Placing a refrigerator in the garage is handy. It gives extra space for drinks, holiday food, or backup storage. But when winter comes, many people find their garage refrigerator freezing issues start. The fridge part gets too cold, and food inside turns into ice blocks. This often happens because of the cold air outside. The fridge’s job is to keep food cold, but it works differently when the air around it is very cold. A common fix for this involves a special part called a refrigerator heater kit. This kit helps the fridge work right in low temperatures. This guide will help you stop your garage fridge from freezing food and solve these garage fridge temperature problems.
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Why Cold Weather Makes Fridges Freeze Food
Refrigerators cool things down to a set temperature. They do this by moving heat from inside to outside. When the air outside the fridge is warm, the fridge works harder to get rid of heat. It has parts that cycle on and off. The main cooling part, called the compressor, runs when the inside temperature goes up. When the temperature drops enough, the compressor turns off.
But when the air around the fridge is very cold, like in a garage in winter, the fridge doesn’t need to run its compressor much. The cold outside air helps keep the freezer section very cold. This can make the compressor run less often. The fridge section often relies on air moving from the freezer to cool down. If the compressor doesn’t run much, the fan that moves this cold air to the fridge section might not run either.
Here is the key point: the thermostat that tells the fridge to turn on is usually in the fresh food section. If the cold garage air keeps the fresh food section somewhat cool already, the thermostat might not signal the compressor to turn on often enough. When the compressor does turn on, it might run just long enough to keep the freezer super cold, but the fresh food section doesn’t get enough cooling cycles or airflow to keep its temperature stable and above freezing. This leads to fridge freezing in cold weather. It’s a big reason for garage refrigerator freezing issues.
Common Problems When Fridges Get Too Cold
Putting a regular kitchen fridge in a cold garage can cause several headaches.
- Food Freezing: This is the most common issue. Drinks explode, lettuce freezes solid, eggs crack, and other food items get ruined. Preventing food freezing in garage fridge is a major goal for garage fridge owners in winter.
- Fridge Section Gets Too Warm: Sometimes, the opposite happens. If the freezer gets cold enough quickly, the compressor might not run for long. This means the fan that sends cold air to the fridge side doesn’t run much. The freezer is fine, but the fridge section doesn’t get enough cold air and warms up, sometimes making food go bad.
- Temperature Swings: The temperature inside the fridge section can go up and down a lot. It might be okay sometimes, but then drop below freezing at other times. This makes it hard to store sensitive items.
- Fridge Stops Working Right: Over time, these temperature problems can strain the fridge’s parts. The appliance might not work as well overall.
These problems show the ambient temperature effect on refrigerator performance is significant, especially in places with big temperature changes like a garage.
Checking Your Fridge and Your Garage
Before you try to fix the problem, figure out exactly what is going on.
Finding Out How Cold Your Fridge Is
You need to know the actual temperature inside your fridge and freezer sections.
- Use a simple appliance thermometer. Put one in the fridge section and one in the freezer section.
- Check the temperatures over a day or two, especially when the garage is coldest.
- The best garage refrigerator temperature range for the fridge part is usually between 35°F and 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C). The freezer should be 0°F (-18°C).
- See if the fridge section temperature drops below 32°F (0°C). This confirms the freezing problem.
Looking at Your Fridge
Check these things on your fridge itself:
- Door Seals: Make sure the rubber seals around the doors are clean and seal tightly. A bad seal lets warm air in, but in a cold garage, it might also mess up the internal temperature balance.
- Vents: Inside the fridge, there are vents that let cold air in from the freezer. Make sure these are not blocked by food or ice buildup. Blocked vents mess up airflow.
- Thermostat Setting: Double-check the temperature setting on your fridge. Is it set correctly? Sometimes the dial numbers don’t exactly match the temperature, so the thermometer test is important.
- Coils: The coils on the back or under the fridge (condenser coils) need to be clean so the fridge can properly release heat. Dust and dirt make it work harder.
Looking at Your Garage
Think about the environment where the fridge sits.
- Ambient Temperature: How cold does your garage actually get? Does it go below freezing? Most regular fridges are designed to work in temperatures between 50°F and 110°F (10°C to 43°C). If it gets colder than 50°F, you are likely to have fridge freezing in cold weather issues.
- Placement: Is the fridge right next to a cold outside wall or a drafty door? Moving it to a warmer spot might help. Is it getting airflow? Don’t push it right against the wall.
- Insulation: Is your garage insulated at all? Is it heated?
Knowing these details helps you choose the best way to fix your garage refrigerator freezing issues.
Solutions for Keeping Your Fridge Cold in Winter
There are several ways to stop your garage fridge from freezing food. Some are simple adjustments, others involve adding parts or changing the fridge itself.
Getting a Garage Ready Refrigerator
This is often the best long-term solution if you plan to keep a fridge in the garage year-round.
- What it is: A garage ready refrigerator is built to work correctly in a wider range of temperatures, specifically including cold ones. They are tested to work in temperatures from 0°F (-18°C) to 110°F (43°C).
- How it works: These fridges usually have special features. They might have an extra heater wire or a different way of controlling the compressor and fans. This helps the fridge section stay above freezing even when the garage is very cold.
- Benefits: You don’t have to worry about the temperature outside. Food stays at the right temperature, preventing food freezing in garage fridge issues permanently. They are reliable in garages.
- Downsides: They cost more than a standard fridge. If you already have a fridge, buying a new one isn’t the cheapest option.
If you are buying a fridge specifically for a garage or other non-heated area, look for models labeled “garage ready” or that meet the “DAR rating” (which means it works down to 0°F).
Using a Refrigerator Heater Kit
This is a common way to fix a regular fridge you already have.
- What it is: A refrigerator heater kit is a small heating element that you install inside the fresh food section of your fridge. It’s usually placed near the thermostat or the control panel.
- How it works: The heater makes the air around the thermostat slightly warmer. This tricks the thermostat into thinking the fresh food section is warmer than it really is. Because the thermostat thinks it’s warmer, it tells the compressor to turn on more often. When the compressor runs, the fan that sends cold air to the fridge section also runs more. This helps circulate air and keep the fridge section temperature stable and above freezing, even when the garage is very cold.
- Installation: The kit usually includes the heater, wires, and instructions. Installation varies by fridge model. Some are simple plug-in types that attach near the light, while others require wiring into the control panel.
- Simple Kits: These often just plug into the light socket and hang near the thermostat. They generate just enough heat to influence the thermostat. Easy to install.
- Wired Kits: These involve locating the thermostat wires and splicing in the heater kit. This requires some comfort with basic electrical work and tools. Following the specific kit’s instructions for your fridge model is crucial. If you’re not comfortable, hire an appliance repair person.
- Availability: Many major fridge brands (like Whirlpool, Kenmore, GE) offer specific heater kits for their older models that are commonly moved to garages. Check your fridge’s model number and the manufacturer’s website or a parts supplier.
- Benefits: It’s much cheaper than buying a new garage ready refrigerator. It can effectively solve the fridge freezing in cold weather problem for many standard fridges.
- Downsides: Not all fridge models have a kit available. Installing a wired kit can be tricky if you lack electrical skills. The heater uses a small amount of electricity.
Controlling the Garage Environment
Making the garage itself less cold can help your fridge work better.
- Insulate the Garage: Adding insulation to the walls and ceiling helps keep the temperature more stable. It reduces how cold it gets in winter and how hot in summer. This lessens the ambient temperature effect on refrigerator performance.
- Seal Drafts: Check doors and windows for drafts. Seal them up to prevent cold air from getting in.
- Add a Small Heater (Use with Caution!): You can use a small space heater in the garage to keep the temperature above 50°F (10°C).
- Safety First: If you use a heater, make sure it’s safe for garage use. Keep it away from flammable materials. Use a heater with safety features like a tip-over shut-off and overheat protection. Never leave it running unattended for long periods, especially overnight. This is a temporary fix, not a permanent solution.
- Cost: Heating a garage, even a little, will increase your electricity or gas bill.
- Move the Fridge: If possible, move the fridge away from outside walls, windows, or doors where cold air might be strongest. Place it in a more protected spot within the garage. Make sure there is enough space around it for air to flow – check your fridge manual for recommended clearances.
Insulating the Fridge Itself (Less Common)
Some people think about adding insulation directly to the outside of the fridge. This is generally not recommended as a primary solution and can sometimes make things worse or be a fire hazard.
- Why it’s tricky: Refrigerators need to release heat to cool inside. Wrapping the outside can trap heat, making the compressor work harder and potentially overheat.
- Limited benefit for freezing: External insulation helps keep the inside cold longer if the fridge is off, but it doesn’t fix the core problem of the thermostat not signaling the compressor in a cold environment. It won’t help with fridge freezing in cold weather caused by the thermostat issue.
- Possible Exception (with caution): Some might consider insulating the top or sides slightly, avoiding the back where coils are, but this is experimental and not standard practice. It’s much better to use a heater kit or control the garage temperature.
- Internal Adjustments: Make sure the fridge’s internal airflow vents are clear. Some fridges have a damper control you can adjust, but usually, these are set correctly at the factory. Do not block internal vents hoping to regulate temperature.
Step-by-Step: Solving Garage Fridge Temperature Problems
Here is a step-by-step way to address your fridge freezing issues.
- Confirm the Problem: Use thermometers to check the actual temperature inside both the fridge and freezer sections over a day or two. Verify that the fridge section is dropping below 32°F (0°C). Note the temperature in the garage during this time. This confirms you have a fridge freezing in cold weather problem related to ambient temperature.
- Check the Basics:
- Are the door seals tight? Clean them and check with a piece of paper (it should be hard to pull out when the door is closed on it).
- Are the internal vents clear of ice or food?
- Are the external coils clean?
- Is the fridge setting correct?
- Improve Garage Environment (if possible):
- Move the fridge away from cold spots if you can.
- If you can insulate or seal drafts in the garage, do it.
- Consider using a temporary, safe space heater on very cold days only to keep the garage above 50°F (10°C), being extremely cautious about fire safety.
- Consider a Refrigerator Heater Kit:
- Find your fridge’s exact model number.
- Search online (manufacturer’s website, appliance parts stores) to see if a garage heater kit is available for your model.
- Read the installation instructions carefully to see if you are comfortable doing it yourself or if you need a professional.
- Purchase and install the kit. This is often the most direct and effective solution for solving garage fridge temperature problems in existing fridges.
- Monitor Temperatures Again: After making changes (moving fridge, using a heater kit, improving garage insulation), check the fridge temperatures again with thermometers. See if the fridge section stays reliably above 35°F (1.7°C).
- Think About a Garage Ready Fridge: If a heater kit isn’t available for your model, or if the problem continues even after trying other steps, buying a garage ready refrigerator might be the best long-term solution for preventing food freezing in garage fridge and avoiding future garage refrigerator freezing issues.
This structured approach helps you identify the cause and apply the most suitable fix for keeping fridge cold in garage winter without freezing.
Finding the Best Garage Refrigerator Temperature
What is the best garage refrigerator temperature? This isn’t just about setting the dial on your fridge. It’s about ensuring the actual temperature inside stays in the safe zone.
- Fresh Food Section: The ideal temperature range is 35°F to 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C). Food stays fresh without freezing.
- Freezer Section: The ideal temperature is 0°F (-18°C). This keeps frozen food safely stored long-term.
In a standard fridge in a cold garage, the freezer is usually the section that reaches its target temperature easily, sometimes getting even colder. This causes the fridge section to suffer because the cooling system doesn’t run enough.
Using a heater kit helps trick the fridge into running its compressor more, which indirectly helps the fridge section stay in its correct, non-freezing range. It cycles the air more effectively.
Always use appliance thermometers to verify the actual temperatures, especially after changing settings or installing a kit. The dial setting is just a starting point.
Keeping Your Garage Fridge Working Well
Once you have stopped the fridge freezing in cold weather, do some simple maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
- Clean the Coils: At least once or twice a year, clean the condenser coils. These are usually under the fridge or on the back. Dust and dirt make the fridge work harder. Use a vacuum cleaner brush or a coil brush.
- Check Door Seals: Clean the door seals regularly with mild soap and water. Make sure they are still flexible and sealing tightly.
- Ensure Airflow: Make sure there is space around the fridge as recommended in the manual. Don’t pack items right up against the back wall inside the fridge, as this can block vents.
- Defrosting: If your freezer is not frost-free (most modern ones are), defrost it regularly. Ice buildup reduces efficiency and can block airflow to the fridge section.
Regular care helps prevent new garage refrigerator freezing issues from starting.
Knowing When to Get a New Fridge
Sometimes, fixing an old fridge for the garage isn’t worth it.
- Age: If your fridge is very old, it might not be energy efficient, and parts could start failing.
- Cost of Repair: If a heater kit isn’t available, or if there are other problems besides freezing, the cost of fixing it might be close to buying a new one.
- Ongoing Problems: If you have tried the solutions but still have problems preventing food freezing in garage fridge, an old unit might just not be up to the task, especially in very cold climates.
If you decide to replace it, strongly consider getting a garage ready refrigerator. This is specifically built for the conditions and will save you from future headaches with keeping fridge cold in garage winter.
Summarizing How to Stop Freezing
Keeping your garage fridge from freezing food in winter is possible. The main reason it freezes is that the cold outside air makes the fridge’s thermostat work incorrectly, especially affecting the fresh food section.
Key ways to solve garage fridge temperature problems include:
- Checking actual temperatures with thermometers.
- Looking at your fridge’s condition (seals, vents, coils).
- Checking the garage environment (temperature, placement).
- Installing a refrigerator heater kit designed for your fridge model. This is a very effective solution for many fridges.
- Making the garage environment warmer (insulation, careful use of heaters).
- Considering a dedicated garage ready refrigerator if you’re buying new or replacing an old one.
By understanding the ambient temperature effect on refrigerator operation and taking the right steps, you can keep your food safely chilled, not frozen, even in the coldest months. Solving garage refrigerator freezing issues means your extra fridge space stays useful all year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put any standard refrigerator in a garage?
You can, but it might not work right when the garage gets cold. Most standard fridges are made for temperatures above 50°F (10°C). If your garage gets colder than that, you risk garage refrigerator freezing issues, where the fresh food section gets too cold and freezes food.
How cold is too cold for a standard fridge in a garage?
Generally, temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause problems. Below this temperature, the fridge’s control system might not make the compressor run enough to keep the fresh food section above freezing.
What is a garage ready refrigerator, and how is it different?
A garage ready refrigerator is made to work in a wider temperature range, often down to 0°F (-18°C). They have special designs or parts, like built-in heaters or different control systems, that help them keep the fresh food section warm enough even when the air around the fridge is very cold.
How does a refrigerator heater kit work?
A refrigerator heater kit adds a small amount of heat inside the fresh food section, usually near the thermostat. This makes the thermostat sense a warmer temperature than it would naturally in a cold garage. This tricks the thermostat into running the compressor and internal fans more often, which helps circulate cold air and keep the entire fresh food section at the correct, non-freezing temperature.
Can I install a refrigerator heater kit myself?
It depends on the kit and your comfort level. Some kits are simple plug-in types. Others require basic wiring. Always follow the specific instructions for your kit and fridge model. If you’re not sure or not comfortable with electrical work, it’s best to hire an appliance repair person.
Will insulating the garage help stop my fridge from freezing?
Yes, insulating the garage helps keep the temperature more stable and warmer in the winter. If you can keep the garage temperature above 50°F (10°C), it greatly reduces the risk of your standard fridge having fridge freezing in cold weather problems.
Is it safe to use a space heater in the garage to keep the fridge warm?
You can use a space heater cautiously and temporarily. However, safety is critical. Make sure the heater is rated for garage use, kept far away from anything that can burn, has tip-over and overheat protection, and is never left running unattended for long periods. This is not a recommended permanent solution due to safety risks and energy costs.
Where should I set the temperature dial on my garage fridge?
Start with the recommended settings, usually medium settings or specific temperature numbers if shown. But always use appliance thermometers placed inside the fridge and freezer sections to check the actual temperature. Adjust the dial based on the thermometer readings to aim for 35-40°F (1.7-4.4°C) in the fridge and 0°F (-18°C) in the freezer.
Can blocking internal vents in the fridge help regulate temperature?
No, you should never block internal vents. These vents are designed to control airflow between the freezer and the fresh food section. Blocking them disrupts how the fridge is meant to work and can cause uneven temperatures, freezing in some spots, and warming in others.