–Wildhorse Propane & Appliance, serving the propane needs of Prunedale Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz counties recently released a report about how propane refrigerators work. “Propane-powered homes are generally more efficient and economical than electricity-powered,” says owner, Steve Dodson, “and understanding how a propane refrigerator works helps consumers make informed decisions when choosing appliances.”
Both propane and electric refrigerators work on the same basic principle of using a refrigerant, a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator to transfer heat from the inside of the refrigerator to the outside environment. However, the way they generate the heat needed to operate the refrigeration cycle is different.
A propane refrigerator works using a combination of heat and pressure to create a cooling effect. The refrigerator has a series of tubes and chambers that contain a refrigerant, which is a substance that can be compressed and expanded to remove heat from the surrounding environment.
The Prunedale propane supplier has summarized how a propane refrigerator works:
- Heat source: The refrigerator uses a propane flame as its heat source. The flame heats up a metal coil, which is located at the bottom of the refrigerator.
- Heat absorption: The hot metal coil causes the refrigerant in the first chamber to evaporate, absorbing heat from the inside of the refrigerator.
- Compressor: The refrigerant then enters a compressor, which compresses the gas and increases its pressure, causing it to heat up even more.
- Heat dissipation: The hot refrigerant then moves through a series of coils, where it releases its heat to the outside environment. This process is similar to how a conventional refrigerator releases heat through the back or bottom.
- Expansion valve: After the refrigerant releases its heat, it enters an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and causes it to cool down.
- Cold absorption: The cold refrigerant then enters the second chamber of the refrigerator, where it absorbs heat and cools the inside of the refrigerator.
This process is repeated continuously as the propane flame burns and the compressor operates, creating a steady flow of cool air inside the refrigerator.
An electric refrigerator also uses a combination of a refrigerant, a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator to transfer heat from the inside of the refrigerator to the outside environment. The difference is an electric refrigerator uses compression to heat the refrigerant, which translates to using more energy to keep the appliance cool.
Overall, the benefits of propane-power over electricity include:
- Propane refrigerators don’t produce emissions. Electric refrigerators emit carbon dioxide into the environment.
- Propane refrigerators are typically less expensive to operate due to how they are designed to keep the appliance cool.
- Propane refrigerators require less maintenance. There are not moving parts used to cool the appliance, meaning there are no parts to wear out.
- Propane appliances in general provide for a greater return on investment and save money by being less expensive to operate.
The Prunedale propane supplier has been providing propane services, including appliance sales, to Monterey County, North San Luis Obispo County and portions of Santa Cruz County since 1980. A local family-owned business, Wildhorse Propane & Appliances is a full-service company supporting the propane needs for residences, industry, business, farms, ranches and public works projects.
The services include:
- Services for residential, commercial and agriculture
- Propane tanks, installations and maintenance
- Propane appliances
- Underground gas line installations
Wildhorse Propane & Appliance
50557 Wildhorse Road
King City CA, 93930
831) 385-4827