Post #1574227

2026-04-23 01:08 UTC

The fridge would actually have to work harder though, to maintain a larger temperature difference between its hot and cold sides. So it'll likely use more energy than the way fridges normally work. In winter, if it's cold enough outside, refrigeration may not actually be needed. You could just pump coolant between inside the fridge and an external radiator to cool it. But, now you have a more complicated system that requires more permanent installation into the house, and also has an outdoor radiator that needs to be maintained so it doesn't get clogged with leaves or damaged.

Replies (3)

@Successful_Try543@feddit.org 2026-04-23 05:10

> The fridge would actually have to work harder though, to maintain a larger temperature difference between its hot and cold sides. So it'll likely use more energy than the way fridges normally work. I think their idea is to still use the chill air from the room for cooling the heat exchanger of the fridge, but transporting the then hotter air outside of the house (like a proper kitchen hood does) instead of keeping it in the kitchen.

Open ##1574228
@Skyrmir@lemmy.world 2026-04-23 01:41

Not too worried about how permanent the installation is. I mean how often do you move the fridge around your kitchen? Besides, these days a lot of them have a water faucet installed for the ice maker anyway. As for efficiency, the AC has to fight the same gradient already, but with the heat being dumped inside it has to overcome it twice. It would add complexity and points of breakage, so it would need to be a robust enough system to make it worth it, which fights against it adding enough efficiency to be worth it.

Open ##1574229
@MNByChoice@midwest.social 2026-04-23 02:39

> permanent installation into the house We have those. Built in fridges are hella expensive. > outdoor radiator that needs to be maintained so it doesn’t get clogged with leaves or damaged Ditto. Just not hooked to the fridge. > In winter, Weirdly, winter can require heating the fridge. Also, depending, it can be really hard on the pump. There are specific fridges made to handle garages (most people use a junk fridge and put low value items that do not require refrigeration, but are more enjoyable cold, in it.).

Open ##1574230