available in different sizes, designs and features. These are the basics in how a gas refrigerator functions. The mixture in the cooling system of a propane refrigerator consists of anhydrous ammonia distilled water and hydrogen vapor.

The ammonia and water is heated by a propane flame. The water vaporizes into steam through the perk tube. This process is similar to a coffee percolator. The inner tube (perk tube) in the boiler emits steam and water bubbles moving upward. The ammonia is lighter that water and it will turn into steam sooner. The ammonia steam is pushed up into a condenser by the hydrogen pressure while the water falls down into the outer tube and is pushed into the absorber tubes which then returns to the mixing tank  known as the absorber tank.

While the ammonia steam moves upward through the rectifier and into the condenser tubes it becomes rich ammonia liquid. The rich ammonia liquid is pushed into the evaporator tubing. It is then pushed into the top of the evaporator tubing. After it is in the evaporator it meets the hydrogen gas moving up through the tube inside the evaporator. This hydrogen gas absorbs the rich ammonia. When the ammonia meets this hydrogen gas in the evaporator it creates a chemical reaction. This reaction evaporates the ammonia while making it extremely cold. This is what is known as heat absorbtion, removing the heat from the refrigerator box.

In the mean time, the water is pushed backwards to the absorber coils and drops downward to the absorber tank. While this is happening, the hydrogen gas passes upward through the absorber coils and catches any ammonia left in the weak water that is falling downward. Next, the hydrogen gas carries it up to the top of the evaporation system and drops it into the outer tube of the evaporator. It then flows downward in a mist causing it to become extremely cold. As it falls down, the rich ammonia returns to the absorber tank [mixing tank] and mixes with the weak water which allows it to continue with its cycle all over again.

An ammonia absorption cooling system is a unique design invented so that a person can operate independently, or live off the grid by using a propane, natural gas, or butane burner to heat the ammonia solution. If you are ready to invest in a durable propane refrigerator, then look no further. Gas Fridge is ready to answer your questions. Call 928-636-6674 or visit http://www.gas-fridge.com/.

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How We Repair Propane Gas Refrigerators - Gas Fridge

A propane refrigerator can have the same issues as a conventional refrigerator. It can have continuous problems after some age has set in. You may think that there isn’t any service after the sale when you purchased your propane refrigerator. Did you know that Gas Fridge has solutions to all of your problems?

We offer:
•    In shop service at our location – walk in with the unit, have it shipped to us, repaired then shipped back to you
•    Free live telephone tech support – from the diagnosis to a walk through on troubleshooting or repair
•    A DVD for repair and service it includes tips to keep a gas fridge to function like new for years to come. It’s available to all valued customers.

Here is what the DVD covers:

1)    For different gas fridge brands; set up, service and maintenance from Dynamx.
2)    Complete gas refrigerator repair service of a gas fridge that has been neglected and thought dead brought to you by Danby or Consul Repair.
3)    Set-up, service and maintenance and a guide through the replacement procedure of the cooling unit from Diamond Gas Refrigerator
4)    Typical annual maintenance suggestions and simple set-up procedures from EZ Freeze LP Fridge

If your older gas fridge is susceptible to a cooling unit clog, fuse leaks, fill valve leaks, or defective welds, Gas Fridge offers help there as well. If you’re in the market for a brand new propane refrigerator, Gas Fridge recommends the EZ Freeze LP. It has fewer warranty or repair issues than any others. With over 30 years of experience you can trust Gas Fridge with a recommendation like that. To find out more about the services offered, call Gas Fridge at 928-636-6674 or visit http://gas-fridge.com/

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Gas Freezers vs Solar Freezers - Gas Fridge

There are two types of freezers, gas powered or DC powered. Which is more cost effective, a Propane Gas Freezer or a DC Electric Freezer? This all depends on the power source; DC, propane gas, or natural gas. Gas Fridge will sort out the differences here.

If solar energy, wind energy, or hydro energy is available, then the DC electric freezer operating cost will be low. However, the freezer must have power available at all times to keep the food storage at good freezing temperatures. When electrical sources become unavailable (the sun sets, or the wind stops blowing), freezers will require a battery bank for power storage. With hydro power, batteries may not be needed. Solar power however is not free. Solar power requires battery back-up and batteries wear out and must be replaced.

Gas Freezers can operate from stored LPG (Propane) gas or Natural Gas (a constant source of power). n some cases, a natural gas well is available on the property site and a natural gas freezer would be ideal. An un-metered well means free power to the natural gas freezer. Propane gas is also supplied either by truck to a permanent tank on the property or smaller portable tanks that can be transported and filled at a filling site.

Differences:

DC / Electric: Recovery time (time it takes for temperatures to come down or recover to the thermostat set temperature) when adding non-frozen foods – 2 hours
Retrieving a few frozen items: recovery time – a few minutes
It’s portable, if it’s operated with batteries or small solar cell.
Weight – 80 pounds lighter.

Gas / Absorption: Recovery time – when adding non-frozen foods recovery time – 8 hours
Retrieving a few frozen items: recovery time – a few minutes
It’s portable, mainly because of the power source (propane) being stored in tanks.
Weight – 80 pounds heavier because of the absorption system

Chest Style: The lid opening is at the top and cold air falls, so less cold air escapes.

Upright Style: These are open for less time since the goods are staring you in the face and are more accessible than the buried goods in the chest style. If the freezer is full of food then there is less air to fall out when the door is opened.

Gas Fridge is here to answer any questions or help select the freezer that is right for you. Call for more information at 928-636-6674, or visit our website to view the different products that we offer at http://gas-fridge.com/

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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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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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