How to Make a Freezer Work in an Unheated Garage Refrigerator

How to Make a Freezer Work in an Unheated Garage Refrigerator

[@doctorgarcia13661]

This video is truly a perfect example of the difference between understanding the concept and just repeating what somebody else said. This is an amazing video with no fluff, just immediate applicable knowledge. I’m an instant fan. Thank you!!!!

[@AllenMcCurdy]

Best video on making your garage refrigerator work during cold weather. Ingenious to use the heater that’s already there (light bulb) rather than buying the kit. I did it the same way, disabled the switch, found it worked, and installed a toggle bypass a couple days later. Your grandkids are lucky to have such a smart Pappy!

[@AndyR4832]

A couple years ago, I installed a refrigerator heater. Upon inspection, it looked like it was getting too hot (wires looked burned), so I took it out. I used your method with a 25W light bulb and it works great. Thanks for the great video!

[@kevinh1536]

Bernie/Pappy-YOU rock! Your video helped me figure out what was wrong with my garage refrigerator. We are currently experiencing a prolonged period below freezing in our area and you can imagine my surprise when I opened the freezer and discovered that it was not as cold as it needed to be. Your ingenuity helped me solve the problem! Thanks!

[@FFPM371]

If only all DIY videos were this honest, simple, and detailed. Excellent job!!

[@mettlinger17]

Fantastic, you are the man! I live in Toronto, my extra fridge is in a semi-enclosed outdoor porch, this solution did the trick, thanks so much!

[@JoshuaDreesen]

My garage freezer had been thawing. Thanks for helping me come up with a solution!

[@jhalka17]

One of the best DIY videos I've ever watched.

[@fartwrangler]

Thank you! This is the only simple, straight-forward and effective solution to this problem that I've seen posted, anywhere.

[@ph00z00]

yeah, it's the easiest. bought one of those 'garage heater kits' and still haven't been able to find out what it does in the summer when the fridge/freezer are running overtime anyway.

[@MartinME3]

@@ph00z00 in the summer it’s still heating up your fridge forcing your fridge ON more than necessary.

[@ph00z00]

@@MartinME3 right on. i'll probably disconnect it when it gets warm. will wear out the connectors though.

[@brandonthayer1545]

@@ph00z00 wire in a switch into the heater if you go that route and turn it off in the summer

[@ph00z00]

@@brandonthayer1545 good idea

[@johnloyd5369]

Thanks for the video. I have the same model as in the video, so it was super simple to implement. My biggest trouble was finding a 25 watt incandescent bulb. None of the big box stores carry them anymore. They're all LED. I was able to find one at my local ACE hardware store. I didn't have the indoor outdoor thermometer, I made due with a simple thermometer made to test fridge/freezer temps. My son got it at school when they were talking about energy conservation. I just alternated between fridge and freezer One tip - Don't change the freezer settings and the fridge settings at the same time like I did. It set me back a couple days in getting the temps right. (Fridge needs a day or so to adjust to new settings). Get the fridge temp correct, then move to the freezer settings. Otherwise your freezer temps tend to swing wildly.

[@manjacita]

Thank you. Definitely the most understandable of any videos I have seen on this subject. I especially appreciate that you did not rush through the process and that the filming showed everything we needed to see. (not so in many others). The verbal explanation was also perfect.

[@jamiem8964]

Thank you SOOO much!!! My last freezer needed a heating element. Extremely inefficient. As a Mechanical Engineer, I think this solution is brilliant, elegant, easy and most important, it WORKS GREAT! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@danmcbean3541]

Installed switch on my fridge. Great fix. Working much better. Thanks much.

[@JoeBetterman96]

Thanks so much! Was able to install a switch in my fridge and this perfectly fixed my freezer problem. I’m a new dad and this was my first electrical work, felt like I was learning from the ultimate Jedi dad!

[@gatewayracer]

Excellent video Pappy! I had this issue in mid 30-degree temps in my garage. After using a blow dryer in the fridge sections, the compressor kicked on and my 34-degree freezer dropped to zero in 5 mins. I knew the compressor was working and all was good. Quick KZbin search and Walaa, you have the fix! Thank you, sir!

[@outlaw6849]

I’ve been wondering why this happens every year to my garage fridge also, Thanks for explaining this so well!

[@ranger2055]

Hi Bernie, first of all I want to thank you for this great video!! I did this to a tee and you solved a big problem for me easily!! You are a great teacher and will definitely watch any videos you put out!! Thanks again!! Rick Anger.

[@chrisdefazio6668]

Hi Bernie, We live in Rochester NY and recently relocated our fridge from the basement to the garage and of course noticed that the freezer wasn't performing like it was because when it was inside the house (which made me scratch my bald head LOL). I found your KZbin video and can't thank you enough for sharing this excellent inexpensive tip on a level that anyone with some mechanical aptitude can take on which by the way did solve my freezer issue! Your my new HERO, just know that sharing your knowledge and skillset is still making a difference in your retirement years!!! Thank you so much!!

[@qusaimousa1]

Did you have a standing freezer or was it a fridge like this in the video

[@shayndamm7844]

Just completed this and happy to report the switch works as you described / showed! Now, I wait for the thermostat reading…thanks “Pappy!”

[@RJCMemorial]

Excellent instructional Bernie. I was having the same issue. This was the best video I've found on garage freezer issues in the winter. Phenomenal job.

[@blades4ever]

Just want to thank you, I was pilling my hair trying to find a solution for this. Thanks again

[@alpha2112beta]

Excellent, nice fix video. This is the second fix/video I found, and the first one was to insert a drop light inside of the fridge, bottom. This fix seems to be more in line of using what is already there. Toggle switch idea is genius! Hope you are getting paid for this. I was going to google for a user manual for my Frigidaire, like in your video, because I thought the slider in the freezer was a thermostat. Thanks for that heads up.

[@puck_luck1395]

Thank you a ton for sharing! Only took me an hour or so to install the switch. Hope this does the trick. TIP: make sure you use the right size splice connectors. I initially used a 12-10 gauge, and the switch didnt work. Switched the connectors to a 22-18 and it worked.

[@SimonKelk]

My freezer stopped working over christmas. I thought it was dead. Managed to adapt it in 5 minutes after watching this video with a pair of pliers so that I can disable the light. It's running now and will be freezing tonight so I have a great test to check it is working. I have temp monitors already.

[@starfishonefiveseven5216]

My old 1980 frige has been in my garage for 10 years now. It has no problem keeping frozen foods solid in our north east winters but my newer one from 2004 was letting everything defrost in the winter. I was about to go out and buy a chest freezer and put it in the basement but this fix is going to save me a fortune!! Thank you Pappy!!

[@jackyucuis8655]

Thank you Pappy. I followed your steps and my freezer is working perfectly. Had a bit of trouble popping the switch out thinking there was a catch holding it in place. Watched that portion again and saw no tools after you disconnected the wires so I pushed away from the unit and it came right out.

[@JohnJohnson-kb5sx]

I’ve had this problem for years, thought I needed a new refrigerator. Took a little to get the assembly off as it’s a different style but works great. I put the toggle switch in. Thank you from Wisconsin!

[@fredwagar9130]

Nice job on the video Pappy. I did that exact same thing about 2 years ago and it works great. I use a 15 Watt bulb and labeled the switch for summer & winter.

[@MsEnigmatiK]

This is exactly what I need today. Living in NY we store meats in the garage freezer, but noticed that some things end up looking a bit defrosted in the winters, which isn't a good sign. Will be using this on my Frigidaire. Thank you, Pappy!

[@TexxxTexaco]

Well done! My fudgsicles were a melted mess and the fridge was working perfectly. A Canadian fridge out in the garage. Looks like I have some work to do and your video gives me hope! Thank you!!!

[@coltpayne6990]

I was thinking about this as a solution and then I found this video. Great minds think alike... Thank you!

[@phillipverret8308]

Thanks Bernie! Your fix worked for me here in Louisiana! I put in a 15W bulb and it's working good for me.

[@waynenethercutt2347]

Thank you! Just completed this fix and took me about 10 minutes. Oddly enough, my biggest challenge was finding a 25 watt appliance bulb locally, everything was 40 watt.

[@corydavenport8327]

Thank you sooo much for your video. Was having this problem and your description of the mechanics involved saved me a repair guy bill with likely void of warranty!

[@sfrank3097]

Excellent video. Saves $ not having to purchase a garage heater kit.

[@dennisreilly2291]

Thanks for this video. Instructions were great and easy to follow. Bought everything I needed and was simple to complete the job. Thanks again!

[@garyh7188]

Thanks for a great fix to a cold garage solution for a refrigerator. I found that a 9 watt led bulb worked for me, the base warmed up enough to cycle the refrigerator. Saved me from having to buy a new refrigerator

[@billiobobski]

Thank you for a very clear and helpful video. Unfortunately my fridge has LED lights but thanks to your suggestion I have used a clip on switched light inside the fridge with a 25 watt incandescent bulb sold in the UK as an oven light bulb and available from Screwfix. Seems to be working so good job.

[@garyblack7677]

Hi, Does your clip-on light have power cord, or is it battery-powered? How would the refrigerator door close with power cord hanging out?

[@adamzalensky9329]

Worked perfectly. I actually have the same fridge and happened upon this video by chance. Glad I took the time to watch. I may try to install the toggle switch at some point.

[@joepuleo3]

What is the model on the fridge

[@tattedjeepjames7511]

This was simple yet genius! This is the same xonceptnused to prevent pop from freezing in outdoor pop machines. I set both my refrigerators up in less than 30 minutes. 12 degrees out for 24 hours now and no frozen pop! Thanks for the video!

[@davem6685]

Fantastic video. Best DIY explanation on the internet. Gotta love that Penn State Creamery Ice cream. Peachy Paterno my favorite.

[@keithb.8684]

I included the switch and it worked like a champ for me!!! Thanks!

[@richbrazill1698]

Thanks for the great video. I noticed your Penn State Creamery ice cream in the freezer! And your PSU license plate!

[@badusername4]

This is how KZbin started. Great help video !

[@dylicious]

Love this video. I was wondering the simplest solution for this issue. This looks like the winner. Appreciate your insights.

[@derekresendes2984]

OMG exactly the issue I was experiencing! Came on here to see if there was a solution!!! You’re the man!! I’m going to try right now. Thanks from Canada!!!

[@riley7998]

As I prepare for another Chicago winter, just tried this. Going to do the toggle switch too if this works. Nothing worse than exploded diet cokes in the fridge and soggy chicken breasts in the freezer. Thanks for posting!

[@eddymetal84]

I'm doing this today, had some deer starting to thaw out and got me panicking, this is a great idea and your video explained it perfectly

[@bmprose]

Just used this to get my garage fridge working properly in the cold. I installed the toggle switch like you did. Thank you so much for making this video.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Great fix it yourself video, thank you for posting. John

[@andyboy57]

Wonderful diy - thanks

[@jean-brunolangdeau743]

From Montreal Canada, big thanks. Very innovative and informative trick, exactly what I was hoping to find

[@ChopperGuy530]

Thanks Pappy!! This video is great and has my outside refrigerators working great!

[@bladerunnersn]

The bulb remains on after removing the plastic catch , the freezer is working fine . Thanks from the UK Bernie .

[@tomburgess2637]

I've been tearing my panel apart for about 3 years to put the plunger light switch inside the housing to be able to keep the light on. Thanks for this Bernie it works great! After about 3 years a little part of the socket is discolored but doesn't get hot enough to melt.

[@txdave2]

Thank you from frigid central Texas where the temperature is supposed to get down to 1 degree F tomorrow. This is not a typical winter temp for Texas. My garage fridge got confused and took a nap. Hopefully, leaving the interior light on will wake it up. Thanks for the info.

[@kerrywoboe]

Hi from one Pappy to another Pappy!! Thanks so much.. worked great... I had to settle for a rotary switch... Home D does not stock their stuff well. Gret video and thanks for solving a problem!!!

[@glennpm65]

Excellent fix and very descriptive video!

[@1977do]

Thank you from Minnesota... Great tip and video..I will be doing this soon..love it!

[@John-yb2xp]

The old easy bake oven trick! I like it 👍🏼

[@mitchmartin1871]

Thanks Pappy, for the terrific video and solution!!

[@doubledvideo]

Awesome video. I will give it a shot...I am hopeful this simple fix will do the trick...this is our first time having a fridge outside in an unheated garage. We have a side by side fridge with one thermostat in the fridge side. Thanks! I will report back if this "hack" worked. Thanks for the detailed video. :)

[@c.l.corbridge9900]

My exact fridge! We have thrown out $$ of food that had thawed out, for who knows how long, and was ready to bomb this unit! Thanks for the info!

[@krisludwig5666]

Love the video! Any suggestions on how to attach the toggle switch to the outside of the compartment holding all the wires? Did you cut a hole in the plastic housing or attach it some other way? And does it have to be caulked in with a silicone or something? Thanks for your help

[@krisludwig5666]

I figured it out!

[@infographic-Tom]

Well done! Thank your for sharing your intelligent solution to this challenging problem!

[@stenzeliron6818]

Thanks for the help Bernie!!!

[@Wayondon]

Excellent presentation! Thanks!

[@AB-jz9ns]

Greetings from Pittsburgh! Thank you for your thoroughness!

[@DP-no6cz]

Well done. Simply explained.

[@gregl65]

Thanks Pappy this works great from Northeast WI !!

[@claudiorivas6654]

Thank you very much, this was so helpful. You are the best.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for explaining this so simply And brilliantly 👍🤓👍

[@kypar]

Just followed these steps. Thank you for sharing!!

[@tebjmd]

How Elegant! Simple, effective and inexpensive.

[@labernese]

Nice one Pappy, slick solution

[@clarencetitus4536]

I like your video very will inform I never did figured out how to remove remove the switch. I see no a clip on the back side but it is part of the switch. So anyhow I added the toggle switch as you showed. Changed the bulb to 25W all that works. Maybe even a lower wattage bulb maybe needed in my case. So I had to turn off the bulb because the refrigerator kept running. Maybe because my garage was at 48 degrees. I’m moving my refrigerator to a inside wall next to an outer wall currently it’s on the far side of garage outer wall. Bye the way it does help to vacuum the bottom side of the frig. Still great info. Maybe I’m just not cold enough. About 40 degrees is the coldest my garage ever gets.

[@brinahealy942]

I wonder if there was a fix please for my issue. Both the refrigerator and the freezer unit freeze in my unheated breezeway so I can't use the refrigerator part for any fresh food. Thank you

[@tball1970]

great video. simple and easy to follow

[@michaelmartorana6502]

Great job Pappy!! My children love you!!

[@create_space812]

thank you sir from Canada! this is exactly what I was looking for!

[@shaunpenn6853]

Love the video helped loads to begin with, but when night time came I had an epithanny, I had a 10 watt bulb in my fridge but It felt warm so my beers weren't cold😩, anyway i just stuck a 7 watt heat mat for reptiles over where the thermostat is located on the outside of my fridge then something to cover it so the heat doesn't escape and so far so good I can say my beers are now cold and my meat is frozen, but thanks for the insight he gave me an idea on your principle 👍👌.

[@harlanjosselyn]

Was an easy fix. I had already bought another refrigerator when I heard the phrase "Garage Ready". The one I purchased had not been delivered and found out it was not "Garage Ready" either. It was on the truck on the way to my house. I called the store where I purchased it and told them I did not want it because I would still have a freezer that would not freeze in cold weather. Then I found this video and was able to find the parts to fix it as Pappy said. The first time I put it all back together it did not work. Took it back apart and I did not close one of the connecters well, Then it worked as directed.

[@curtisnappi9239]

This was a nice fix. Thank you. My only problem is now I notice the light tends to turn off even with the bypass switch. Not sure if that has to do with energy efficiency.. not sure

[@tuffy11000]

That’s because his wiring was wrong. You have to only cut one wire and install toggle between each cut wire.

[@curtisnappi9239]

@@tuffy11000 so my toggle switch sliced into 1 wire on the door switch?

[@upszilla]

This is great if your door switch is with the control panel. I have a GE side by side with the door light switch on the bottom of the door frame. No easy screw to remove it. Looks like if I try to remove it I will break where it’s attached.

[@i-changeus]

Awesome job on this video!! Thank you pappy.

[@B2SE]

Thank you Sir, exactly what I was looking for.

[@NHJOE53]

We did it! It works... there was some trouble in getting the housing out, and actually, we didn't need to where we went forward to putting in the toggle switch..

[@edeniva]

Thanks, Bernie...Worked great !😉

[@terryjones7917]

Thanks Pappy, for your detail and clear wording on how to fix it. Much Appreciated. I had a quick question. I think you said that heater kit is running winter and summer. Does that impact the condenser running more hours, therefore more wear and tear? Unfortunately I came across your video after I had already bought the heater and half way installed it. I like your way better. So comparing the heater to light bulb with switch: Which costs more to run electricity wise and which runs compressor more? Thanks again Pappy

[@rockyhighlights385]

obviously either one will cause the compressor to run more than without the heater , but I have no info on the cost comparison. My cost comparison involves the increase in electricity usage -vs- thawed-out food that has to be thrown away.

[@andyboy57]

how did you make the hole in the fridge electrical compartment where you put the on/off switch thanks for the video - great job.

[@barryrott726]

Just did this ... a year later this hack still works!!!!!

[@jamedwoodward8508]

Thank you so very very much a great video!! God Bless

[@andyb4417]

Who would have thought that the heat from a small bulb would affect the thermostat. Great fix, thanking you from Shrewsbury, England :)

[@MartinME3]

I also added a 25 W bulb. I agree than 40w is a bit much. Then i sort of moved the thermostat around where you had it and it all seems to be fine now. Simple solution.

[@jaydoze138]

Great hack and so easy. Thank you

[@j.t.masters1934]

This was a very helpful video, thank you.

[@qusaimousa1]

Does this work for standing freezers without the refrigerator? Please and thank you

[@michaelbeckman1794]

I have a 2004 kenmore side by side in my garage in MN that has problems in the sub zero temperatures. I've checked on finding a heater pad that they sell but on extensive checking it wont work for my model, very complicated to take the control panel down and the directions are poor. I could buy one but dont want to pay a refrigerator repairman to install it properly. I will be using your method but with a minor modification. The light switch is a small round pin. I located the touching area of the pin on the door. Drilled a hole in the door plastic panel that the pin goes into. I can place a piece of aluminum tape over the hole during warm weather so the light will go out so I dont have to remove the upper panel to install a on/off switch. There are three lights in the fridge, one on top and two in the back above the crisper drawers. Removed the two lower lights. The upper light is 40W and there is a thin aluminum shield between the light and the upper plastic where the thermostat/temperature sensor is. I will leave the 40W bulb in and the aluminum shield and see if this works. This fridge has the coils under the unit and I also have a 60W bulb in the area to help keep the refrigerant viscous. Thanks for the great video.

[@jntwyatt]

Thanks very much. That's brilliant. I'm going to try that.

[@DowieFarm]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@johnmanganello4551]

Thanks Bernie! Easy to install and works great. Takes a little tweaking, but not a problem, especially with the remote thermometer. Got everything I needed at my local big box store. Installed in 20 minutes.