can you put a refrigerator in the garage in the winter

Most refrigerators stop working at some point during the winter months in an unheated garage, depending on climate and how well the garage is insulated. Most manufacturers do not recommend placing a refrigerator in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit

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Can a freezer stay in a garage in the winter?

Without getting bogged down in the details, modern fridges function by comparing the freezer temperature to the outside environment, lowering the temperature as needed, and blowing excess cold air from the freezer area to the fridge area. This balancing act means a refrigerator or freezer will struggle in a garage without heating or cooling.

Should you put a freezer in the garage?

Freezers can be very useful when it comes to storing that excess food we may have stuffed into our fridge, however many don’t consider their functionality when placed in an unheated garage. The garage is one of the most popular places to store a freezer, but if placed in an unheated garage, you may run into some issues.

What is the best freezer for a garage?

Best for Garage: Gladiator GAFZ30FDGB 17.8 cu. ft. Upright Rolling Garage Freezer in Black View On Home Depot View On Ajmadison.com View On Best Buy Total Capacity: 17.8 cubic feet | Dimensions: 72.25 x 30.25 x 32.38 inches | Control Type: Electronic | Defrost Type: Frost free | Garage Friendly: Yes

What is the best refrigerator for garage?

#1 Frigidaire FFTR1821TS 18 Cubic Foot Refrigerator

• It provides a variable temperature option
• Energy-efficient fridge
• Huge dimensions and thus can store plenty of foodstuff and drinks in it
• LED makes it very easy to search for food inside the refrigerator
• It comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase
• Double door fridge with five shelves and five side trays to store bottles Cons:

More items...

What do you do with your fridge in the garage in the winter?

If your garage temperature dips below freezing, the thermostat inside the garage refrigerator's freezer may think it's cold enough and shut off. To work around this issue, you need to heat the air around the thermostat. One way is to install a heating coil around the thermostat.

Can a regular refrigerator be used in a garage?

Can You Put a Fridge in the Garage? You can keep a fridge in the garage, but you should first consider the temperature inside your garage. Understanding how modern refrigerators function can help you decide if your setup is suitable for a garage refrigerator.

Will a refrigerator work in a warm garage?

If the temperature inside your garage regularly exceeds 110ºF, it is not an ideal location for a refrigerator. Sweltering conditions can cause a refrigerator to burn out from overuse. The appliance will be continually fighting to compensate for the ambient temperature, so it will be working harder for longer.

Can you store a fridge in an unheated garage unplugged?

Yes! You can certainly store a mini-fridge in an unheated garage. Of course, you don't want to let your appliance get too cold, as it will turn off, but in general, mini-fridges do well in unheated garages.

What kind of refrigerator can I put in my garage?

The Best Garage Fridges Out Right NowFrigidaire 20.4 Cubic-Foot Refrigerator. ... Haier Two-Door Mini Fridge. ... Igloo Tool Box Mini Fridge. ... Danby Compact Refrigerator. ... Black and Decker 2.5 Cubic-Foot Mini Fridge.

Can you leave a fridge outside in the winter?

When in Doubt, Don't Run the Risk. Unless a fridge is kept in the stable conditions of your garage, winter weather runs the risk of damaging its compressor. You can keep your outdoor refrigerator or beverage cooler safely stored in your backyard patio or outdoor kitchen—despite living in rainy and snowy locations.

Will a fridge freezer work in a cold garage?

If your garage is insulated and has climate control, it is absolutely fine to put your freezer in there. You just want to make sure the garage space is dry.

How do I insulate my garage refrigerator?

3:534:51How to insulate a refrigerator - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's always good I taped the leading edges out here with duct tape. So that they would not get beatMoreIt's always good I taped the leading edges out here with duct tape. So that they would not get beat up too badly because it's phones pretty delicate. So tape all those around.

Can you keep a freezer in an unheated garage?

Changes in temperature in an unheated garage can be hard on these appliances. "You need to make sure that the unit is not exposed to temperatures above 110° F or below 0° F, because that may damage the freezer," says Larry Ciufo, who oversees the ratings for Consumer Reports' freezer tests.

Can you leave a refrigerator unplugged for a year?

Simply leaving your fridge or freezer turned on will increase your electricity bill. There is also risk in storing your food in the fridge for that long period. Keeping it on for 2-4 weeks can be manageable but for more than a month does not make any sense.

Should I unplug my refrigerator if away for four months?

If you are going to be away for more than a month (or will be placing the unit in temperature-controlled storage), we recommend the following: Remove all food and turn off the circuit breaker or fuse that supplies power to the refrigerator or unplug the cord from the wall receptacle.

Can You Put a Fridge in the Garage?

You can keep a fridge in the garage, but you should first consider the temperature inside your garage. Understanding how modern refrigerators function can help you decide if your setup is suitable for a garage refrigerator.

What Kind of Fridge Works Best in the Garage?

Some fridges are more suitable to use in garages than others. The primary issue with keeping a fridge in the garage is that the thermostat can become confused if the temperature inside the garage falls outside its acceptable operating temperature range.

Will a Fridge Work in a Cold or Unheated Garage?

Very cold temperatures can interfere with your garage fridge's thermostat. If the temperature in your garage dips below a certain level, the thermostat senses the drop in temperature and may register that the fridge is already cold enough, even if it isn’t.

Should You Unplug a Garage Fridge for the Winter?

If you don't have any food in the fridge, unplugging it during icy weather will save you the trouble of heating the thermostat. However, if you still want to use your fridge for food storage, it's best to leave it plugged in.

Can a Fridge Stay in the Garage During the Summer?

If summers are hot where you live, a fridge in the garage will have to work harder to maintain a cool internal temperature. Humid weather can also cause the fridge coils to rust due to increased moisture.

Do Garage Fridges Last as Long as Indoor Fridges?

A fridge in the garage won't generally last as long as an indoor fridge because it will have to work harder to maintain suitable internal temperatures. However, this is less likely to be an issue if you live in a mild climate without extreme temperature fluctuations. Garage fridges are also at increased risk of problems like rust. YouTube

Can You Put a Refrigerator in a Hot Garage?

As with excessive cold, high temperatures can also damage a refrigerator. You can keep a refrigerator in a hot garage, but only up to a certain point.

What Are the Ideal Conditions for a Refrigerator in a Garage?

While specifics will vary by brand, most standard refrigerators work best in an area with an ambient temperature between 68° and 71°. It’s a range that allows the fridge to run at maximum efficiency.

Garage Refrigerators vs. Outdoor Refrigerators

The terms “garage refrigerator” and “outdoor refrigerator” each have a specific meaning.

How Much Does it Cost to Run a Refrigerator in the Garage?

The average refrigerator in the garage costs $95 a year to operate, while the average refrigerator in the kitchen costs $84 a year.

Things to Consider When Keeping a Refrigerator in Your Garage

Do refrigerators work well in a garage? They can, but you’ll need to make a few preparations beforehand to ensure efficient and safe operation.

What temperature should a refrigerator be?

The ideal room temperature for your refrigerator is between 68 and 71 degrees. Most refrigerators stop working at some point during the winter months in an unheated garage, depending on climate and how well the garage is insulated. Most manufacturers do not recommend placing a refrigerator in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where is the refrigerator thermometer located?

Typical refrigerators have one thermometer located in the fresh-food section . Some refrigerators have two thermometers: one in the fresh-food section and another in the freezer section. This type of refrigerator has a wider temperature range and is better suited for locations with fluctuating temperatures.

Can a refrigerator thaw without freezing?

Even if the refrigerator continues to operate without freezing or thawing as the outside temperature fluctuates, efficiency drops. Advertisement. Refrigerators with two thermometers are less likely to have issues with thawing, freezing and inefficiency — but they're not immune to them.

How to keep freezer in garage?

The ideal place to keep your freezer in a garage is on a flat, dry and cool floor. Freezers that are put in cool places tend to save energy. However, according to Consumer Reports, “check product specifications if you plan to put the freezer in an unheated area, such as a garage.” Aim to keep it away from a window, but the top and back should get enough air circulation to prevent overheating. If placed in your garage, the freezer will work twice as hard in summer to keep your food frozen.

Why is my garage freezer not making ice?

This is because during winter the temperature in the garage can get too low which can affect the compres sor. If the compressor malfunctions, the freezer becomes warm.

How to save energy in garage?

Also, go for those with tight door seals to help save energy consumption. Placing your refrigerator or freezer in the garage can help save on space, time and energy. A freezer can also save you the extra money and time needed to make frequent trips to a grocery store.

How much less energy does a refrigerator use?

According to the Department of Energy, “ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerators use 15% less energy than non-qualified models.”. Therefore no matter which freezer you put in a garage always opt for a design that has the Energy Star label. Also, go for those with tight door seals to help save energy consumption. Placing your refrigerator ...

What happens if a refrigerator is not working?

All components need to be in good condition for your appliance to be in optimum working condition. If one part malfunctions then your fridge will not work, and you increase the chances of your food spoiling.

Do chest freezers take up more space?

The chest freezer design which opens at the top tend to have tight seals but take up more floor space. On the other hand, upright refrigerators help in organizing food, but their seals are not as tight as the chest style. While you can maximize the space in your house by placing your freezer in the garage; its design will determine how much space ...

Can you put a refrigerator in a garage?

While most people prefer to keep it in the kitchen, a refrigerator or a freezer can be placed in a garage especially if you’re using the space as an extension of your living area. However, special consideration must be made during winter to ensure it’s working efficiently.

Why do we need an extra refrigerator?

Many “extra” refrigerators are regulated to the basement or garage.

What does it mean when your refrigerator is cold?

Colder temperatures mean that the compressor on your refrigerator will not work as it should . You may find that your freezer will not keep things frozen in the extreme cold of winter. You may also discover that fresh items in the refrigerated section may freeze.

What to do if you only have soda in the freezer?

If you only have soda or a few items in the refrigerated section and a few items in the freezer, it’s probably in your best interest to just empty and unplug it.

Is a second refrigerator an older model?

Typically, a second refrigerator is an older model. These models may not be as energy efficient as newer ones. You may be using more energy then you want to use. The next consideration is placement of the “spare” refrigerator. Basements are great if you do not mind running up and down stairs.

Is it safe to leave a refrigerator unplugged?

Remember though, if you have it unplugged and empty, you need to make it safe for any children that are around you. An empty, unplugged refrigerator can be dangerous to a young child. Your spare refrigerator can be of great benefit to you and your family.

Can I keep my refrigerator running in the garage?

The temperature is stable and typically you can keep your refrigerator running with no issues. Many, many people, myself included, have a refrigerator in the garage. This works well most of the time, although, I would suggest that if your refrigerator is in the garage, you place it on an interior wall if possible.

Does a second refrigerator use more energy?

It provides enough heat to make the freezer run properly and keep things frozen. The bad side to this is that you are using more energy. If your second refrigerator is an older model (as most are) you are already using a higher than recommended amount of energy.