How to remove an old fridge safely?

[Storyline]

Ermm, perhaps because to do so deliberately is ILLEGAL. You don't empty your waste oil into the harbour. Why should waste refrigerant gas be regarded differently. No one ever said complying with environmental legislation would be cheap.

Crikey, thanks for the info, did not know. Maybe best then to remove the whole unit and take it somewhere for disposal yourself. The point I originally was trying to make is that sometimes it is better to decide yourself which is the most environmentally friendly way but would certainly not want to encourage anyone to break the law. Also suppose the legislators know more about it than I do !

 

[Koeketiene]

Thanks all for the replies - much appreciated.
Did not anticipate this thread turning into such a lively discussion.
I really only wanted to find out if it was possible to remove the fridge ourelves and if the gas is in any way toxic/flammable/...

If we do indeed decide to replace the fridge, the plan is now to remove the fridge ourselves.
Afterwards I will take it to the council tip for disposal - jst like I did with our old fridge at home.

 

[Hadenough]

And then fit a keel cooled unit. We did earlier this year and it is incredibly efficient, ice cubes and a third of the power consumption of the old unit.

 

[Koeketiene]

And then fit a keel cooled unit. We did earlier this year and it is incredibly efficient, ice cubes and a third of the power consumption of the old unit.

A keel cooled unit is the preferred alternative.
However, money's tight this year and keel cooled units tend to be more expensive.
And for another thing, we wouldn't be able to do it ourselves (hole through hull, lift-out, etc...)

The fridge is one of two projects under consideration for this winter. The other one being replacing the now defunct Eberspracher.
Going down to SIBS later this week, and we'll go for the project which will be cheapest overall to complete.

 

[Storyline]

The one we have uses the skin fitting on the galley sink to dissapate the heat. Are keel cooled versions much more efficient than this system ?

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

We've gone water cooled, and wholeheartedly recommend it...much more efficient, and keeps a decent sized freezer nicely cool let alone a fridge for about the same power consumption as our old fridge alone.... and as a bonus, doesn't cook the interior with hot air!

 

[Vara]

At the very least.

 

[Hadenough]

We've gone water cooled, and wholeheartedly recommend it...much more efficient, and keeps a decent sized freezer nicely cool let alone a fridge for about the same power consumption as our old fridge alone.... and as a bonus, doesn't cook the interior with hot air!

And it is virtually silent.

 

[Vara]

A keel cooled unit is the preferred alternative.
However, money's tight this year and keel cooled units tend to be more expensive.
And for another thing, we wouldn't be able to do it ourselves (hole through hull, lift-out, etc...)

The fridge is one of two projects under consideration for this winter. The other one being replacing the now defunct Eberspracher.
Going down to SIBS later this week, and we'll go for the project which will be cheapest overall to complete.

As you know I went through this process last year, I finally came to the conclusion, that in N European waters, water cooling was a luxury I could do without.

Cooling air fan taking air from bilge and improved ventilation for compressor compartment seems to have done the trick, my research indicated that insulation and no open drain in the fridge was also vital.

For heating look at Mikuni, bit primitive compared to other offerings but does the job.

 

[Koeketiene]

As you know I went through this process last year, I finally came to the conclusion, that in N European waters, water cooling was a luxury I could do without.

I agree.
However, we do not intend to stay in N European waters for ever.
In fact, not a year longer than I really have to.

Cooling air fan taking air from bilge and improved ventilation for compressor compartment seems to have done the trick, my research indicated that insulation and no open drain in the fridge was also vital.

Ventilation is good. Insulation is even better.
This year, someone (who shall remain nameless) inadvertently put the fridge on 'Max'.
Couple of hours later, I enjoyed my first 'beer sorbet' - it was revolting.

 

[Heckler]

I agree.
However, we do not intend to stay in N European waters for ever.
In fact, not a year longer than I really have to.



Ventilation is good. Insulation is even better.
This year, someone (who shall remain nameless) inadvertently put the fridge on 'Max'.
Couple of hours later, I enjoyed my first 'beer sorbet' - it was revolting.

When we hauled out at Faro the internal temp went up to the hi 20s in the daytime! The fridge, which makes ice cubes by the way started to struggle. The compressor was running a lot. The comp unit is under the sink unit and the hull next to it is usually under the water, thus transferring heat to the oggin. It was getting pretty hot in the sink unit. I opened the door and put a mains fan to blow on it. It made a heck of a difference! So, if you look at my pic, the fan is not that big and doesnt cover the whole of the condenser. I have got two 90mm computer fans to fit in the single fans place and I will put the single fan at the base of the cupboard to force cool air in.
S