You can put a freezer outside in a shed because freezers are well-insulated and have stronger exteriors. Besides, sheds have a roof that protects the freezer from harm. You can also consider enclosing the freezer to protect it from damage while in the shed. When you do this, ensure you ventilate the enclosure to allow air circulation.
Before putting your freezer in the shed, you need to consider the space’s surrounding temperature and the freezer’s climate class. But how does this affect how the freezer works? Read on and understand more.
Problems Occur in Summer/Winter When You Put Freezer Outside or In a Shed
Even though putting the freezer outside or in a shed can be convenient, it comes with some problems. Some of the major issues you will encounter when you leave your freezer out include the following;
Cold Weather
One of the major problems you will encounter during winter is cold weather. As you know, freezers can withstand certain temperatures, with the refrigerant having an optimal temperature range. So, leaving your freezer outside during winter will affect how the compressor works.
The compressor, found on the freezer’s exterior, will have ice build-up when exposed to frigid temperatures. The cold might also affect the viscosity of the movable parts of the freezer involving the compressor in the process. This will make you spend a lot of money doing repairs, something you can avoid by putting the freezer indoors.
Summer Problems
When you put the freezer outside or in the shed during summer, the extreme heat will affect how it works. It will be challenging for the freezer to keep your food cool during this time because of the high heat and humidity.
The delicate parts of the freezer will also get damaged in time, making you to incur losses. What’s more, the freezer will struggle to cool the food in the freezer and consume a lot of power, making you pay more energy bills.
It’s advisable to check on your freezer’s temperature tolerance to know the extreme limits it can withstand.
Things To Consider When Planning To Put Freezer Outdoors/In The Shed
Debris Build Up
Leaves, dust, or other dirt falling in your freezer or its crucial components will affect how it works. Leaves, foliage, or garbage around the freezer can result in a fire outbreak. You can solve this by introducing enclosures, shade covers, or rooftops to help maintain a clean freezer.
Air Quality
The air quality outdoors differs from the one indoors. This is most evident in coastal regions where the air is mostly salty and sandy. Salty air will corrode your freezer’s compressor, while the sand will block the filter. To avoid such problems, regularly clean the compressor and filter. If possible, look for ways to have high-quality air in the shed or where the freezer is.
Theft and Animals
Another thing you need to consider before leaving your freezer outdoors is theft. Animals like bears or raccoons can also damage your freezer as they will be curious to know what’s inside it. When you face such a problem, you can consider locking the freezer or fixing a refrigerator lock.
Will A Freezer Work Outside in Winter?
A freezer will work outside in winter because most of them are made to withstand changes in temperatures. However, this depends on your freezer type, as some cannot work well in frigid temperatures. You need to check the temperature tolerance of your freezer before putting it outside during winter.
You can shield the freezer from extreme cold by installing an enclosure or cover to protect the exterior. Alternatively, you can put it inside a covered area. Don’t forget to keep track of the internal temperature using a thermometer. It will help you know what’s going on inside the freezer and whether it works as it should during winter.
Additionally, ensure you protect the power supply to reduce the risks of the exposed wires causing a spark after coming into contact with frozen water.
Why Your Freezer Will Not Work When Put Outside?
If the freezer is not covered or in an insulated shed, it will have challenges working usually. It will also not last long as it should. This is because the cold air outside during winter will result in frost build-up on the freezer’s exterior. The frost can damage the freezer, making you incur unplanned expenses.
Additionally, the freezer compressor will not work well during winter when it’s left outside. When the outside temperature is lower, the compressor will struggle to kick on, and at times, it may fail to work completely.
Considerations When You Put Your Freezer Outside
If you don’t want to encounter the above problems, its best to consider the following;
- Provide a shade or cover to protect the freezer when it rains or snows.
- Ensure there is enough airflow around the freezer.
- Unplug the freezer during winter. The extreme cold will damage it. Additionally, perishable items are frozen during cold weather and rarely get bad.
- Do regular maintenance. You can check your freezer to see if it has leaks, dirt, or damaged parts and repair them.
- Consider installing a freeze stat. It will help switch off the freezer after the surrounding environment reaches predetermined temperatures preventing it from being damaged.
Bottom Line
You can put your freezer outside when you’ve limited space indoors and use it to store various frozen food. When you decide to put the freezer outside, ensure it’s free from extreme temperature, air, and dirt. You can cover it or put it in an insulated shed to have it last longer.