Kaiser
Well-Known Member
Hi,
Some time ago I mentioned my fermentation/lagering set-up with a converted side-by-side fridge: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showpost.php?p=59730&postcount=14
Time for a hot weather performance update. The last 2 days have been on the warmer side here in North Carolina and the temp in the garage hit 30*C (~85*C) and remained there for quite some time. At this ambient temp, my set-up is only able to maintain a temperature of about 13*C (~56F) inside the fridge part. At this point the fan is constantly running. The freezer part is still OK, but due to the continuous running of the fan, I'm afraid that I get serious temperature gradients. Even to the point that I can't put a keg to close to the condenser of the freezer because I'm afraid it will freeze the beer inside while the rest of the freezer is at 3-5*C (38-42F). Just because the compressor has to run for such a long time.
This problem could be solved by installing a fan inside the freezer that will constantly run and circulate the air and putting a foam pad between the keg and the condenser.
But right now, I'm not worried about improving this set-up. We plan to move back to the Boston area in June and there we *will* have a house with basement and I don't have to worry about 80-90F ambient temps. If I wouldn't be moving I would seriously consider making a fermentation/lagering set-up with some plywood, lots of Styrofoam and a window AC that I have lying around.
I just wanted to give an update on the problems that my set-up has, in case someone is going for something similar.
Kai
Some time ago I mentioned my fermentation/lagering set-up with a converted side-by-side fridge: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showpost.php?p=59730&postcount=14
Time for a hot weather performance update. The last 2 days have been on the warmer side here in North Carolina and the temp in the garage hit 30*C (~85*C) and remained there for quite some time. At this ambient temp, my set-up is only able to maintain a temperature of about 13*C (~56F) inside the fridge part. At this point the fan is constantly running. The freezer part is still OK, but due to the continuous running of the fan, I'm afraid that I get serious temperature gradients. Even to the point that I can't put a keg to close to the condenser of the freezer because I'm afraid it will freeze the beer inside while the rest of the freezer is at 3-5*C (38-42F). Just because the compressor has to run for such a long time.
This problem could be solved by installing a fan inside the freezer that will constantly run and circulate the air and putting a foam pad between the keg and the condenser.
But right now, I'm not worried about improving this set-up. We plan to move back to the Boston area in June and there we *will* have a house with basement and I don't have to worry about 80-90F ambient temps. If I wouldn't be moving I would seriously consider making a fermentation/lagering set-up with some plywood, lots of Styrofoam and a window AC that I have lying around.
I just wanted to give an update on the problems that my set-up has, in case someone is going for something similar.
Kai