Installing Thermal Breakers and Gaskets

Back in 1981, I took a domestic fridge (not with double radiused sides and edges) and covered it with cork floor tiles -washable type.

The adhesive used was that recommended for cork floor tiles.

A small horizontal strip detail including the handle was left and painted to match the kitchen colour scheme.

As you will appreciate, the work load of the refrigerator motor was reduced, the overall effect was successfully pleasing.

As for seals, using the same problem solving approach, either they are magnetic extensible PVC strip mouldings (which can be bought as repair kits for selected models) or you could make good if not better thermally insulated pliable seals from closed cell polyurethane foam. Whether you choose a mechanical or magnetic closure system so as not to present a young children's finger trap!!! The mag field should be enough to hold the door seal integrity, so when you look at the way in which the current ribbon magnet is used, the door seal is also easy to open.

You would gain the most energy saving from thermally insulating the primary heat exchanger more commonly found at the rear of the cabinet.. older designs had the heat exchanger above the cabinet, much more efficient!!!