Baja Man wrote:
beemerphile1 wrote:
I would suggest that before you go messing with fans you should insure the refrigerator is installed correctly. Your manual will have very explicit directions about spacing and clearances, these directions are often ignored by the RV manufacturer.
Sometimes adding baffles or closing off a dead air space above the refrigerator is all that is needed to optimize function.
beemer....
I agree with the installation info. I reviewed the install manual and it states that there should be 1" max space behind refer. This is basically almost kissing the coils.
My space is more like 6". I'm sure this added space has the effect of more hot air hanging around coils, which means longer times for air to rise and exit roof vent and also equals more hot air warming coils.
Less space means less hot air around coils, air rises quicker as there is less of it, and ultimately cooler coil.
Is this logic about right?
Also, can I decrease the space down to 1" without removing the refer?
If so, how? Can I glue blocks foam against RV sidewall until I reach the 1" gap between the new wall of foam and refer?
Thoughts?
You are on the right path. The design is for air to circulate by convection (hot air rises). The air needs to move thru the coils rather than past them to get a good air current going.
I used some sheet metal and bent baffles to close the space. Others have used Reflectix. Foam blocks sounds like it would work also.
You may be able to do it without removing the refrigerator, it is impossible to know without seeing the installation. My refrigerator wasn't difficult to remove but they do come in some very large sizes which are unwieldly.
Some refrigerators also have a huge dead air space at the top of the cabinet which also holds heat and prevents convection from doing its job.
