Are Vintage Refrigerators Energy Efficient?

[@reidb18]

I just picked up a 1932 Westinghouse, the one with legs and the motor on top... needs a tonne of tlc, but she still runs after 90 years.

[@googleusergp]

I am still using my parents 1967 GE model TB16SCC unit upstairs. It was bought as a housewarming gift by my dad's mom new back then and it has only required repair one time. In 2000 I replaced the cold control with a Gemline GC135 which was a reboxed OEM unit. That was a $45 repair. I picked up another NOS one last year off of eBay. I also have a 2005 Whirlpool fridge downstairs. I still have the original owner's manual for the GE (as well as the Magic Chefs noted below as well as OEM parts lists for them) and I have an OEM parts list for the GE as well. The GE has a manual defrost freezer (which I just defrosted last week). I will keep it going. As you said, it was paid for years ago. I fix all my own stuff. I use vintage Sears tools and equipment. My toolboxes are from the 1960s. I am old and new school at the same time. Sadly, it has outlasted my grandparents on both sides and my parents. I also have the original 1968 Magic Chef wall oven and cooktop in the kitchen. Those and the GE fridge are Avocado green. I have fixed those a few times over the years. Only the dishwasher has been replaced since 1967 (this is the 3rd one with a WLP made Kenmore in 2019. I fixed the 1987 Kenmore that it replaced a few times over 32 years, but the tub rotted out and it was not worth fixing). Give me something that was designed to be repaired any day.

[@mistervacation23]

This innovative tale offers a refreshing perspective on combating climate change and highlights the power of rediscovering forgotten technologies. Dr. Hayes's determination and the symbol of the gas refrigerator inspire hope for a sustainable future

[@ethelryan257]

With our knowledge, today, we could build refrigerators which are both energy efficient and packed full of convenience features and able to run for 90 years without a problem. Instead, we have Whirlpool units (regardless of cost) which leak out in five years. We have LG cooling systems which, despite major improvements still fail the day after the warranty ends, reliably. We have Samsung refrigerators which are beautiful and have outstanding mobil apps...and their ice-makers and defrosting systems are worse then the first 1950's units, unserviced, are, today.

[@mikemoyercell]

They just want you to buy a new one every 2-5 years. They don't want them to last 80 years. Still I'd rather have my 1947 kelvinator than any new garbage.

[@M10000]

You should do a video about Westinghouse's automatic defrost. Two capillary tubes, two suction lines, and a compressor that runs backward for heat to defrost the freezer! There is a counter in the thermostat. 60 times of opening and closing the door starts a defrost cycle. They are magnificent refrigerators. Also, they use a special door gasket that never rots.

[@JohnSurf5]

The KZbin channel Calvacade of food showcases that model in their episode on vintage refrigerators. It’s fascinating!

[@M10000]

Models. I've seen big and small.@@JohnSurf5

[@desertheavens]

Still using a 1939 GE fridge, all original. My son has one identical and it's his everyday fridge as well. Very energy efficient! And I know both of ours could use new door gaskets but they still are over three times as efficient as all of the newer ones I've had. So is my old 60's deep freezer.

[@andrewbethea327]

I don't care if vintage refrigerators are not energy efficient. I prefer those over modern refrigerators with complex digital controls and computers. For me, simplicity trumps energy efficiency.

[@kimjongoof5000]

Good luck paying that power bill. Electricity isn't cheap outside the US

[@andrewbethea327]

I live in the US, so the cost of energy outside the US isn't relevant.

[@dysfunctionaldad7611]

New to vintage refrigerator's, just acquired a 1954 GE combo with the lazy Susan shelves that still runs but needs some work to get it back to being beautiful so thank you for the videos and I look forward to learning how to restore and take care of this awesome "vintage" machine from you. Cheers.

[@NepalDog]

Yep! My 1956 CoolSpot uses less than $15 a month, as that is the energy bill.

[@tedlahm5740]

1971 Sears Cold Spot here. Still running. Came in 3 colors those years. Very quiet. No evaporator motor. Freezer fan REPLACED twice. about do for another one? comment please

[@Captain_Char]

my vacuum is 76 years old and is a 3 amp motor, it will still out clean most modern machines, and alot of appliances of the 50s were low amp low wattage cause you only had a 60 amp service to your housing back then typically so yeah the old stuff if maintained is great

[@Kowyn]

At the dump 2 days ago and picked up a 1950 Frigidaire, mint cannot believe someone threw it away.

[@HDXFH]

Got one like that Love their old rotary compressors, sound good on running

[@Techno-Universal]

The CFC gasses in those old refrigerators is also more effective than modern refrigerant gases so it allows those refrigerators to run for shorter periods of time and be more efficient than many more modern refrigerators! :)

[@FrankBooger]

I got 2 in the basement. International harvester chest freezer from 1952 and a fridge. Cane with my house still running til this day. I think I defrosted the freezer once in the 24 years that Ive been here. It doesnt build up bad at all. Seals are still good.

[@swedacashregisters]

thanks for this one i debate it all the time my 1954 gm frigidaire runs super quiet and pennies to opperate amazing how well its made

[@davesusek3330]

I am so onboard I am prepping for my last new refrigerator to go it is 5 years old. Tired of the 1953 Frigidaire backing up my new junk. Cars I agree but I took different approach JK Wrangler for the entire family fleet of 4 I know issues I know the fixes. With 100 after market support companies. I so agree wish I could have a beer with you.

[@jesuslopezjr.9531]

Vintage fridges are way better! I love my 1952 General Electric fridge!!

[@annmcnitt8749]

Have you replaced the gaskets in your fridge? I have a 1954 GE model LM100 with the lazy Susan shelves.

[@allevi5158]

Using '51 Hotpoint as my kegerator for the past 30+ years - fits a 1/2 bbl keg

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

I bought a fridge a French door GE that hasn't been delivered yet. It's to replace a whirlpool fridge with the standard freezer on top. It was only three months old when I got it. My niece got white appliances and a black fridge didn't match her stove so she give it to me. I had it ten years so I bought a French door GE with ice maker. Looking at reviews the only negative is a woman said it made a lot of noise. I will be happy with a lot more room but I seriously doubt it will last ten years like my old one.

[@Wheelgauge-bt7ox]

I am 24% more efficient than the lowest user in my area of power and it is 100% true of the old fridge is the best.

[@twobrokeguyz1214]

Awesome! Thanks~!

[@sdpelle6833]

What refigerant is it in dose? Over here in Europe we cant use anything else then environmental friendly like R32, R600, R134a and soon not even that. Ammonia, CO2 and Propane is the future plan. Its not about how effective thats prioritized, but how green it is. It sounds like it function like our icecream trucks. It cools in the night and then is turned off during the day. Old ones dont have the same demands as new, so new could be much more efficent but its prohibited :) also Its more money for the companies if they brake too

[@goofball1810]

I've been looking for a seal for a chest freezer. Ge with accessories compartment on right side and temperature control on right front side. Am I gonna be able to find a new seal for that? Do they make universal ones that work? Searching it shows it's a 50s or 40s model but I don't know. Do they put model numbers on these ?

[@Vintage55Restorations]

Email us through our website vintage55restorations.com :)

[@johnmackey3937]

Ever get the GE wall mounted fridge or Wonder Kitchen with everything attached to the counter except a fridge?

[@Vintage55Restorations]

Yep have a few available

[@exploradoresdeterra]

my question is why they stopped producing this cool fridge?

[@canineconundrum]

Back then, if an appliance or even item, was made efficiently to last an extremely long time, they saw it as a risk to their profits. If they made an appliance that works, then it would mean customers would no longer to frequently buy or repair these appliances. Kind of sucks, but that's how most companies run businesses.

[@Sovnarkom]

people wanted auto-defrosters, water dispensers, ice machines and separate freezer compartments that were big enough for frozen foods.

[@HDXFH]

Corporate greed

[@talldude5841]

I love these old ridges, just like we had growing up. But are safe with kids around who might get in them and shut the door? Do some have inside ways to open them? Just asking. I like your videos by the way.

[@doctorfeinstone6524]

Kids generally don't get inside refrigerators to begin with. They won't fit

[@Vintage55Restorations]

Video up on the subject!

[@hootiebubbabuddhabelly]

A new fridge that will last 10 years? ROFL! That's the NEW myth.

[@asus12351]

No thanks i like my frost free, but i like that style they had

[@DarthHater100]

May contain traces of: Trapped children

[@UQRXD]

I disagree todays insulation is better. As long as it is not a frost free freezer. A self defrost bottom by compressor cycling and manual defrost freezer use the least electric. The old refrigerators have to have piston and valve wear reducing the efficiency. I would also think motors are more efficient today, or hope so. For example I got a 7.5 Cu. ft. Frigidare uses about 40 bucks a year of electricity. It is a great size for two people. At 198.00 from Walmart and free delivery.