Can I Keep My Fridge/Freezer In The Garage Safely?

A second fridge is an excellent addition to your home, not only during the holiday season when you may have excess food, but also for those who have large families, like to purchase in bulk, or need a place to store drinks. The question is, where do you store a spare fridge? If you're wondering if you can or should keep it in the garage, the answer may surprise you. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about storing a fridge or freezer in the garage.

Do You Have A Garage-Ready Fridge?

A garage is a convenient place to keep a second fridge without losing any of your indoor square footage, but specific criteria have to be met to ensure its safety and performance.

Keep your garage fridge operating at peak efficiency with these tips:

Learn The Basics.

Understanding the basics of how modern refrigerators work is the key to successfully storing one in the garage. Refrigerators determine their need for cooling based on the difference in temperature between the interior and the unit's exterior surroundings. So a garage that is too hot will cause your fridge to run continuously in an attempt to keep cool. This can cause premature failure and send energy costs through the roof. If the garage is too cold, the freezer will "think" it has reached the desired temperature, and it may not turn on, which could result in food spoilage and damage to the unit. In either case, you may need a refrigerator repair service.

Insulate.

Regulating the temperature in the garage can be easily achieved with proper insulation. You can insulate the entire space or frame in a portion of the garage to store your fridge. As a bonus, having a climate-controlled space allows you to store other temperature-sensitive items like paint without worrying about them freezing or overheating.

Keep It Cool And Dry.

If insulation isn't in your budget or if an enclosure is impractical, there are more simple options available. If your garage space tends to get too hot, a ceiling or box fan may be the answer. Fans help relieve heat by increasing the flow of air across the unit's rear coils. If your local climate is humid, a dehumidifier helps to keep things dry inside the garage.

Older Is Better.

Today's appliances are designed to be more efficient, which means they tend to be more sensitive to changes in the ambient room temperature. By contrast, older fridges are more adaptable to temperature fluctuations, so they are often a better choice for storing in the garage. There are modern garage-ready fridges that are engineered to work well in extreme temperatures, but their price tags may put them out of reach. An older fridge will cut costs and may be the safest bet.

Keep It Clean.

Routinely clean the coils and ensure there is proper airflow around the unit. Avoid storing items around or on top of the refrigerator because doing so can prevent the air from circulating and drive up energy costs.

Hire A Professional.

Ensure your appliances are maintained and repaired by a licensed, certified professional to keep them operating at peak performance and efficiency.

Keep It Stocked But Not Overstuffed.

Keep your garage fridge well-stocked, as the items inside help to maintain the temperature each time the door is opened. Avoid overstuffing the interior because this can block the blower fan that provides cool air.

Schedule Refrigerator Repair Services Near You!

Wondering if your fridge is safe to store in the garage? Or is it currently in the garage and not working properly? Air Butler Heating and Cooling can help. We offer affordable same-day appliance repair. Our skilled technicians will diagnose quickly and repair efficiently. Call, email, or set up an appointment for a fridge repair today!