Having a refrigerator in your garage can be very convenient, allowing you to store extra food and drinks without taking up space in your kitchen. However, garages tend to be much cooler than indoor living spaces, so keeping a refrigerator at the proper temperature in the garage can be challenging.
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What temperature should my garage refrigerator be?
The ideal temperature range for a refrigerator is between 35-40°F. This cold temperature helps food stay fresh longer. If the temperature rises above 40°F, bacteria can grow rapidly and spoil food.
Since garages tend to be cooler than indoor spaces, especially during winter, you’ll likely need to focus on keeping the refrigerator warm enough. If the temperature dips below 32°F, food can freeze. Frozen food will still be safe to eat after thawing, but the texture and taste will deteriorate.
How do I determine the temperature of my garage refrigerator?
The best way to monitor the temperature is by keeping a refrigerator thermometer inside. This allows you to easily check the temperature at a glance. Look for a thermometer designed specifically for refrigerators. For example, a liquid blue-column thermometer can take the frequent temperature fluctuations in stride and provide an accurate reading.
You can also estimate the temperature by feeling inside the refrigerator. If it feels quite cold and food items are starting to get icy, the temperature has likely dropped too low. But this method isn’t as precise as using a thermometer.
Tips for heating a garage refrigerator
Here are some tips to help keep your garage refrigerator in the optimal temperature range:
- Insulate the refrigerator – Adding insulation around the sides and top can help regulate the temperature. You can use reflective insulation or insulation wraps specifically made for refrigerators.
- Protect from weather – If the garage door doesn’t seal well, consider using weatherstripping or an insulating garage door curtain. This helps prevent outside air from affecting the interior garage temperature.
- Use a space heater – A space heater can warm up the area right around the refrigerator. Look for a heater with automatic shut-off features.
- Install heat tape – Heat tape (or heat cable) runs along the back of the refrigerator to provide direct warmth. It offers more targeted heating than a space heater.
- Use incandescent bulbs – You can place incandescent light bulbs (60 watt) inside the refrigerator to provide interior warmth, but this can increase your electricity costs.
Best heating options
The most effective and energy efficient ways to heat a garage refrigerator are:
- Refrigerator insulation – Wrapping the fridge in insulating material buffers it from the cool garage temperatures.
- Heat tape – Heat tape provides direct, consistent warmth right along the back of the fridge.
Using both insulation and heat tape is the best bet for maintaining the ideal 35-40°F temperature range. The insulation protects the overall fridge while the heat tape provides direct warmth as needed.
About refrigerator insulation
Insulating a garage refrigerator helps it retain cold air inside and prevents the cooler garage temperatures from affecting the fridge interior. Some options include:
- Refrigerator insulation kits – You can find dedicated insulation wraps made specifically to fit around refrigerators.
- Reflective insulation – Using reflective insulation sheets around the fridge provides an insulating air barrier.
- Fleece fabric – Wrapping the fridge in fleece helps insulate it in a more decorative way.
Make sure to leave the front clear so the door can open properly. Cut out a section for the back as needed to allow installation of heat tape.
About heat tape
Heat tape (also called heat cable) runs horizontally along the back of the fridge. It warms up when you plug it in, providing direct warmth. Key advantages include:
- Provides targeted heating right along the fridge coils
- Typically uses less electricity than a portable space heater
- Designed for safe continuous use
- Many styles include a built-in thermostat
Look for heat tape made specifically for refrigerators, as the wattage and thermostats are designed to maintain optimal fridge temperatures.
| Heat Tape Length | Recommended for Fridge Size |
|---|---|
| 6.5 feet | Up to 10 cubic feet |
| 10 feet | 10-15 cubic feet |
| 15 feet | 15-25 cubic feet |
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for installing the heat tape. Position it horizontally along the full width of the back of the fridge.
Using a temperature controller
For more advanced control, you can use a special temperature controller designed for refrigerators. This gives you the following benefits:
- Allows more precise temperature adjustments
- Displays the current fridge temperature
- Has an alarm for when the temperature goes out of range
The device is installed between the wall outlet and the fridge or heat tape. You simply set your desired temperature range and the controller maintains the optimal temperature by automatically turning the heat source on and off as needed.
Positioning the refrigerator
Where you place the refrigerator in your garage can also impact the temperature:
- Choose an interior wall – This shields the fridge from direct exterior garage door drafts.
- Avoid placing near vents or windows – Any cold air leaks can affect the fridge temperature.
- Keep it elevated – Placing the fridge on pallets or bricks raises it off the cooler concrete floor.
Maintenance tips
Proper maintenance helps your garage refrigerator run more efficiently:
- Clean the condenser coils – Use a brush or vacuum to clear away any dust buildup on the condenser coils at the back of the fridge about once a year. Dust acts as insulation and prevents proper airflow.
- Check the door seal – If the door seal is cracked or doesn’t seal well when closed, cold air can escape. Replace damaged seals.
- Defrost as needed – Allowing too much frost buildup inside makes the refrigerator work harder. Defrost occasionally by unplugging the fridge and allowing the frost to melt.
Safety considerations
Since you’ll be using electrical devices to heat the refrigerator, be sure to follow safety precautions:
- Use only weatherproof-rated extension cords
- Don’t overload the circuit
- Keep heat tape and space heaters away from water
- Check for damage before each winter
- Always follow the device manufacturers’ instructions
With the proper setup and some periodic maintenance, you can keep a garage refrigerator at just the right temperature year-round. Insulation and heat tape work together to regulate the interior temperature, while following good placement and safety practices will also improve efficiency and prevent issues. Keeping a thermometer inside makes it easy to monitor the fridge temperature and make any needed adjustments.
Conclusion
Maintaining the optimal 35-40°F temperature range allows a garage refrigerator to keep food fresh. Insulating the fridge and installing heat tape provides the best heating solution. Refrigerator insulation buffers the fridge from cool garage air while the heat tape offers direct back-of-fridge warming. Additionally, temperature controllers allow precise temperature control. Following placement, maintenance and safety best practices helps improve efficiency. With the right setup, a garage refrigerator can operate just like an indoor fridge, providing cool, convenient extra storage space.