Can you plug a refrigerator in the garage?

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.

Can you plug a refrigerator into a garage outlet?

This will avoid an electrical overload due to your current wiring not being capable of handling the additional power. Keep in mind that even if you don't place your freezer or refrigerator in your garage, it is still required that freezers be on a dedicated 120 volt circuit.

Is it OK to put refrigerator in garage?

1. Bring it inside if temperatures get extreme. Because garages aren't insulated, you should only store a refrigerator in one if you live in an area with moderate temperatures. Cold weather may cause your fridge not to work at all, meaning your freezer section can thaw out.

How can I keep my refrigerator working in my garage?

Stock your garage refrigerator with enough items that it isn't just cooling empty air. Every time you open and close the fridge door, the air is sucked out and replaced. The items in the fridge act as natural ice cubes, helping to cool the new air and preventing the fridge from working too hard.

Can you keep a refrigerator in the garage in winter?

Having a refrigerator in your garage is a great way to store extra and bulk food. While this can be beneficial, most garage refrigerators stop working at some point during the winter if left unmanaged.

Tips to Put a Refrigerator in your Garage

What kind of refrigerator can I put in my garage?

Can you leave a fridge in the garage unplugged?

If the temperature inside your garage drops below 35 degrees, it is a good idea to unplug the fridge. That said, this applies to those who aren't actively using their appliance, as food can still spoil inside.

What is the difference in a garage ready refrigerator?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GARAGE READY FREEZER AND A REGULAR FREEZER? A regular freezer is designed to work within a small temperature range in a controlled environment, like a house. Garage ready freezers can handle a larger fluctuation in temperatures with the range of 0-110°F.

Can refrigerators run in cold temperatures?

Chances are, you are going to experience some problems with it, especially in the extreme winter cold. Refrigerators do not work as well in the cold, as they were designed to work in room temperature. Most of the time, the freezer stops working before the fridge section does.

Will my fridge freezer work in the 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.

Can a freezer be kept 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.

How much does it cost to run a fridge in the garage?

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

Can a refrigerator be on an extension cord?

Extension cords with a lower gauge number—like 10 or 12 gauges—are considered heavy-duty cords because they have a higher capacity to deliver power. Since the 10-gauge cord is an extra heavy-duty extension, it makes the best choice for big power loads like a refrigerator.

Can I plug my fridge into an extension cord?

While most small appliances can be plugged in to an extension cord with no problem, that isn't the case with a refrigerator. Refrigerators are huge and need a lot of energy to run and thus a regular extension cord may not be able to take on the job and be a fire hazard to boot.

Should a garage fridge be plugged into a GFCI?

Put simply, you can't plug a refrigerator or a freezer into a GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets can't handle the load, so the refrigerator will trip the outlet. You might not even know that your refrigerator isn't getting power until all the food is warm and spoiled.

Should I unplug my outdoor refrigerator 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.

Is it OK to store appliances in garage?

Firstly, we do not recommend that you store your appliances in your garage (or the garage of a friend or family member). The appliances can easily be damaged in a garage (by moving / parking cars, kids, tools falling, etc.), and most garages are not climate controlled.

How do I winterize my outdoor refrigerator?

To winterize the outdoor refrigerator, turn off the appliance and unplug it. Clean the inside thoroughly with soap and water. You might want to avoid using an outside refrigerator cover, which could only allow moisture to accumulate and damage the appliance.

Can a freezer be kept outside in the winter?

In areas where there is extreme heat, ensure the freezer will have adequate protection from the sun. Moderate climates are ideal for outdoor placement, although you will likely pay more in energy costs during the summer months and less in the winter.

Can I unplug refrigerator in garage for winter?

While this can be beneficial, most garage refrigerators stop working at some point during the winter if left unmanaged. Putting a refrigerator in the garage without prepping can cause the freezer part to thaw food or the refrigerator part to freeze food.

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.

How long can fridge be unplugged?

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.

Are Frigidaire freezers garage-ready?

For large chest freezers that you can put in garages, look no further than Frigidaire freezers. These freezers work well down past 32 degrees F and temperatures up to 110 degrees F. So for most people, these freezers are great options for the garage.

Can you use a mini fridge in a garage?

Can You Put A Mini Fridge In An Unheated Garage? 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.