Re:Help selecting a new refrigerator please

[Guest guest]

Todd in TN,

I believe that if you check you will find that the coils and drain pan

are actually accessible, though not " readily. " There is usually a

panel at the back that comes off after you remove some screws. I would

check in the store by having the refrigerator rolled out; if they let

you, open the panel up! This is a lot more trouble than just pulling

off the small grille at the front.

Be careful about removing and not replacing insulation as you could

experience some condensation at uninsulated surfaces (since the

interior of the refrigerator is cold). You would have to re-insulate.

If you remove insulation, wear a mask, and only do so with an exhaust

fan in the kitchen window. Lightly mist the fiberglass with detergent

water solution just before removal to reduce the amount of dust and

wear a NIOSH N-95 mask.

I believe that the drain pan in the SubZero refrigerator is only

accessible to a technician as it is buried inside. These refrigerators

run almost continuously because the manufacturer doesn't really tell

people that the coil MUST be cleaned at least once or twice a year.

The coil is behind the grille above the refrigerator and very small

(less than 12 inches x 12 inches) and clogs up very easily with dust.

This reduces the heat transfer and efficiency.

May

" Jeff May's Healthy Home Tips "

www.myhouseiskillingme.com

> ________________________________________________________________________

> 6. Help selecting a new refridgerator please ?

> Posted by: " bhp355 " zippy890@... bhp355

> Date: Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:34 pm ((PDT))

>

> Dear Forum Members,

>

> I went to buy a new refridgerator today and was distressed to find

> that (all?) the new ones

> have drain pans that cannot be accessed, and the coils cannot be

> cleaned either. Is this

> really as I was told? Are they all being made that way now-a-days?

>

> If not, which new model would be best to get?

>

> My 1975 Sears Kenmore still runs like a top, but it has open

> fiberglass insulation that

> is dusty to say the least, and the sponge under the drain pan has

> definitely seen it's better

> day. If I could remove all the old insulation, I just might keep

> it. But I'm not certain this

> could (or should be done).

>

> Help? !

>

> Todd in Tenn.

>