How to set up your new gas refrigerator for proper operation

Posted on
Setting propane/gas pressure

It is very important that the gas pressure be set correctly. Too high or too low of gas pressure may lead to poor performance or permanent damage to your gas refrigerator. Proper gas pressure for a LPG propane system is 11 inches of water column. Your gas supplier will test and set the correct pressure for you. It is possible to do it yourself. Check out our “How to test gas pressure” page.

Burping the Propane Gas Refrigerator or Natural Gas Refrigerator
If your new Diamond gas refrigeratorsEZ Freeze gas refrigerators, or most other gas refrigerators, has been laid down during shipping or the unit is not cooling correctly within the first day or two of operation, it is possible that the unit may need to be burped. This process releases an air lock and allows the chemicals to return to the proper levels within the ammonia absorption unit. The process varies depending on the brand of gas refrigerator you own. For most models, turn the unit off and let the unit cool. Disconnect the gas supply line. Carefully rotate the unit upside down so it stands on it’s top. Rotate the gas refrigerator from side to side not front to back. Let the unit sit in this position for 15 minutes. Rotate back to it’s upright position standing on the legs. Let the unit sit in this position for another 15 minutes before lighting. Reconnect the gas supply and test for leaks.

Burping for Danby / Consul propane refrigerator models, turn the unit off and let the unit cool. Disconnect the gas supply line. Carefully rotate the unit counter clockwise to it’s left side. Let the unit sit in this position for 15 to 20 minutes. Rotate the unit counter clockwise upside down so it stands on it’s top. Let the unit sit in this position for 15 to 20 minutes. Rotate the unit counter clockwise to it’s right side. Let the unit sit in this position for 15 to 20 minutes. Rotate counter clockwise back to it’s upright position standing on the legs.

Tips for operating your Gas Refrigerator or Gas Freezer
Once the gas fridge / freezer is operating, let it chill down for approximately 12 hours before loading with food. You will notice the freezer will chill first. When the freezer portion is significantly chilled down, then the fridge section will start to get cold. This is the nature of the gravity operation built into the system. The refrigerator section is the first to be effected by any change to the thermostat, ambient air temperature, humidity, or change of door opening cycles. Load warm or room temperature foods in smaller portions a couple hours apart. Let the unit stabilize for a few days prior to making adjustments to the thermostat. Check the refrigerator compartment temperature first thing in the morning to get an accurate reading of the thermostat setting. We suggest to use an external thermometer to monitor the temperatures. Do not overload the unit with room temperature liquids such as large jugs of water. Load the freezer with Ice trays or objects to be frozen prior to bed time. This way the unit will have all night to recover. Aluminum Ice Cube Trays make ice much faster than plastic trays.

Be sure the gas fridge is level in both directions since the absorption system works from gravity, it is vital to the proper flow rate that the unit is level.

Be sure the gas refrigerator has proper ventilation an all sides. Most manufacturers will have recommendations within the owners manual. Minimums are usually 2″ left and right sides and 8″ above with 2″ at rear. Intake and exhaust ventilation is also recommended. Always turn the gas valve on slowly to protect the regulator and/or thermostat from a surge of pressure. Test for leaks with a solution of soapy water and brush around all gas connections before lighting the gas refrigerator.

If you still have questions about the set up of your propane refrigerator, please call one of our technicians at 928-636-1955 or contact us.