In most apartments, the kitchens are small, and it is not always possible to place everything you need there. Did you get the idea to install a refrigerator on your balcony? It is located next to the kitchen, the place is not occupied - it seems the solution is perfect. But will the equipment work there in winter or in summer heat? Let's take a closer look.
Is it possible to put a refrigerator on the loggia
To understand whether it is possible to keep the Atlant, Samsung, Indesit, Beco or other brand refrigerator on the balcony, you need to understand the principle of operation.
The refrigerant - freon circulates through the system. Once in the evaporator, it boils and absorbs heat from the freezer. Then the refrigerant passes through the compressor and the cycle repeats. The heat that accumulates during operation is given to the environment - therefore, a heat exchanger is located on the wall of the refrigerator.
The properties of the refrigerant (freon gas) are selected so that it circulates normally through the system at a certain temperature in the room. Therefore, household appliances are designed to work in heated rooms.
If around it is below zero, the transition of the refrigerant from a liquid to a gaseous state cannot be controlled. This leads to various breakdowns, which we will discuss below.
How to understand to what temperature the refrigerator can be operated? The instructions do not say that you can not put it on the balcony. In order for it to work smoothly, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the climate class:
- N - + 16-32 degrees. If the value often rises above + 32 ° C, then operation in an air-conditioned room is allowed. In winter, heating should work.
- SN - + 10-32 degrees. For rooms that are poorly heated (basements, insulated loggias, corridors).
- ST - + 18-38 degrees. Suitable for hot regions.
- T - + 18-43 degrees. For very hot regions or small sunny rooms that get very warm.
Therefore, before installing the equipment on a cold balcony, think about it: this can lead to its breakdown. If the loggia can be insulated, then there are more opportunities.
Outdoor Balcony Installation
You already understood what this is fraught with, especially in the winter season. Consider the possible dangers:
- Precipitation. Snow and moisture in the electrical parts of the appliance can cause a short circuit and fire. Do not install outlets or extension cords in an open area. In addition, exposure to moisture will lead to corrosion of the refrigerator body, and its contact with the board and its contacts will completely disable the control system.
- Low temperatures. If the operation takes place in the cold, the oil in the motor-compressor becomes thicker, it runs idle. The pressure decreases, due to which the freon stops circulating and leaves the capacitor. As a result, the technique stops.
- Heat. Exposure to sunlight damages the enamel coating, it cracks. The motor starts to work with a double load and soon fails.
Accommodation on a glazed loggia
Refrigerators LG, Samsung, Bosch are also at risk if the loggia is glazed, but not heated. The motor will run to the limit, and at night, when the temperature drops, the refrigerant simply freezes in the tubes.
On the insulated balcony, if it is separated from the rest of the room, the temperature may differ from that recommended by the manufacturer. Condensation may result, resulting in corrosion of the case.
When cooling, the refrigerator can be turned off, use it only in spring, summer and early autumn, while it’s warm.
Today they release models with new technologies. The refrigerant in them is also special, because it can withstand sub-zero temperatures.
Combined balcony
If the loggia has become part of the room, the climatic conditions there are the same as in the room.
How to make operation safe:
- The right choice of equipment. Understand why you need a refrigerator on the balcony. If for storing frozen foods, it is best to install a freezer chest. If the shelves will be filled with soft drinks in warm time, then choose according to the climatic class: ST and T. To keep the device working at low temperatures, choose the two-compressor model Full No Frost.
- Take care that in the summer the thermometer mark on the balcony did not exceed climatic indicators of technology.
- Take care of ventilation. The gap between the body and the wall should be at least 20 cm.
- Do not place the appliance near radiators, batteries, radiators.
- To prevent direct sunlight from entering the aluminum case, curtain the windows or cover the blinds.
- Make sure to humidity did not increase and no condensation has formed.
Adhering to the recommended rules, you can safely operate the refrigerator on the balcony and loggia. Let us consider in more detail how the refrigerating and freezing chambers behave:
- Single compressor type with drip defrost and manual defrost (or No Frost) in the freezer. In such cases, the compressor turns on at + 4-10 ° C. If the temperature is not suitable, the motor will not start.
- Single compressor type. Two chambers are equipped with one thermostat, which controls the temperature in the evaporator. As soon as it rises by 4-7 ° C, the compressor starts. Therefore, the operation of such a refrigerator is identical to the previous version.
- Two-compressor type Full No Frost. A temperature sensor is located in the freezer. The start of cooling occurs when the value of -16-24 ° C is exceeded. The refrigerator compartment will turn off when the readings are below + 4-10 ° C. It can be operated on the loggia if the winters are not too severe. But even in such cases, the motor operates with increased load.
- Freezers and chests. Work at a temperature inside of -18-24 degrees. While it is higher, the camera will turn on.
Possible malfunctions
Non-observance of the manufacturer's instructions and operation of the equipment in unsuitable conditions can lead to such malfunctions:
- Damage to the motor-compressor. When cooling, the oil thickens, so the motor has to work with a double load, which leads to wear.
- Faulty control module. High humidity oxidizes the contacts of the device.
- Failure of the thermistor, defrost sensor. The effect of moisture also affects.
- Deformation of the sealing rubber on the door under the influence of moisture and sunlight.
But you can store equipment on the balcony. The main thing is to protect the case from sun and moisture. Before connecting the equipment in the room, let it stand for several hours and acclimatize.
It turns out that theoretically the refrigerator can work in the open air. In practice, everything must be carefully weighed and prepared so as not to spoil the equipment. If you do not have another place to place, then buy an inexpensive model.
Watch the video on the topic: