refrigerator insulation

[dryfly]

I started a post last year on improving the cooling ability in my 5th wheel refrigerator. I'm finally following up on the good advice given and have pulled my fridge and am fabricating barriers to create better heat removal.

My question is what type of insulation would be best on the "sides" of the unit? I'm thinking of using pieces of styrofoam sheeting cut to size and placed on both sides of the fridge.

I also plan on adding exhaust fans at the top vent. Any recommendations on how much flow is needed. I could use computer case fans or go a little stronger with muffin fans. I doubt noise would be an issue.

thanks

[ctilsie242]

I'd look at an exhaust fan, which may be the best thing to get the fridge to cool, next to replacing the fridge with a compressor based one, and going for a solar system to offset the amp draw.

[dryfly]

enblethen wrote:
Lowes 14538
Lowes 96554
Home depot 614653

Thanks, as per websites none of those products are available for pick-up or shipping in my area. Guess those are used in cold weather areas.

I think for right now I'll just use one layer of the 1" material and call it a day. Most of my improvement will come from getting the barriers around the perimeter of the back of the fridge, and getting better draft of the hot air.

I'm starting to wonder if it's even worth it to use exhaust fans.

[enblethen]

Lowes 14538
Lowes 96554
Home depot 614653

[agesilaus]

Both stores in my area carry 1 1/2 thick board but there is no reason not to double up. Just use construction cement in between the boards (aka liquid nails). And now that I think about it the thicker board does not have the reflective aluminum sheet.
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[dryfly]

enblethen wrote:
Lowes Sku 14538 or 96554
Home depot Sku 614653

checked with both local stores and they don't show those sku numbers. don't have a link by chance?? Maybe only sold in certain parts of the country.

[enblethen]

Lowes Sku 14538 or 96554
Home depot Sku 614653

[dryfly]

where can you find the 1 1/2 to 2" foam board. Local HD and Lowes just carry 1" max. Easy enough to double layer I guess.

[ScottG]

I used pink 2" rigid insulation just to fill the void.

[enblethen]

I used standard foam board with the metallic facing. I believe it was 1.25 thick.
The refer starting working very good and I removed the 3 inch computer fan. It has been working very good for many years with just the natural flow of air.