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Not using fridge fan
I'm trying to optimize my refrigeration setup while reducing it's electric consumption. Dometic propane / AC fridge, ammonia, 2004 16' CCD.
AS installed a small computer-type fan, controlled by a button thermostat on the fins of the condenser. It's noisy, runs A LOT, and consumes nearly an amp. On our shakedown cruise, I quickly realized that this sucker could use up the battery all by itself in just a couple of days.
So, I disconnected it, then put the gray plastic covers back on, which hide the whole messy cavity from the outside of the trailer. Condenser got very hot, performance suffered, temp rose both inside fridge and around the kitchen base cabinet.
So, I removed these covers, leaving the ugly messy cavity exposed to the outside. All problems solved. In temps up to 85F on sunny days, the fridge still performed well, condenser and cabinet temps were reasonable, etc. Best of all, zero amps used by the fan.
However, this solution looks UGLY, and tends to blow out the fridge's burner on windy day's. It's also not usable while moving, for the same reason.
SO, has anybody either found a fan that uses a WHOLE lot less juice (say no more than half an amp)? Or does anyone know of or can design replacement covers for the cavity that look ok but assist in convection, for example in the way that those whirly things on roof vents work?
THANKS,
jon
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