Can you plug in a deep freeze outside?

mrappliance.com - Can I Leave a Chest Freezer Outside? - Mr. Appliance

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A chest freezer is a great addition to any home and is perfect for large families or anyone who likes to purchase or store food in large quantities. The downside to these handy appliances is their size, and for many, it can be a challenge to determine where to set them up so that they are out of the way, yet easily accessible when needed. While the great outdoors or your garage may seem like great options you may need to tidy up outside to make room or may be asking yourself the question "Can I leave a chest freezer outside?" The team of experts at Mr. Appliance® have the answer, and it may surprise you.

A Matter of Convenience

Next to space, the most important consideration for freezer placement is convenience. Installing the unit in an attached garage that is accessed through the kitchen may work well, provided there is enough space to get around the vehicles, but having to trek outdoors in the rain, snow, or darkness to your detached garage may not. The space you choose must have enough room around it for air movement and cleaning, and close enough to your home to make it easy to unload and retrieve your items.

Choose Wisely

While some freezers are designed strictly for use indoors, many are engineered to withstand the temperature fluctuations and more extreme conditions found outdoors. Once you've decided between a chest or upright freezer, the exact model you choose should be based on the climate and conditions in your area. Considerations include: Those living near the coast should avoid leaving a chest freezer outside due to the likelihood of corrosion from the salty air. If theft or animal activity is a concern, consider placing the unit inside your garage or purchasing a freezer with a secure locking system. In areas where there is extreme heat, ensure the freezer will have adequate protection from the sun. Moderate climates are ideal for outdoor placement, although you will likely pay more in energy costs during the summer months and less in the winter.

What Can Go Wrong?

Even those freezers which are designed specifically for outdoor use have limitations, but you can increase your chances of success by being aware of these potential downfalls:

Cold Weather Concerns

A freezer is designed to withstand specific temperature tolerances, and the refrigerant used will have an optimal temperature range. Because the compressor is on the exterior of the unit, exceptionally cold temperatures may cause a build-up of ice or reduce the viscosity of the oils used to lubricate moving parts. Any of these may result in compressor failure or malfunction resulting in a costly repair.

Hot Weather Issues

Extreme heat and humidity can cause the freezer to work even harder to keep your food cool, resulting in premature wear and tear on system components and excessive energy bills. Enhance the performance and lifespan of your outside chest freezer with these tips:

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How much does it cost to frame a 1000 sq ft house?

The average cost to frame a house ranges from $7 – $16 per square foot1 or $11,200 – $48,000 3 for homes between 1,600 and 3,000 square feet.

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Here are some tips to consider before selecting a carpenter:

Check Their Experience

Make sure that your carpenter’s past experience aligns with your project. For example, if your carpenter has never constructed a steel frame and your project relies on steel, you should look elsewhere. Ideally, you want a carpenter who has a strong reputation with more than 5 years of experience.

Ask For An Estimate

After you’ve vetted a list of reputable carpenters, provide them with your building plans and ask for an estimate. Ask each carpenter to outline the cost of their labor, their profit margins, materials and any other expenses. If necessary, use your estimates to negotiate a better price with your carpenter of choice.

Hire Locally

Local carpenters will be more familiar with your area’s building codes and are easier to contact if future problems arise. Since they’re in your community, it should be easy to reach them and they’ll likely take more care with their work to maintain their reputation in your area.

Don’t Pay Upfront

If your carpenter asks you to pay more than half of your project’s cost upfront, that’s a red flag. While a down payment of 10% – 25% isn’t uncommon, you shouldn’t pay the complete price until your project is done.

Get It In Writing

Have your carpenter write up a contract that outlines each aspect of your project. This should include proof of liability insurance, a payment schedule, materials to be used and a start and completion date.

Take Your Time

It’s important to take your time to compare estimates, decide on a carpenter and read the contract from top to bottom before you sign.

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