If you’re building your custom cabinetry or buying an entire kitchen setup, you’ll have to account for ventilation when choosing your refrigerator. But how much ventilation does a refrigerator need? And what factors should you consider when deciding how much venting to include in your kitchen layout?
A refrigerator needs at least two to three inches of space at the back if it’s an old unit. For newer models, one to two inches of ventilation space is sufficient. For the sides and the top of the fridge, leave at least half an inch of clearance from the adjacent walls or cabinets for effective ventilation.
Refrigerators can be extremely energy efficient, but there are ways you can use yours more efficiently to save money on your energy bill and ensure that it lasts as long as possible. The first thing you should do is make sure that you’re keeping it ventilated properly. Read on to know more!
How does a refrigerator venting work?
Usually, most new refrigerator models have air vents at similar spots. You will always find a grill or toe kick at the bottom of the refrigerator. Also, there is more than one air vent at the back of the appliance. The older units have cooling coils at the rear, while most new units have these coils at the bottom of the refrigerator. Depending on the location of cooling coils, the refrigerators function in different manners.
The evaporator fan located in the freezer is responsible for moving air in and out of the refrigerator. If the evaporator coils show signs of frost or buildup, the evaporator fan isn’t working properly. The buildup doesn’t allow the air to move through the coils smoothly, so the cold air can’t circulate throughout the fridge.
Moreover, air also stops circulating properly if the condenser coils at the fridge bottom accumulate dust and debris. Similarly, the dust buildup in the toe kick or grill won’t allow air to flow, ceasing the air circulation. It will lead to poor performance of the fridge as it will not be able to maintain the required temperature.
How much room does a fridge need around it?
A small gap between your refrigerator and adjacent walls or cabinets allows cool air to circulate within it more freely, which means it can be more energy efficient.
Refrigerators need at least a 1-inch clearance around them to operate properly. This distance allows heat to disperse from your fridge, keeping it from overheating and causing damage. In addition, check that there’s at least a 1/2 inch of clearance on all sides of your fridge. Plus, you’ll also need to leave a gap of a minimum of 1 inch on the top of your refrigerator.
For older fridges with cooling coils at the back, try to leave a little more space of at least 2 inches, so the units don’t have to work more to keep the optimal internal temperature. However, leaving more than 2 inches gap at the back is better if you have some extra space on your hands.
What happens when the refrigerator isn’t vented properly?
The average homeowner often overlooks the importance of refrigerator ventilation, which can have disastrous consequences in terms of damage to your appliance and its contents. A poorly ventilated refrigerator can cause a host of issues, including food spoilage, freezer burn, and releasing harmful chemicals in your kitchen.
When a refrigerator isn’t properly vented, food safety and energy efficiency can suffer. Food is less likely to stay fresh as it should, which could mean foodborne illness. When poorly ventilated, appliances have to work harder to keep everything cold, wasting electricity.
Most importantly, poorly ventilated refrigerators can emit carbon monoxide without you knowing it, which can have disastrous implications for the residents. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your fridge has enough clearance and is properly vented.
Can I enclose my refrigerator?
These days, most homes have enclosed refrigerators that have more to do with aesthetics than anything else. If you like a bulky fridge sticking out in your kitchen, you can leave it standing free!
However, for a contemporary and upscale look, you should enclose your fridge so that it is barely noticeable in your kitchen. Modern refrigerators require minimal ventilation gaps between them and cabinets, so it shouldn’t be a big problem to ventilate an enclosed fridge properly.
Can a refrigerator be put in a closet?
Mini fridges are convenient for keeping foods cold while your full-sized refrigerator is otherwise occupied. The best thing is you can put them in enclosed spaces like closets, but it’s important to consider how well you can ventilate.
Follow all the guidelines to ensure that your mini fridge doesn’t overheat and cause a fire. You’re all set if your closet has a vent already installed for an existing range or clothes dryer. If not, add one at the back before installing your mini-fridge. Also, remember that most models require at least 3 inches of clearance on all sides to operate safely.
Can you put a fridge in a small room?
It’s safe to put a fridge in a small room, although some people may get disturbed by the loud noise of a mini-fridge. Although there isn’t any danger in placing a fridge in a small room, make sure it has plenty of windows and airflow. Moreover, placing your fridge in a small air-conditioned room is ideal since A/C helps circulate air better than other cooling systems.
Can you put a fridge anywhere?
You can put a refrigerator anywhere in your house if it’s not in direct sunlight. Sunlight can heat the fridge and affect its performance, especially in summer. Also, keep the fridge away from any heat source such as an oven, microwave, or fireplace. Putting the fridge near these heat sources will make it work harder to keep the inside temperature down, adversely affecting its cooling performance. So, consider these factors when finding a place for your fridge.
Is it OK to keep things on top of the fridge?
In most cases, the answer is no. Putting things on top of your fridge can create problems for the appliance’s ventilation and cause it not to work properly. Keeping things on top of your refrigerator may be convenient, but it can pose many potential dangers. For example, items placed on the fridge, such as boxes or cleaning products, can be dangerous if the door is opened when they fall off.
Moreover, putting medicines or cereals on the fridge top can transfer heat from the unit to the items, compromising their quality. So, it’s better to keep the top of the fridge clutter-free for your safety. If you have a gap between the fridge top and cabinet, fill it with a filler strip or spacer panel, so it’s not very obvious.
Conclusion
One of the most common effects of poor ventilation that can happen to your refrigerator is that it gets too hot, leading to diminished appliance life and potential food spoilage. Ensure you have adequate ventilation for your fridge, so it doesn’t overheat and cause problems like these.
Most refrigerators’ general rule of thumb is that you should keep your refrigerator away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and ovens, and allow at least one inch of space between it and walls and cabinets. Plus, keep the toe kick and grill clean to allow the refrigerator to perform to its maximum.
