The Beer Fridge
Specifications
Details
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | AF-820AA16 |
| Serial | H1-244-740 |
| Refrigerant Content | 10.5 oz Freon-12 |
| Test Pressure | 150 lb Low Side |
| Motor | 1/8 HP 115V |
Temperature
Temperature by Dial Position:
| Position | Temperature (F) | Temperature (C) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 42 | +5.6 |
| 5 | 35 | +1.7 |
| 9 | 28 | -2.2 |
Pictures
Cabinet
Compressor
Start Relay
Wiring Diagrams
Insulating
I used spray foam and insulated the sides and the door. I did not insulated the back of the fridge since access seemed difficult. A 30" Foam Dispensing Gun was used in order to get to the very back from the front access.
The following graph shows the temperature of the fridge compared to room temperature. We can see that the fridge temperature is greatly effected by the room temperature.
Adding insulation did not seem to help us reach our desired temperature. Adding freon may be our only hope.
Adding Freon
Tools Required
- Imperial Eastman 182-f to 289-f service valve kit for hermetic sealed units
- Freon 12
- R12 Refrigerant Charging Hose
Adding Freon
With the fridge not running
With the fridge running
Added freon until running pressure was about 2 lb PSI.
After Adding Freon
Temperature by Dial Position:
| Position | Min Temperature (C) |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | ~3.0 (Room Temp 25C) |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 |
Cost Calculations
Our Fridge
Specs:
Running Power: 82 w
Average Cost/kw: $0.18
Day Cost Calculation:
0.082 kw x $0.18/kw * 24h =
| Condition | Daily kWh | Daily Cost | Monthly kWh | Monthly Cost | Yearly kWh | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Running 100%) | 1.97 | $0.35 | 59.1 | $10.64 | 709.2 | $127.66 |
| Monthly Cost (Running 70%) | 1.38 | $0.25 | 41.4 | $7.45 | 496.8 | $89.42 |
Fridge Power Consumption by Year
Base on 18 c.f. fridge:
| Year | Consumption |
|---|---|
| <1976 | 1800 kWh |
| 1976-86 | 1400 kWh |
| 1987-89 | 950 kWh |
| 1990-92 | 900 kWh |
| 1993-00 | 700 kWh |
| 2001+ | 500 kwH |
| Energy Star 2001-04 | 450 kWh (10% better than 2001+) |
| Energy Star 2004-08 | 425 kWh (15% better than 2001+) |
| Energy Star 2008-10 | 400 kWh (20% better than 2001+) |
| CEE Tier 3 | 350 kWh (30% better than 2001+) |
References
| Reference | URL |
|---|---|
| Video: Fridge Access Port | |
| Video: How to Add Freon To Your Refrigerator 134a | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd8KZNnhTEs |
| How much electricity does my refrigerator use? | https://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/refrigerators.html |