Propane Fridges? What do you think?

[AKpilot]

Thinking of getting a Propane fridge, what is your experience with them?

Mahalos!

AKpilot

We're all here, because we're not all there!

[VancouverIslander]

I chose 120v last time over propane due to annual average cost (all in costs - initial investment, operating and maintenance). Even with HELCO rates.

Just call me Mike

[birdmove]

My daughter has a propane stove and dryer, but electric dishwasher, fridge, and hot water heater. So, we had to pay to have propane lines run to these appliances, and to have the appliances converted from natural gas to propane. If you already have some propane appliances, then the install will be less, but more than likely, you'll still have to have the fridge converted. Her electric bill in the two bedroom one bath house, that also has a small day care run out of it, is lately around $105-$115 a month. I got her two, I believe, 7-8 gallon tanks. A tank goes about 5-6 weeks, and runs about $34.00 a fill at the place on the highway near Pahoa.

Jon in Keaau/HPP

[ericlp]

I hear that propane fridges from friends use about 5 gallons of propane every 2-3 weeks... I am thinking they are being conservative on that number. But let's just say, your fridge sucked down 5 gallons every month. The average cost of a gallon here is about 4.50 or about 5 bucks after the taxes ... So that's 25 bucks a month.

That is 300 a year just in fuel. That is if the prices remain the same. I know propane can fluctuate from 3-6 bucks. Not like the mainland where it's 2 bucks all day long a gallon.

Anyway....... Some of the high efficiency fridges suck down about 1kW of electricity... If you buy a nice one from cold stone in Pahoa you can cut that down to .5 kW. So with a 280 watt solar panel you could conceivably run that fridge in hawaii.

It just doesn't make sense to me to buy a propane fridge. Not only are they expensive, but they are expensive to run. Let's not mention the joys of filling up propane tanks and moving heavy ones around to keep the fridge going.

[VancouverIslander]

We went with propane for the stove, hot water and dryer. Fridge, washer, water pump and lights run for a month for less than $25.

Just call me Mike

[Tink]

If you are a "window shopper" when using the fridge, it's a high cost ice box no matter what you buy. My choice would be high efficiency electric with 100% solar offset. If completely off grid and somewhat cloudy days a hybrid fridge is OK, providing you know what you have and where it is to keep the door shut as much as possible.

Community begins with Aloha

[Punatic007]

Are you off grid? If so go for a 12v refrig, absolutely no comparison hands down to propane, the new ones run on half a panel.

One of the biggest issues with a propane refrig is they will require more and more fuel as they age. What starts out as a savings is only good for 5 yrs then goes down hill.

[Bullwinkle]

good off grid solution

run quietly

Ive owned several that were over 30 years old still ran strong

simple technology

do be aware there is a little flame inside - not good for areas that may see flammable gasses like shops or areas where gasoline is stored

need to be dead level to run at peak efficiency

[AKpilot]

oh yes, I am 100 percent off Grid.

AKpilot

We're all here, because we're not all there!

[dmbwest]

Happy New Year Bullwinkle,

I too have done all the 'math' and went with HE + tiny solar vs. Pro-pain.

If you have time, please share any numbers you have ... Mahalo.

AK ... Its really close. And SO SOOO Many variables to factor in, size needed, freeze or cold, even temp generator usage.

If part time, I could see just lighting up Propane.. but (IMO) for day to day use ... HE still saves over time ...

aloha,
pog