How do I protect my refrigerator in a hot garage?

Author: Valerie Ryan  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Routinely vacuum the coils of your garage-ready fridge and ensure there is proper airflow around the unit. Avoid storing items near or on top of the fridge which can prevent the air from circulating and driving up energy costs.

Can you keep a refrigerator in a hot garage?

If you don't need the full capacity of your refrigerator, consider putting gallon bottles of water inside to fill up the space. If the temperature inside your garage regularly exceeds 110ºF, it is not an ideal location for a refrigerator. Sweltering conditions can cause a refrigerator to burn out from overuse.

What temperature is too hot for a refrigerator?

Chilling foods to proper temperatures is one of the best ways to slow the growth of these bacteria. To ensure that your refrigerator is doing its job, it's important to keep its temperature at 40 °F or below; the freezer should be at 0 °F.

Can I put my old refrigerator in the garage?

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. Drastic temperature changes in the garage can also accelerate wear and tear for the fridge's components.

Why is my fridge not cooling in a hot garage?

If your garage tends to get too hot (more than 100 degrees F), you may benefit from setting up a fan to increase airflow over your fridge's cooling coils. A ceiling fan will work, or a pedestal fan set up to one side. Just make sure the air is moving across and around the back of the fridge.

Tips concerning garage refrigerators

How do I keep my fridge cool in hot weather?

5 Top Tips to Keep Your Refrigerator Cool During Summer
  1. Check the Refrigerator Seal. Every refrigerator door has a seal or gasket that is designed to make the door airtight. ...
  2. Check the Coils for Dust. ...
  3. Keep the Fridge Well Stocked. ...
  4. Set the Correct Temperature. ...
  5. Change the Water Filter.

What is wrong with refrigerator in garage?

There are two different dangers associated with a garage fridge: frozen food in the refrigerator compartment, and thawing food in the freezer. If your food in the fridge becomes frozen, the produce can become ruined. More dangerous, however, are the pressurized containers like sodas that you keep in your fridge.

What happens if you put a non-garage ready fridge in the garage?

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.

What is a garage kit for refrigerator?

Refrigerator garage kits are accessories that help with the optimal functionality of refrigerators stored in garages, particularly in climates that experience extreme temperatures. These kits modify the refrigerator's built-in thermostat system, which can be fooled by ambient garage temperatures into underperforming.

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 hot weather affect my fridge?

During the summer, we depend on our fridges to stop food from spoiling and to keep our drinks ice cold and refreshing. However, once the temperature begins to soar, this can put a strain on your fridge and decrease its efficiency.

Can a fridge stop working if it's too hot?

Refrigerators are sensitive to heat and may struggle to cool if they are in an environment too hot (or too cold). We all need a little help to stay cool in the summer, and refrigerators are no different! Luckily, you can do a few simple things to help your fridge run optimally.

How do I know if my fridge is too hot?

If the fridge is too warm, it could mean that the motor fan is broken and not functioning properly. You can replace a motor fan — but it can be pricey.

What should not be stored in a hot garage?

  1. Propane Tanks. Propane tanks pose a serious hazard if left in the garage, or any other closed area. ...
  2. Paint and Other Chemicals. Prolonged exposure to heat and cold will eventually damage leftover paint. ...
  3. Pantry Goods. ...
  4. Any Fabric. ...
  5. Any Paper. ...
  6. Toys. ...
  7. Electronics, Vinyl Records, and Film Rolls. ...
  8. Antique Furniture.

Where should a refrigerator be placed in a garage?

Placement

However, according to Consumer Reports, “check product specifications if you plan to put the freezer in an unheated area, such as a garage.” Aim to keep it away from a window, but the top and back should get enough air circulation to prevent overheating.

How do you know if a refrigerator is garage ready?

A garage-ready fridge's manual should clearly state that the fridge will work in temperatures between 38 °F and 110 °F. Garage-ready fridges should have a feature that allows you to separately adjust the temperature of the fridge and the freezer compartments.

How to keep a refrigerator warm in the garage?

Check into A Heater

If your fridge doesn't already have a heating element, it may be time to look into one. Some refrigerators allow you to purchase this feature to help your fridge operate properly in unheated spaces. Other manufacturers have made heater-coil kits that can be added to an existing fridge.

Do you need a special plug for a refrigerator in the garage?

As a result, GFCI outlets were made mandatory as a safety measure. Non-GFCI outlets are a safety hazard when they are installed in garages, so it is definitely better for them not to allow them in garages, but it does cause quite a bit of inconvenience when it comes to plugging in a refrigerator!

What is a fridge heater?

The defrost heating element in a refrigerator is responsible for preventing the buildup of frost on the evaporator coils. It functions by activating at regular intervals during the defrost cycle to generate heat, which melts any accumulated frost on the coils.

What is the temperature range for a garage ready refrigerator?

Garage-ready refrigerators are designed to function in uninsulated garages with variable ambient temperatures, and are usually certified for temps from 38°F to 110°F.

Can you put a fridge in a garage?

You just want to make sure the garage space is dry. All you have to do is make sure the fridge freezer away from the windows and out of direct sunlight because it will make it harder to maintain the right interior temperatures.

Can you keep a fridge outside in the summer?

While a refrigerator will work in the summer, the motor has to run longer to keep the interior of the appliance cool. This will make running the refrigerator more expensive and will wear it out faster. It is better to invest in an outdoor fridge that can withstand the heat of the hot summer months.

Is it OK to put a refrigerator in a hot garage?

A garage over 110 degrees is not an ideal place for a fridge. However, with a well sealed and insulated unit, there are ways to maintain its life during a hot summer. Try to minimize how many times you open the fridge door.

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

Garage fridge energy consumption

An indoor refrigerator costs less annually to power than one in a garage. The average kitchen refrigerator costs $84, while the one in the garage costs $95 a year to operate. Energy consumption varies but tends to increase with: Larger-sized refrigerators.

How to make a fridge work in the garage?

Looking for solutions, I hear of something called a 'garage kit'. Seems straightforward. You add a heater inside so that the compressor continues to work even when the ambient temperature is lower than the fridge interior.

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