Garage Fridge

[Schwartzint1]

With the extreme cold we have been getting I am understanding why a garage fridge has a hard time in the winter. I have heat in the garage but I have only been turning it on when I work out there. It is a two car, attached and insulated. My thermostat does not show any temp below 40degrees so I don't know the exact temp when I am not heating. Anyways.... I read someplace else about a "garage kit" for a refrigerator. I have a sub zero fridge and a Kegerator in the garage. I noticed today a pop out of the fridge was slushy. I cant find a garage kit for sub zero. Anyone with knowledge of appliances know if these could be universal to a degree, or if there is a manufacturer out there that makes something for sub zero? I will try to contact them tomorrow.

 

[rburke65]

What do you mean by a "garage kit" for a refrigerator?

 

[jgira12]

I'm in your area ...temps near the small fridge are about 40* right now....the unit hardly comes on because the ambient temp is so close to the setting temp. I think all you have to do is adjust your temp setting.

 

[Schwartzint1]

Adjust it to a warmer setting correct?

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/frigidaire-garage-refrigerator-heater-5303918301-ap3722172.html

 

[Schwartzint1]

To late. Had a diet coke explode. I will probably just unplug it for the winter months.

 

[DC73]

Get an accurate thermometer. Keep in the fridge. Adjust temperature as needed. You won't need to turn it down near as cold in the winter months as you do in the summer.

DC

 

[jgorm]

You could use an external thermostat to turn it off when the temps are below 40.

 

[nolimits76]

We don't get as cold here as Detroit, but I haven't had any issues. I have a temp gauge. During the coldest months, my garage stays in the 30's to 50's temp wise. It's colder outside mind you.

Also the back of the fridge backs to an interior wall. Maybe that helps a bit.

Other than that, I have an older (early to mid 90's is my guess) side by side Kenmore. Keeps my stuff ice cold. Picked that and an even older 70's side by side up from an estate sale for $150 (for both) several years back. At the time we used my garage fridge in the kitchen and the other in my garage. Since we upgraded the kitchen fridge so the garage got the newer unit. I couldn't complain about the service I've gotten for small dollars I've invested.

 

[cat-mechanic]

To late. Had a diet coke explode. I will probably just unplug it for the winter months.

Funny thing is I don't seem to have the same problem as you. Think I'm going to put on some shorts and a t-shirt and go work in the garage today.

But you might be able to turn the controls up higher. Or like you said, might just have to unplug it.

 

[TonkaJoe]

If you only have the heat on when you are out in the garage it sounds as though with the colder weather it's out of your fridges operating range. Check the back of the fridge where all the stickers are, there should be general specifications ( Operating range being one of them). Most are designed to work around 75 degrees F, not the on average below 55 degrees F of a garage. You may be able to solve your problem by installing the “garage kit” you mentioned... it's a simple heating coil to warm the air around the thermostat. The warmer air makes the compressor run longer and keeps everything chilled. Check with the manufacturer to see if they make one for your model. Only other option to save you a few bucks would be to unplug it in the winter months.