DEAR SUN SPOTS: Enjoy your column so much, and the information is so helpful.

I would like to know if there are any local dealers who sell Servel propane refrigerators. We are looking to buy one, new or used, if it’s not too old and in good condition.

We keep looking in the classified ads and Uncle Henry’s, etc. We know we can get one on the computer, but it’s such a long distance. If we could get one closer by, it would be more convenient.

Thank you for providing the wonderful service you do. — No Name, Mexico

ANSWER: Extensive online searching turned up propane refrigerators, including Servels now made by a European company, but, as the reader noted, the distance and thus the shipping would probably be enough to discourage that purchase.

Sun Spots also discovered that a vintage Servel might not be such a good idea. From the Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov, specifically http://tinyurl.com/nna8s5j), she learned that old-Servel gas refrigerators can be very dangerous, even deadly:

“The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there have been at least 39 incidents in the U.S. involving these old Servel gas refrigerators, causing 22 carbon monoxide-related deaths and 55 injuries nationwide. There also have been incidents reported in Ontario, Canada, causing 60 deaths.

“Because historical sales and distribution records of these early Servel models are unavailable, it is not possible to determine who still owns and uses these refrigerators. The Servels continue to be used in hunting cabins, vacation cottages and remote areas of the nation where there is no electricity, or where gas is the preferred energy source.

“Over a period of time, especially if the refrigerator has not been used recently, the gas burner can be fouled by dust, dirt, rust or other obstructions. Any gas refrigerator with an improperly adjusted or partially plugged burner can produce substantial amounts of carbon monoxide.

“Consumers can call the Servel Corrective Action Committee toll free at 800-782-7431 anytime to receive a rebate package that includes instructions for disposing of their Servel gas refrigerator. Consumers who properly dispose of their old Servels will receive a $100 rebate plus reimbursement for reasonable disposal costs. “

At that website it also offered this information about Servel: “No longer in business, Servel manufactured gas refrigerators between 1933 and 1957. The Servel refrigerators in question are no longer being produced and are in no way associated with the Dometic Corp., the current manufacturer of Servel brand name products.”

Sun Spots then began calling appliance stores with no luck. One man who answered the phone said that Danby, which used to supply gas refrigerators no longer does so. But he also provided a lead.

He said someone told him that F.W. Webb, the largest supplier of plumbing, heating, HVAC and industrial pipe, valves and fittings distributor in New England and New York, has propane refrigerators. Sun Spots called and was told that Webb does have them, but they are not available retail, only wholesale.

This means you cannot just go to Webb’s warehouse and buy one. Only a licensed LP technician can do so. These are the people who come to your house to install the gas. (They have the same kind of skills as plumbers, but are licensed to plumb gas as well.)

Sun Spots called the first one that caught her eye in the phonebook under “plumbers” (display ads in the yellow pages are still useful in the digital age) and talked to Paul at Nadeau’s Plumbing. He said they could indeed buy the fridge from Webb’s and resell it as well as install it.

There are other companies besides Nadeau’s that can provide this service. If propane service isn’t established yet, the dealer who provides the tank may be able to help as well. (Please email [email protected] if your company provides this service and you’d like to be mentioned in the column.)

Finally, anyone who buys a used unit should have it checked out for safety before installation.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].