Garage Fridge 101: The Cool (and Safe) Way Your Garage Can Chill
Becoming a garage guru involves some tough decisions. Where does the workbench go? How do I organize the tools? And one particular conundrum that gives many DIY enthusiasts pause: Is it safe to put a refrigerator in the garage?
Search For Refrigerator Guides and Parts
Well, strap on your tool belts because this repairman is going on a mission to debunk myths and provide the best advice for making your fridge feel at home in your garage.
A Cool Addition or a Fire Risk?: Garage Fridge Safety Exposed
First and foremost, let's unravel the big question: Is it actually safe to put a refrigerator in the garage? Short answer: Yes! However, as with any potential safety hazards, the devil is in the detail. Holding a firm understanding of the considerations and adjustments required can set your fridge up for a lifetime of cooling beverages and leftover pizza without fretting over electrical fires or erratic temperatures.
Guard Against Electrocution:
Safety first, folks. Never plug your refrigerator directly into a garage outlet: enter the GFCI outlet, the un-sung hero of garage safety. These bad boys are designed to cut off electrical power when they sense an imbalance, preventing your garage from becoming an impromptu science experiment about electrical currents.
Brace Against the Elements:
Most things don't do well under extreme temperature fluctuations, and fridges are especially touchy. If your garage gets particularly hot in the summer or dips below freezing in the winter, your fridge is going to struggle. Fortunately, there are fridges designed just for these types of conditions: Consider investing in a "garage-ready" fridge to avoid any temperature tantrums.
Don’t Skimp on Ventilation:
Your fridge needs to breathe. So, remember to place it a few inches from the wall or any other large items. This allows proper air circulation, keeping the motor cool and happy. Sometimes, even your appliances need their personal space!
The Perks and Quirks of a Garage Fridge
Okay, safety bits done, now on to the fun stuff. To some, a garage fridge might be the ticket to avoid annoying journeys from garage to kitchen during the middle of a project; for others, it may serve as overflow storage. Whichever camp you fall into, knowing the ins and outs of your garage fridge can firmly plant it into the 'perks' category, dodging any potential 'quirks'.
Organizational Champion:
Who doesn't love extra storage? Even if it’s only a bar fridge, it still opens up space for snacks and beverages that would otherwise crowd your kitchen refrigerator.
Future Friendships:
Ever imagined becoming the cool neighbour with always-ready cold drinks in your garage? A fridge in the garage can make you the king of the cul-de-sac in no time!
-20°C Hiccup:
A fridge in a freezing garage might stop running, mimicking your reaction to cold temperature. The fridge thinks it's cold enough and will cease working, resulting in a freezer that's no longer freezing anything! Remember, garage-ready fridges, they're our friends.
When to Call a Professional
Despite our DIY prowess, sometimes we need to call in the big guns. If you notice any strange sounds, leaks, or if the fridge seems hotter than usual, call a professional immediately. Dealing with electricity is not a game.
Final Thoughts: Garage Fridge or No?
Privy to the essential factors, it sounds like a resounding ‘yes’, right? And it can be! Just remember to invest in a GFCI outlet and, depending on your climate, a garage-ready fridge. Keep the area around it clear, and never be shy to call in a professional if something seems off. Now go forth, and may your garage always be a chilled haven of refreshment and second helpings!