Can Your Garage Handle a Fridge?
If you’re living in a hot climate, you might be wondering whether you can keep a fridge in your garage. While the answer varies depending on several factors such as temperature, the age and model of your fridge, and the amount of time you will be keeping it in the garage, the short answer is yes, it is possible. However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
Location and Temperature
The location of your garage and the temperature it reaches is perhaps the most critical factor in determining whether it can handle a fridge. Most modern refrigerators can tolerate temperatures between 10°C and 38°C. However, some models might require a cooler environment to function correctly.
Age and Model
The age and model of your fridge play a significant role in determining whether it can handle a hot garage. Older fridges might not function as well in high temperatures because they lack the energy-efficient features and technology needed to keep the compressor cool in hotter conditions. Newer models, on the other hand, typically come with improved insulation and energy-efficient compressors designed to handle hotter environments.
Maintenance and Care
Whether you keep your fridge in your garage or indoors, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance and care. Make sure the condenser coils underneath or behind the fridge are clean and free of dust and debris. Dirty coils can cause the fridge’s compressor to overheat and ultimately fail. Additionally, you should check the fridge’s thermostat settings regularly to ensure it’s not overworking and consuming more energy than necessary.
Protecting Your Warranty
It’s worth noting that if you’re keeping your fridge in a hot garage, it’s crucial to check your manufacturer’s instructions and warranty. Some manufacturers either recommend against keeping your fridge in a hot garage or might not honor warranties if the fridge fails due to the conditions in which it was kept.
The Bottom Line
If you’re considering keeping your fridge in a hot garage, it’s important to consider the temperature conditions, the age and model of your fridge, regular maintenance and care, and the protecting of your warranty. As long as you ensure your fridge can handle the environment and take the necessary precautions, there’s no reason why you can’t keep it in your garage.
