An outdoor refrigerator is an excellent addition to any home, providing extra storage space for your favorite foods and drinks. However, keeping your outdoor fridge in tip-top shape can be challenging, as the elements can take their toll on the appliance.
This blog post provides 11 tips on protecting your outdoor refrigerator so that it will last for years to come. Please keep reading to learn from our team of experts how you can protect your outdoor fridge from the elements and other potential damage!
How Do I Protect My Outdoor Refrigerator: Expert Tips
An outdoor fridge is mostly used during the summer when people have parties or events in the yard. And why wouldn’t they? It keeps the drinks cold and everyone happy. But, just like any other appliance in your house, an outdoor fridge needs some special care so it can work properly and last long.
Here are 11 tips to help you protect your outdoor refrigerator and keep it looking its best:
1. Keep It Covered
One of the best ways to protect your outdoor refrigerator is by keeping it covered when it’s not in use. This will help to keep dust, dirt, and debris from getting into the appliance and potentially damaging it.
If you don’t have a cover specifically designed for an outdoor refrigerator, you can use a tarp or even an old bedsheet. Just ensure the cover is secure so it doesn’t blow away in the wind.
2. Clean It Regularly
Another important tip for protecting your outdoor fridge is to clean it regularly. This appliance is exposed to the elements so it can get quite dirty over time.
Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the exterior of your fridge, and be sure to wipe it down after any significant storms. In addition, you may want to clean the appliance more frequently to prevent build-up if you live in many pollen areas.
3. Keep the coils clean
One of the essential parts of your fridge is the coils, which help to circulate cool air and keep your food at the right temperature. Unfortunately, these coils can get dusty over time, so it’s important to clean them regularly.
You can use a coil brush to reach all areas of the coils and remove any dust or debris. Be sure to do this every few months, or more often if you live in a particularly dusty area.
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4. Don’t Block the Vents
Another crucial tip for protecting your outdoor refrigerator is to ensure the vents are not blocked. These vents help circulate air and keep the appliance working properly, so it’s essential to keep them clear.
If furniture or other items are blocking the vents, move them so the air can flow freely. You should also check the vents periodically to make sure they’re not blocked by debris.
5. Keep It Level
It’s essential to keep your outdoor fridge level functioning properly. If the appliance is not level, the doors may not seal correctly, and this can cause frost build-up or leaks.
You can use a level to check your fridge is level and adjust it accordingly. It’s also a good idea to check the level periodically, especially after moving the appliance or adding food.
6. Use a Surge Protector
Another great tip for protecting your outdoor refrigerator is a surge protector. This will help protect the appliance from power surges, damaging the electrical components.
Plug the fridge into the surge protector, and be sure to turn it off when you’re not using the appliance. This will help to prolong its life and prevent any potential damage.
7. Keep It Out of direct sunlight
One of the best ways to protect your outdoor fridge is by keeping it out of direct sunlight. The sun can cause fading and other damage to the appliance’s exterior, so it’s best to keep it in the shade when possible.
If you must keep your fridge in direct sunlight, use a cover to help reflect the sun’s rays. This will help to keep the appliance cooler and prevent damage.
8. Bring It Inside During extreme weather conditions
Another important tip for protecting your outdoor fridge is to bring it inside during extreme weather conditions. This includes hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes.
Not only will this help to protect the appliance from potentially damaging winds, but it will also keep it from getting wet or covered in debris. If you can’t bring the fridge inside, secure it with straps or ropes so it doesn’t blow away.
9. Keep the doors shut when not in use
When you’re not using your outdoor fridge, keep the doors shut. This will help keep the interior cool and prevent any animals or insects from getting inside.
If you’ll be away from home for an extended period, it’s also a good idea to unplug the fridge to save energy. Just be sure to clean it before you plug it back in.
10. Don’t overload the appliance
One final tip for protecting your outdoor refrigerator is to avoid overloading it. This can cause the appliance to work harder than necessary and damage the coils or other components.
Be sure to leave enough space between items so air can circulate freely, and don’t pack the fridge too full. If possible, try to evenly distribute the weight by putting heavier items on lower shelves.
11. Regularly check for damage
It’s also important to regularly check your outdoor fridge for any damage. This can include cracks, leaks, or other problems.
If you notice any damage, fixing it as soon as possible is important to prevent further damage. You may need to call a professional if the problem is significant.
How Do I Protect My Outdoor Refrigerator: Final Words
Outdoor refrigerators are a great way to keep food cold while enjoying the outdoors; however, you should keep a few things in mind to prevent problems.
While it is impossible to prevent all potential problems, following these tips should help you avoid most of the common issues people face when their refrigerator is outdoors. Of course, if you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to comment below!
