Repairing your boat's fridge: Gas refill Duracool 12a

An efficient refrigeration system is essential on board any boat, whether it's a coastal cruise or a blue-water cruise. The marine fridge or freezer guarantees the preservation of food and the pleasure of a cold drink, a luxury that quickly becomes a necessity. But when your fridge struggles to cool down, panic can set in. Before you think about a costly replacement, you should know that it's often possible to breathe new life into your system by recharging its gas, and doing it yourself with products like Duracool 12a represents an economical, high-performance solution.

Marine refrigeration systems, whether of the "compressor fridge" or "refrigeration unit" type, are subject to specific constraints: vibration, saline humidity and temperature variations. These factors can lead to micro-leaks, gradually reducing refrigerant efficiency. A drop in performance is manifested by a compressor running non-stop, insufficient internal temperature or abnormal power consumption. Duracool 12a, a natural hydrocarbon, offers a modern alternative to R134a, guaranteeing more intense cooling and greater energy efficiency.

Why is Duracool 12a ideal for your boat fridge?

Duracool 12a stands out as an optimal choice for marine refrigerators and freezers. Its molecules, which are larger than those of R134a, drastically reduce the risk of leaks through circuit joints and hoses, a crucial advantage in a vibrating environment. What's more, it's non-toxic and non-corrosive to aluminum and copper components, and its environmental impact is minimal compared with fluorinated gases.

In terms of performance, Duracool 12a is far more efficient. A charge of just 35% of the weight of the original R134a charge is enough to obtain superior cooling, which reduces the compressor's workload and, consequently, its power consumption. This is crucial for energy autonomy on board, and extends the life of your batteries.

Preparing and diagnosing your marine refrigeration unit

Before starting any work, take along a recharging kit including a hose with pressure gauge and a can of Duracool 12a. Locate your refrigeration unit and identify the service valve on the compressor's "low pressure" line.

Real-life demonstration: Recharging a boat refrigeration unit with Duracool 12a

As our customer shows in this video, it's essential to switch your refrigeration system to forced operation. Then connect the pressure gauge: a pressure in the red zone indicates a lack of fluid. The advantage of Duracool 12a is its perfect compatibility with existing systems, making self-maintenance much easier.

Recharging your fridge step by step

Purge the air from the hose before opening the Duracool 12a can. Proceed with short 5-second gas pulses, observing the pressure gauge. The Duracool 12a is highly reactive: you'll feel the cold almost instantly return to the evaporator.

The aim is to reach a stabilized pressure in the blue zone (25 to 40 PSI). Once the ideal pressure has been reached, disconnect the hose. Your fridge is now ready for your next stopover.

Conclusion: Autonomy and optimum cooling on board

Recharging your fridge with Duracool 12a is an efficient and environmentally-friendly solution. By mastering this operation, you gain peace of mind during your cruises. For long-lasting results, don't forget to check your fittings for leaks and clean your condenser regularly.