Rules for storing a refrigerator in the cold or in an unheated room

The refrigerator is one of the most necessary household appliances. Therefore, the purchase of a new one is usually not postponed until better times, but the device is purchased even when the old one is in working condition. An old refrigerator is not thrown away, but sold or transported to the country. There are often situations when it is necessary to organize the storage of a refrigerator for a certain period of time. For example, for the period of repair work.

Many people place electrical appliances in the garage, basement, or balcony. At the same time, they completely forget that a refrigerator is a complex device for which certain operating conditions are provided.

Storing the refrigerator (both turned off and running) in the cold or in an unheated room can render it inoperative. This can be avoided if you follow a number of important rules during storage.

The effect of low temperatures on parts

To understand what exactly is the negative impact of sub-zero temperatures on a refrigerator, you need to understand how frost can affect its individual components:

• thermostat. This part practically does not react to sub-zero temperatures. When switched off, the device will remain unchanged. An activated thermostat will not be able to perform its main function - sending a signal to the compressor to change the temperature. The principle of operation of the refrigeration unit is to lower the temperature when it rises to the specified parameters in order to maintain the freshness of the products. When storing the device in an unheated room or in the cold, such a need simply will not arise;
• oil. In cold weather, the viscosity of the oil increases significantly. Different brands will react differently, but changing the fluid in this way can change its properties. In addition, after liquefaction it may lose its lubricating properties;
• freon. If the refrigeration unit is turned off, nothing will happen to the gas. If you turn on the unit in the cold, it most likely will not work. Gas will not be able to circulate through the system due to a decrease in pressure in the tubes - it simply will not be able to leave the condenser;
• evaporator - in the cold, the iron base of the evaporator freezes with the formation of growths. During defrosting, cracks and other damage may appear. This is especially destructive for refrigerators that are equipped with a No Frost system;
• sealing rubber bands. They are responsible for the stable operation of the refrigerator, preventing cold leakage. The composition of the rubber seals does not imply their use in frost or very damp areas. Severe cold and moisture negatively affect the integrity of the rubber strip - it cracks, delaminates and loses elasticity;
• boards - the formation of condensation and freezing will 100% guarantee that the board will fail. This will especially hurt your pocket, since the circuit board is one of the most expensive parts in the refrigerator.

external finishing. The coating will crack quickly without chipping. If the body has already been chipped, it will quickly rust and become unusable.

Important: if the refrigerator is stored on the balcony, it is affected not only by frost, but also by sunlight, wind, and precipitation. All this together will not only affect the appearance of the device, but also its performance.

Conclusion - storing a refrigerator in an unheated room or in the cold is not a good idea.

The most typical malfunctions when operating a refrigerator in cold weather

When operating a refrigeration unit in a cold room, the following malfunctions may occur:

• Difficulty refrigerating food. This problem is directly related to the operation of the thermostat. The essence of the device is that when the compressor cools the refrigerator to the desired temperature, a sensor is triggered, transmitting the command to the refrigerator motor to turn off. So the unit sits for some time and begins to heat up again due to incomplete thermal insulation. Then the compressor starts working again and cools the interior again. This is normal operation of the refrigerator. But if it stands on the balcony in winter, no heat will enter it from the surrounding space, which means that the compressor does not need to turn on to cool the unit. This option is suitable for a refrigerator compartment, but what if you need to freeze food, and the freezer gives the same temperature as in the environment? Of course, such work is unlikely to lead to breakdowns, but it will cause great inconvenience in use.
• But this problem can cause serious problems with the refrigerator motor. Usually old generation refrigerators, produced in the Soviet Union, are placed on balconies. They use R12 and R22 refrigerants, which are compatible with mineral and semi-synthetic oils. They are extremely unstable to low temperatures, and if the air warms up by less than +5 degrees, they begin to thicken. All oil-lubricated parts of the compressor are subject to additional stress and it is harder for them to rotate. To make them work in the desired mode, a large current supply is required, which cannot be provided. As a result, the protective relay is activated. Modern refrigerator models use refrigerants starting from R134 and later, which work together with synthetic oils. Such refrigerators are more resistant to cold.
• If the compressor can still start in the cold, then there may be a problem with the movement of freon, which is needed to cool the refrigerator. Old refrigerators most often cope with this task, but only for 3-5 minutes. Modern models have many sensors that determine the operating conditions of the unit. They will not allow the device to run idle for 3-5 minutes, the protective relay will work.
• The occurrence of “wet running”. Freon is initially in a liquid state, and enters the compressor in gaseous form. In order to process freon, the evaporator must absorb sufficient heat. If there is not enough of it, the freon vapor will contain drops of liquid, which can lead to complete destruction of the refrigerator compressor elements.
• If the unit is a model with a “No Frost” or drip defrosting system, then the cold ambient temperature will cause problems in the functioning of these systems. These refrigerators imply automatic defrosting of the chamber, but for normal operation it is necessary to comply with the temperature conditions specified in the instructions.
• Each refrigerator has a rubber seal that is located on the doors of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. It is needed in order to ensure insulation of the internal space of the refrigerator from the external environment, due to which the cold remains in the unit longer. But the refrigerator seal does not withstand frost, as a result it cracks or even breaks off.
• Cold outside is usually accompanied by high humidity. The refrigerator contains many metal elements and electrical circuits that can oxidize and rust. If moisture gets on some elements, a short circuit is even possible, which, at best, will lead to breakdown of the refrigerator itself, and at worst, it can even cause a fire.

What to pay attention to

Of course, it is not always possible to place an electrical appliance in the conditions required by the instructions. In such situations it is worth considering:

• requirements for operating conditions that are developed by the manufacturer. It always indicates the temperature range in which the unit is permitted to operate. If the instructions are lost or the data cannot be found, you should follow the general rule and turn off the refrigerator if it must be stored at a temperature of +5 C0. At lower temperatures it will almost wear out;
• The refrigerator must be stored empty. All food and other things (medicines, cosmetics, etc.) are removed from it. It is recommended to wash it thoroughly and wipe dry. Moving parts (drawers, shelves) should be secured with adhesive tape;
• when choosing a place where the device will stand for a long time, preference is given to one where direct sunlight and precipitation will not be directed at it;
• To avoid condensation, it is better to cover the refrigerator with a cloth.

The most important rule is not to use the refrigerator when it is stored in extreme conditions for the device.

Opening and closing doors, pulling out shelves and drawers can lead to mechanical damage, since many parts will become fragile in the cold.

Important: it is strongly not recommended to turn on the unit if the temperature at your visit is below +5 C0. Such a start will place a serious load on the compressor. The result is a short circuit or burning of an expensive part.

What kind of freezer can be installed on the balcony?

What should you pay attention to when buying a camera? When placed on a balcony, the following are especially important: its design, dimensions and climate class.

Depending on the design features, it is customary to distinguish:

• Chest freezers. They have a horizontal orientation and compact dimensions, which is very important for placement on a small balcony. Access to the internal space, divided into cells, is from above. Chests with a transparent lid are called freezer display cases.
• Freezer cabinets. In appearance they resemble a regular refrigerator, as they are oriented vertically. Front loading of products.

Chest freezer for home use

Note! For a family of 3-4 people, a model with a volume of 200-300 liters is sufficient.

Choose a product that matches the geometry of your room. Most often, the device is placed at the end wall, less often - along the lintel of the window-door unit.

The climate class determines the temperature regime at which the camera operates most efficiently. To find out, just look at the technical documentation for the device. The climate class has a letter designation. He can be:

• normal (N);
• tropical (T);
• subtropical (ST);
• subnormal (SN).

So, if the ambient temperature does not rise above +32°C and fall below +16°C, then a class N freezer will be enough for you. Models of class SN and ST can withstand temperatures up to +38°C, but for the hottest climatic zones it will be relevant to purchase class T. Such units are not afraid of +43°C.

Operation after exposure to low temperatures

After long-term storage in the cold or in a cold room, the refrigerator must be prepared for further use. A quick start-up immediately after moving it to a warm room can lead to failure of the device. A prerequisite is to dry and warm up the refrigerator before turning it on after wintering. The extent to which the unit has dried must be checked visually. Warming up is performed in a room with a temperature above +15 C0 during the day.

For summer residents who store units directly in their summer houses, the task is simplified by the fact that the beginning of the season coincides with warm and dry days. However, turning on dacha equipment should be done with caution. It is better to make sure that the device is dry and check the wiring and parts for corrosion.

Important: preparation for work should take place in natural conditions without the use of additional electrical appliances. Exposure to electric heaters will wear out parts and only speed up breakdowns.

Which freezers operate at sub-zero temperatures?

Some manufacturers produce special climatic freezers that operate at sub-zero temperatures. For example, these are models from Gorenie and Liebherr. They can withstand negative temperatures of no more than -15 degrees.

They differ from conventional ones in that their rubber seals do not deform due to temperature changes, unprotected metal parts do not rust, and plastic parts do not deteriorate. Also, their electrical wiring does not break down in the cold. They can work for a long time without maintenance.

Best models

When choosing equipment, you need to look at the type of installation, chamber capacity, climatic parameters and reviews. Chest freezers and cabinets are recognized as the best in all respects. The first ones are arranged horizontally. The door in it opens upward or is sliding. Thanks to its small size, you can place the device on the balcony. The space inside is divided into several compartments. There are chests that have transparent doors that provide visibility.

You may be interested in: Defrosting the freezer

Freezers are vertical devices. They look like real classic refrigerators. Loading of products is carried out frontally.

Rules for installing and connecting devices

In order to be able to use the balcony safely and comfortably, it is necessary to look at how the balcony is built and whether it has any damage. The stove must easily support the weight of the appliance and all the products contained in it. If there are any obvious defects, repair work is required.

When installing and connecting the freezer, you must follow specific rules:

1. The device must not be installed close to a wall to avoid overheating of the compressor with other parts of the system (at least five centimeters from other objects);
2. The freezer body must be leveled. Thanks to this, you can reduce the risk of vibrations that negatively affect the balcony base;
3. Do not connect the device to the network using extension cords with surge protectors. The loggia needs to be wired and a grounded and protected type of socket installed.

It is also prohibited to use the top of the equipment as a shelf or leave things on it. This may damage the freezer cabinet. If necessary, the device can be placed in a special cabinet.

Possible problems after wintering

The owner should remember that unsuitable storage conditions can lead to breakdown even if all measures have been taken to preserve the unit. This could be a problem:

• compressor - the refrigerator works, but does not freeze;
• control unit. Failure of the “brains” will lead to permanent shutdown of the device, operation of only one of the departments and other malfunctions;
• temperature sensor - inability to turn the refrigerator on or off, non-compliance with the temperature mode set by the user;
• defrost sensor - ice on the freezer.

The rubber bands have delaminated and cracked and do not hold the door.

Rules for installing and connecting the device

To ensure that the operation of the product is as reliable as possible, assess the condition of the balcony base slab in advance: it will have to withstand not just the weight of the electrical appliance, but also its contents, as well as other things stored in the room. If there are significant structural defects, repair work will have to be carried out.

Repair of a balcony slab during its improvement

Regarding installation and connection of the device, there are a number of rules:

• It should not be placed close to the walls. To prevent it from overheating, it is important to leave ventilation gaps: at least 5 cm at the back wall, 3-4 cm at the side walls.
• The freezer must be placed on a flat, hard surface. This minimizes the negative impact on the stove from vibration of the device.
• Electrical connections cannot be made using extension cords. You will have to install a well-protected grounded outlet on the balcony.
• The appliance must not be used as a seat, table, etc.

If desired, you can build a freezer into the cabinet.

How to extend the life of a refrigerator

Storing the refrigerator in the cold or in an unheated room from season to season reduces its performance. To extend the life of a much-needed electrical appliance, it is necessary to take a number of preventive measures:

• carefully study the instructions and comply with the requirements developed by the manufacturer;
• clean the interior surfaces of the refrigerator;

We found out more about how to properly wash a refrigerator after defrosting in the article How to wash the inside of a refrigerator after defrosting.

• place the unit in a room with low humidity;
• provide protection for household appliances from sun exposure;
• perform periodic maintenance and promptly replace failed or malfunctioning parts;
• monitor for chips. If there are chips on the body, you need to clean them, degrease them and paint them with special paint. This will help prevent rust from occurring.
• Make sure fruit boxes are free of excess moisture. We found out more about how to get rid of this problem in the article Why does water accumulate under the drawers for vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator?

Stop use if foreign chemical odors appear.

How to keep your refrigerator running in the cold

The room in which the working equipment will be located must be closed. This means that you need to completely get rid of not only direct sunlight, but also any moisture. If it is a balcony, it must be glazed. If it is a veranda, you definitely need to check the roof for holes. What happens if the refrigerator is left in the cold for a long time - the paint may not withstand a sharp drop in temperature.

The room in which the working equipment will be located must be closed.

The first thing that may be at risk is the operation of the thermostat. He is responsible for switching the compressor. Next, you should pay attention to the quality of the oil and replace it in advance. In newer equipment, experts recommend using mineral or semi-synthetic. It is worth understanding that being in the cold makes it more difficult for the compressor to start.

The first thing that may be at risk is the operation of the thermostat.

It is also worth preparing for the fact that newer models may not be able to withstand the drop in temperature at all. It is worth paying attention not only to the seal, which wears out quickly - even if the owner does not open the door, but also to the evaporator itself. In a technique that uses dry freezing, there will be a problem with ice deposits on the evaporator itself. The consequences can be minimized using heating devices. Even a small wind blower can save your refrigerator from damage. The main thing is to ensure that the room temperature does not fall below +5 degrees.

In some cases, life circumstances force us to store and use household appliances in conditions not intended for use. Refrigerators are usually subjected to such tests. Therefore, people who use these devices in their dachas or install them in the garage, on the balcony or in other unheated rooms want to know whether it is possible to keep the refrigerator turned off in the cold. It is worth understanding that storing or operating equipment outside the permissible temperature ranges is prohibited, but if absolutely necessary, this is allowed if a number of simple rules are taken into account and followed.

How to store a refrigerator in winter in an unheated room: on the balcony, in the country, on the street

The refrigerator has become a part of our lives and many take it for granted. However, this electrical appliance has a rather complex design, the operation of which depends on many nuances. Including low temperatures.

No less important for equipment is the level of humidity in the room. In addition, the refrigeration mechanism reacts differently to cold when it is on and off. Therefore, if it is not possible to create an optimally comfortable working and storage environment for the device, then you need to try to minimize the consequences of the negative impact.

Features of storing a refrigerator at low temperatures

After purchasing new equipment, sometimes the question often arises of what to do with the old one. Many people leave refrigerators on balconies or in utility rooms until they are sold or transported to their summer cottage. Today we are going to learn about the temperature at which you can store a refrigerator outside in winter.

Many people leave refrigerators on balconies or in utility rooms until they are sold or transported to their summer cottage.

What else you need to remember

If the refrigerator is forced to be stored in the cold in winter, and the winter temperature in the home region obviously does not fit within the temperature range of the device, then there is a serious risk of losing the possibility of warranty repairs.

If the device is still under warranty, then you can not count on free repairs. The service center specialists will immediately determine the cause of the device failure due to improper operating conditions.

Summarizing all of the above, we can answer that it is possible to store the refrigerator in the cold with it turned off, but it is better not to do this, since such treatment reduces its service life. However, if there is a special need, you can leave the device in an unheated room for the winter; you just need to follow some rules for storing it and carefully monitor the performance of the device.