You’ve probably heard the term “bad cooling unit.” This is a catch-all phrase to describe any number of failures with an absorption refrigerator’s cooling unit, which is the labyrinth of tubes partially encased in foam that we’ve been talking about. A failed cooling unit = a dead refrigerator. It runs, but no cooling.

A failed cooling unit will require major surgery to repair (or an entirely new refrigerator). Whether you operate the fridge on gas or electric doesn’t matter; the problem isn’t the heat source, it’s the rest of the refrigeration cycle. Be prepared to open your wallet! 

P.S. If you don’t really understand how heat makes cold, you can read my in-depth explanation of the RV absorption refrigerator. Or just the gentler introduction to the RV fridge if you’re not ready for all the chemistry.