The Basics of Refrigerators

A refrigerator is a device that is used to store cold food and beverages. The basic components of a refrigerator include tubing made of copper and a compressor. The refrigerator uses the refrigerant Freon to maintain its temperature. Most large interior fixtures are vacuum-formed plastics. Smaller interior fixtures are performed pieces or blanks. In the United States, most refrigerators are designed for residential use. You can purchase many types of refrigerators, including French doors, ice makers, and other varieties.

 

Jacob Perkins invented refrigerators

In 1834, an American inventor named Jacob Perkins developed the first commercial refrigerator. This machine used a closed-cycle system of vapor compression to keep food cold and fresh for a long time. Perkins was a physicist and mechanical engineer, and his work paved the way for the modern refrigerator we know today. He also developed a system to make currency resistant to forgery. Jacob Perkins was born in New buryport, Mass., and died in London, England, in 1849. Prior to his invention, people would have stored leftover food in cellars or in holes in the ground.

In 1824, Evans and Perkins became friends, and in 1833, they started working together in an American printing business. Perkins adapted Evans’ design for a refrigerator and received a patent for it in 1834. He then approached a man named John Hague and convinced him to make one. Perkins then patented his design, and a few years later, Perkins convinced Hague to build one.

 

Refrigerants

HFCs are becoming less common, and some progressive devices are using natural refrigerants like CO2. The GWP of natural refrigerants is usually lower than that of HFCs. Other common refrigerants include propane, isobutane, and carbon dioxide. The EPA is considering listing propylene as an alternative refrigerant. The GWP of R-290 is less than 600.

In air conditioning systems, refrigerants play an important role. They absorb heat from the air and transfer it to another area to keep a room cool. These chemical compounds can be classified into three different classes. Understanding the differences between the three classes of refrigerants is important to prevent any problems with your system. Listed below are the main refrigerants used in refrigerators. These fluids have different uses and are considered “green” in many countries.

 

Components

Refrigerators have several components, including electrical and electronic equipment. They also have lights and probes that measure temperature to aid in preserving the contents of the refrigerator. An electronic circuit in the form of a card is located on the central unit. These components are connected to each other by cables. In addition, refrigerators may contain CFC-containing refrigerants. These units must be drained of the coolants when they are not in use.

A compressor is another important component of a refrigerator. This device increases the pressure of refrigerants through a process known as compression. Compressors can be hermetically sealed or open. In either case, the compressor is responsible for increasing the pressure of the working gas. The refrigerant enters the compressor at low pressure but leaves it at high pressure. The condenser removes the heat from the refrigerant and forms a saturated liquid or vapour gas.

 

Sizes

There are many different sizes of refrigerators to choose from, and the standard ones range from 24 to 32 inches in width and height, to 29 to 34 inches deep. Side-by-side refrigerators are typically larger, and the height and depth of a side-by-side refrigerator are usually higher than those of a top-freezer refrigerator. Bottom-freezer refrigerators are often smaller, with a width ranging from 29 to 33 inches.

The size of a refrigerator should be based on the number of people in the household. The larger the family, the larger the refrigerator needs to be. However, if space is a consideration, a standard-sized refrigerator can accommodate most households. There are also a few different styles to choose from, such as French door and side-by-side models. A full-sized refrigerator should have ample space to allow for air circulation.

 

Cost

Many consumers are skeptical about the energy consumption of refrigerators, and may not even realize it. This is because energy consumption data are based on assumptions, including the life of the appliance and discount rates. However, life-cycle energy-efficiency information can be more useful. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when evaluating energy-efficient refrigerators. First, consider your own needs and lifestyle. How many people in your household need a refrigerator? Do you use the refrigerator at least twice a week?

The cost of refrigerators has decreased by an average of $18 to $30 per year since the 1960s, and prices have dropped by a similar rate since. However, prices did increase a bit after standards were changed, and the price of some models climbed slightly before continuing to decline. In addition, refrigerators have improved in reliability, as measured by the number of units serviced within the first five years of ownership. However, some refrigerators, such as ice makers, may need repair more often.

 

Recyclability

A significant amount of recyclable materials are found in the refrigerator. Refrigerants, oils, and other compounds in refrigerators are removed by federal law. After removal, steel and other metals are recovered for recycling. Selected refrigerator parts can also be recycled. Some recycling programs also capture the foam insulation inside the door, providing added environmental benefits. Approximately 120 pounds of aluminum and steel are recovered from a single refrigerator. The remaining parts of the refrigerator are disposed of as trash or disposed of in an appropriate manner.

Most companies will pick up your old refrigerator when delivering a new one. Sears, Best Buy, and Home Depot all accept old refrigerators for recycling. You can also sell your old refrigerator to utility companies, which offer rebates for recycling the appliances. Many utility companies also offer incentives to recycle refrigerators, and some will even pay you for them. Duke Energy, for example, will pay you up to $50 for your old refrigerator.