How to Use Propane Refrigeration
Most propane refrigeration units are used inside of recreational vehicles (RV’s), although there are styles available for the home. The propane refrigerator uses heat, which sparks a chemical reaction. Like a standard electric refrigerator, evaporation and then condensation cools the interior of the refrigerator.
Items Needed:
- Propane Refrigerator
- Propane
- Gas Lines
- Regulator for the Propane
- Compressed Air (optional)
- Ensure that you have plenty of propane because the stove, oven, hot water heater, and the refrigerator all share the propane. Opt for a second tank, with a switching regulator that will automatically switch from an empty tank to the full propane tank.
- Adjust the refrigerator to run on propane. Many RV and propane refrigerators can run on electricity or another gas. It is important to make sure your RV is parked on level ground because the functioning of the refrigerator on propane requires it to be level.
- Make sure the pilot light in the refrigerator is turned on according to the manufacturers instructions. This will allow the flame to turn on below the refrigerator that heats up the coolant then compresses the refrigerant gas which activates the condenser.
- Clean the dust and dirt out of the compressor and the pilot light using an air compressor or a can of compressed air at least once per year to positively affect the efficiency.
- Keep the door to the refrigerator closed as much as possible. It takes a lot more propane to keep a propane refrigerator cool than a conventional electric refrigerator. It helps to keep the refrigerator filled, even with gallons of pre-cooled cold water because a full refrigerator is more efficient to maintain cold air than an empty refrigerator.