If you open the door of your RV refrigerator and are hit with an unusual ammonia-like odor, there could be some severe issues occurring with the appliance that you should address before you use it for food storage.
If caught in time, you could resolve these issues quickly, and you can continue using your RV fridge on camping trips with your family.
What is Causing the Ammonia Smell to Occur?
For many years, ammonia was used as the primary product for cooling smaller refrigerators. Ammonia is an affordable option for cooling refrigerators that aren’t often used, like those in RVs. But one of the main reasons it is still commonly used today is because it can alert you immediately if there is a leak by giving off a strong odor.
If you have noticed the strong smell of ammonia in the air upon entering your RV, your cooling component is likely leaking. Or more precisely, because the evaporator of your cooling component needs replacing.
Thanks to this pungent smell, most RV owners can catch the issue early, allowing them to repair the issue and keep their family safe, all while ensuring the longevity of their refrigerator.
Why is Ammonia Used with RV Refrigerators?
Ammonia is a common component of RV fridges because it doesn’t require as much energy to keep food cool, and it’s ideal for appliances that are not used for long periods.
Decades ago, ammonia was the main cooling product used for all types of refrigerators. These days, it is often only found in vintage models or those of particular use like RV refrigerators.
Modern residential refrigerators no longer use ammonia because it can pose a hazard if a leak occurs. Ammonia is known to cause damage to the skin and eyes if exposure is prolonged.
Therefore, you should use caution when using or repairing an RV fridge that contains ammonia.
If you notice the smell of ammonia inside your RV, it is likely because there is a leak in your evaporator coil. That will cause the cooling unit of your fridge to no longer work. That is common with all brands of RV fridges, especially with absorption refrigerators.
How to Be Sure Your RV Refrigerator is Leaking Ammonia
Although the strong smell of ammonia is often enough to let you know that your fridge is leaking, there are also a few other things you can look out for to confirm there is an issue.
Another common issue is yellow staining that appears either inside or around the location of your fridge.
You may also want to consider purchasing an ammonia detector for added precaution.
These devices can easily detect the amount of ammonia present in your fridge. And if your coolant numbers are lower than they should be, the detector can also prove that there is a leak present.
How to Repair Your RV Refrigerator that is Leaking Ammonia
The only way to repair your RV refrigerator if you have an ammonia leak is to replace the cooling unit completely. These units can be costly, and when it comes to working on some older models, it may be less expensive to purchase a new refrigerator instead.
However, you can usually save some money by doing the repairs yourself if possible. Here are some tips on how to replace the cooling unit for your RV refrigerator.
First, you will need to remove the fridge from your RV and set it upright. Wipe away any ammonia spills using gloves and a damp cloth. Remove the back cover of the refrigerator by removing the evaporator fin screws and the burner assembly cover.
Then set the refrigerator so that the exposed cooling unit is facing up. Remove the damaged cooling unit and all dried thermal mastic that remains in the refrigerator.
Next, you will need to shape the foam encasing of the new cooling unit with help from a wood rasp. Place the new cooling unit inside the refrigerator box. The fins should be flush against the tubes, and everything should fit securely. Once a proper fit is achieved, it is time to place the new cooling unit inside the fridge.
After that, you will need to open the bag of thermal mastic in one corner and squeeze the bag to apply the material.
Apply it in ½ inch increments on all the exposed tubes. Place the new cooling unit inside the refrigerator box and press down on the unit using medium pressure for at least one minute. Doing so will allow the thermal mastic to adhere to the unit. Add the fins and back to the refrigerator and secure using the screws before setting the fridge back upright.
You may also want to seal all the gaps between the foam and your RV refrigerator using silicone caulk to reduce the risk of stains and damage caused by any future leaks that may occur.
Remember that ammonia can be very damaging to your eyes. When working on your refrigerator, you should always wear safety glasses when replacing a cooling unit on your fridge.
How to Eliminate the Smell of Ammonia After Repairing Your Fridge
After successfully replacing the cooling unit in your refrigerator, you will still have the lingering smell of ammonia present in your RV. There are a few things you can do to remove the strong odor from your camper successfully.
Here are a few simple suggestions that will help eliminate odors from your fridge.
Leaving coffee grounds and baking soda in your refrigerator is a great way to eliminate ammonia and other foul odors. These products can absorb the opposing smell quickly, leaving behind a fresh scent. You can place coffee grounds or baking soda in a small dish and leave it inside your fridge with the door closed for 24 hours.
After you have removed the smell, you will want to clean out and wipe down your refrigerator. You can do this by using an all-purpose cleaner or vinegar. Wipe down glass surfaces using old newspapers for a streak-free shine.
Adding a refrigerator to your RV can be extremely convenient. But it is essential to keep in mind that these appliances are designed differently from the residential fridge inside your home. The primary difference is that most will use ammonia to keep things cool.
Anytime you notice the scent of ammonia when you step inside your RV, it is a good indication that your fridge needs to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid additional issues.
