What is the difference between a garage refrigerator and a regular 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.

Do I need a special refrigerator for my garage?

To prevent problems, buy a garage-ready fridge that can function efficiently when it gets bitterly cold and also stiflingly hot in your garage. A refrigerator designed to run in a garage has better insulation and components that can handle temperature changes. This special design does make them a little more expensive.

Can I use a regular refrigerator in my 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.

What kind of refrigerator can I put in my garage?

What does garage ready fridge mean?

Garage-optimized (also known as garage-ready) fridges and freezers are designed to take the extreme temperatures and humidity that give standard units problems. And they're great for eliminating the stress of unexpected repairs.

Tips concerning garage refrigerators

Should I unplug my garage refrigerator in the winter?

By unplugging the appliances for the winter not only will you reduce your risk of fire in the garage but you're likely to save a couple bucks while you're at it.

How do I keep my garage fridge running in the winter?

Does a refrigerator in the garage use more electricity?

A refrigerator in an uninsulated garage will require a lot more energy to run during the hot summer months and may not operate correctly if the temperature gets too cold. 90 degree environment will use 45-50% more energy than one in a 70 degree environment.

Will a fridge freezer work in a cold garage?

Refrigerators work by starting to cool whenever the room temperature rises above a set point – typically around 36 degrees – and stays running until the temperature returns to normal. This means that if the temperature in your garage drops and stays below this set temp, your refrigerator stops working.

Can you insulate a refrigerator in the garage?

But if your garage isn't climate controlled or insulated, putting your old fridge in there might not be the best option. You can put a fridge in an uninsulated garage, but temperature fluctuations in the garage can affect the fridge's performance and ability to preserve the items inside it.

Do you need a special freezer for the garage?

You should get a garage ready freezer if you want an extra place to store frozen food without worrying about fluctuating temperatures. The common industry range for garage ready freezers is 0-110°F, meaning that it can handle the varying temperatures typically found in a garage without malfunctioning.

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 between a garage ready freezer and a regular freezer?

A garage-ready freezer is simply a freezer with a heater that tricks the thermostat into running the compressor so that the freezer keeps your frozen goods frozen. If the temperature of your garage dips below freezing on the thermostat, it continues running rather than the freezer shutting off.

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.

Will a refrigerator work outside in the winter?

1. Can My Appliances Be Left Outside In The Cold? No, appliances left outside in extreme cold temperatures (below freezing) can create serious problems such as cracking pipes, water pumps, valves and drain lines.

What kind of freezer is best for garage?

If you have room in the garage or laundry room, an upright freezer or chest freezer is ideal.

Does a refrigerator work better in a hot or cold room?

Refrigerator Function in Cold Temperatures

When the ambient temperature is below 60ºF, it takes more energy to make the refrigerant boil and change into a vapor. And the energy consumption increases with the decreasing temperature until at 32ºF, there's no cooling capacity at all.

Will refrigerator work outside?

Type – Indoor refrigerators should not be stored outside as they are not designed for safe operation in an outdoor environment or to withstand the elements. However, a refrigerator labeled for outdoor or indoor/outdoor use can be used in the right environment with safety precautions in place.

What is meant by a garage ready freezer?

A refrigerator that is "Garage Ready" essentially has a small heater that tricks the thermostat in the fridge into running your compressor so that your freezer keeps your freezer items frozen. Hope this helps!

When should I unplug my fridge in my garage?

Refrigerators work by starting to cool whenever the room temperature rises above a set point – typically around 36 degrees – and stays running until the temperature returns to normal. This means that if the temperature in your garage drops and stays below this set temp, your refrigerator stops working.

Does it damage a refrigerator to leave it unplugged?

The compressor will not start if you unplug and re-plug your refrigerator immediately. A build-up of pressure usually causes this. Since it is at the core of the refrigeration cycle, the compressor is critical. Plugging and unplugging the refrigerator right away can damage the compressor.

Does a freezer in the garage use more electricity?

Keeping your freezer in your garage can use up to 50% more electricity than normal. This depends greatly on where you live and how hot it gets. You can lower this if you have an insulated or air conditioned garage. Newer freezers are more energy efficient, which will also help.

Can a refrigerator be stored in freezing temperatures?

Generally, you should not store a refrigerator in freezing temperatures. Multiple parts inside the fridge can get damaged or break if you leave it in weather under 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so keep that in mind if you live somewhere cold.

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.