Advice on fridge and washing mahine plz

**glo** · 21st September 2007, 12:00 PM

Hi all,

I need some advice on two topics please.

Firstly is it safe to keep a fridge in a small room as someone told me that gas escapes from them and it is a health risk to do so.

Secondly, my washing machine is not spinning and built in drier also not working,any suggestions as to problem and cost or should i just buy a new one,it's only 5 yrs old.

Thanks,
G

**bigj** · 24th September 2007, 05:18 PM

why would you want a fridge in the bedroom, just turn the heating down.
get a quote on having it fixed if not too expensive have it fixed. washing machines can last a long time.

**glo** · 24th September 2007, 05:28 PM

Very funny

I wouldn't want one in a bedroom but someone i know is renting a room and so has one in their room.So does this mean you don't know my dear??

Was gona get quote but thought i'd get ripped off but seems like i'll have to anyway.

Cheere for your reply,much appreciated.xx

**bigj** · 25th September 2007, 06:06 PM

no seriously
if gas was to leak from my fridge then i would be throwing it out, cause how is it going to work.
everybody these days think that they are going to get ripped off, you get a quote or two then decide if you want it done or not obviously if its too expensive get a new one.

**glo** · 25th September 2007, 06:58 PM

Ok so it should be ok in their room then,cool.
Yeah, have started to get quotes but can't seem to get any for 10quid so will hav to keep tryin

Thanks for advice again bigj.
Kind Regards,
Gloria

**Jimbo** · 9th October 2007, 07:15 PM

Hi, the gas in a fridge is generally freon 22 or something close in limited quantities ie a fridge leak it will not harm you, as for the washing machine my advice is this, buy a new one and dont get a washer dryer when they go wrong its usually expensive, washing machines are so cheap now its just not worth repairing after 5 years use. Regards Jim

**glo** · 9th October 2007, 08:16 PM

Hi,
Thanks for advice.Was woried about gas escape from fridge as no-one had any answers as to whether it is a health risk to keep it in a room which you stay in.
The washing machine i've had fixed for 55quid,think it was a bit much really considering it was only blocked,with some of my underwear believe it or not-how embarassing

.He could have let me off don't you think.

Thanks again,
G

**professorgbr** · 1st November 2007, 07:39 AM

Hello
when wiring a new kitchen extension up that included a utility room I was told by the builder that building control insisted on a mechanical fan being installed in the utility room and something to do with the fridge was mentioned I cant remember what it was Im sure your local council building control will be able to give you advice on that

**glo** · 2nd November 2007, 03:22 PM

Hi,
Thanks for that info.someone had already mentioned it but then most other people were saying that there shouldn't be a problem but there obviously could be if those are the regulations,will contact my council,
cheers,
G

**colnol** · 27th February 2008, 01:12 PM

I am a little worried by the reply given to the Gentleman on domestic Fridge leaks, since around the year 2000 almost all purchased European fridges and freezers are now filled with a pentane/propane based gas (R600a). This has replaced R134 but this is still commonly used in imported units from the Americas and Asia. I am aware of around a dozen explosions resulting from leakage of R600a. If you are unlucky enough to suffer an internal leak the gas can collect within internal trays and if given the right mixture ratio explode when a spark is next produced.

The more worrying problem we currently face is the leakage of Ammonia from the mini-bar type fridges. Many of these are over 20years old but sadly people tend to use fridges until they fail. The problem is the release of gas from the sealed cycle. If your really unlucky the escaping hydrogen gas reaches an ignition source and will explode. If your luckier the gas will disperse but the resulting loss of fluid means the heater overheats and the unit catches fire !. These small mini-bar fridges are often found in bedsits student accomodation etc. They are almost silent and perfect to sleep next to !.
Dont think you ordinary fridge/freezer users have got away with it, any pre 1994 fridge/freezer fitted with a Danfoss compressor has a serious risk of it's starter switch catching fire. The average heat output from the burning foam of a modern fridge/freezer is over 2 megawatts. (2000 1 bar electric heaters switched on at the same time).
Sleep soundly next to your fridge and perhaps you might think of getting a smoke detector.
Colnol
Fire Investigation Dept.