Does an absorption refrigerator need winterizing

[howardwheeler]

Since an ammonia based fridge has water in the system, does it need some form of winterization? Our camper will spend its first winter in really cold temps. Northern Idaho can get down to minus 35. It’s always wintered in Texas before, so the question has never arisen. If it needs some protection the only thing I could think of is to leave it plugged in on a setting that will cause it to run periodically since you can’t get into the system. I am assuming nothing is required, or I’d be hearing of more problems with these types of fridges. So the ammonia must act as an antifreeze. Am I correct? I don’t want a bad fridge come spring.

[pianotuna]

No damage from storage, but running them in the cold may kill the cooling unit.

ScottG wrote:
Like ANY fridge, they don't work well outside of manufacurer expected ambient temps.
But they nver hurt themselves.

[pianotuna]

Hi wildtoad,

Have a look here:

https://forums.goodsamclub.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/24160748.cfm winter camping sticky

wildtoad wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
If you are going to run it in cold weather, yes there are some things to do.

Please expound on this.

[ScottG]

Unbelievable. Amonia freezes at -107F .
The OP's fridge is NOT going to freeze - especially in Texas!!!
It is also not going to freeze or otherwise damage itself if you RUN it in cold weather. Like ANY fridge, they don't work well outside of manufacurer expected ambient temps.
But they nver hurt themselves.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING TO STORE IT.

[RKW]

The water in an RV absorption refrigerator is always in a solution with ammonia. When the refrigerator is in use the solution is weak. When it's not in use the solution is strong. The strong ammonia solution acts as an anti-freeze.

[wildtoad]

pianotuna wrote:
If you are going to run it in cold weather, yes there are some things to do.

Please expound on this.

[pianotuna]

If you are going to run it in cold weather, yes there are some things to do.

If you are storing it--it will be just fine.

[noteven]

Yes! Mine likes Arizona

[howardwheeler]

Thanks. I thought that might be the case then started wondering about the water in the system.

[ScottG]

There is nothing to winterize on an absorbtion fridge unless it has an ice maker.
Just turn it off and prop the doors open.