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sourdoughben's avatar
sourdoughben
Explorer
Mar 15, 2019

compressor refrigerator compartment coolin fan ?

My RV has a compressor type refrigerator. It has an added small computer cooling fan in back next to the compressor. I read a article that stated a cooling fan is not needed with a compressor style frig.
I’m wondering why my coach builder installed this fan? The back side of the refrigerator compartment has the standard ventilated access door. Before I pull it’s plug, am I missing the reason for it ?
  • Assuming you fridge is in a slide, there is no roof vent so the fan helps with ventilation out the side wall.
  • Does the sound of the fan bother you? An overheated compressor is not cheap to fix.

    In normal situations, the compressor probably doesn't need supplemental cooling, however, RVs are often parked in the sun in very hot climates, and are poorly insulated.



  • This appears to be the RV the OP talking about. We are most likely talking about one of those newer ac/dc compressor fridges. Dometic and Norcold make them. Not a big residential one. One of the pics shows the drives side of the Rv where we can see vent in the side wall. Thus the OP should keep the fan or risk overheating the fridge.
  • Fulltimer50 wrote:

    This appears to be the RV the OP talking about. We are most likely talking about one of those newer ac/dc compressor fridges. Dometic and Norcold make them. Not a big residential one. One of the pics shows the drives side of the Rv where we can see vent in the side wall. Thus the OP should keep the fan or risk overheating the fridge.




    "The Bengal" image from Provan Industries LLC
  • The condenser on my fridge is sized specifically for a 120mm fan. I relocated it to force air through instead of pull. And used a noctua nf-f12, run times dropped thereafter for less noise. lots of efficiency gains to be had regarding condenser ventilation.

    Even larger passive condensers will benefit from higher airflow.