22 . K. H. Agri. Experiment Station [Biil. 244 



final results, and cover only a part of a year or a limited number of 

 refrigerators, they are of general interest. 



The averages for Illinois arc probably low, as they cover only the 

 fall of the year the project was started. The average annual consump- 

 tion of 372 kwhs. was comi)uted using 31.1 kwhs. as the monthly average. 



The figures for Wisconsin were also taken from a progress report in 

 the early stages of test and cover only one case. 



Opinions Expressed by Operators 



The views expressed by the housewives indicated that uniform opinions 

 were being formed as to the worth of electric refrigeration. No com- 

 lilaints were made about unsatisfactory temperatures or keeping 

 qualities, and all agreed and readily appreciated that better refrigeration 

 was being obtained from the electric method. No one reported even a 

 small loss from spoilage. 



Many times cases of keejnng foods for long periods of time in excel- 

 lent condition were mentioned. The cleanliness of the electric method, 

 both in regard to the sanitary condition of the food storage spaces and 

 the floors and rooms, pleased the housewives, and the men were equally 

 pleased with the relief from a chore requiring considerable time. 



The noise of operation was noticed by all at the outset of the exper- 

 iment, but this was quickly become accustomed to. Only one machine, 

 now an obsolete type, became distinctly noisier with age. 



Some objected to the incorrect use of the term ice cream. Several 

 users learned that sherbets, frozen puddings, ices, etc., could be made 

 in the freezing units, but that ice cream made from cream requires 

 constant stirring while freezing and could not be satisfactorily made in 

 tlie refrigerators. 



SUMMARY 



Tests of the merits of electric refrigeration in the home were made 

 on six farms. 



Electric refrigeration was judged one of the most serviceable and 

 desirable major electrical units for the farm home. 



Two methods of household refrigeration were studied: (1) separate 

 house units, and (2) in combination with dairy cold storage. 



Both self-contained and separate types of units were employed. 



Three principal styles of equipment were represented: (1) Com- 

 mercially built single cabinet units, (2) common commercially built 

 refrigerators converted to electric operation, and (3) home-made refrig- 

 erators converted to electrical operation. 



Both insulated and uninsulated cabinets were used. 



Breakdowns and ciu'rent interruptions were very limited. 



The refrigerators varied in size from 5.5 cubic feet of food storage 

 space to 30 cubic feet. The average size of refrigerators was 10.5 cubic 

 feet total contents and 7.2 cubic feet food storage space. 



The original investment in electric equipment averaged $370.40 com- 

 pared to $282.50 for the ice method. The fixed charges of the two 

 methods were $18.20 and $12.15 per year. 



The combination dairy and household storage represented tlie lowest 

 investment. 



