Oasis Montana designs and sells residential solar electric power systems

Oasis Montana Inc.
Renewable Energy Supply and Design
Call us!  406-777-4321
Fax: 406-777-4309
M-F  8:00am-5:00pm MDT
Contact us: info@oasismontana.com
Home Page: www.oasismontana.com

 

Energy Efficient and Propane Refrigerators and Freezers

efficient AC refrigerators, propane refrigerators, LP refrigerators, Gas refrigerators by Servel, Dometic, Crystal Cold, ConServ

REFRIGERATION:  FACTS AND OPTIONS

Your average conventional refrigeration unit uses 3500 to as much as 8500 watt-hours per day--generally real energy hogs!  Next to air conditioning, water and space heating, refrigeration is the largest electrical load in your home.  If a typical refrigerator is run by a solar-powered system, it may require as many as 12 to 18 (75 watt) solar modules--or more--a rather costly way to keep your food chilled!  There are, however, alternatives for off-grid or back-up power situations.

FACT:  if everyone in America used energy efficient refrigeration units, this nation would be an energy exporting nation, not an energy importing one.  Hmm...
 

The average refrigerator consumes more energy than any other household appliance. We spend over $10 billion in the U.S., alone, to supply energy to our household refrigerators. The following tips will save you money and reduce your carbon (energy) footprint:

1) Clean the filter and coils annually: Most Americans rarely, if ever, get around to vacuuming out the filter and coils on the back of the fridge. A dusty coil can increase energy consumption by 20 percent or more.

2) Keep it full but not stuffed: A fridge and freezer will be able to retain their coolness better if they're full. If you're not at full capacity, place a few containers of water in the 'fridge or bags of ice in the freezer.

3) Think about what you want before you open the fridge. Every time you open the fridge to browse for a snack, you consume around  9 to 13 watt/hours, which is enough power to light a compact fluorescent 60 watt equivalent  light  bulb for 45 minutes.

4) Let hot items cool before placing them in the refrigerator.

5) Defrost the freezer regularly.

6) Check the door gaskets for a tight seal.

7) Cover liquids and foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.

8) If your fridge is older than 1993, get a new one. You're spending so much on your electric bill, you'll actually save money. New models use less energy than a 75-watt light bulb. Be sure to look for the Energy Star label (www.energystar.gov and www.aceee.org for more information).

Above tips compliments of http://www.organicconsumers.org/
 


How much CO2 does your refrigerator make? Click on this link : http://www.thegreenguide.com/calculators/refrigerator-co2.mhtml

 

Other important considerations regarding swapping out your old refrigerator for a newer, more energy efficient refrigerator like the energy star refrigerators found here include:

  • Energy-efficient refrigerators run quieter.
  • Energy-efficient refrigerators turn off & on less.
  • Energy-efficient refrigerators run less often.
  • Energy-efficient refrigerators  release less heat into your kitchen.
  • Energy-efficient refrigerators keep their contents cool longer during power outages because they have more insulation.

We are pleased to offer a new appliance site that offers all of our electric and gas models in one location at ** ECO APPLIANCES **


AC Energy Efficient Refrigeration
by VESTFROST

The Vestfrost refrigerators have been discontinued in the USA, but we have other comparable models here -- http://www.eco-fridge.com/Efficient-refrigerators.html -- Euro-refrigerators very similar to the ConServ/Vestfrost models.

 For additional and up-to-date information on the
energy-efficient Conserv refrigerator and refrigerators that are Energy Star listed please click here

Propane Refrigerator by Dometic

One of the oldest and most reliable manufacturers of LP units, Servels are still available without significant lead time, for $1525 plus freight.  The Servel Americana 400 series is their latest technology of fully independent refrigerator/freezers.  The absorption-type cooling system (no freon) is quiet and dependable, with no compressor or other moving parts to wear out.  Choose almond or white for exterior finish with designer beveled edges; 7.5 cu ft (5.6 'fridge, 1.9 freezer).  CFC-free.  Outside dimensions:  63.5" tall; 23" wide; depth of 26.5".  Door hinged on right.  Features include all-white interior with adjustable, removable shelves and door bins, plus two vegetable crispers and a battery powered interior light.  All models can be operated on AC electricity if desired (but are not energy efficient used in this fashion, using almost 4000 watts per day).  Fuel consumption averages (at 77° ambient temperature) 1.1 lb of propane daily or 1.5 to 2.4 gallons per week.  Swedish made with famous European craftsmanship, these units will provide many years of use.  American Gas Association approval, of course; one year warranty.  Call for your freight on these units.  Also available as fueled by kerosene for $1950.  The kerosene units do require additional maintenance (as kerosene is a less clean fuel than propane).  There is a maintenance kit suggested for those interested in the kerosene units that costs an additional $149; spare parts included are 12 wicks, wick raiser, flame spreader, wick cleaner, and glass chimney.

Click here for a picture and additional information on these great units . 


 

Full Sized Propane Refrigerators

New From Oasis Montana: Diamond LP Gas Refrigerators. With their economical fuel usage, superior construction, and large size, Diamond refrigerators fit the bill for many families living off the grid or for those who want a reliable refrigerator in the event of a power outage. No electricity required! With a five-year manufacturer’s warranty and modern styling, these are an excellent addition to our gas appliance line. The Diamond refrigerators are available in 10, 15, 17, and 19 cu. ft. sizes. There is also an 18 cu. ft. refrigerator-only model available  All models can be converted for natural gas use for an additional $50. Call, write, or e-mail us for additional information on these quality NEW units.

 

New Blizzard Propane Upright Freezers

These New Blizzard freezers are also made by the Amish and are available in 15,18, and 22 cu. ft. upright.  click on the link above for more details.


For your information:  Never run any refrigerator or freezer from any manufacturer when it is empty. You should always have something inside each compartment (at least a few jugs of water or something like that). Air alone does not retain enough cooling for the thermostat to properly sense the temperature; your compressor will end up running much more that necessary. Also, your freezer will operate more efficiently if full; if you are the sort who doesn't have many goods in your freezer, add sacks of ice to keep it full. It will cycle less and use less electricity. And, if there is an extended power outage, you will be the toast of your neighbors as you will have ice to spare.



CONDENSATION PROBLEMS?  Your refrigerator is NOT producing water.  See what is really happening and how to mitigate the effects of humidity in your refrigerator by clicking here.


NOTE:
Appliances are not stocked locally and ship from our suppliers back east.


WHAT TRUCK FREIGHT ENTAILS: 
The best rate for truck freight shipping is to have you pick it up at the local freight terminal or commercial drop point. A residential delivery is usually $40 to $45 more than a business delivery, and, a lift gate (which drops the goods off at ground level), is another $80 to $100 in additional fees. Inside delivery is an additional cost on top of that.

Know someone with a truck? Can you have a dolly or hand cart on hand? If you can mobilize a couple of strong bodies, you might be able to save $80 to $120 or so!

Call for your freight on any of our truck freight items.

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