Compressor fridge vents

[bartman]

When I replaced the 3 way fridge with a compressor type, I had to remove the metal shield that sealed off the back ventilated area from the habitation area. Presumably that is fitted to keep fumes from the gas burner from entering the living area, as well as keeping out the outside climate.
I then realised that if the vents were left open, there would be a draught from outside, even if I tried to seal around the front of the fridge. So I fitted the winter covers, which still leaves a small gap top and bottom, as well as a vent in the floor. I also assumed that the compressor fridge would not need as much ventilation as the absorption one.
Have I done the right thing to leave them on in the summer, or should I risk the wind and p1ss
getting in?

 

[trevskoda]

Not required, think of your home fridge sitting in a house at 21c, anyway my 230v fridge is compleatly sealed at the back so nout to cool.

 

[bartman]

We're just parked up in the south of France, it's not particularly hot, but a nice Dutch lady parked next to us tapped on the door to let us know that we shouldn't have the covers on. I thanked her and explained the situation. I think she understood, like most Dutch vanners her English was better than mine!
I might discretely fix some aluminum foil on the inside of the vents and remove the covers so people don't think I'm more of a plonker than I am

 

[trevskoda]

We're just parked up in the south of France, it's not particularly hot, but a nice Dutch lady parked next to us tapped on the door to let us know that we shouldn't have the covers on. I thanked her and explained the situation. I think she understood, like most Dutch vanners her English was better than mine!
I might discretely fix some aluminum foil on the inside of the vents and remove the covers so people don't think I'm more of a plonker than I am

Stretch polythane will also work, or a tesco bag.
Remove outside vent and stretch over back of vent trim and fit, problem solved.

 

[colinm]

Every compressor fridge I'm aware of needs some 'ventilation' to allow the warm air from the heat exchanger to escape, in a house this would be inside the kitchen. The installation instructions should specify what it should have.

 

[bartman]

Every compressor fridge I'm aware of needs some 'ventilation' to allow the warm air from the heat exchanger to escape, in a house this would be inside the kitchen. The installation instructions should specify what it should have.

I agree, it's got to disperse some some heat from the rear.
The only reference to ventilation in the user manual is to allow at least 50mm space at the back and top, and 20mm at the sides - all of which it has.
I don't think it needs the same degree of ventilation as an absorption fridge though. It certainly has performed ok so far. I think I'll probably sort out some limited opening at the rear of the top vent. There is a small circular floor vent.

 

[colinm]

Another thing to be aware of is that not all fridges work in low temperatures, so you might have to completely block the vents in winter.

 

[bartman]

Another thing to be aware of is that not all fridges work in low temperatures, so you might have to completely block the vents in winter.

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on that.
Regarding the dissipation of heat, I know that when the old absorption fridge was running, I could feel the heat on the top vent, whether running on gas or electricity. In fact it was an easy way to test whether the gas was alight rather than peering into a corner of the fridge!
I can't detect any heat from this fridge, so I concluded that not so much ventilation was required

 

[Drover]

Mine stipulated 25mm gap on the sides and back....that was it..
If you have winter covers that fit the outside don't loose them. I failed to buy any to fit the size vents I have.
I got the ones that went inside but a gap was left that felt like a hurricane was blowing each night/stopped. I cut a larger bit of plastic to try to stop it...it's better but not perfect..

 

[trevskoda]

Every compressor fridge I'm aware of needs some 'ventilation' to allow the warm air from the heat exchanger to escape, in a house this would be inside the kitchen. The installation instructions should specify what it should have.

My small fridge is fully inclosed all round and base to, baffeld me how it gets cooled but it does, mine is tripple a ratted.

 

[trevskoda]

Every compressor fridge I'm aware of needs some 'ventilation' to allow the warm air from the heat exchanger to escape, in a house this would be inside the kitchen. The installation instructions should specify what it should have.

Incorrect, there are sealed fridges no available.

 

[wildebus]

I found when fitting a compressor fridge it is important to have some way for heat to dissipate around the compressor but it is not much at all.
In my last van I added a litle 3" fan just to provide a bit of airflow but nothing going to the outside. On my current motorhome, where a 3-way was replaced with a compressor fridge, I have completely blocked the top vent from inside and fitted a winter vent, partly for appearance. At the bottom I leave the winter vent on but if the side of the van gets very hot (due to sun, not fridge) the fans are fitted and available to run and I can take the winter cover off if need be.
If there were no vents there to start with I wouldn't add them for a compressor fridge.

 

[colinm]

Incorrect, there are sealed fridges no available.View attachment 151817

I would suggest pretty much every compressor fridge used in a motorhome will need some form of ventilation, and as Bartman says his installation instructions state that there must be ventilation.

 

[colinm]

I found when fitting a compressor fridge it is important to have some way for heat to dissipate around the compressor but it is not much at all.
In my last van I added a litle 3" fan just to provide a bit of airflow but nothing going to the outside. On my current motorhome, where a 3-way was replaced with a compressor fridge, I have completely blocked the top vent from inside and fitted a winter vent, partly for appearance. At the bottom I leave the winter vent on but if the side of the van gets very hot (due to sun, not fridge) the fans are fitted and available to run and I can take the winter cover off if need be.
If there were no vents there to start with I wouldn't add them for a compressor fridge.

I agree you wouldn't want to cut vents to the outside in most cases, although considering the temperatures some vans can get to inside it might be something to think about.

 

[trevskoda]

I would suggest pretty much every compressor fridge used in a motorhome will need some form of ventilation, and as Bartman says his installation instructions state that there must be ventilation.

AS i said mine and many new fridges are compleatly sealed so why vent when nothing to vent, yes older less efficent fridges still require a small air flow but no outside vent is required.

 

[mark61]

I would suggest pretty much every compressor fridge used in a motorhome will need some form of ventilation, and as Bartman says his installation instructions state that there must be ventilation.

Agree completely. The first compressor fridge I had in current van had some ventilation, but not sufficient. Seem to work fine, until I headed down south with temps above 40 C, no idea what temp in van was when parked up in sun. Still worked, but I knew it was struggling.
Current fridge has plenty of ventilation, I certainly wouldn't skimp on ventilation if you intend heading down to warmer climates in the summer.

 

[colinm]

AS i said mine and many new fridges are compleatly sealed so why vent when nothing to vent, yes older less efficent fridges still require a small air flow but no outside vent is required.

You seem to under the impression that I'm saying they must have outside venting, that is not what I'm saying will apply to all fridges.
For some who don't experience very hot climates internal venting may suffice, and I don't know of any fridge that doesn't need this, and indeed for those who experience a lot of cold climates they may find the fridge works better with internal ventilation.
For those who experience very hot climates, they may find external ventilation is required if the internal temperature of the van is too high.

 

[trevskoda]

You seem to under the impression that I'm saying they must have outside venting, that is not what I'm saying will apply to all fridges.
For some who don't experience very hot climates internal venting may suffice, and I don't know of any fridge that doesn't need this, and indeed for those who experience a lot of cold climates they may find the fridge works better with internal ventilation.
For those who experience very hot climates, they may find external ventilation is required if the internal temperature of the van is too high.

Well my total sealed we fridge does not, there is nout to vent or cool, many new tripple a fridges are built this way.

 

[colinm]

Well my total sealed we fridge does not, there is nout to vent or cool, many new tripple a fridges are built this way.

What make and model fridge is it?

 

[trevskoda]

What make and model fridge is it?

Not sure but many on line looking the same are open back and require vented, i did fit vents above for to keep the wood unit its in free from rot.
I see large fridges for sale now full closed and tripple a rated.