Freezers are useful home appliances.
They offer an easy way to preserve meat and other foods.
For people who prefer to shop less frequently and buy large quantities to save time and money, purchasing a freezer can be a prudent alternative to buying a refrigerator with a freezer.
If you have just purchased a new chest freezer that you want to conceal, you may want to put it in the closet.
In This Regard, Can You Put A Chest Freezer In A Closet?
Yes, you can put a chest freezer in a closet as long as there’s a sufficient amount of space around the freezer to allow the refrigeration system to work properly. Considering that freezers generate heat that can quickly build up in the closet, you will also need to add a vent to the door or ceiling so the heat can escape.
Most manufacturers have specifications for clearance above, to the sides, and the back of freezers. Complying with the manufacturer’s clearance stipulation can go a long way to ensuring your freezer works efficiently and preventing premature failure.
Is It Safe To Put A Chest Freezer In A Closet?
While the closet is not the safest place to put your freezer, you can safely hide a chest freezer in a closet. Just make sure the closet meets the minimal safety requirements, including clearance.
1. Poor Ventilation
The most significant concern when it comes to putting a freezer in a closet is poor ventilation.
As such, it should be safe to put a chest freezer in a closet as long as you can ensure there will be adequate air circulation.
With little to no airflow, the refrigeration system will not work efficiently, which can cause the freezer’s motors to burn out, consequently causing your freezer to fail.
2. Local Codes
Even with a sizable closet for your chest freezer, check to see if there are any electrical codes to comply with.
Most local codes are based on National Electrical Code (NEC), and your contractor should be able to help you understand if there are any you need to be concerned with regarding the circuit in the closet.
What Happens If You Don’t Provide Your Chest Freezer Enough Space?
Hiding a chest freezer in a closet that’s not well ventilated is a very serious mistake!
All freezers, regardless of type, design, or brand, need to expel the heat they extract from their interior space.
If you don’t provide your freezer with enough clearance and ventilation, heat will quickly build up in the enclosed area, and with no way to escape, it will impede the refrigerant from going through the process.
Ultimately, this will cause the compressor to work harder.
Poor ventilation will also cause the motors to work harder, which will increase the rate at which heat is released into the confinement.
Over time, overheating can damage the chemicals that the compressor users, sending your freezer into an early grave.
For the unacquainted, chest freezers usually do not have a fan to keep them cool.
That’s why it is extremely important to adhere to the manufacturer’s clearance recommendations.
Providing your chest freezer with adequate clearance and putting it in a well-ventilated space can go a long way to ensuring it works efficiently.
Remember also to take all installation specifications provided by the manufacturer into account since failing to comply with them can void your warranty.
Where Else Can You Store A Chest Freezer?
Freezers are among the easiest appliances to install — a typical freezer can safely run when plugged into a standard wall electrical outlet.
Interestingly, chest freezers are considered more energy efficient than upright options.
If you have recently purchased a chest freezer that you are not sure where to put it, perhaps the most important considerations are functionality and safety.
Considering that freezers can plug into a standard receptacle, you ideally need a dry, cool place with a nearby electrical outlet. But, is that all?
For any freezer to work efficiently, there must be enough amount of space around it so it can dissipate heat effectively.
You don’t want your freezer to work harder to maintain ideal interior temperatures as it can surge your utility bills.
The best location for your freezer also needs to offer enough room for the freezer’s door to open completely.
When deciding on where to place your chest freezer, keep in mind that they generally don’t look great in a kitchen. However, you can tuck it in a pantry or closet to camouflage it.
Overall, there are endless options for where you can put a freezer, including in the
- basement
- game room
- garage
- bedroom..
Just make sure to install it safely and allow recommended clearance.
Avoid placing your freezer in a place that receives direct sunlight.
It can damage the exterior of your expensive chest freezer and cause the motors to overheat.
Conclusion
When it comes to where you can put a chest freezer, you want to comply with the manufacturer’s installation specifications to ensure safety, functionality, and efficiency.
Considering that a chest freezer can plug into a typical outlet, perhaps you need to pay more attention to the clearance requirements.
This is more important when installing the freezer in a seemingly confined space like a closet. Only put your freezer in a closet that is well ventilated.
Sources
https://bienalclosets.com/freezer-in-the-pantry/
https://www.thespruce.com/freezer-installation-steps-1907757