Keeping a refrigerator in a garage is often a bad idea.
Shopping for and owning appliances seems simple enough, but sometimes questions arise about select or properly care for these household workhorses. If you're running out of room for food storage, you might consider buying a second refrigerator-freezer and placing it in your garage. But it this a good idea? This is among the questions that manufacturers and the government can help consumers answer.
Can I Put a Refrigerator-Freezer in the Garage During the Winter?
The government's Energy Star program and two leading manufacturers suggest that keeping a refrigerator in a garage that is not climate-controlled is an unwise choice. If the temperature in your garage falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the refrigerator's thermostat may not function properly. If the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the contents of your refrigerator could freeze. Oil in the refrigerator can also thicken and fail to circulate properly. In fact, GE advises against installing a refrigerator in an area where temperatures go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and warns that refrigerators lose efficiency below this temperature.
What Is the Difference Between 'Self Defrost and 'Manual Defrost' Refrigerators?
According to Energy Star, automatic defrost models heat the interior refrigerator coils at regular intervals to prevent frost buildup. This process uses more energy than a manual defrost refrigerator, which does not have automatic heating elements. When frost builds up on the coils of a manual defrost refrigerator, it operates less efficiently, and you'll have to defrost the appliance yourself to remove this buildup. Whirlpool notes that manual defrost refrigerators tend to keep frozen food fresher longer.
How Do I Clean My Refrigerator?
Manufacturers say you should turn off the refrigerator's power and unplug it before beginning the cleaning process. GE and Whirlpool recommend using a mixture of 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water to wipe down the interior walls. Whirlpool and Maytag warn that you should not use window cleaners, scouring cleansers or pads, bleach or concentrated detergents on your refrigerator. Use soft, clean cloths to wash and dry refrigerator parts that are suitable for cleaning. When removing glass shelves from the refrigerator, do not place them in hot water, or they may break. Consult your refrigerator's owner's manual for detailed instructions specific to your appliance.
At What Temperatures Should I Set My Refrigerator Compartments?
The USDA recommends 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit as the appropriate temperature for your fresh-food compartment. The agency says 0 degrees is the ideal setting for your freezer section. Your owner's manual should explain set your refrigerator at these temperatures. Any time you make a change to temperature settings, allow 24 hours for the new temperature to take effect.
Related posts
A freezer fan stuck in the "off" position is a common problem.Modern refrigerator/freezers are great conveniences, but sometime their complicated features break down and create extra pro...
Frost-free refrigerators can ice up if there is a failure in the system.Frost-free refrigeration is standard in modern refrigerators. As the frost builds up on evaporator coils, these types of ref...
When your fridge malfunctions, you need answers quickly. Otherwise, you could end up losing hundreds of dollars' worth of food. This list of possible causes and solutions will help you analyze you...
Magic Chef is a brand of appliances sold by CNA International, Inc., headquartered in Wood Dale, Illinois. Magic Chef offers compact refrigerators, which have a maximum capacity of 10 cubic feet....
Maytag, the make of Magic Chef refrigerators, recalled a number of units in 2009 because of an electrical failure in the relay which can cause a fire hazard. If you are experiencing difficulties w...
