Date:         Tue, 25 May 1999 11:01:24 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <synergx@IBM.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <synergx@IBM.NET>
Subject:      Re: Dometic Fridge Defrosting & Fuel Consumption
Comments: To: "sh@interlog.com" <sh@INTERLOG.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <3.0.6.32.19990525093953.007c7410@mail.interlog.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 09:39 5/25/99 -0400, sh@interlog.com wrote:
>Just wondering if anyone else has experienced the icing up problem on the
>coils.  Seems to start after 2 days of use (on propane) regardless of
>ambient weather conditions.  It gets worse from there, and a major
>defrosting (and/or chipping away of the buildup) is required after 3-4 days.

These coils (however powered) will freeze moisture out of the air just like
any non-self-defrosting reefer.  But to get that much in four days is
strange; they can't freeze out moisture that isn't there.  Are you keeping
pans of hot water there for safekeeping? <g>  Somehow water vapor is
getting in there -- no door gasket?  Mischievous demons?  My guess is that
you have considerable air leaks at top and bottom of the door, which could
set up a convective loop and pull air through.  Hey!  You've just invented
the dehumidifier, door-to-door service and flooded basements our specialty!


>Also wondering if propane consumption is the same (since the flame is
>always on), regardless of the ambient temperatures or thermostat setting.

Nope.  It uses lots more gas in hot weather.  About a couple weeks per tank
in New England summertime, vs a month or more in cold weather.  The flame
gets much bigger when it's actually trying to cool.

david

David Beierl - dbeierl@ibm.net