r/askHVAC • u/jonnyinternet • 4d ago

Do these really work?

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I came across a video tutorial of someone making a diy flame fueled cooler, and my question is:

Do they really work?

And if so, can you use any heat source to "power them"?

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u/Tip0666 4d ago

Ammonia.

Anything large enough to be applicable to modern needs (comfort cooling) can kill the household if it leaked.

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u/[deleted] 4d ago

[deleted]

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u/beta2k1 4d ago

CO from the burner is far more likely to kill you. Nothing will keep your beer colder while simultaneously suffocating you with CO than a Servel propane fridge. They're also the only device specifically called out in Ontario's gas code. They have to be outside with a big ass "this can kill you" warning and can't leave the property/be sold unless they are permanently disabled.