Refrigerator Mod
Last year I replaced the original refrigerator although it was working, but beginning to look a little worn and probably nearing the end of its life. Both the old and new instructions said that the back of the refrigerator should be as close to the wall (an inch or less), but not close enough to touch the wall. If this was not possible install a foam baffle between the top coil and wall. I had no baffle and several inches of space to the outside wall. Used some wood and sheet metal to fill in the space before installing the new Norcold refrigerator. Filled the cavity between the sheet metal and outside wall with fiberglass. I also filled the area above the refrigerator with fiberglass. The new refrigerator has worked well. Even in 100 plus at Las Vegas this summer it was about 40-45 in the refrigerator and 0-10 in the freezer. Of course you have to not overload, open the doors frequently, make ice at night, etc. I think following the manufacturers installation instructions really helped. I don't have any fans behind or above, but I do have a small 2 D cell powered fan (runs a month on 2 batteries) on a lower shelf inside the refrigerator. I believe the narrow space behind the refrigerator enhances the chimney effect of warm air moving up and also forces it over the coils on the back of the refrigerator increasing the performance. Compressor refrigerators will always cool better, but we are unplugged a lot and there is no noise from propane or electric heater. FWIF.
Topic: Refrigerator Mod