Putting a fridge in the garage can be a convenient way to keep food and drinks cold without taking up extra room in your main living space. However, it’s important to think about where and how you’re going to put your fridge before you buy it.
The most important consideration is temperature. The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is between 32-38°F. Having an insulated garage can definitely help to keep temperatures more consistent and therefore may be a good place for a refrigerator.
However, if you don’t have an insulated garage, temperatures can be more volatile and can have an overall effect on how long your food will stay fresh. The fluctuating temperatures can also result in a much higher energy bill and shorter lifespan of the appliance.
GFCI outlets are a must when considering putting a fridge in the garage. This stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, which will help prevent electric shock or a short circuit. If you don’t already have a GFCI outlet in your garage, then installation may be necessary.
You will also want to place it on a level surface, typically with a protective mat to help keep your refrigerator stable. Make sure that you leave enough room on the sides and top of the fridge for air to circulate and avoid any potential overheating.
Once these important considerations are taken into account, you should have no problem installing and operating a fridge in your garage.
Will a fridge work in a cold garage?
Yes, a fridge can work in a cold garage. This is because most modern fridges are designed to withstand cold temperatures and are equipped with a defrosting system. Even if garages get cold during the winter months, the temperature rarely drops below freezing.
Since it is unlikely that the inside of the fridge will ever get below 32° F, any modern refrigerator should work just fine. However, it is important to ensure that the fridge is placed away from any direct sources of heat, such as furnaces, as this could cause it to overheat.
Additionally, a garage fridge should be given plenty of ventilation to ensure that it can maintain a consistent temperature.
What kind of refrigerator works in a garage?
Garages can be an unforgiving environment for traditional refrigerators to function in due to the extreme temperatures. The best type of refrigerator for a garage would be an extra-durable, energy-efficient model built specifically for these unique conditions.
These refrigerators will often have reinforced insulation, thicker walls and tighter seals to withstand the temperature swings, as well as improved temperature stabilizers and compressors to help keep food from spoiling.
They will also be frost-free and use higher-efficiency components to minimize energy use and maximize power savings. Additionally, garage refrigerators typically come with lockable doors and durable full-metal frames to protect them against possible rodent and pest damage.
How do I know if a fridge is garage ready?
If you’re looking for a refrigerator for your garage, it’s important to make sure it’s “garage ready. ” Garage ready appliances refer to products specifically designed to withstand the temperature swings and humidity fluctuations of a non-climate controlled environment.
To determine whether a fridge is garage ready, consider the following:
1. Check the manufacturer’s specifications. Many third-party manufacturers now offer fridges specifically designed for use in garages. Look for a label or warranty that explicitly states the unit is rated for use in an unheated or cold environment.
2. Look for features that are beneficial in a garage. Look for features like digital thermostats and reversible door hinges to better adjust to fluctuations in temperatures and changes in position. Additionally, full width shelves and door storage can help maximize storage space in the garage.
3. Check the temperature range. Refrigerators with a wider temperature range will be better suited to larger temperature swings. Many garage-ready fridges are specifically designed to withstand outside temperatures as low as 32 degrees and as warm as 75 degrees to help keep food safe and preserve its life.
4. Assess the insulation of the appliance. Garage ready units are typically composed of thicker insulation on the sides and ceiling, as well as magnetic seals on the door to keep the cold air in.
If you’ve considered all of the above factors, you can rest assured knowing you’ve found a product that will work well in your garage.
How do I keep my fridge from freezing in my garage?
To prevent your fridge from freezing in your garage, you can do a few things. First, make sure you’re keeping it away from exterior walls and drafts. The movement of air can cause the fridge to cool down and potentially freeze items in the freezer.
If that’s not an option, adding insulation to the exterior will help keep your garage and fridge at a consistent temperature. You can also invest in a refrigerator insulation cover, which acts as an extra barrier to keep your appliance from freezing.
Other viable options include plugging your fridge into an external thermostat, which will keep the temperature at a predetermined level, or running a space heater. If you’re willing to invest more, you can also consider a garage-heater pipe, which will connect your fridge to your home’s heating system.
Lastly, check your garage door seal to make sure there are no air leaks. If your seal is worn out you may need to replace it.
What is the difference between a garage ready freezer and a regular freezer?
The main difference between a garage ready freezer and a regular freezer is that a garage ready freezer is designed to work reliably in colder temperatures, whereas a regular freezer is not. Whereas regular freezers are designed to work best in temperatures between 50 and 110 degrees F, a garage ready freezer can thrive in temperatures as low as 0 degrees F, making it an ideal choice for keeping your food frozen in cold areas or, as the name implies, a garage.
Another difference is that garage ready freezers usually come with thicker insulation and a condenser designed to prevent water vapor from seeping in and causing freezer burn to the food inside. This insulation also helps with keeping the temperature inside the freezer more consistent.
Additionally, some garage ready freezers come with “cold-tech motors” that are meant to keep the end product at an optimal temperature even in subzero temperatures.
Finally, many garage ready freezers come with a lock and key, allowing you to secure the contents inside. In addition, some models come with an alarm that will sound if the temperature of the freezer reaches an unsafe level.
Can I use a freezer in an unheated garage?
Yes, you can use a freezer in an unheated garage. However, it is important to take steps to ensure that the freezer is functioning properly and that your food is being kept at the proper temperature.
You should make sure to check the temperature of the freezer frequently to ensure that it is staying below 0°F. It can be helpful to place a thermometer in the freezer to accurately measure the temperature.
Additionally, it is important to reduce the amount of times you open and close the freezer, as opening the freezer door can cause the temperature of the freezer to rise significantly. Additionally, if the garage gets colder than 0°F on a regular basis, it is also important to make sure that the freezer is able to handle colder temperatures.
Finally, it is important to make sure to check the seal on the door regularly, as a weak seal can cause the freezer to not keep a consistent temperature and lead to freezer burn on your food.
Do you need a special fridge for garage?
It depends on your needs and preferences. If your garage isn’t insulated or air-conditioned, a standard refrigerator may not work properly. Consider a garage-specific refrigerator or freezer. These are specifically designed to withstand higher temperature swings, typically all the way down to -20° F.
Some advantages of having a garage refrigerator or freezer are the power saving, saving space and money, and added convenience. Additionally, you’ll have access to an additional refrigerator or freezer, which eliminates the need to run back and forth to your main refrigerator or freezer.
Garage refrigerators and freezers also typically come with motion sensor lighting, adjustable temperature controls, and lockable glass doors.
Can you put a regular refrigerator in a garage?
Yes, you can put a regular refrigerator in a garage. Refrigerators that are made to be stored in garages typically have a tougher exterior and more insulation than a regular refrigerator to help protect against extreme temperatures.
Additionally, the internal components of a garage refrigerator are designed to withstand hot and cold temperature swings. However, you can use a regular refrigerator in a garage as long as you have proper ventilation and insulation.
Make sure the space around the refrigerator is free from drafts and extreme temperatures, as these can cause the refrigerator to overwork. Be sure to check the temperature and humidity levels of your garage periodically and keep it between 65°F and 70°F and 45% to 50% relative humidity.
Additionally, be sure you leave a few inches of space around the refrigerator to ensure adequate airflow.
Can an unplugged refrigerator be stored outside in the winter?
No, an unplugged refrigerator should not be stored outside in the winter. Freezing temperatures can damage the walls and seals of the refrigerator, reducing its lifespan and efficiency. Additionally, without electricity to power it, moisture from the cold air could condense inside of the refrigerator and cause rust to form, leading to further corrosion over time.
Finally, without the protection from a heated interior, the exterior can corrode. Instead, the refrigerator should be brought into a garage or similar protected area in order to protect it from freezing temperatures and moisture.
What does garage ready mean for a refrigerator?
Garage ready for a refrigerator means the unit is designed to work in temperatures as low as 38 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the standard for most garages throughout the United States. Refrigerators with this feature also require proper air flow and clearance from any heat sources like the motor of a garage door opener.
Many refrigerators are not designed to withstand extreme temperatures and could suffer from a lack of performance and efficiency. A refrigerator that is labeled as garage ready will ensure proper insulation, extra cooling coils and advanced parts that will help the appliance stay functional and efficient, even in cold temperatures.
Does a refrigerator in the garage use more electricity?
The amount of electricity used by a refrigerator in the garage versus the same style refrigerator used within a home depends upon several factors, including the ambient temperature of the garage and the insulation of the garage.
If the garage is not insulated or the temperature is consistently warmer than the temperature in the home, then the refrigerator in the garage will likely have to work harder to keep food items cool and will consequently use more electricity.
In addition, an older model refrigerator versus a newer model may use more electricity, regardless of its location. To use the least amount of electricity, homeowners should always be sure to purchase and install the most energy efficient refrigerator available, and to keep the refrigerator in an area that is temperature-controlled, such as in a properly insulated garage or within the home.
What temperature should a fridge be in a garage?
Ideally, the temperature of a fridge in a garage should be set at between 35 and 40°F (1. 7 to 4. 4°C). Keeping temperatures consistently in this range ensures that your food stays fresh and the appliance operates efficiently.
If the temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), the appliance could be damaged. Likewise, if the temperature goes above 42°F (5. 5°C), it could cause food spoilage. To ensure that your fridge is kept at the optimal temperature, it’s advised to invest in a refrigerator thermometer that can easily be placed in the fridge to give you an exact readout.
Additionally, it’s also important to keep the temperature in the garage consistent, as temperature fluctuations can cause your fridge to struggle.
Should I unplug my garage fridge in the winter?
In general, it is okay to leave your garage fridge unplugged in the winter. This is because fridges that are designed to work in garages are built to withstand the cold temperatures of winter and should be able to carry on working correctly.
However, if you have purchased a fridge recently and it is not designed to withstand cold temperatures, then it is advisable to unplug your garage fridge during the winter months. This is because it may not be able to sustain its temperature and could end up freezing your food or causing permanent damage to the appliance.
It is also a good idea to keep any other electrical items in your garage unplugged during the winter months to avoid any damage that may occur due to cold temperatures. The same goes for space heaters and other heating appliances, which should be unplugged during the winter to ensure safety.
Finally, it is important to disconnect the power from your garage fridge if you plan to leave the space unoccupied for an extended period of time (such as while on holiday) as this will prevent damage to the appliance and any perishables stored inside.
