Air must be able to circulate around the box to help the refrigerator run efficiently, avoid overheating and last its full life span. The refrigerator will need minimum clearances of 2-inches from the back wall, 1-inch from the upper cabinet and 1/8-inch on either side of the fridge.
Remember to leave 25 mm of free space around the top, back and sides to allow for the heat produced during refrigeration to escape. Be sure to also measure clearance (entryways, doorways etc.) to ensure that when your fridge is delivered it will fit safely into the home, and your old fridge can be safely removed.
Do I really need space around my fridge?
Fridges need some breathing space around them to let heat dissipate. If you don’t allow enough space, the fridge will have to work harder to stay cool, which could shorten its lifespan and will definitely cost you more in electricity bills.
How much space do I need between refrigerator and wall?
Side Clearance – Plan for between one-half inch to one-inch of clearance on both sides of the unit. Rear Clearance – Allow between one to two inches of space at the rear of the refrigerator for proper airflow. Top Clearance – Ensure there is a minimum of one-half inch to one-inch of clearance on top of the unit.
How much clearance does a fridge need for ventilation?
When it comes to clearance around the fridge, we recommend half an inch (or 1,27 cm) but more clearance is better than less. If air does not circulate enough, the condenser will overheat, and the refrigerator will not cool properly.
Does a fridge need a space from the wall?
The refrigerator should be at least two inches from the wall. Top — If you have back coils, you will need at least two inches of top clearance to dissipate heat, but for bottom coils, as little as one inch can be sufficient. Sides — Regardless of coil placement, the sides require the least amount of space.
How much can a fridge stick out?
Standard refrigerators are typically 30 to 36 inches deep or more, and since countertops are normally about 25 inches deep (24 inches for the base cabinet with a 1-inch overhang), this means that a standard refrigerator will stick out from adjoining countertops by six inches or more.
Can you put a refrigerator in an enclosed space?
Yes, it is perfectly safe, however, there are some considerations: The cord should not be visible or frayed, as any electrical appliance there is a fire hazard if it is exposed or abused.
Will my fridge fit in space?
Although the specific amount of space can vary between manufacturers, most models will need at least a ⅛-inch space on either side of the fridge, 1 inch above it, and 2 inches between the wall and the back of the fridge.
Can a fridge be too close to the wall?
If your refrigerator is too close to the wall, it could overheat and break down prematurely. The compressor (which is responsible for cooling your fridge) relies on circulating air to stay cool. If there isn’t enough space for air to circulate, the compressor will overheat and eventually break down.
How much space should be between side wall and refrigerator?
Side Clearance – Plan for between one-half inch to one-inch of clearance on both sides of the unit. Rear Clearance – Allow between one to two inches of space at the rear of the refrigerator for proper airflow. Top Clearance – Ensure there is a minimum of one-half inch to one-inch of clearance on top of the unit.
Your freezer’s compressor moves refrigerant through the appliance, generating heat as it runs. This heat dissipates to the sides of the freezer, helping prevent moisture from forming on the outside of the appliance. As a result, the exterior walls may sometimes feel hot to the touch.
Are the sides of a freezer supposed to be hot?
The outside of the freezer may feel warm, this is normal. The freezer’s design and main function is to remove heat from the contents and air inside the freezer. The heat is transferred to the room air, making the outside of the freezer feel warm.
Can overheating fridge cause a fire?
Refrigerators. One might never think of a refrigerator being a fire risk; however, an overheated compressor or an electrical short can cause fires.
What temperature is unsafe for fridge?
Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 and 140 °F, the “Danger Zone,” some doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. A refrigerator set at 40 °F or below will protect most foods.
Should a refrigerator compressor be cool to the touch?
Feel the refrigerator compressor to see if it is running with your hand. the compressor should be warm or hot, and it should vibrate. If the refrigerator is warm, and the compressor is cold, you could have a problem with the components that are used to start the compressor.
How much should a refrigerator stick out from the wall?
Then, subtract an inch from your width measurement to allow for a half-inch of space on each side of the fridge for proper ventilation. If one side of your refrigerator will be next to a wall, leave 2½ inches between the wall and the hinge side of the door so it can swing open.
Do you need ventilation behind a fridge?
Generally speaking, integrated fridges, freezers or combined fridge/freezers require air to be able to circulate in under the appliance, behind the appliance and back out through the top above the appliance. This can mean gaps or vents need to go on any cabinetry surrounding the appliance in the appropriate areas.
How far should a refrigerator be from the counter?
You can expect a standard fridge to stick out about six inches past the edge of the counter. While it doesn’t seem like much, these six inches can be just enough to disrupt the kitchen work triangle. If you have a kitchen island in front of your fridge, these six inches can mean a lot of space.
Can a refrigerator go in a corner?
Unobstructed sightlines, easy traffic flow and proximity to working spaces should all be considered when deciding where to put your fridge: Corners. Kitchen designers often put refrigerators in corners so the fridge doesn’t obstruct sightlines or traffic paths.
Is it OK to put a refrigerator in front of a window?
Fridges should never be placed directly next to a heat source or in locations affected by direct sunlight for long durations.
Should a fridge sit flush with cabinets?
You need to leave some space around the refrigerator to protect the surrounding cabinetry and improve airflow. Even built in refrigerators require at least one inch of space at the back of the appliance. It’s best to leave one inch at the top of the fridge, too, because the heat dissipates there.
How wide is a standard refrigerator?
Standard refrigerator sizes range from around 24 to 40 inches in width, 62 to 72 inches in height and 29 to 36 inches in depth. Generally speaking, french door and side-by-side refrigerators will be larger in width and height, though counter-depth models are frequently available in these two configurations.
Is it bad to enclose a fridge?
More specifically, you cannot put a fridge into a normal, unmodified cupboard – it will not work! Without proper ventilation, heat will build up around the unit, leading to decreased performance and eventual failure. A fridge works by pumping heat from inside the unit, to cooling elements on the back of the unit.
How close can a refrigerator be to a window?
Six inches is usually plenty — you may be able to get by with less depending on the model of your refrigerator and proximity of nearby obstructions.
Is there airflow in a fridge?
In order to ensure proper temperature, you need to allow room for proper air flow between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Cool air enters and exits the refrigerator compartment from the freezer compartment through vents. Depending on your model, these vents are in different locations.
What is the best placement for fridge?
Typically, your refrigerator is the tallest thing in the kitchen space. That said, the refrigerator placement should be next to other tall items, such as a wall oven or a floor-to-ceiling cabinet grouping By co-locating tall elements in the kitchen, the group of items appear as if they are built-in.
Should refrigerator be in kitchen or room?
First of all, it’s important to place the fridge away from direct sunlight because it can heat it up during the summer. The fridge should also be placed away from the oven and microwave because they too produce heat. So it’s ok to put it in the kitchen as long as you keep these details in mind.
