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Author Topic: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?  (Read 4172 times)

Offline blatz

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Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« on: October 04, 2017, 01:59:16 pm »
I seem to develop ice buildup in my converted chest freezer kegerator rather quickly, as compared to my exact same model chest freezer (for conditioning) albeit without a collar.

The kegerator has a 2x6' collar built on top, caulked on two separate occasions to ensure gaps were filled, then I put a cut to collar foam insulation strip around, caulked that and filled any large gaps with spray foam insulation.

The lid seats well on top of the collar. I do have a fan inside to push cold air to the tap box.

My conditioning fridge sits outside in the garage, same temp control.  Living in florida, my expectation would be that this conditioning fridge in the garage would have much more frequent ice buildup.  yet exactly the opposite happens.

What gives?  Should I buy weather stripping for the lid?
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Offline Stevie

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2017, 02:26:27 pm »
Where is your probe? Do have have any sort of moisture control in place?

Offline blatz

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #2 on: October 04, 2017, 02:27:43 pm »
Probe is generally pinched between two kegs.  I have a damprid container in there.  Beer comes out within a degree or two of what the Rancho temp says too.


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Offline Stevie

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2017, 02:29:25 pm »
Is the probe down towards the bottom? If not, it’s likely trying too hard.

Offline blatz

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #4 on: October 04, 2017, 02:33:14 pm »
I'll try that;  it's currently just below the rubber on the kegs.


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Offline Andrew

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2017, 09:34:23 am »
I zip tied my probe to a can of Coors Light that sits on the bottom of the chest freezer between kegs. I have had a lot less moisture since doing that. Also, I use reusable hydrosorbent packs to absorb some of the moisture (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028M7WK4/).

Offline brewsumore

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2017, 10:22:34 pm »
I have had zero problems with condensation using 2 EVA DRY 500's, and recharging them once the beads go from blue to purple.

Offline blatz

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #7 on: October 30, 2017, 07:54:54 am »
I zip tied my probe to a can of Coors Light that sits on the bottom of the chest freezer between kegs. I have had a lot less moisture since doing that. Also, I use reusable hydrosorbent packs to absorb some of the moisture (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028M7WK4/).

both good ideas!  I think i'll use a can of seltzer water though - can't be seen buying the Bullet.
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Offline ultravista

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2017, 08:03:33 am »
Similar situation here, using an Eva Dry too but it doesn't seem to help.

Offline blatz

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #9 on: October 30, 2017, 08:05:31 am »
Similar situation here, using an Eva Dry too but it doesn't seem to help.

I have damp rid in there now but it doesn't seem to do much either.
The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

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Offline ultravista

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #10 on: October 30, 2017, 08:18:23 am »
I don't open the chest freezer too often, maybe once or twice a month. The walls are somewhat wet and the bottom grows mold. Not sure how that works since it's pretty darned cold down there.

What do we do about the mold?

Offline Stevie

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #11 on: October 30, 2017, 09:01:39 am »
You need to tackle the moisture before you can tackle the mold.

Offline brewsumore

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #12 on: October 30, 2017, 09:11:07 pm »
Similar situation here, using an Eva Dry too but it doesn't seem to help.

Eva Dry 500.  One won't work.  Two works very well, at least for  7.2 CF chest freezer.  And they last for years.

Offline Robert

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Re: Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?
« Reply #13 on: November 04, 2017, 07:28:09 am »
I get ice in the bottom corners of my keezer too, though I think Damp-rid slows the buildup. I don't worry, and when it builds up a bit I sprinkle some driveway ice melt (calcium chloride type) on the ice, wait a bit, and suck out the liquid with my shop vac--works great, and I'm good for a few months!
Rob Stein
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