Does Keeping a Fridge in the Garage Affect How It Works?

Refrigerator Temperature

• The temperature in the refrigerator might be either too high or too low, depending on the ambient temperature in the garage. Usually, you should keep the refrigerator at about 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If the ambient temperature in the garage is consistently below this, the refrigerator will stop using the cooling system entirely. The temperature in the refrigerator will fluctuate based on the ambient temperature and could freeze the foods inside. On the other hand, if the ambient temperature in the garage is very high, the refrigerator's cooling system might not be able to operate quickly enough to get the unit down to the correct temperature, causing the interior temperature to slowly rise and the food to spoil.

Freezer Temperature

• The only problem you might see with the temperature in the freezer portion is that it could get too high, thawing or partially thawing the food. In general, the freezer needs to remain at a temperature of approximately 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If the ambient temperature in the garage is high, like with the refrigerator portion, the cooling system will not be able to keep the temperature low enough. On the other end of the spectrum, if the ambient temperature is so low that the cooling system shuts off because the refrigerator portion is cool enough, then the freezer portion will gradually warm up because it is usually tied to the same system.

Humidity Problems

• Refrigerators generate moisture when they run, which can increase the humidity in your garage. In a home, your air-conditioning or heating system acts as a dehumidifier, but you do not have this backup in a garage that is not climate controlled. Therefore, you should not run your refrigerator in the garage if you store items there that can be damaged by humidity or if the room is susceptible to mold and mildew growth.

Unplugged Refrigerator

• It is perfectly fine to keep an unplugged refrigerator in your garage for storage. However, if you want the refrigerator to remain in operating condition, you should plug it in and run it for about a day every three months. While it is not running, keep the door propped open so the refrigerator does not develop mold or unpleasant odors. If you have children, or pets, who could become stuck inside the fridge, make sure the doors are securely propped open.