Can You Store a Refrigerator Outside?

Lots of homeowners like to have a second refrigerator on hand. It’s beneficial for people who like to buy in bulk, for large families or for people who like to have a refrigerator specifically for beverages and entertaining. There is a lot of convenience that comes with having an extra fridge, but it can be difficult to figure out where in your home to place it.

One question you might have: can a refrigerator be set up outside? You should consider the differences in temperature and humidity between indoors and outdoors and how this will affect your refrigeration. If you plan to store the fridge outside in St. Peters, MO, you’ll need to make sure it’s one that was built to work in outdoor conditions, as typical fridges are only designed to operate in temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees. You also have to consider the materials used and how they’ll respond to the elements.

Here’s a closer look at some of the factors to consider:

• Climate: If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, then you probably will not want to store a refrigerator outside. Once the outdoor temperature gets below the refrigerator or freezer temperature, the unit will no longer function properly and could simply shut down.
• Placement: Refrigerators designed for the outdoors are capable of handling more extreme temperatures and conditions than indoor models, but it’s still ideal to minimize those extremes as best you can. Keep the fridge out of direct sunlight and away from the elements as much as possible, and keep it clear of debris or foliage.
• Duration: You can place indoor fridges outside for temporary use, such as for a party for one afternoon or while you’re working on home renovations. Just make sure there’s a safe electrical connection and no extreme weather. You should not place indoor refrigerators outside for a long period of time, as it will place an unnecessary amount of stress on the appliance and cause the energy costs associated with running it to go through the roof, while also likely shortening the appliance’s lifespan.
• Type: Again, if you’re going to have a fridge placed outside in St. Peters, MO for an extended period of time, you must make sure it is one that has been designed to operate outdoors. Check the label—if it’s labeled for indoor/outdoor use or outdoor use you should be good to go so long as you have taken the proper safety precautions.

Many people place indoor refrigerators in attached garages. While this is something you can do, you must make sure the interior of the garage has a properly regulated temperature. This means ensuring the garage is well insulated and that you have heating or air conditioning inside if necessary. So long as you keep the area within the operational temperature range of the equipment, you should be fine.

For more information about where to place your second refrigerator in St. Peters, MO, we encourage you to contact the appliance repair specialists at Crews Appliance Repair.

Categorised in: Refrigerator Repair

This post was written by Writer