freezer insulation modification

[sam]

wow, I recently added insulation around the box void on the freezer. It took over twenty cans of expandable foam, but it made a significant difference. I now run around 0 to 10 degrees F. Very worthwhile mod.
Sam LONGHAWK, B43, hull #9

[Mike Brown]

Sam, how did you access the area to do it? Our freezer seems fine, it's the fridge that could use some more insulation but I don't see a way to do so.

[sam]

Mike, I had previously posted regarding my condensation issue behind the refrigerator. Well, to finally address, Beneteau pulled the fridge out and re-insulated the lines between the compressor and fridge. While out, they added the foam. Pulling the fridge turned out to not be that big of a job, just tedious.
My fridge works well, never had any issues with it. Now the freezer is up to par.

[Mike Brown]

Sam, I knew you had the condensation issue, something I've not seen on our boat. Our fridge runs OK but does seem to be impacted by temp changes. I'm always on the look out for possible improvements. Voltage variance will also impact it. Not so much an issue since I installed the trojan T105s but still something I watch carefully since it's the single largest power thief. Between the fridge and freezer the avg draw is 3.5 to 5amp hrs. I also get too high a voltage drop (7-10%) due to undersized wiring from the battery switches to the DC panel. The dealer is going to fix it under warranty in the off season. Looks like a #6 wire was run rather than a 4 or 2.

[Gavin White]

Hi
I was thinking of insulating my fridge so I am interested. I have the 'inline' galley model and can get at the front and aft side of the fridge but Hull side and forward look more challenging. Did they dismantle the chart table to get yours out Sam? Also with the foam Mike, is there an issue of, potential over expansion of the foam?

Cheers

Gavin

[Mike Brown]

Gavin, I haven't done it yet on the boat but having used spray foam before I know a little bit goes a long way. Not sure if too much will cause a problem but I'd assume it could and go easy on it.

[Mike Brown]

Sam, now that your freezer and fridge are well insulated what do you typically see for thier run time, amp draw? I'm still working to understand my power usage but one thing I do know is that the two of them make up the bulk of my power consumption at a combined draw of apx 5-6 AH. Along with all the other equipment we can use 200+ amp hrs in a day which is a lot of power. So much that if I want to stay out on the hook for more than a couple of days I'll struggle to keep the batteries charged. My plan is to insulate the fridge the best I can then work from there. Let me know how the insualtion is working out for you.
Mike

[Alain Brauckmann]

Yes, insulating the fridge could be a good idea ...
If you have done it ... le me know how

[Mike Brown]

I purchased some multi layered foil blanket type material. I'm going to tape it to as many sides as I can access on the fridge. This includes the space between the front door. I will also check and install if accessable the refridgerant tubing lines leading to both units. Plus will use spray foam in any voids I can find. I'll let you know how I make out.

[Alain Brauckmann]

Some thing new about isolation the fridge ?

[Mike Brown]

Just an attempt to help insulate the fridge. Not sure it did any good since I was unable to get to all sides of the unit. I've been having problems with the compressor short cycling, turning on and off frequently. It cools properly but runs more than it should. I talked to a local tech and checked a few things based on his recommendations. The voltage is fine and the door seal is good. It's a control issue with either the control module or thermostat. I swapped the control unit with the freezer compressor and also sprayed the fridge thermostat with WD40. Seems better but I'm going to keep an eye on it.

[Alain Brauckmann]

End of the year, I'll try to isolate the tubes going from the compressor to the Fridge ...

[Mike Brown]

Mine were already insulated but I added some to exposed tubing near the compressors. Still going to watch how often the compressors run. Trying to reduce energy consumption while at sea.