Help Your Refrigerator Keep Its Cool!
/Many of us have a refrigerator in the garage that is used to store extra drinks and food. Have you ever wondered what effect a hot garage has on its performance? Your garage is probably not specifically designed for home appliances, but here are a few tips to help keep your garage refrigerator running smoothly as we move through the hottest month of summer.
Household appliances generally have an optimal temperature range for operation. They tend to work well at room temperature (68°F-72°F). But, if your garage isn’t climate controlled, this range isn’t the norm in the summer or winter. Temperatures above 100°F or below 50°F could put a strain on your refrigerator. If you are unsure about how hot or cold the space gets, a simple thermometer hung on the wall away from direct drafts will help you monitor the temperature.
The most important consideration for a happy refrigerator is the power source. Be sure the outlet the refrigerator is plugged into is providing the correct output and is in good condition. Old or damaged outlets may not provide the correct amount of power, putting stress on the appliance. A bad outlet could fail, leaving you with a refrigerator full of spoiled food so when in doubt, contact a professional!
There are a few other things you can do to keep your refrigerator running well year-round. One of the most helpful is keeping the space clean and the air circulating around it. Clean the coils a few times each year and keep dust and debris from settling under or behind the appliance. After cleaning, be sure to leave some space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall and position the appliance out of direct sunlight. It is also helpful to keep a small fan running for air circulation especially in hotter months. Some garages have exhaust or ceiling fans installed to help with airflow. If possible, try to let your car cool off a bit outside before pulling into the garage if your refrigerator is close to where you park. Keeping the refrigerator and freezer at capacity can also help lower the cooling burden. This helps minimize large outflows of cold air just hanging out waiting for the doors to be opened. A few well-placed jugs of water in the refrigerator or bags of ice in the freezer can help fill some of the empty space between shopping trips.
By monitoring your garage temperature and performing a few small maintenance tasks, you can prolong the life of your refrigerator and help it keep its cool!
Jarod Tanksley - 615.403.8265
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