How to Convert a Chest Freezer into a Refrigerator

Cold air is heavier and escapes each time the door are opened.

Vertical doors allow the heavier, colder air to escape from the fridge each time they open. This wastes 10 to 20 times more energy than a converted chest freezer. A chest freezer keeps the heavier, colder air in the chest, keeping the temperature more stable, therefore, requiring less energy to hold the temperature. A standard fridge requires 1 to 2 kilowatt hours per day to keep it cold. A converted chest freezer requires only 100 watt hours per day to keep the same temperature.

Things You'll Need

• Digital temperature controller (digital thermostat)
• Zip ties or twist ties
• Plastic or wire baskets or shelving

Instructions

1. Plug the power cord for the freezer into the temperature controller.

2. Plug the power cord for the temperature controller into the wall.

3. Set the temperature controller to cool to about 37 degrees Fahrenheit. The bottom of the chest will be a few degrees colder; the top will be a few degrees higher. The difference will be about 2 to 4 degrees. A temperature of 37 will keep foods above freezing, and below 42 degrees.

4. Unwrap the cord with the sensor probe and run the cord into the freezer. Use zip ties to attach the sensor to the freezer keeping the sensor is at the midpoint between the top and bottom of the chest.

5. Flip the wire baskets upside-down or use shelves to keep the food from touching the bottom of the chest.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for a temperature controller that you would use for brewing beer. These have long cords with the sensor probe and digital read out.

References

• Mt. Best; "A fridge that Takes Only 0.1 kWh a day?" ; Tom Chalko
• Eco Renovator; "DIY, Super-Efficient Fridge Uses .1 kWh a Day"; Benjamin Jones; December 1, 2008
• Mt. Best: Chest Fridge