Refridgerator use in winter

[dtrink]

This will be the first time I have used my motorhome in the winter. Is there anything special that I have to do to use the refrigerator in the cold weather. It seems to me that there should not be anything to do differently, but I want to be sure. Thanks.

[crasster]

Mile High wrote:
Don't know if you have the residential type refrigerator or gas absorption/electric, but I have heard on the gas absorption type if the outside of the fridge gets too cold through the outside access vents, it will stop cooling because it thinks everything is already cool. The fix was to put some form of heat back there such as a light bulb.

x2. If you use a regular fridge, no reason to seal the outdoor vents. sometimes you can get an extra bit of storage for tools.

[Mile_High]

Matt_Colie wrote:
Dtrink,

There is usually no issue, but any system can "siphon". This can happen to absorption unit more easily than compressor units, but both can have it happen.
Matt

I never think of it on a compressor unit because they are typically not open to environment on the back like absorption units, unless it was a retrofit.

[Mile_High]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Do NOT block the 'vents'.....need air flow to properly cool

X2
And to stay alive (if on LP). The vents serve to exhaust Carbon Monoxide at the top and provide combustion air at the bottom..

[Old-Biscuit]

Do NOT block the 'vents'.....need air flow to properly cool

BUT if too cold need some additional heat to properly function.

A 60W incandescent light bulb in lower area should be enough 'added' heat

[Matt_Colie]

Dtrink,

There is usually no issue, but any system can "siphon". This can happen to absorption unit more easily than compressor units, but both can have it happen. All it means to you is that if the back gets colder than the freezer, it may all freeze. So, just keep an eye on it and if the reefer side starts to get too cold, block the outside vent with something simple at first. You can get more carried away if it gets colder.

Matt

[Mile_High]

Don't know if you have the residential type refrigerator or gas absorption/electric, but I have heard on the gas absorption type if the outside of the fridge gets too cold through the outside access vents, it will stop cooling because it thinks everything is already cool. The fix was to put some form of heat back there such as a light bulb.

[Bill_Satellite]

If you have an ice maker then you need to look at where the water line runs. You maybe need to drain the line and turn off the water if it will be in an area where the freezing air circulates which is quite likely.

[noteven]

I've used mine at 32 below 0F this winter.

[craig7h]

Nothing different than in the summer.