Can using a refrigerator as a fermentation chamber affect the release of CO2?

[Steveareno]

Beginner here. On my second batch. It's hot where I live so I converted a refrigerator into my fermentation chamber so that I can maintain the proper temperature. My concern is since a refrigerator is pretty much a sealed box will it slow down the release of CO2? I'm asking because when I check on it I don't see a bubble until like 45 seconds after I open the door but then it bubbles about once every 15 seconds if I leave the door open. I've checked it about four times now with about 12 hours in between and it acts the same every time. I brewed it four days ago.

 

[MaxStout]

Won't inhibit the CO2 dissipation at all. The CO2 will find its way out, as a fridge isn't a perfectly sealed enclosure. You probably notice more activity due to small vibrations from the door opening and expansion from the slight warming when you leave it open.

 

[Jag75]

Yeah you will smell the potency of co2 . It's no big deal for the times I've used freezer . I just opened the door to check periodically which let the gas escape . But like Max said it's all good .

 

[TallDan]

when I check on it I don't see a bubble until like 45 seconds after I open the door but then it bubbles about once every 15 seconds if I leave the door open. I've checked it about four times now with about 12 hours in between and it acts the same every time. I brewed it four days ago.

I've noticed the same thing, but I think I have an explanation. When you open the door, especially if you do it quickly, you momentarily lower the air pressure in the freezer, which pulls a few extra bubbles out through the airlock. Then it takes a few seconds for the pressure to build back up enough to bubble again. Try opening the freezer door very slowly and very quickly, see if it makes a difference. For me it did.

In either case, it's nothing to worry about.

 

[Steveareno]

Makes sense. Thanks for the replies.

 

[doctor strangebrew]

Just curious... do you have a temperature control on the fridge? What temp does a thermometer show?

 

[Steveareno]

Yes and I am maintaining 70F

 

[cswant88]

I used to ferment in a chest freezer with no issues. Put a light and put your phone or tablet in there to record what it’s doing when you aren’t messing with it.

 

[mongoose33]

I've noticed the same thing, but I think I have an explanation. When you open the door, especially if you do it quickly, you momentarily lower the air pressure in the freezer, which pulls a few extra bubbles out through the airlock. Then it takes a few seconds for the pressure to build back up enough to bubble again. Try opening the freezer door very slowly and very quickly, see if it makes a difference. For me it did.

In either case, it's nothing to worry about.

Same thing happens in my garage. I'm fermenting in a conical and I run a tube from the blowoff to a jar that bubbles. When I go out in the garage to check it, when I open the door to the garage it creates a momentary low pressure, which sucks the CO2 out into the jar. I go check it and it's not bubbling! But wait a bit and it'll start up again.