If you are placing your fridge or freezer in a cool or unheated garage, it's important to consider that temperature fluctuations can affect its performance. Extreme cold temperatures can make the appliance work harder to maintain the desired temperature, potentially leading to energy inefficiency or even damage to the unit.
For a fridge, it is generally recommended to maintain a temperature between 37°F (3°C) and 40°F (5°C) to keep your food safe and fresh. However, in a cool or unheated garage, you may need to set the fridge's temperature slightly higher, around 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C), to ensure it doesn't have to work excessively to maintain the temperature.
For a freezer, the ideal temperature range is typically between 0°F (-18°C) and 5°F (-15°C) for storing frozen food. In a cool or unheated garage, you might need to set the freezer's temperature a bit higher, around 5°F to 10°F (-15°C to -12°C), to prevent it from running too frequently to reach and maintain lower temperatures.
Keep in mind that these temperature ranges are general guidelines, and the optimal settings can vary depending on your specific model and the ambient temperature of your garage. It's always a good idea to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for recommendations tailored to your appliance.