Refrigerators

Direct Cool vs Frost Free Refrigerators

You’ll find that the difference between direct cool and frost free refrigerator units go far beyond price, but price is certainly a significant aspect. Direct cool refrigerators are typically much less expensive than the frost free versions. While the price gap has helped to keep the frost free refrigerator a consideration only for those who can splurge on their appliances, the gap between the models is shrinking, and is expected to continue shrinking over the next few years.

Frost free refrigerators, as the name implies, do not require any kind of manual defrosting. A small element is placed inside the unit that actually melts accumulating ice. This is done without interfering with the natural cooling cycle that is required to continuously refrigerate food.

A direct cool model produces the necessary chill through natural convection. It’s not as effective at keeping cold foods fresh as the frost free version. This is because the technology of the frost free refrigerator helps to maintain a more consistent temperature, especially in the humidity controlled fresh food bins. Frost free refrigerators also tend to scorch food with freezer burn less often, as the build up of ice is not as apparent, even on individual items.

The direct cool refrigerator requires fewer amp hours of electricity, when comparing the energy requirements of each model at the same temperature. It also cools the air and products inside the unit instantly. If you envision the refrigerators that store ice cream at the local market, you get a strong visual of the cooling cycle of the direct cool models. This is part of the reason that direct cool refrigerators are more popular than the frost free models. Over time, with changes in current technology, this is expected to change.

Manufacturers are focusing on the frost free designs more than the direct cooling designs, as the anticipated growth in popularity should become apparent in the next few years. Helping to make this a reality, the engineering and research departments that create these appliances are focusing on new innovative designs to reduce the energy needs, and increase the longevity of newer models of frost free refrigerators.

The life expectancy of the current models, of the frost free refrigerator, is greater than that of the current direct cool models on the market.

Marketing is shiftingtowardthe frost free versions. It is thought that the improvements within the technology will make the direct cooling models obsolete within ten to fifteen years, with the exception of those designed for industrial purposes.

Summary:

1. Frost free refrigerators are more expensive, although the price gap is declining.

2. Frost free refrigerators do not require any deicing or defrosting through manual means. It is handled automatically.

3. Direct cool refrigerators use natural convection, resulting in instant cooling capabilities.

4. Frost free models are better at maintaining consistent temperatures, and keeping food items fresh for a longer period of time.

5. Direct cool refrigerators are more energy efficient.

6. Manufacturing andmarketingare leaning toward making the direct cool version obsolete.

7. Direct cool is a popular choice for industrial use.

Through my research I found one important point... a refrigerator compressor has a motor suspended by springs. When moved on it's side, damage can occurred stretching or breaking a spring. (depending on how old the unit is and how rough the ride.

But we have all come into contact with someone in our life, when we moved a refrigerator, whose expertise will vary from city to city or web site to web site.

This is the answer we are all looking for.

Important: If it has been necessary to transport the refrigerator on its side, it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in. If on its side for more than a day, leave standing for 24 hours before running. (If laying on its side just briefly to service, clean or adjust, just a few minutes of stand time will be enough.)

GE simple does not recommend moving a unit on it's side, but if you must...

When moving other GE refrigerators to a new location, we recommend the following:

* Turn refrigerator to Off. This should be done a couple of hours before moving to allow the evaporator time to defrost.

* Disconnect power cord from wall.

* Remove all foods and clean the interior. If the refrigerator is going to be in transit for more than a day, you may want to place a small bag of activated charcoal(such as used in fish tanks) in the refrigerator to absorb odors.

* Secure loose items, such as the grille, shelves, storage pans, ice trays, ice storage bucket. Covers and removable parts should be protected with tape - this prevents their coming loose and causing damage.

* Secure the refrigerator. If your refrigerator is on rollers, be sure it is properly secured in the moving van to prevent rolling and damage.

* Handle with care. The exterior of your refrigerator should be protected with a blanket covering.

NOTE: GE does not recommend laying the refrigerator on its back.

When loading the refrigerator in a moving van, truck, etc., it is best to keep it standing upright. If laying the refrigerator on its side cannot be avoided, it is important to follow the above instructions on securing the components inside the refrigerator to prevent possible damage.

When using a dolly or hand truck, always truck from the side.Possible damage could occur if trucked from the front or rear. Should it be necessary to lay the unit down, lay it on its side

Lay it on the side opposite the hinges (on top and bottom freezer models) so the door will remain closed.

Side by side models should be placed on the freezer side. That door is less likely to come open.

Note: Exceptions are MonogramTM, bottom-mount and compact models* - these must always remain upright!

Below you will find my notes of correction based on my research. They will be bracketed and italics.

[again a myth- the oil is part of the system, In small refrigeration systems, like home refrigerators, the oil is allowed to circulate throughout the whole circuit.]

(original answer)

Please see comments on the above. I would offer the following.

This answer is based entirely on hearsay, so I offer it with the qualifier of less than, "I believe", which may force an entire revision of my authority of information scale, but that is besides the point, however; I do feel it to be pertinent. I know that the whole principle of refrigeration is based on the evaporation and condensation of a fluid, somewhere, usually at the very bottom of the refrigerator there is a compressor. The evaporation of the fluid is what causes the cooling action, just like perspiration on your body is a cooling agent, it takes energy to split a molecule, therms are energy, removing therms, lowers the temperature, there is no unit of measure for chill, for there is nonesuch, refrigerators are really dethermifiers. Alright so I'll get to the point the compressor supposedly does not do well with gas bubbles in it, when you turn a refrigerator on its' side it allows gas bubbles into the compressor?? So that is what I've heard, however my own conjecture is based on having come in contact with freon once, I don't recommend it, but it feels quite oily, possibly when a refrigerator is on its' side all of the liquid freon drains into the evaporation tubing potentially either clogging the tubing or removing essential lubrication for the compressor causing damage at startup. I have also heard however that there is a certain critical angle of tilt that is harmful, further I've heard that it is no problem if the refrigerator is off, and is allowed to stand vertical for at least 24 hours prior to being started again. Take this for what it is worth, which in my opinion is very little, in that it is only my conjectural opinion, and I have no training in refrigeration, nor have I conducted any serious investigation into this issue.

Answer

It is possible damage will result. Your fridge's compressor motor may be suspended inside the compressor housing on three or four springs. These springs are designed to hold the motor load in a vertical position. Transporting a fridge on it's side can stretch or break these springs which can cause a shudder stop condition (the fridge makes a shuddering banging noise every time the compressor stops and sometimes when it starts).

It's considered to be a good idea to let a fridge sit for a bit anytime it is moved. I believe "overnight" is appropriate, to settle the refrigerant and any possible products of wear to their appropriate area in this closed system.

Make sure you remove the doors from your old fridge unless you are immediately getting rid of it or it is stored somewhere kids cannot get to it.

actually no its not .

Example of a very old telephone prank call.

The expected answer. YES would be followed immediately by the caller saying "you better run and catch it then".

It was, but I caught it and brought it back.

Mine was, but then it got away. I put up posters for it. It calls to the name, Fridgey. He is yellow, and about 6 feet tall. If you find him, please tell him to come back. A reward of nothing is waiting for you!

The light inside a fridge is an "appliance" bulb. It is controlled by a spring loaded switch, usually mounted in the door frame across the top of the door opening.

The switch is on when the door is open which allows the spring to push a "plunger" out, thus closing the switch and allowing electricity to flow to the bulb filament.

When the door is closed, the door pushes the plunger IN, opening the switch, and thus cutting off the flow of electricity to the bulb.

encourages buying more food than needed, which increases waste

expensive

takes up room