Summer 2025

Summer Heat and Garage Freezers: What You Need to Know in Cleveland, TN

When summer temperatures rise in Cleveland, TN, it’s not just your air conditioner that gets a workout—your appliances do too, especially those located in garages or outdoor spaces. One of the most vulnerable is your chest freezer or second refrigerator, often tucked away in garages, basements, or sheds. These units are convenient for extra storage, but they can struggle when the mercury climbs into the 90s and beyond.

At Cleveland Appliance Repair Service, we often see an uptick in service calls during the hottest months because garage-based appliances start to malfunction. Fortunately, there are several things you can do as a homeowner to help your outdoor refrigeration units survive the heat and run efficiently all summer long.

Why Summer Heat Impacts Garage Refrigeration

Garage or outdoor refrigeration units aren’t always designed to operate in extreme temperatures. When the outside air gets too hot, it makes the compressor inside your refrigerator or freezer work much harder. If the ambient temperature in your garage is regularly 90°F or more, your unit could be running almost non-stop just to stay cold—leading to wear and tear, component failure, or even spoiled food.

Simple Checks Homeowners Can Do Right Now

Before your freezer or garage fridge breaks down during a summer BBQ weekend, take these steps to check its condition and performance:

✅ 1. Check the Location and Airflow

  • Make sure there are at least a few inches of space around the unit for airflow.
  • Avoid placing the freezer or fridge against a wall or next to other heat-producing equipment (like a dryer or water heater).
  • Ensure that it's out of direct sunlight and not placed under low roofs that trap heat.

✅ 2. Inspect the Door Seals

  • Close the door on a dollar bill or piece of paper—if it pulls out easily, the gasket may be worn.
  • Worn seals allow warm air in and cold air out, making the appliance work harder than it should.

✅ 3. Clean the Condenser Coils

  • Dust and debris can collect on the coils, especially in garages.
  • Unplug the unit and use a soft brush or vacuum attachment to clean the coils—usually located on the back or underneath.
  • Dirty coils reduce efficiency and increase power consumption.

✅ 4. Test Internal Temperatures

  • Place a thermometer inside and make sure your refrigerator stays below 40°F and your freezer stays at or below 0°F.
  • If your appliance isn’t hitting those numbers, it could be a sign of trouble.

✅ 5. Listen for Unusual Sounds

  • Clicking, humming, or buzzing that’s out of the ordinary can indicate a failing compressor or motor.
  • If the unit is running louder than usual, it’s a good idea to get it checked.

✅ 6. Look for Frost or Moisture

  • Excessive frost inside the freezer or puddles under the unit could signal a defrost problem or a leak.
  • Both are early signs that repairs may be needed before things get worse.

How to Make Your Unit Summer-Ready

If your garage refrigerator or chest freezer is working fine now, that’s great—but a little prevention goes a long way. Try these summer prep tips:

  • Install a fan or ventilation system in your garage to improve airflow and help manage temperatures.
  • Consider using an appliance-rated surge protector to guard against summer thunderstorms and power surges.
  • Avoid overloading the freezer, which can restrict air circulation. On the flip side, keeping it at least half-full helps maintain low temperatures.

If you’ve noticed any performance issues or are unsure whether your outdoor appliance is up to the challenge of summer, don’t wait until it breaks down.

We’re Here to Help Cleveland Beat the Heat

At Cleveland Appliance Repair Service, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing refrigerators and freezers of all brands—especially those that work overtime in garages during hot Tennessee summers. Our skilled technicians offer in-home repairs, so you don’t have to move your heavy appliances or risk spoilage waiting for a fix.

Whether your unit is acting up or just due for a tune-up, we’re just a call away.

Ready to work with Cleveland Appliance Repair Service?

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Tips From Our Team

By Mike Hall July 15, 2025
At Cleveland Appliance Repair , we know that summer in the Upstate can mean soaring temperatures—and skyrocketing energy bills. While we're always here to keep your washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers running smoothly, we also want to help you use those appliances in smart ways that can actually help lower your cooling costs. Here are some practical tips for keeping your home cooler and your energy bills lower, just by changing how and when you use your everyday appliances. 1. Give Heat-Producing Appliances a Break During the Day Appliances like dryers and dishwashers generate a surprising amount of heat. Running them during the hottest part of the day forces your air conditioner to work harder to keep your home cool. Instead, consider running these machines early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler outside. It’s a small shift that can make a big difference in your home’s overall temperature. 2. Let Your Dishwasher Air Dry Skip the heated drying cycle on your dishwasher and opt for air drying instead. Most modern dishwashers have a setting for this. Not only does it use less electricity, but it also avoids pumping extra warm air into your kitchen during the hottest months of the year. 3. Keep Refrigerator and Freezer Doors Closed Every time you open your fridge or freezer, cold air escapes and warm air rushes in. This makes the appliance work harder to maintain its internal temperature, generating heat and consuming more energy. Be mindful about what you need before you open the door, and try to limit how often and how long you keep it open. Also, check your door seals—if cold air is leaking out, your fridge or freezer could be overheating your kitchen and running inefficiently. If you suspect an issue, we’re just a call away! 4. Dry Clothes Wisely If you use a dryer, clean the lint trap before every load to help it run more efficiently and with less heat buildup. Better yet, if you have space, consider line drying your clothes outside. It keeps heat out of the house entirely and gives your dryer a break during peak summer hours. 5. Stagger Appliance Use Running multiple appliances at the same time not only spikes energy use, but it also adds combined heat to your home. Try to space out your appliance use throughout the day to avoid overwhelming your home’s cooling system. 6. Keep Vents and Filters Clean For appliances that use vents or filters (like dryers), regular cleaning helps prevent overheating and boosts efficiency. Clogged vents can cause appliances to run hotter, which not only adds heat to your home but can also be a fire hazard. Your Local Appliance Experts We’re proud to care for appliances in Cleveland, and we’re committed to keeping your essential home appliances in top shape. If you notice your fridge isn’t keeping cool or your dryer is running hot, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger issue— Cleveland Appliance Repair is here to help. Stay cool this summer, and let your appliances work smarter, not harder!
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