II bought a antique 20s,30s refrigerator for $95

[FarmboyBill]

A GE frig with the compressor mounted on top. The pressor is painted white, but i dont know if its origional

[clovis]

Cool!!!!

I love those old things. Does it run with ammonia in the compressor system?

Clove

[FarmboyBill]

Other than its dang heavy. Took 3 guys to load it, course, it was 105 in the shade, and there wasnt no shade, and I was HOT and wore out

[savinggrace]

Wow I've been looking for one of those for years! Have fun with it

[HermitJohn]

These were one of the most effcient electric refrigerators ever and lasted forever too. I almost bought one at auction few years back but couple antique dealer ladies outbid me. It was sitting out in well house with a very bad looking cord so no idea if it worked or not. Owner said it worked when he set it out there..... Didnt want to really gamble or invest bunch money making it work if it didnt.

If you are going to actually plug it in and use it, suggest replacing the cord if it shows any age cracking or wear. Also new door gasket. And think you might actually find a reproduction gasket if you search. These bring high dollar restored or in immaculate used condition. Seems some yuppies restoring old houses want period items......

[FarmboyBill]

Its the origional cord wrapped and with a plug in on both sides, like the open top toaster or toaster with wings *doors) I think I can find that eaasily enough

[Windy in Kansas]

Originally Posted by HermitJohn

These were one of the most effcient electric refrigerators ever and lasted forever too.

I would not have thought them to be energy efficient compared to modern ones of the same size. One would think that the newer foam insulation would work better. I suppose having the compressor up on top which allows the heat to rise is what works best.

One difference today is that refrigerators have grown tremendously in size and now have heaters built into them. Yes, heaters. The ones used for defrosting. One pays dearly for that convenience you know.

I still think refrigerators and freezers should be redesigned to have the compressor outside of the living area. Think mini-split heater/AC systems.

[HermitJohn]

Foam I am sure is more efficient per inch than mineral wool they used in appliances back then, BUT modern manufacturers tend to want thinnest appliance walls as possible so dont effectively use their foam technology. And as you say most modern refrigerators/freezers are self defrosting with heaters in the walls.

Those old motors were more efficient and longer lasting as they werent trying to minimize amount copper/iron in them. Sure you have seen those old general use monster size electric motors that are only fractional horsepower at farm auctions, they last forever and very efficient. Probably made in era these refrigerators were made. Having compressor on top of fridge also got heat away quickly as heat rises. Having coils under or on back of fridge means you fighting same heat over and over.

As people in alternate engergy forum on this site have mentioned, you can make a very efficient refrigerator out of cheap thin wall chest freezer, the cold air doesnt spill out everytime you open the door. It rivels those super efficient (and super expensive) SunFrost refrigerators with thick foam insulated walls.

Now if all the efficiencies could be combined.....

By way there have been suggestions that each house could be based around a water cooled diesel engine. Produces electricity the household needs plus the heat to heat the house.