Curious if this would have any noticeable energy savings. Basically thinking of taking old semi-disposable plastic containers (the ones that like deli meat, butter, etc come in), freezing them outdoors, and letting them defrost (absorb heat) in the fridge/freezer. Basically back to the “ice box” model.

Anybody doing that and/or have any results to share? Mostly curious if it would be worth the effort.

  • jol
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    10
    ·
    edit-2
    7 days ago

    Fridges are some of the most efficient appliances in the home but I always think it’s funny that in the winter we keep the house warm and the fridge cold, when we could just harness the cold from outside.

    • Admiral Patrick@dubvee.orgOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      11
      ·
      8 days ago

      Lol, yeah. Though the exhaust heat from the refrigerator does warm the house (good in winter, not good in the summer).

      Definitely have had the thought about a thermostat controlled vent that would utilize outdoor air when the temperature permits. Might be one of those ideas that’s nice but impractical.

      • jol
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        7
        ·
        7 days ago

        I think the next level of after heat pumps is complete heat management. Waste heat from kitchen exhaust? Heat pump. Hot water down the drain? Heat pump.

      • jol
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        5
        ·
        7 days ago

        I assume you can guess that my winter is likely colder than yours then.

          • jol
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            2
            ·
            7 days ago

            Actually I wasn’t sure. Hard to tell on the Internet. Some people really forget others exist who live in different circunstances than themselves.

      • wildflowertea@slrpnk.net
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        7 days ago

        Earth is a big place with different types of climates. I can imagine some people not only want but need to warm their homes.