Choosing an Outbuilding Freezer
Many people use their garage or outbuilding to store food in a freezer. They can be a huge help on busy days, when you need to prepare meals quickly.
Freezers operate at temperatures between 110 and 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If they are placed in a location that is not conducive to their operation they will need to work harder and use more energy.
Location
The location of an outdoor freezer must be in a place where it will be able to function efficiently. It is because freezing appliances perform best in cool environments. This is the reason it is essential to think about this when deciding on the location to place the outdoor freezer. The freezer must be protected from direct sunlight as it can decrease its energy efficiency, resulting in a higher electricity bill. Freezers that are in direct sunlight may also be susceptible to temperature spikes that can cause unnecessary stress on the appliance and result in premature wear.
Choosing a location for the freezer is also affected by accessibility and convenience. A freezer in a shed or garage that is accessible from the kitchen might be a great option. However, a freezer located situated in a separate shed that requires a trip outside in the snow or rain to access, may not be as convenient as one that is placed inside.
A cover can protect the freezer from the elements, debris and backyard animals. This is especially important for those who live near the ocean, where the salty air can harm the freezer's components.
Size
The size of your freezer is a vital aspect to think about when shopping. You want to be sure the freezer is large enough for your needs and can be able to accommodate the food consumption of your family. A freezer with a high capacity can be a good investment. It can also help you save money by buying in bulk.
As a rule of thumb the recommended amount is 2.5 cubic feet for each household member. This will let you store a wide variety of frozen foods, including meats and vegetables, as well as desserts, drinks and other protein-rich foods. To find the right freezer size, start by measuring your garage or shed to determine the amount of space you have for the freezer.
If you don't have plenty of space, you can consider smaller or compact freezers like the GE Garage Ready 17.3 Cu Frost Free upright freezer. It can be placed in a small space and has doors that can open left or right. It has premium insulation that shields the freezer from extreme temperatures and ensures a consistent operation. It comes with a built-in defrost clock that clears ice in a timely manner and stops overflow.
Larger freezers, such as the Frigidaire EFRF696 AMZ upright freezer, provide plenty of storage space for your favorite drinks and foods. This model is suitable for cold climates. It can be used in an operating temperature range of -10C to -18C. It is spacious inside that can hold up to 20 bags of ice and also has removable wire shelves that can be used for storage.
Examine the specifications of the manufacturer of the freezer to ensure that it can be able to operate in an outbuilding or garage. Most manufacturers list the freezer's climate class and the temperature it will need to operate safely in a cold environment. Certain brands, such as Beko have freezers that are safe in temperatures as low as 15C thanks to their FreezerGuard Technology. It is important to verify the warranty of the manufacturer to ensure that the freezer can withstand the conditions in your garage or outside.
Energy efficiency
If you are going to use an outbuilding freezer in a shed or garage that isn't climate-controlled then you should look for an energy efficient model. These models will be better insulated than other freezers and won't lose as much cold air when they are opened. They are also less expensive to run as they use less power. It is also recommended to choose a model with low frost technology, which will require less defrosting and save your energy costs.
There are a variety of energy-efficient freezers to choose from in various sizes. You can find them in brick-and-mortar stores such as Walmart, Best Buy and Home Depot as well as online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Additionally, local utility companies might offer rebates on freezers that satisfy certain efficiency criteria.
It is crucial to be aware of the size of your freezer and how much electricity it will require to freeze your food. You can use an energy calculator to estimate the cost of running a freezer each year.
Freezers are within their listed power consumption when they're actively cooling. However, this is not an indefinite amount. Once they reach a predetermined temperature the components (such as the compressor motor and the motor for the evaporator) will enter idle mode.
Be aware of the ENERGY STAR rating when choosing a freezer. This certification means that it meets certain energy usage guidelines set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy. This is particularly important if you plan to store the freezer in a shed or garage that is not climate controlled,
outdoor freezers as these units are more energy-intensive than a conventional freezer.
Additionally, look for a refrigerator that comes with a power outage guarantee and a high-temperature alarm or light to ensure that it will continue to function in the event of an electrical outage. You can also buy freezers that feature a self-defrost function, which will reduce the frequency of defrosting and your energy bills.
Warranty
While most freezers are designed to be kept in a closed space, some people require an extra large model that can be placed in their shed or garage. The freezer may fail or even break if the temperature drops too low in this type situation. Think about purchasing an appliance that has an assurance to cover any issues that might arise if it is installed in an outbuilding.
Many manufacturers have begun to realize that their customers are often limited in space, so they have created chest freezers that can be safely placed in garages and other outbuildings. These
cheap freezers are designed with a 'freezer-protection technology' which means they can operate even at temperatures as low as -10degC. Brands like Beko, Ice King and Russell Hobbs now all offer this kind of freezer that can be used for outside use.
Some companies have specialised in building
outdoor freezers, for instance Montpellier. It has a white 99-litre freestanding chest freezer that can be used to build outbuildings or garages. It is classified as A+ energy efficient and comes with FreezerGuard. It comes with NordMende's standard 3-year warranty. The site is a reputable online retailer with positive reviews from customers and
outdoor freezers has been operational since the year 2014. It is also a Trusted Shops member.
