Considering adding a fridge to your garage? Here’s what you need to know about buying a garage fridge before making the investment.
Is a Garage Fridge Right for You?
Pros and Cons of Owning a Second Fridge
Nearly a quarter of American homes have two fridges, often located in the basement or garage. Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of owning an additional fridge, including convenience versus utility costs and potential space constraints.
Owning a second refrigerator is quite common. An estimated 23% of the 35 million homes in the U.S. have two fridges, with the second appliance usually being located in the basement or garage.
If you’re considering buying an extra fridge for the garage, moving an old fridge out there, or debating whether or not to get rid of that extra fridge, ask yourself these questions:
- Are the temperatures in my garage suitable for the fridge I want to buy or currently have?
- Do I spend a lot of free time in the garage and love having a nearby fridge to store beverages?
- Is an additional fridge and/or freezer used regularly for storing extra groceries that won’t fit into my main fridge?
- Could the space my garage fridge is taking up be put to better use?
- Do I really need to have a full-sized fridge loaded up with more beer, bottled water, and soda than my family can drink in the next few months?
- Can I justify the extra expense of running a second fridge?
Choosing the Right Fridge for Your Space
Ensure your garage fridge is suitable for the climate in Denver, Highlands Ranch, Littleton or all of our nearby metro areas. Regular fridges may struggle in extreme temperatures, leading to increased energy consumption and maintenance costs. Invest in energy-efficient, “garage-ready” models for optimal performance.
What Kind Of Fridge Should I Buy For My Garage Storage In Denver?
Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons of buying a fridge for your garage and decided to go ahead with the purchase, there are a few important things you should know. If you are somewhere with consistent year-round temperatures – that also fall within the manufacturer-recommended range of temperatures for running the fridge – you can buy any regular fridge and it will be fine.
But if you live in a climate with cold winters and hot summers (cough-cough, Colorado), a regular fridge won’t be able to withstand the garage temperature which means it will be more likely to break down. A standard fridge is designed to work at room temperature. You put that fridge in a room that doesn’t have any climate control, and it will struggle to keep up without losing its cool (pun intended).
This additional stress the fridge is under will also increase the amount of electricity being consumed. So not only will your utility bills go considerably up, but you may also have to pay for major repairs at some point. Unpredictable temperatures can cause the drip pans in regular fridges to fill up with water quickly. When the weather turns hotter, condensation will also form on the outside of the fridge and evaporate. In both cases, that means more unnecessary moisture in your Denver garage cabinets.
Choose An Energy-Efficient Garage Fridge For Your Denver Garage
Keep in mind that old refrigerators are not energy-efficient. Yes, your grandfather’s icebox may have withstood the test of time and we agree, they don’t make ’em like they used to. But we bet that old beast singlehandedly added hundreds of dollars to the electrical bill.
Old refrigerators are far less energy-efficient than modern fridges so if you’re thinking of installing your old fridge in your garage, that’s not a great idea. We recommend going for a fridge that’s labeled “garage-ready” by the manufacturer. These models have a few key differences that the regular fridges, including a lower range of recommended operating temperatures, higher energy efficiency, and extra insulation.
Running a regular fridge in a hot environment can lead to premature failure due to increased use of the fan motor and compressor. Based on this, if you live in Denver or its surroundings, in addition to buying an energy-efficient model, also add insulation to your space. You can get custom designed garage cabinets that will complement and securely place the fridge where you like in your garage space.
Look for the ES (Energy Star) rating on the fridge that’s going to be used in your garage area. The appliance should be able to adjust to the temperature of the space – garage, in this case – in which it is placed.
And honestly, whether you have a second fridge running in the garage or not, adding insulation to your garage is a wise investment. It helps regulate the indoor temperature and boosts the overall energy efficiency of your house.
Avoiding Pitfalls of Using Regular Fridges
Standard fridges are not designed for garage use, especially in climates with fluctuating temperatures. Operating a regular fridge in such conditions can void warranties and lead to premature breakdowns, increased energy bills, and condensation issues.
Why regular fridges aren’t ideal for most garages
Regardless of what decision you make after weighing your pros and cons about using a second fridge, there are a few important things you should know.
Unless you live in a climate with consistent year-round temperatures and they fall within the manufacturer-recommended range of temperatures for running the appliance, using a regular fridge in the garage is a bad idea.
Just for starters, operating a fridge in an inhospitable climate that doesn’t comply with the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines will probably void your warranty.
High temperatures and regular fridges = a future repair bill
Regular fridges are made to operate at room temperature. High temperatures cause a fridge in a room without climate control to run all the time without a break because it’s constantly struggling to keep the interior cool.
This extra stress the appliance is under increases the amount of electricity being consumed. It also turns the fridge into a major repair bill (and eventual complete breakdown of the appliance) just waiting to happen.
Fluctuating temperatures can cause the drip pans in these appliances to fill up with water quickly. When it gets hotter, condensation will also form on the outside of the appliances and evaporate. In both cases, that means extra unneeded moisture in your Denver garage.
Considerations for Old Fridges
Older fridges are less energy-efficient and may incur higher operating costs. Evaluate the expense of running an old fridge versus investing in a new, garage-ready model to save on electricity and ensure optimal performance.
Here’s what it costs to operate an old refrigerator Why is it probably time for your old fridge to be sent off to the appliance graveyard?
A fridge manufactured before 1990 could potentially be costing you between $250-300 a year to run in a garage.
To find out what your old fridge is costing you to operate, use this Energy Star calculator.
Replacing the fridge with a newer model may involve an upfront expense now, but you’ll save on electricity costs in the long run. It’s better for the planet, too.
Selecting the Right Appliance
Opt for a garage-ready fridge designed to handle temperature variations and humidity levels in your garage. Avoid outdoor fridges, as they are unnecessary and costly for covered garage spaces.
Can I Buy An Outdoor Fridge For My Garage?
Outdoor refrigerators are made with electrical components that can handle moisture, fluctuating temperatures, and changing climates. They are built with a thicker layer of insulation, with exteriors made of materials that can tolerate exposure to the elements.
Wow, that sounds great! So, I’m gonna get one for my garage! No, that’s a bad idea. It’s an “outdoor” fridge and is not designed to be used in a covered space like your garage. Outdoor fridges cost a bomb and there’s absolutely no need for you to pay so much more for a fridge that comes with a weather-resistant exterior. Unless you have money to spare! In which case, why not upgrade your garage storage system in Denver and make life easier for you and your family?
Installation and Insulation in Denver
Integrate your garage fridge into a cabinet system for a seamless, space-saving solution. Enhance climate control and energy efficiency with proper insulation, ensuring a comfortable and organized garage space for your vehicles and storage needs.
Rocky Mountain Custom Garages helps our clients make their garages an extension of their living space. Adding extra amenities to the garage like a fridge is one way we make this happen.
Our garage cabinet systems can be designed to incorporate a garage-ready mini-fridge under the countertop. A mini-fridge won’t even feel like it’s taking up space in your garage because it’s recessed into the cabinet system’s design!
Hot tip: Other traditional indoor living space amenities that can be added to a cabinet system design are a TV and a sink with a faucet.
Insulation Will Help with Climate Control
While we’re here, a note on insulation whether or not you are buying a garage fridge. Adding or upgrading your garage insulation is a wise investment, whether you have a second fridge running in the room or not. Garage insulation helps to regulate the room’s temperature so it doesn’t get such extreme temperature swings. Along with extending the life of your garage fridge, you’ll boost your home’s energy efficiency.
A Garage Fridge is Convenient. So is Indoor Parking.
Having a fridge that is specifically designed for use in the garage is convenient, sure. But being able to park your vehicles in the garage and having a well-organized space is even more convenient. Contact Rocky Mountain Custom Garages online or call us at (720) 807-8925 to get the best design for your garage space!
