One of the common questions asked by homeowners is if freezing temperatures can damage a refrigerator. This is a common concern, especially for those who are keeping their fridge in the garage. The cold weather can affect the efficiency of the refrigerator. The good thing is that there are ways that you can do to make sure that your fridge is protected during the winter season. Read the rest of the article below for more tips and information.
Will freezing temperatures damage a refrigerator? Freezing temperatures can damage a refrigerator. When exposed to freezing temperatures, the inside parts of the refrigerator will start to freeze, crack, and even explode. Moreover, the fridge comes with a built-in plumbing and water filter that can freeze and crack. Make sure to check the user manual regarding the temperatures that your refrigerator can tolerate.
Storing a refrigerator in areas of your house that experience freezing temperatures like the garage is not recommended. There are only certain levels of cold that the refrigerator can tolerate, or it will get damaged. Some fridges cannot handle temperature under 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can easily get damaged or break when it reaches that temperature. Find out more about the topic below.
Why is it Not Ideal to Store a Refrigerator in Freezing Temperatures?
It is not ideal to store a refrigerator at freezing temperature because it can affect its efficiency and can also damage the fridge. If the refrigerator is still in its packaging and you have not used it yet, then you can store it in an area that is exposed to a freezing temperature. On the other hand, there is still a risk involved in doing it. Storing a fridge in freezing temperatures can damage its internal components such as the compressor and water lines. When the internal components freeze, it will affect the efficiency of the fridge and can also shorten its lifespan.
Can Your Refrigerator Get Damaged When Exposed to Cold Temperature?
A refrigerator can get damaged when exposed to cold temperatures. This is because the cold air tricks the thermostat of the fridge thinking that it is cold enough and the inside air does not need chilling and the compressor which is responsible for the refrigeration process is deactivated. Take note that the refrigerator is not meant to function when the outside air is colder as compared to the air inside it.
If it is exposed to extremely cold temperatures, the food, and beverage inside the refrigerator freeze entirely because it cannot produce enough heat. Aside from that, the oil compressor can also get too thick because of the cold temperature and cannot circulate properly. If this happens, the compressor will burn out. You can also read this article that discusses what’s the difference between a regular freezer and a garage-ready freezer. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
Helpful Tips on How to Safely and Efficiently Run Your Refrigerator in the Winter
Watching your refrigerator for any signs of thawing, looking at the temperature range, and checking the heater are some of the things that you can do to safely and efficiently run your refrigerator in the winter. The temperature can affect the efficiency of the fridge so you need to check it regularly. If you want to place a refrigerator outdoors or in your garage, make sure that it is weatherproofed or you can also get a garage-ready refrigerator. Let us learn more about the tips below.
Check Any Signs of Thawing
If the temperature inside the room rises above the set point, the refrigerator will start to run and will continue running until the temperature returns to normal. If the area where you have placed the refrigerator is cold or drops down below the set temperature of the fridge, it will stop working. When the fridge shuts down, the freezer shuts down with it. If you have frozen food, it will start to thaw. We have also shared this article titled, do outdoor refrigerators need to be winterized? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
Inspect the Temperature Range
Most refrigerators have one thermometer that is located in the fresh-food section. It makes the temperature and also tells the fridge to start cooling. On the other hand, some refrigerators feature two thermometers. If your area experiences extreme cold weather, it is recommended that you purchase a refrigerator with two thermometers. These fridges are designed to have a wider temperature range and can also handle fluctuating temperatures.
Purchase an Internal Heater
One way to safely and efficiently run your refrigerator during the winter is by using an internal heater. Some refrigerators come with internal heaters. The heater helps them maintain a controlled temperature. If your refrigerator does not have internal heating, you can purchase one and have it installed. On the other hand, there are also heater-coil kits that you can add to your fridge. If you are living in an area with extremely cold temperatures during the winter season, you must install internal heating to your fridge to keep it running efficiently.
✅ Video – Solving Temp Issues in Your Refrigerator
W Service shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses how to solve temp issues in your refrigerator. If you are having issues with the temperature of your refrigerator, you can watch the video for more information.
How Can You Protect Your Refrigerator from the Cold Weather?
You can protect your refrigerator from the cold weather by using a space heater. This can improve the temperature in the area. On the other hand, make sure that you do not leave it unattended and turn it off when you are not at home. You can also check out this article that discusses if it is OK to put a refrigerator in the garage. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Can a Weatherproof Refrigerator Handle the Cold Weather?
A refrigerator that is weatherproofed and outdoor rated can handle the cold weather as compared to regular refrigerators. They are designed to run efficiently during the winter. On the other hand, you need to take note that the compressor can still be affected when the temperatures drop and stay at extreme degrees. For a refrigerator to be considered weatherproof, it should be a 304 food-grade stainless steel or higher.
The higher the grade of the material is, the more it is resistant to corrosion and rusting. If you are placing your refrigerator outdoors or in your garage, make sure that it can withstand the fluctuating temperature. Choose a refrigerator that has additional weatherproofing features like door and bearing seals so they can stay safe even in the rain or snow.
How Does the Refrigerator Operate in Cold Temperatures?
The system of the refrigerators depends on how the refrigerant boils under heat and pressure. If the ambient heat drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it takes extra energy for the refrigerant to boil and transform into vapor. Moreover, the energy consumption increases when the temperature decreases. It is recommended that if you live in an area with extremely cold weather, the refrigerator should be placed in a partially heated space to make sure that it runs properly and does not get damaged.
What is the Ideal Temperature for the Refrigerator?
The ideal temperature for the refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Take note that some refrigerators do not have a built-in thermometer. The good thing is that you can now purchase appliance thermometers at an affordable price if your fridge does not have one. Having the right temperature for the refrigerator is important because it will ensure that the food and beverages inside it will not spoil. We have also shared this article titled, how do I protect my refrigerator in a hot garage? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
Can the Temperature of the Refrigerator be Adjusted?
The temperature of the refrigerator can be adjusted. This can be done by using a thermometer. The thermometer is designed to work effectively even at the lowest temperature of the fridge. Place the thermometer in a glass of water and place the glass at the center of the refrigerator. Make sure to check the temperature after five to eight hours.
If the temperature that is registered on the thermometer is higher than 40 degrees, you need to adjust the baffle knob so that cold air enters the fridge and lowers the temperature. On the other hand, if the temperature that registers is lower than 38 degrees, you need to turn the baffle knob in the opposite way so that the flow of cold air from the freezer to the fridge is restricted. You can also check out this article that discusses if the refrigerator works harder in the garage. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses if the freezing temperature will damage a refrigerator. We have found out that freezing temperature can damage the internal system of the refrigerator which causes it to malfunction. Moreover, we have shared tips on how to make sure that your fridge works efficiently and safely during cold temperatures. Make sure that your refrigerator is protected from extreme cold by placing it indoors. If you plan to place the fridge in your garage, make sure that is not exposed to freezing temperature. Thank you for reading!