Can I Use my Fridge in a Garage?

Refrigerators are not recommended for use in garages or other non–temperature-controlled spaces. While the unit may appear to work initially, colder or fluctuating ambient temperatures can interfere with normal operation and cooling performance.

Why Garages Cause Issues

Refrigerators are designed to operate within a specific ambient temperature range. When installed in a garage, the surrounding temperature often falls outside this range, especially in colder months.

As stated in the owner’s manual:

“Ambient temperatures below 10 °C or above 29.4 °C will hinder the performance of this appliance. This unit is not designed for use in a garage or any other outside installation.”

What Happens in Cold Temperatures

If the garage temperature is colder than the freezer’s set temperature, the refrigerator may not function properly because:

• The compressor will not turn on

• The unit may think it is already cold enough

• The freezer may stop freezing, even though power lights are on

This can result in food thawing or spoiling without any obvious error indicators.

Will the Refrigerator Work Again Indoors?

In many cases, yes. Once the refrigerator is moved back into a temperature-controlled indoor space, it will often resume normal operation as the compressor is able to cycle correctly again.

Key Takeaways

• Garages and unheated spaces are not recommended installation locations

• Cold ambient temperatures can prevent the compressor from running

• Power lights and normal sounds do not always mean proper cooling

• Moving the unit indoors usually restores normal function

• For reliable performance and to avoid cooling issues, refrigerators should be installed indoors where temperatures remain within the specified operating range