4 ms·
I think fridges have gotten worse since they stopped using CFCs and reduced the mass. They are more efficient, but almost all make constant annoying noises inst
by akvadrako 5y ago
I think fridges have gotten worse since they stopped using CFCs and reduced the mass. They are more efficient, but almost all make constant annoying noises instead of the occasional steady hum of good old ones.
I tried several high end models and even ammonia absorption before ending up building a sound insulating box instead.
- Kaze404 5y agoThat's interesting, I have the exact opposite impression. I don't have what people in the United States would consider a modern fridge by any means, but it was recently bought brand-new (2021) and it's so quiet it's almost uncanny. The only time I'm reminded fridges are even supposed to make noise is when it beeps a jingle from being turned on after the power goes out and returns.
- userbinator 5y agoCFCs were banned not because of inefficiency, but people carelessly letting them into the atmosphere and destroying the ozone layer. (I can't blame them much though --- nontoxic, nonflammable, and otherwise inert under normal conditions, they were widely considered to be a miracle material, a triumph of engineering.) They were used as refrigerants because of efficiency among their other desirable properties. The sound mainly comes from the compressor, and maybe the evaporator/condenser fans[1]. You're right that the older low-speed designs, especially the rotary ones, are definitely less annoying to listen to, but I think the sound insulation and mounting makes the most diference, and the newer ones save material cost there. [1] related item: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20856036 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20856036
- akvadrako 5y agoI agree CFCs were more efficient; my point was removing them made it more challenging to design quiet fridges, because the coolant is less effective.