If you’re an RV enthusiast, you know the importance of keeping your fridge running correctly. One of the most important things to check is the ammonia level. If it gets too high, it can cause all sorts of problems for your fridge and even ruin your food. In this blog post, we will show you how to check the ammonia level in your RV fridge and what to do if it’s too high.
How To Check Ammonia Level In RV Fridge?
- Use a test kit – Test kits allow you to measure the ammonia level in your RV fridge. These can be purchased from most hardware stores or online retailers.
- Check the water lines – If you have an older model RV fridge, it may contain rubber tubing with a valve on the end of each line. When this valve is open, you should be able to see a yellow tint in the water. This indicates that ammonia levels are too high.
- Inspect the coils – If your fridge has external coils, inspect them for signs of corrosion or buildup. This is often an indication of higher-than-normal ammonia levels.
- Replace gaskets and seals – If the gaskets or seals on your RV fridge are worn, this can cause ammonia levels to rise. Replacing these components will help keep ammonia levels under control.
- Clean the coils – Dirty coils can restrict airflow and cause higher-than-normal ammonia levels in your fridge. Cleaning them regularly will improve performance and reduce the risk of ammonia buildup.
- Clean condenser fan – If your RV fridge has a condenser fan, it should be cleaned regularly to ensure adequate airflow and reduce the risk of high ammonia levels.
- Replace air filters – Air filters are an important component in keeping your fridge running efficiently and reducing the risk of ammonia buildup.
- Monitor the temperature – Keeping the temperature of your RV fridge at an optimal level can help reduce the risk of ammonia buildup.
- Change water filter – If you have a water filter on your RV fridge, it is important to change it regularly, as dirty filters can increase ammonia levels.
- Keep condensate drain clean – Condensate drains can become clogged and cause ammonia levels to rise. Cleaning them regularly will help reduce the risk of ammonia buildup in your RV fridge.
What Is Ammonia?
Ammonia is a colorless gas with a strong, pungent odor. It’s found naturally in the environment, and it’s used industrially as a fertilizer, bleach, and refrigerant. In an RV fridge, ammonia is used to cool the unit’s interior; when mixed with hydrogen, it forms a highly efficient cooling system. However, when the ammonia levels become too high, it can cause various problems for your RV fridge and its occupants.
What To Do If The Ammonia Level Is Too High Or Too Low?
- Check the vents – Ensure all the vents on your RV fridge are open and unobstructed to ensure adequate airflow.
- Adjust the thermostat – If your thermostat is set too high or too low, it can cause ammonia levels to fluctuate. Setting it correctly will help keep levels in check.
- Clean the condenser fan – If your RV fridge has a condenser fan, it should be cleaned regularly to ensure adequate airflow and reduce the risk of high ammonia levels.
- Replace air filters – Air filters are an important component in keeping your fridge running efficiently and reducing the risk of ammonia buildup.
- Change the water filter – If you have a water filter on your RV fridge, it is essential to change it regularly, as dirty filters can increase ammonia levels.
- Replace gaskets and seals – If the gaskets or seals on your RV fridge are worn, this can cause ammonia levels to rise. Replacing these components will help keep ammonia levels under control.
- Clean the coils – Dirty coils can restrict airflow and cause higher-than-normal ammonia levels in your fridge. Cleaning them regularly will improve performance and reduce the risk of ammonia buildup.
- Monitor the temperature – Keeping the temperature of your RV fridge at an optimal level can help reduce the risk of ammonia buildup.
- Keep condensate drain clean – Condensate drains can become clogged and cause ammonia levels to rise. Cleaning them regularly will help reduce the risk of ammonia buildup in your RV fridge.
- Inspect the coils – If your fridge has external coils, inspect them for signs of corrosion or buildup, which can cause ammonia levels to rise. Cleaning or replacing them as necessary will help reduce the risk of high ammonia levels.
Tips To Check Ammonia Level?
- Check the temperature of the fridge. The optimal temperature range for an RV fridge is 38-42 degrees Fahrenheit. A higher reading could indicate that there is too much ammonia in the system.
- Inspect the seals and gaskets around the door to make sure they are airtight, as ammonia can escape from small openings.
- Smell the air inside the fridge. If you detect a strong odor of ammonia, it could mean that there is too much in the system.
- Look for any signs of corrosion or discoloration on the interior walls and shelves, as this could indicate an ammonia leak.
- Check for leaks in the cooling lines by running water over them. If you see bubbles or liquid coming out, it could indicate an ammonia leak.
- Check the cooling lines for any blockages or clogs that can prevent the flow of ammonia from reaching the fridge’s interior.
- Inspect all pipes and hoses connected to your RV fridge for signs of leakage or corrosion.
- Look for any signs of ice buildup inside the fridge, which could indicate that there is too much ammonia in the system.
Bottom Line
By following these tips, you can easily check the ammonia level in your RV fridge and make sure it’s working properly. If the levels are too high or too low, you should contact a professional for help. Additionally, regular maintenance is key to ensuring that your RV fridge runs efficiently and safely. Finally, if you ever detect an ammonia odor coming from your RV fridge, be sure to turn it off and call a professional.
FAQ’s
How often should I check the ammonia level in my RV fridge?
The frequency of checking the ammonia level will depend on how often you use your RV fridge. Generally, it’s a good idea to check it at least once every few months to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Is it safe to use ammonia in an RV fridge?
A2. Yes, ammonia is a safe and effective refrigerant for RV fridges when used correctly. However, it’s important to keep the levels within the recommended range (38-42 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure optimal performance and safety.
What should I do if the ammonia level is too high or too low?
If the ammonia levels are too high, it’s important to turn off your RV fridge and call a professional for help. Additionally, you may need to clean your fridge to remove any buildup that could be preventing proper airflow and cooling. On the other hand, if the ammonia level is too low, you may need to adjust the pressure regulator or add more refrigerant. It’s important to contact a professional for help in both cases.