When planning an apartment, the question often arises: is it possible to place a refrigerator next to a heating radiator?
This is a difficult matter that needs to be carefully considered and several nuances resolved. A large kitchen is a rarity that is not available to everyone. In addition to proper placement and redevelopment, it is important to remember the small free space that is necessary for movement.
All owners of small kitchens face the problem of placing a refrigerator. The location for the refrigeration equipment must be chosen in advance and taken care of as well. In the vast majority of cases, placing it next to the radiator is the only possible and acceptable solution. Let's consider the subtleties and nuances of this issue.
The refrigerator is the largest appliance in the kitchen, but you can’t do without it. The owners can only place it in the corners where the battery is located, however, this must be done taking into account certain rules so as not to damage the equipment.
Features of placing a refrigerator next to a radiator
Many people are interested in the question: why can’t you tolerate the proximity and place the refrigerator next to the radiator? There must be a protective barrier, which can be a simple plywood sheet, on top of which is a sheet of foil that reflects heat.
Many owners of small kitchens decide to use the space near the windowsill, although the exception is the refrigerator. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
It should not be installed in direct sunlight; it is important that the equipment is kept away from all devices with natural grounding, as this is not suitable for safety reasons. If there are no options, you need to fence it with a small wooden lattice.
Details
What should be the distance
To avoid severe overheating, the refrigerator can be placed at a distance of 0.35 to 0.5 meters from any warm source, be it an electric fireplace, radiator or other heating device. In an empty space, which is equal to the recommended distance to the refrigerator, it is not possible to build in pieces of furniture or install any household devices that are required for a kitchen room.
Because of this, maintaining such a distance according to the requirements when it comes to small apartments and kitchens in particular is difficult and sometimes unrealistic. When the kitchen area does not leave room for maneuver, and the optimal place for installing the refrigerator remains near the radiator, it is worth minimizing the harmful effects of the heat that the radiator emits. Homemade structures made from materials that are available and placed between the radiator and the refrigerator help to minimize the possible harm of operating heating to refrigeration equipment.
What to do if there is not enough space
Specialists who are involved in the repair of household appliances recognize the fact that in small kitchens or rooms where there is an unsuccessful layout, it is possible to install refrigeration equipment near the radiator in the kitchen only on the condition that it is separated from a nearby heat source. They offer easy-to-implement and simple options for protecting your refrigerator from overheating:
- The refrigerator can be placed near the radiator so that it is turned towards the heating radiator with its side and not its back. In this case, the radiator itself can be partially or half closed along its entire length, but not completely.
- Sew the central heating riser, as well as the pipes with the coolant, into a plasterboard box or wrap it with any material for thermal insulation. This can be polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, mineral wool, penofol or glass wool.
- Place a partition between the heating radiator and the refrigerator, which will be 0.3 meters higher than the top edge of the radiator.
The implementation of all of the listed protective measures will not require large financial costs, but will help prevent overheating of the refrigerator and premature wear of the compressor. Thermal insulation of the refrigerator helps save money from the family budget, which otherwise would have to be paid for excessive energy consumption.
How to protect your refrigerator
If you have no other options and still have to install the refrigerator near the heating device, you can opt for built-in models. But this option is suitable only for those people who plan to order kitchen furniture and will be able to select all the devices in the right size in advance. Owners of non-built-in cabinets can take care of protecting refrigeration equipment from overheating with their own hands by creating a heat-insulating partition and placing it between the side wall of the device and the heating radiator. You can make a shield from chipboard, sheet foam, plexiglass, plywood, plasterboard sheets, and for maximum effective reflection of thermal energy, cover it with foil on the side that touches the battery.
Alternative options
Knowing what the distance from the refrigerator to the heating radiator should be, while not wanting to violate its operating rules, residents of apartments with small kitchens can choose one of the installation options (alternatives):
- If a city apartment has a storage room, it is ideal for installing refrigeration equipment. The main condition for such placement is the presence in the pantry of an electrical outlet into which the refrigerator can be plugged in.
- Place the refrigerator in the hallway or refrigerator, and you should make sure that the distance from the device to the opposite wall will allow guests and apartment residents to move freely along the corridor.
- In a country house or a fashionable two-level apartment, a refrigerator cabinet will fit perfectly into the free space under the stairs that leads to the second floor. At the same time, it can be played up in different ways - by focusing on a free-standing refrigerator or building a closet with storage drawers near it.
- A glazed balcony or loggia, which is adjacent to the kitchen area and connected to it by a common door opening, is ideal for accommodating large equipment. Is it possible to place a refrigerator next to a radiator? With this installation option, you will need to constantly monitor the air temperature and humidity in the room. Manufacturers allow the operation of climate class N devices in the temperature range of +15...+33, and SN-T class models within +10...+45. An increase or decrease in the thermometer above the specified limit can cause instability of the device or even its breakdown.
If none of the options suits you, then, as a last resort, you can place the device in the family room or bedroom. Proximity to modern household appliances cannot harm human health or even disrupt sensitive sleep, because even with the compressor on, the refrigerator is almost silent.
The main problem that arises with this placement option is how to successfully fit the refrigerator into the interior of the room. Some owners of small apartments demolish part of the wall between the kitchen and the adjacent room and make a special niche. This option occurs if you obtain permission in advance from the state housing inspection authorities. Otherwise, when exchanging, selling or donating an apartment, such self-government is considered completely inconsistent and will even entail penalties.
Is it possible to place a refrigerator next to a radiator?
This type of placement of equipment is strictly prohibited.
Experts do not recommend placing a cooling unit next to a heating source, as this can lead to a number of problems. First of all, electricity consumption will increase. It is recommended to study the instructions, which describe problems that arise from improper use. To extend its service life, it is better to choose another room for placement.
What should be the distance from the refrigerator to the battery?
On average, you need to maintain a distance of 50 centimeters, but this does not take into account many factors. But you also need to take into account:
- Distance to ceiling and walls.
- Room ventilation.
- Dimensions.
- Capacitor position.
- The presence of partitions.
- The influence of other thermal appliances.
- Sunlight.
Each of these factors affects the minimum allowable distance. It is also worth considering the manufacturer and the specific model.
Important! Electricity consumption if placed incorrectly will be greater.
What to do if there is no other way out
Make a distance from the battery to the refrigerator of at least 50-60 cm.
There are often situations when the room is simply catastrophically small, so it is simply impossible to install a refrigerator in another place, you have to look for alternatives. The only way is near a heating device, battery or radiator. You shouldn’t be upset, because there are certain conditions under which such an installation is still allowed. The main thing is to adhere to the following recommendations:
- the rear wall must be at a certain distance from the battery; it must be installed slightly sideways or on one side. This is the only way to avoid serious overheating and the refrigerator will not be broken;
- from a battery, the refrigeration device can be located no less than 60 cm from the heating surface;
- between the heat source and the cold surface, a special partition must be installed, the surface of which is foil-covered - thus, heat is reflected.
You can also install a foil partition between the battery, as is often done when installing next to the stove.
It is strictly prohibited to install the device closely! The motor, powered by electricity, and the battery cannot interact with each other, and it is difficult for the installation to tolerate the heat generated by the battery. If the motor fails, the technician will not undertake to repair it - this case is considered not subject to warranty.
A stylish solution is a protective box, which is often used as a design solution. But for this option there must be extra space.
There is an extreme option for placing and insulating the pipe, but this method is not always suitable - it is not possible to thermally insulate the pipe with special materials, since the specific arrangement of furniture, the layout of the room and its size do not always allow.
It is worth warning right away that damage due to improper placement of equipment is not subject to warranty.
What could be the consequences of overheating?
If you install a refrigeration unit close to a stove or radiator, expect negative consequences. The freezer compartment with this placement will not preserve food well. The refrigerator itself may begin to leak. Due to the constant collision of warm and cold air in the corner behind the device, condensation will form, and then mold.
It is important to know! “If the refrigerator breaks down, the unit will be repaired under warranty only if the appliance is properly positioned. If the technician discovers that the device was not installed according to the rules, he will remove the warranty from it.”
While the refrigerator is standing near the battery, it will consume a lot of electricity. Such devices are not particularly economical anyway. Because of this arrangement, electricity bills will increase several times.
Rules for installing a refrigerator
It is not recommended to install refrigeration equipment close to a heating source. Even if you have very good thermal insulation, the cooling system may not work smoothly, and the condenser cooling may malfunction and fail. Also, you should not place the unit near a window that faces south - it quickly overheats in the sun.
No matter how much you want to maximize space, leave space on all sides of the refrigerator.
If you often open the door and look inside, you must adhere to a certain level of humidity - plant products should be stored at 95%, animal products - only 70%.
Do not place the refrigerator near the stove under any circumstances; the consequences may be the same as when installed next to the battery.
If the refrigerator is placed on a balcony that is not heated, nothing good will come of it, because the temperature in the room directly depends on the type of refrigerant in a particular model. Some types begin to thicken, leading to breakage. It is important to remember the gaps between the walls and the unit. The electrical supply must be grounded and must be safe.
Consequences of placing a refrigerator near a radiator
Manufacturers producing household appliances do not recommend placing the refrigerator in close proximity to the battery. Most often, this arrangement ends in failure of the unit. Normally, the motor starts and stops to maintain the set temperature. If the walls of the case are heated by the battery, the compartments become warm, and the refrigerator begins to work without interruption, trying to bring the microclimate in the chamber closer to the specified parameters.
Intense operation of the motor leads to increased energy consumption and damage to the compressor. Even if the equipment breaks down before the warranty period has expired, the service department may refuse to repair it due to violations of operating rules.
The increase in energy consumption of a refrigerator can increase by up to 20% if it is located close to a heating radiator. Install a heat insulation screen. If the unit covers the radiator, the room will become colder than expected.
Protection from harmful heat
How to protect a refrigerator from the effects of a radiator? The basic rule is to remember the gap between the equipment and the stove (no matter electric or gas). It must be at least 30 cm, this is the only way to guarantee that everything will be in perfect order.
You can make an indent from the stove, and use the resulting space as storage space
But there are nuances - even such a distance cannot solve the problem of splashes while eating or preparing food. Therefore, it is important to choose a more suitable option - wipe everything at once or cover the surface. One of the simplest solutions is a foil flap, which is attached to simple magnets or special hooks.
You can make a special cabinet for the refrigerator that will protect it from heat and splashes while cooking. Only here it is worth remembering that indentations must also be observed inside.
Many people use PPC film, but this is not always appropriate - this coating negatively tolerates heat, temperature changes and temperature fluctuations (this is important to consider, since splashes during cooking can be too hot).
The proximity of the stove and refrigeration equipment must be blocked with a certain amount of insulation - there are no special devices, there is only the possibility of using something at hand.
If you order the entire set as a set, then it is best to ask the designer to select the most suitable solution.
What materials are used to create partitions:
- Foam plastic, chipboard, reeds are occasionally used. The ideal option is a cork slab. There is a minus - high cost.
- Organic materials have advantages - they are resistant to moisture and do not absorb odor. Among the disadvantages is that they can melt and are subject to deformation. If we talk about inorganic materials, we can highlight asbestos cardboard, fiberglass, and drywall. They are non-flammable, inexpensive, but can lose their properties under the influence of moisture (not counting fiberglass).
Instructions for installing heating radiators
So, how to hang radiators correctly? You have purchased radiators and even decided exactly how they will be installed. Now you need to familiarize yourself with all the requirements of SNIP - and you can begin installation. It's actually quite simple.
And they really need to be followed - after all, if the radiator is installed incorrectly, if it breaks, repairs under warranty will be denied.
Heating radiator installation diagram
If you want to protect the device from scratches, dust and other damage that may occur during installation, then during the installation process you can not remove the protective film - this is allowed by the rules for installing radiators. The single most important requirement that must be strictly followed is strict adherence to the indentations necessary for normal circulation of heated air. Here are the rules for installing heating radiators to indentations put forward by SNIP:
- According to current standards, the distance from the window sill or the bottom of the niche should be at least 10 cm. It should be taken into account that if the gap between the radiator and the wall is less than ¾ of the depth of the radiator, the flow of warm air into the room will be much worse.
- Equally strict requirements are imposed on the installation height of radiators. How to properly place heating batteries? So, if the distance between the bottom point of the radiator and the floor level is less than 10 cm, then the outflow of warm air will be difficult - and this will negatively affect the degree of heating of the room. The ideal distance is 12 cm between the floor and the radiator. And if this gap is more than 15 cm, then there will be too large a temperature difference between the upper and lower parts of the room.
- if the radiator is installed not in a niche under the window, but near the wall, then the distance between the surfaces should be at least 20 cm. If it is smaller, air circulation will be difficult, and in addition, dust will accumulate on the back wall of the radiator.
Installing heating radiators against the wall
In order to get maximum useful information regarding the installation of radiators, you can use our resource. You can find many valuable tips and recommendations on how to properly install a heating radiator.
Under what conditions can you place a refrigerator next to a radiator?
According to the instructions, placing the refrigerator near heating appliances is strictly prohibited. The distance between them should be no less than 40 centimeters. There is a big caveat - this option is not suitable for kitchens with a small area. If it turns out that you need to move the unit closer to the radiator, it will have to be isolated as much as possible from the installation.
If you create a partition yourself, then use not ordinary foil, but special high-temperature insulating foil.
It is recommended to create a special partition from plywood or other suitable material that can be covered with aluminum foil. Plastic or drywall work well.
It is desirable that this shield has a small layer.
This shield must be placed between the radiator and the refrigeration unit to reflect thermal radiation. If there is such a possibility, it must be placed sideways, half of the body, so that it covers the battery, and the gap between them is at least 5 cm - this is important for the circulation of air masses and the flow of air for cooling.
Refrigerator location standards
The operating instructions prescribe specific requirements for the location of the refrigeration unit. The unit should not be located adjacent to kitchen furniture. The side gaps must be at least 5 cm, and there must be a distance of at least 10 cm between the back wall and the condenser grille. You can achieve a gap between the floor and the electrical appliance using adjustable legs. The distance is required for constant air circulation. All actions should be aimed at preventing the compressor from overheating.
Distance between refrigerator and battery
Air circulation is one of the most important aspects in the operation of a refrigerator if it is installed in a thermal accessibility zone. There should be a distance from the ceiling to the device of at least 30 cm, from the wall to the back of the case - 5 - 10 centimeters. The distance from the floor covering to the bottom of the equipment is at least 4 cm, and between the wall and the heating device is about 40 cm. Exactly the same distance must be maintained between the equipment and the radiator.
Even if a partition is used, the distance between objects must be maintained.
The legs of the refrigerator can be adjusted in height, you can conveniently adjust the position of the unit if the floor is uneven, adjust the gap between the bottom and the floor so that there is an air cushion and air can pass through. If there are heating pipes near the installation site, it is recommended to insulate it using a special permissible material.
Correct location
When installing equipment, you need to know what distance should be from the refrigerator to the battery. You can determine what distance should be from a household appliance to heating systems using the following standards:
- From the battery or pipeline system with hot water to the walls of the refrigeration device, maintain at least 50 cm.
- The equipment is placed so that its side wall is at least 30 cm from the battery.
- The refrigerator should not be installed with its back wall facing heating appliances or an electric stove.
- The device can only be placed near an electric stove or oven if there is a partition with a heat-insulating layer.
- You need to know how far the refrigerator should be from the window. If placed close, direct sunlight will fall on the equipment, overheating its elements. The household device will spend more electricity on cooling, which will lead to its breakdown.
- Experts recommend adjusting the air flow at the bottom of the refrigerator. To do this, you will need to tighten the legs of the device to a height sufficient for safe operation or make stands.
- The floor surface must be level for stable operation of the cooling system of household appliances.
- When a heating pipe is placed under the floor or a “warm floor” system is installed, the refrigerator is moved to the loggia. It is optimal to determine the location for the unit before carrying out repair work and not plan floor heating in this area.
- For long-term operation of a household device, it is important to consider the following requirements:
- the room must be ventilated regularly to maintain stable humidity characteristics;
- the permitted distance from the refrigeration unit to the ceiling is 10 cm for safe use;
- the device must be placed level or tilted back no more than 2° (in this case, the doors will be closed hermetically).
Alternative options
A suitable option is a storage room, which is often cluttered with unnecessary things and supplies, and is used as a spacious closet. A method that only at first glance seems inconvenient. If the kitchen is small or close to the heating unit, place the refrigeration equipment in a separate room.
A good option is a loggia facing the kitchen, but there is one main condition - the presence of heating and a glassed-in room.The small parameters of the apartment force us to introduce a second good option - install equipment in the hallway, because there are often niches in which cabinets and shelves are placed. And if the kitchen is next to the hallway, you won’t have to go far.
Another way out is to move the equipment to the hall, but this is a personal decision of the apartment owners - after all, the hall is considered a recreation area. But if there is a question about long-term use, it is easier to choose the option that suits you. If you live in a Khrushchev-era building, then the living room is a relatively good option - you can make a small niche into which the refrigerator will fit.How to properly place a refrigerator in the kitchen
A prerequisite for purchase is the presence of a technical passport for the household appliance. The document describes in detail the technical characteristics and operating conditions.
Here are the basic operating rules that are mandatory for all models :
- Avoid exposure to any external heat sources: sunlight, radiators, stoves or heating pipes. If this rule is not followed, the operation of the freezing system will be uneconomical.
- Humidity levels in the room should not exceed 70-80%. Products of plant origin are stored at a humidity of up to 95%, products of animal origin - no more than 50%. This is important if you have to open the refrigerator door quite often.
- The room temperature is also selected for a specific model. This indicator depends on the type of refrigerant used in the cooling system. In modern models, R134 freon is the most common. It begins to thicken at 0°C, so an unheated balcony is not suitable for placing a household appliance.
- The back wall of the refrigerator should be at a distance of 7-10 cm from the wall of the room. This gap represents the so-called “air pocket”, which is necessary for proper operation.
- Another important condition for operating a household appliance is the use of a safe power supply with grounding.
The optimal temperature in the room where the refrigerator is used is within +16...+32°C with a humidity of no more than 80%.
Another point is to install the device at a level, ensuring the correct tilt . By changing the height using the adjustable legs available in each model, the refrigerator is placed with a slope back, and the angle is calculated so that the door itself can close under its own weight.
Important. The maximum permissible and constant tilt of the unit is considered to be an angle of 15°. If it is tilted 40° or more, it will damage the compressor.
When installing in the kitchen, the layout of the room, design elements and technical requirements are taken into account.
There are generally accepted and standard ways of planning space for a refrigerator :
- The most common option is a linear arrangement. The refrigerator is placed in the same row as the stove and sink. This configuration saves as much space as possible in the kitchen.
- With a corner arrangement, the refrigerator is located in any free corner, separate from the sink and stove. Just make sure that the free movement of the door is at least 90°.
- If the device is placed near the door, an additional zoning effect will occur. This option may require dismantling the door.
- The installation method under the work surface is possible when using a small refrigerator (minibar). The household appliance is hidden in one of the lower cabinets of the kitchen furniture.
- Sometimes it is installed in a wall niche, which is a pantry or closet. In this case, there will be room in the kitchen for an additional, for example, dining area.
Regardless of the location, watch how the refrigerator door will open after its final installation. The move should be easy and unhindered.
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Important nuances when planning a kitchen
In order to create a comfortable environment in the kitchen, design experts advise using the win-win “triangle” rule. All kitchen equipment should be installed in 3 corners of the room; the most suitable option is to connect a gas stove, a dishwasher and refrigeration equipment.
This placement of all elements is the most successful. In addition to safety, it creates a comfortable space for work.
In this way, you can create an overall comfortable multifunctional complex, which is equipped with the necessary work surfaces, cabinets, and shelves.
Why is the proximity of a stove and a refrigerator dangerous?
The stove should also not be installed near refrigeration equipment, because During operation, it is exposed to strong heat, especially when the oven is running.
Accordingly, as a result of this heating, the surface temperature of the refrigeration unit will increase, which can lead not only to a decrease in its service life, but also to complete failure.
On some Chinese and South Korean refrigerator models, the condenser grille is located not on the back, but on the sides of the equipment. When starting up a gas stove, these areas can heat up, which often causes breakdowns. However, some experts see this as a positive thing. They believe that installing the refrigerator near the stove ensures that it operates at its maximum capacity.
Units with 2 compressors can reduce the temperature in the freezer, but single-compressor units are often covered with ice. In such conditions, the equipment’s engine will operate continuously, which will negatively affect its service life. In addition, non-stop operation of the unit will lead to increased consumption of electrical energy.
It is also necessary to take into account that when cooking food, greasy drops and splashes will fall on the surface of the unit, so it will have to be regularly cleaned of dirt. In addition, refrigeration equipment has metal walls that can be damaged as a result of high temperature exposure. The handles of the device, made of plastic, may also be damaged. In addition, when exposed to temperature, paint will begin to peel off metal surfaces and rubberized seals will deteriorate.
If you place the refrigerator next to the stove, the handles of the pans will constantly contact and scratch its walls. At the same time, while cooking, the owner can constantly touch the refrigerator with his elbow.
An additional inconvenience is that if the equipment stands next to the stove, it can only be used from one side. With the classic placement of the hob, frying pans, pots and other utensils can be moved both to the left and to the right. And in this situation, one side will always be occupied by the refrigeration unit.
Experts note that a refrigerator should not be installed near an electric stove. According to safety regulations, the distance between these types of household appliances must be at least 150 cm. This is due to the increased risk of a short circuit. At the same time, the operation of a unit installed next to an electric stove poses a danger to the owner, because The metal walls of the equipment can conduct electricity. For the same reasons, equipment should not be installed near a microwave oven.
How to minimize negative factors
Companies involved in the manufacture of refrigerators note that for stable operation of the unit, the gas stove must be at least 15 cm away from it. The gap can be filled with a miniature custom-made cabinet. Such furniture cannot accommodate groceries, cutlery and dishes, but it can accommodate gloves, sponges and household cleaning products.
An alternative to a compact cabinet is a special partition made of heat-resistant material. It will not only be practical, but will also provide reliable protection of the refrigeration unit from splashes and high temperatures.
The following materials can be used to protect refrigeration equipment:
- Inorganic. Such products are very expensive, but they tolerate high temperatures well. At the same time, they need to be protected from moisture, which reduces their properties. The most popular and effective inorganic materials include mineral fiber, asbestos and plasterboard.
- Organic. This group of materials includes chipboards, foam sheets, cork, reeds, etc. Such coatings have increased resistance to liquids. However, when exposed to high temperatures, they can be damaged.
Sheets of the selected insulating material must be laid between the surfaces of household appliances. They will help protect equipment from overheating and extend its service life. Thermal insulators can be purchased at any hardware or construction store. Most often they are presented in the form of rolls or sheets. Their outer surface is covered with lavsan film, and the inner surface has an adhesive structure.
Before installing thermal insulation, the material must be cut into strips, having previously calculated their dimensions. In this case, they need to be held on a flat surface until they are completely straightened.
Gluing is done from top to bottom. As a result, the entire surface of the refrigerator must be finished.
If you don’t want to make the insulation yourself, you can buy a ready-made protective screen. It can be made from the following materials:
- Chipboard. It is recommended to give preference to laminated sheets. They are installed between the stove and the refrigeration unit. The cut areas will have to be additionally covered with film. In this case, it is recommended to select the color of the shield taking into account the interior design of the kitchen.
- Tile. This option is considered the most practical, because... The tiles are easy to clean and look aesthetically pleasing. It is best to stick the material onto drywall.
- Mirror reflector. This shield reflects thermal energy. To do this, the product is covered with shiny foil or a thin mirror. Despite the high cost, such a screen will reliably protect the refrigerator from overheating.
When installing heat insulation sheets, one should not forget about the aesthetic component of the issue. For example, the edge of a chipboard sheet without finishing looks ugly: roughness and shavings immediately catch the eye. For this reason, the end part of the canvas must be covered with a special decorative film, masked with a profile or laminated.
It is not advisable to secure sheets of thermal insulation material with glue or liquid nails. The equipment may have to be rearranged in the future. The best solution is double-sided tape glued to the refrigerator. In this case, the tape should not be attached to a gas stove, because it will quickly peel off as a result of heating.
Additional tips and advice
Use more built-in appliances, which is great for small kitchens.
If the size of the room does not allow for acceleration, it may be better to buy free-standing units, it will be more convenient and you can save free space. A good option is equipment that is built-in, allowing convenient placement and operation.
General principles for placing household appliances in a small kitchen
Even if the unit is planned to be located in a small space, compliance with important rules must not be neglected:
- The room must be regularly ventilated and maintain normal humidity levels.
- The permissible distance between the top wall of the device and the ceiling is 10 cm.
- The appliance cannot be placed next to the stove ; its side gets very hot, which can negatively affect the operation of the refrigerator. If you cannot move the unit to a safe distance, you need a heat-insulating partition . These requirements also apply to the oven.
- cannot be placed near a window . When exposed to direct sunlight, the device heats up. To cool the chamber to the required level, the refrigerator begins to work more intensely, consuming a significant amount of electricity. If the load on the engine is prolonged, it may wear out too quickly and fail.
- The refrigerator is installed level or tilted back no more than 2 0C. In this case, the doors will close tightly.
- The unit should not come into contact with other household appliances , otherwise the air circulation will be disrupted. The minimum gap between two devices is 5 cm.
To save space, you can purchase a refrigerator that is built into the kitchen unit. For such a device, a cabinet of appropriate dimensions is usually made. If the set is already ready, you can select the unit to match its parameters.
The refrigerator next to the battery in close proximity is incorrect. A heat shield is required.
What to do if there is no other way out
Repair service specialists admit that if the kitchen is small or has an inconvenient layout, it is allowed to place refrigerators near the radiators, but only if the appliances are isolated from the heating pipes .
You can protect the unit in ways accessible to everyone:
- Turn the side wall towards the battery . In this case, no more than half the length of the radiator should be covered.
- Fence off with a panel that should rise 20-30 cm above the battery. The shield can be made of chipboard, plexiglass, a sheet of plywood or plasterboard, or polystyrene foam. To enhance efficiency, the side of the partition adjacent to the pipes can be covered with foil.
- If a heating or hot water supply pipe runs near the refrigerator, it must be insulated with heat-resistant material , such as glass wool or polyethylene foam.
To ensure the above protection measures, no financial investments will be required, but overheating and rapid engine wear will be prevented. In addition, reliable thermal insulation of the refrigerator will save money that would have to be paid for electricity consumed in excess of the norm.
Battery protection in a box