Rv Camper Fridge: Recharging Coolant For A Cool Trip

Keeping your food and drinks cold while out camping is essential. Luckily, RV fridges are available in three types: compression, thermoelectric, and absorption fridges. However, only one of these types can be recharged with coolant, and that is the compression fridge. This type of fridge is the most similar to the one you have at home and uses a compressor for cooling. The cooling process involves a refrigerant that turns into a liquid inside an evaporator, and during evaporation, heat is drawn from the inside of the fridge, causing the temperature to drop. But before you recharge your compression fridge, you need to be aware of a few things.

Only compression fridges can be recharged

There are three types of RV refrigerators: thermoelectric, absorption, and compression. Only one of these types can be recharged, and that is the compression fridge.

Thermoelectric fridges are designed to be used temporarily and are ideal for keeping food and drinks cold for a short period, such as a day at the lake. They are not suitable for keeping food cold for longer than a few hours. Thermoelectric fridges do not use coolant, so they cannot be recharged. If you are having issues with a thermoelectric fridge, it is best to replace it.

Absorption fridges are the most common type of RV refrigerator. They do not require electricity and instead run on propane. Absorption fridges use an ammonia solution, which is heated in a boiler and expelled as vapour. As they use ammonia, they cannot be recharged in the same way as a coolant. Absorption fridges are sealed units and cannot be opened and refilled. If there is an issue with the cooling unit, it will need to be replaced.

Compression fridges are the type of fridge most people have in their homes. They use a compressor to cool the refrigerator. The cooling process involves a refrigerant that turns into a liquid inside an evaporator. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside the fridge, causing the temperature to decrease. The compressor then draws in the refrigerant, compresses it, and sends it to the condenser. The absorbed heat is released into the atmosphere, and the refrigerant turns back into a liquid and is sent back to the evaporator, where the process starts again.

If you are having issues with a compression fridge, you can recharge it. However, you will need to be certified by the EPA to do this legally, or you can hire a certified professional to diagnose the problem and recharge the fridge for you.

Thermoelectric fridges are temporary and don't use coolant

Thermoelectric fridges operate by pumping heat energy out of an insulated chamber, reducing the temperature inside. This process is known as thermoelectric refrigeration and is based on the Peltier principle. It involves using electricity to pump heat out of the fridge, lowering the temperature inside.

One of the key advantages of thermoelectric fridges is their simplicity. They don't rely on coolants or complex mechanisms to function. Instead, they use solid-state cooling, where solid metal transfers thermal energy. This makes them less prone to leaks and mechanical failures associated with moving parts.

However, thermoelectric fridges have some drawbacks. They are typically less efficient than traditional compression fridges, making them less suitable for long-term cooling needs. Additionally, they may not be powerful enough to maintain freezing temperatures, especially in extreme outdoor conditions.

When a thermoelectric fridge malfunctions, it is often more practical to replace it rather than repair it. This is because the components of these fridges, such as cooling units, can be challenging to replace.

Absorption fridges use ammonia, not coolant

Only one type of RV refrigerator can be recharged with coolant, and that is a compression fridge. Absorption fridges, which are the most common type of RV refrigerator, cannot be recharged with coolant. This is because they use ammonia, hydrogen gas, and water, instead of coolant, to keep the fridge cool.

Absorption fridges use an ammonia solution mixed with hydrogen. The ammonia is heated in a boiler and expelled as vapour. To make it evaporate, hydrogen is added to the mix, and heat is pulled out of the fridge, making it cooler. The ammonia vapour then goes to the absorber, where it is reabsorbed into a weak solution of ammonia. This saturated solution is sent back to the boiler, and the cycle starts again.

As the ammonia solution cannot simply be recharged or topped up, if the cooling unit is faulty, it will need to be replaced. This is not a straightforward process and should be done by a professional. It is also not easy to find the correct replacement cooling unit, so it is recommended to go through the RV fridge manufacturer.

Signs that the cooling unit of an absorption fridge is faulty include the smell of ammonia when the fridge door is opened, the sight of rusty water on the metal tubes at the rear of the fridge, or the presence of a yellow or green powder, which is sodium chromate, used as an anti-corrosive agent.

Recharging a fridge may void its warranty

Warranties are essentially a mutual agreement between the manufacturer and the consumer, stating that if the consumer treats the appliance well and something goes wrong, the manufacturer will take care of it. This agreement comes with specific rules that, if broken, will void the warranty. For example, some manufacturers require that repairs and maintenance be performed by a professional, not by the consumer following a YouTube tutorial.

In the case of RV refrigerators, recharging should only be done by a certified professional. This is because the process involves careful handling and consideration due to the potential risks associated with mishandling the cooling unit. Additionally, it is important to note that not all RV refrigerators can be recharged. Only compression fridges, which use a refrigerant gas that turns into a liquid at low temperatures, can be recharged. Thermoelectric and absorption fridges cannot be recharged.

Therefore, if you are considering recharging your RV refrigerator, it is important to first identify the type of fridge you have. If you have a compression fridge, research the warranty claims and consult a certified professional to diagnose the problem and perform the recharge if necessary. This will help ensure that you do not inadvertently void the warranty and that the recharge is performed safely and effectively.

Recharging may not be cost-effective for older fridges

While it is possible to recharge an RV fridge, it is important to consider the cost-effectiveness of doing so, especially for older fridges. Recharging an RV fridge is not a simple task and often requires a professional, which can be costly.

Firstly, it is crucial to identify the type of RV fridge you have. There are three main types: compression, absorption, and thermoelectric. Only compression fridges can be recharged, as they are the only ones that use a coolant or refrigerant. Absorption and thermoelectric fridges use ammonia or similar solutions, which cannot be recharged.

If you have a compression fridge, the next step is to determine the cause of the issue. If it is due to a low level of coolant, then recharging may be possible. However, it is important to note that some compression fridges have closed systems and cannot be recharged. Additionally, attempting to recharge an RV fridge yourself requires EPA certification, so it is often more practical to hire a certified professional.

The cost of hiring a professional to diagnose and recharge your RV fridge can be significant. For older fridges, the cost of replacement parts and labour may outweigh the value of the appliance itself, making recharging a less cost-effective option. In such cases, it may be more prudent to consider replacing the fridge entirely.

Furthermore, recharging an RV fridge may also void the warranty on your appliance. It is essential to research the warranty claims before making any decisions regarding recharging. Additionally, there is a risk of refrigerant escape during the recharging process, which could result in further issues and expenses.

In summary, while it is technically possible to recharge an RV fridge, it may not always be the most cost-effective solution, especially for older fridges. The cost of hiring a professional, the potential loss of warranty, and the risk of refrigerant escape are all important factors to consider. In some cases, replacing the fridge may be a more feasible option. Therefore, it is crucial to weigh all the factors and make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.

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