There are plenty of RVers who have 20-year-old Norcold fridges that still function like they did when new. This is because these units are so durable and energy-efficient.
They are also more resistant to frost than residential fridges. They operate off LP gas and 120V AC with automatic switching. Norcold also offers Polar DC refrigerators that operate off 12V DC power.
1. Energy Efficiency
Many of Norcold’s fridges use less energy than traditional RV refrigerators. They’re also energy efficient in their cooling cycle because they use heat to cool rather than electricity, like household refrigerators do.
One of the most popular models is their Polar series, which features residential-style absorption fridges in 7, 8, and 10 cu. ft. capacities. These are available in side-by-side 4-door options as well.
Air conditioners use a lot of power to start up, so a device that eliminates the initial surge can make them more energy efficient. A few tips to save even more energy include using reflective insulation around your windows and extending your awning when the sun is high in the sky. You can also reduce your power consumption by limiting how often you run the refrigerator.
2. Quiet Operation
Quiet RV air conditioners produce a lower decibel level than other units, making it easier to have conversations and listen to TV or music. They also use fewer amps, which saves energy and reduces your power bill.
They cool your RV by circulating an ammonia-based refrigerant through metal coils where it changes from liquid to gaseous form, absorbs heat from the RV’s interior and then returns to a liquid state to repeat the process. They also come with a dehumidifying mode that helps control humidity and temperature.
Some models also feature inverter compressor technology, which automatically adjusts the cooling speed based on demand, ensuring more precise temperature control and reduced energy consumption. Many also have programmable thermostats that help you optimize energy usage throughout the day and night.
3. Easy Access to Food
When camping, having a refrigerator in your RV keeps your food at the proper temperature to prevent spoilage. A Norcold refrigerator will keep your drinks cold and ice cream frozen while running on a low power consumption.
Residential fridges are popular in big fifth wheels and class A motorcoaches, but they’re noisy, expensive to run and require a maintenance schedule involving lubricant, filters and electrical components. In addition, they often suffer damage from road vibration and have a complicated cooling unit that requires a lot of power.
Norcold RV fridges are more efficient than residential refrigerators and have a simpler cooling unit that runs on LP gas. They’re also more durable and can withstand vibration better than a residential refrigerator. They also have a user friendly LCD control panel that is easy to see at eye level.
4. Compact Design
Many norcold rv air conditioners are designed to be as compact as possible to reduce their overall weight. This allows for more space in the RV and makes it easier to install the unit. This also helps to improve the fuel economy of your vehicle by reducing its engine load.
Most Norcold refrigerators can operate on either propane or electricity, but they will switch automatically based on the power source available. This makes them a great choice for RVs that have both options available to them.
Some people may be confused about how RV refrigerators work. Most people are familiar with household appliances that run on compressors, but RV refrigerators use an absorption system to cool. This is why they can be so expensive to repair and replace.
5. Easy to Maintain
A Norcold refrigerator is a great choice for your RV because they are easy to maintain. However, they do require some attention. For example, the absorption unit needs to be level. Otherwise, the magic gas will slosh around and cause permanent (and expensive) damage.
One thing that can help is to install fans blowing upward in front of the cooling fins. I have done this for several clients and it helps keep the fridge cool.
Many newer motorhomes are equipped with residential refrigerators. The 2008 Tiffin Phaeton that I owned came with a Norcold 1200, which could be operated on propane or 110-volt AC power. These are great for your home on wheels, but can be a bit pricey to replace in the event of a failure.norcold rv ac units
