How I love my refrigerator

[manofthecoldland]

What would I do with my beloved fridge? I can't exist without one, but when I am not here my Mrs. unplugs it since she, the very young nephews and hired night time,  sleep over lady (for security and night time companionship during my absence) all seem to exist on daily bought and cooked local food. When I am home, I need my coca cola and occasional beer chilled along with the western veggies and protein sources. But in my absence she makes do without  a fridge to 'save money'. Guess they are happier with dried fish, bought and cooked right away fish/chicken, rice, local produce and vinegar preservation.

So she tells me. Then she mentions that she had to improvise the failed door gasket with an old inner tube and tie the door shut, and it was easier to just unplug it and go with the old ways. So... ... benevolent and generous, loving husband that I am... I advised her to go to the appliance store where we had bought it five years ago and inquire about the cost and availability of  a new door gasket seal. 

   Well, for P 2,500.  the store tech came to the house, installed a new one, serviced the compressor and put in a new part of some sort, and we're back in business again as usual. Where else are you going to get labor, service and parts at a cost like that these days in the modern world? Living here does have its advantage !  

   Meanwhile, back in the coldland, me and my buddies are watching Youtube appliance repair videos and ordering parts on-line to keep things operational at  price we can afford. Repair men are so expensive that it usually much cheaper to junk the appliance and buy new if you can't repair it yourself.... with lots of sweat, time and frustrating effort. Repair costs are so insane, that moving to the PI is often the sane thing to do for an older person of limited means. My auto shop charges $125 USD / hr. book rate for labor, and its a bargain compared to the shoddy dealership services.

That's one  the advantages to living here as an elderly man with limited income..... things that ought to be repaired, can be economically repaired and not just junked and added to the immense material  waste stream that plaques the globe.

[Jollygoodfellow]

Hard to change people's ways. Bet with the fridge fixed when you are not there they still won't be using it. 

[manofthecoldland]

47 minutes ago, Jollygoodfellow said:

Hard to change people's ways. Bet with the fridge fixed when you are not there they still won't be using it. 

You are undoubtedly correct, sir.   But it won't be any skin off my nose. Besides, if she wants to save me some electricity costs.... I shall deeply give a servile bow to her majesty's desires for frugality.       

[Queenie O.]

42 minutes ago, Jollygoodfellow said:

Hard to change people's ways. Bet with the fridge fixed when you are not there they still won't be using it. 

True JGF, but at least the gasket will be sealed. 

 It's true about ManofColdland's repair observations. We have a very large General Electric refrigerator purchased in 2007, that lay idle in our house in Borbon, and only operated during yearly visits until we finally moved to Cebu permanently.  It has had it's share of repairs because of that,  but now is our faithful ref that continues to serve us well.  The repairmen that have worked on it acquired the spare parts, and labor has been cheap. My husband is handy, and one time replaced a part purchased on Manalili Street in Cebu City where all parts are found.  A reliable ref is a big desire for we expats I would think, along with freezers and aircons.  I think that MOCL will still be able to experience cold (ref) on his move here! 

[RBM]

Agree Sir,  we are just 2 and a helper but have 3 refs, one pretty much exclusive for my refreshments.....Could not do without them.

125$ US an hour for auto repairs......hard to imagine.

[manofthecoldland]

5 hours ago, RBM said:

Agree Sir,  we are just 2 and a helper but have 3 refs, one pretty much exclusive for my refreshments.....Could not do without them.

125$ US an hour for auto repairs......hard to imagine.

But, 'tis true.  A good shop, with property taxes, business taxes, accountant fees, subscriptions to the latest tech trouble shooting service hotlines, diagnostic equip, special tools, technical training,  computer systems and services, employee benefits, heating , electrical bills, parts ordering......... lots of stuff besides the wage of the poor bloke that turns the wrench for a fraction of the stated rate.  This is the 21st century where the people who do the actual physical work reap only a small fraction of your paid for cost of service. That's why its usually better to cut out the myriad of middle men when possible and do it yourself when able......OR HAVE IT DONE WHEN LIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES ! 

[Jollygoodfellow]

These old Kelvinators last forever, almost.