Improve your 3 way fridge out of sight
Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 09, 2005 at 18:27
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pixiemops
I have recently covered the outside of my 3 way finch fridge with polystyrene foam . Except the back of course. The improvement in its performance is remarkable. In addition to the computer fan under the condenser it works great in hot weather. I have one of those inside outside temperature guages and outside it is reading 30.5 degrees and inside (the temp sensor is half way up the side on the smaller side ) the temperature is zero and my coke cans have ice inside.This is without fan running. Before the temp sensor would read about 5-6 at 30 outside so am mighty impressed. My fridge is the finch fridge not the f400 explorer .........before the modifications was thinking to upgrade not anymore.
The polystyrene i bought from a foam place cost $20 for 25mm thickness .........used a
stanley knife to cut it and then glued it to outside of fridge using sellys all fix .......finished it off by covering the foam with white contact...........looks great too. Took a little while to glue and carefully cut so it looked nice but
well worth it.....I am going to cover the bottom of the fridge too now. Makes me wonder why these manufacturers dont put more into their fridges in the first place ......nothing wrong with the concept just need a little bit more attention in insulation and ventilation and you have a top fridge. . I can answer that question cost but if you can be bothered fans and improve insulation pay off especially if you like freezing cold beer on a hot day and it dont cost much either. The above results are on 240v would like to see how she goes on gas now .........
cheers
Reply By: Nudenut - Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 at 08:29
Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 at 08:29
know an old fart that did this to his engel....which was always in his 4wd....increased thermal insulation providing its installed corecctly ( no access for for moisture to get trapped between the new insulation and fridge skin) certainly works.
" no access for for moisture to get trapped between the new insulation and fridge skin" Cold surfaces attract moisture...every little pinhole or unsealed gap will allow air to migrate to the coldest part of the surface....every time this happens, the air carries moisture with it....this moisture never realy gets released back to the outside when the fridge is not in use and overtime it builds up and either breaks down the insulation bonding to the skin allowing even more air contact (and more avenues for ingress of moisture) and/or severly corrodes the fridge skin. Of course if the bonding breaks down the extra insulation qualities in negated.
The insulation should be applied using commercial coolroom sealants and all joints lapped , butted, overlayed, dovetailed ???? ( now thats stupid) should be sealed to ensure a vapour barrier between fridge skin and new insulation
providing you have not interfered with the airflow over the condenser it should also be more efficient and colder on 12v and or gas....dunno if you'd be able to pick the energy savings though
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101887
Follow Up By: pixiemops - Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 at 10:10
Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 at 10:10
Thanks Nudenut.
The improvement is worth trying anyhow Ill see how it goes over time. The cold retention by the box is obviously markedly improved and not going above zero all day according to my temp gauge is
well fantastic. Electrolux would be advised to increase the insulation on their fridge product and they would have a unit that performs great when its really hot too............cant wait for a 35+ day now to get some more readings. I think people would pay more for it too even if it was another 100bucks .
cheers better fridge performance and happy camping to all.
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359741
Follow Up By: Nudenut - Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 at 17:54
Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 at 17:54
pixie, if you dont mind me saying again...i cant stress how important it is to keep the the new insulation vapour sealed from out side air if you want long term qualities.
If you have any doubts redo all exposed joints to prevent ingress of moisture.
And i am sure you'll notice the difference...50 mm insulation is better than 35!...even if it is only on top, sides and door
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Follow Up By: Wok - Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 at 23:23
Thursday, Mar 10, 2005 at 23:23
Nudenut,
Could you please advise the details of the commercial fridge sealant?ie brand etc..
Thanks
FollowupID:
359826
Follow Up By: Nudenut - Friday, Mar 11, 2005 at 08:28
Friday, Mar 11, 2005 at 08:28
here
or here
bostich makes some good stuff too...
also try the Airfrig Australia ( in all states) ..they have coolroom mastic...cant remember the manufacturer
FollowupID:
359837
Follow Up By: Wok - Saturday, Mar 12, 2005 at 07:21
Saturday, Mar 12, 2005 at 07:21
Thanks Nudenut......never realised it is such a specialised field.....!..learning..learning
cheers
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Follow Up By: Nudenut - Saturday, Mar 12, 2005 at 10:04
Saturday, Mar 12, 2005 at 10:04
just "tricks of the trade"
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359936