A few words from about modern refrigeration equipment and rip offs that happen right before your eyes

The latest catch phrase from the industry that manufactures and distributes these appliances new is, "Get rid of that old energy gobbler and get a new one that uses less electricity." While it's true the new ones do use less energy, I'm often asked "Does it make much of a difference?"

I did some research on this, the data varies, but just for simplicity sake we could say the average difference is about 10%. From a global perspective, yes, if every refrigerator or freezer in the country used 10% less electricity, that would make quite a difference to overall consumption.

But from a household perspective, depending on the rate you pay for electricity in your locality, you might be lucky to save about $12.00 per year. There's other factors too though, the manufacturing of this type of equipment happens to be one of the most pollutant of all the household goods. Also the shipping of new replacements across the country also takes energy. So depending on your particular circumstance, you may be better off running the old codger until it's dead for sure.

Of course I may be biased, but I feel it's still kinder to the environment and it's probably logical from your households economic standpoint as well. It's a good thing though that once it does have to be replaced, it will be replaced by a more efficient design.

So, many of the people that work with me in this same trade ask me "Why do you spend so much time on this web site? You already have a successful business with more customers than you can handle, and you could simply sell your book to the public libraries."


While this is true, when I consider it, I suppose the real reason is I just want to help folks, and being on the internet I can help more people than I could any other way. Also, the direct communication with those that have used my book to solve actual problems has helped me improve the text. It's just gone through it's 3rd major edit since 1995. My goal has been to make it the best in the world.

But why do I do this? Every day while I'm out doing service calls I see so much corruption and waste in this industry. My customers, some struggling with the high cost of everything else and trying to raise kids, are having to pay more than they should time and time again. Incredibly, in my parents generation, you could buy any ordinary unit of the day and it would work trouble free for 35 to 40 years! So obviously something has changed. Observing design concepts and model evolution, I've become aware that some were even designed to break down! .....more on this

Since the '70's it's obvious manufacturers have little or no agenda to provide consumers with a product that lasts beyond the warranty period. There's all kinds of proof that it can be done by the millions of units built in the '50's that are still working perfectly today in basements as spare fridges.

But now due to two recent factors; new regulations for energy efficiency and alternative refrigerants to replace Freon, all makes and models are presently going through many trial and error type changes. Some will work for the better, some won't. But when a particular change causes expensive repairs past the warranty period, will it cost the manufacturing company to make the correction? History says no. The financial burden is on the back of the consumer.

Can you trust the technician coming into your home?
Working in customers homes over the last 17 years I've realized just how vulnerable most homeowners are when it comes to this appliance. This is because most of them don't understand the workings and they can be told just about anything. For example in certain cases, replacing the compressor will solve the problem but what if you only needed to replace the compressor starter? I don't mean to discredit anyone here but I've seen it happen countless times in my own city and there is proof it's happening just about everywhere.

You will find many examples of this in the FAQ section of this site and there are lots more. In May 2000 a major Detroit news agency conducted a hidden camera investigation into in home repairs. They stopped up the condenser fan with a sticky note (happens often) and called 3 companies at random from the phone book. One said it would cost $237 to install a new condenser fan motor another said it would be $149 to replace the evaporator fan motor and another simply pulled out the paper but it still cost $49. I used to have the link to the actual article here but they've since taken it down.

But even if you lucked out and got the honest guy........ $49 to remove a piece of paper? If you're up on the internet and reading this, I think we can do much better then that. If you need help my information is guaranteed to do just that. In fact, the printed book and video on CD Rom shipped to your door costs about half that $49 dollar service call and over the years the information can save your household and your friends and relatives, that you can lend the book to, much more.

I really hope that when it comes to technical problems I can save your household some trouble and some money that I'm sure could be put to much better use.







product order page table of contents repair help
frequently asked questions a word about newer units and repairs ask the doc form
site security and privacy policy product warranty
disclaimer and safety precautions


If you find any of the above links not working, please temporarily disable your pop up stopper.
Your comments and opinions are always welcome to help make improvements. Please contact: webmaster@fridgedoctor.com
This entire web site, its pages and graphics is © Copyright 2003 by fridgedoctor.com. It may not be reproduced in total or in part without written permission. All trade marks and brand names are acknowledged as belonging to their respective owners.