[jeff5may]

Most refrigerators function as a sort of dehumidifier. They cool and dry the air in the box, condensing some moisture in the process. The moisture either drains to the bottom or forms frost in the freezer. This frost is periodically melted during defrost mode, and lands the same place as the drained moisture. Lots of the heat transferred out of the box is put back into the water as it evaporates in the warm air stream, recycling this wasted heat/cold back into the box. Some heat leaks into the box through the insulation, lots leaks in when the door is opened. The net heat gain is the compressor power, usually 100-300 watts while running.

To be honest, I don't know if you could achieve net home cooling from the unit without major mods. Although the heat transferred out of the box is greater than the waste heat, the temperature rise of the condenser isn't drastic like a large heat pump. In the summer, the exhausted air may not be heated enough to reach the outdoor temperature. Passive ducting into a cool basement would be more effective.

However, I could be wrong. Please experiment with this idea and post your findings along with pictures of your tinkering. Others have suggested splitting a fridge, moving the condenser and compressor outside. Others have contemplated water heating/cooling systems, but never with a refrigerator. You could break some new ground here.