Is it possible to place a refrigerator next to the radiator?

The neighbors have changed. We met the new residents and stopped by to see how they were settling in. The owner likes everything, but there is a point that worries her. The radiators in their new kitchen are not located exactly the same as in the old one. And her desire to maintain the usual arrangement of furniture and household appliances will lead to the fact that the refrigerator ends up next to the radiator. She hasn’t finally decided whether it’s worth doing this, so the unit is still in the closet.

And she began searching for an answer to the question of whether the proximity of a refrigerator and a heating radiator is acceptable. Now he probably knows everything about the right place for an irreplaceable kitchen unit.

Manufacturers are against it!

First I studied the theory. It turned out that manufacturers producing different models of equipment agree on a categorical ban on the proximity of a cooling and heating device.

A radiator located near the refrigerator creates conditions that are not suitable for normal operation of the equipment.

• The wall (rear, side) and the motor of the refrigeration unit are subject to constant heating.
• To maintain the required temperature in the chambers, the device operates without the necessary breaks.
• Constant operation without stopping can cause the compressor to fail faster.
• The service life of the unit will be reduced, and energy consumption caused by increased work intensity, on the contrary, will increase.

Important! For refrigerators, it is undesirable to be in close proximity not only to the radiator, but also to other heat sources: stove, heater, fireplace, etc. The distance between them should be at least 35 cm. Optimally, a distance of 50 cm.

Consumers take risks

Manufacturers' recommendations are, of course, important. But let's be honest: we often deviate from them to a greater or lesser extent. And many people do the same when looking for space for a refrigerator. What happens? A discussion on the forum helps to find out about this.

If you believe the responses of the participants, they easily place cooling household appliances next to radiators, hot water pipes and gas stoves. Moreover, they are installed closely or at a minimum distance (about 5 cm).

Owners of the devices claim that such proximity does not affect their condition and operation. And to be convincing, they give the timing of such placement. And these are considerable numbers: 15–20 years.

Is it worth adding to the number of those who allow such combinations in their kitchen? Everyone makes their own decision. And he also takes responsibility for his decision. After all, no one can guarantee that your unit will work without breakdowns. And you certainly won’t have any complaints against the forum participants.

Well, what if this arrangement is the only convenient option?

If proximity cannot be avoided

When there is no choice, it is important to reduce the negative effects of warm air on the refrigerator.
Service specialists believe that this is quite possible. And they offer several available methods.

Advice! If it is not possible to maintain a safe distance of 35 cm, special protection is required.

• Foil is a suitable material for creating a partition. You can use plywood, drywall and other products as a base.Due to its reflective properties, it will “unfold” warm air, reducing the degree of heating of the surfaces of the device.
• The radiator or heating pipes can be separated from the refrigerator using modern thermal insulation materials (expanded polystyrene, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, etc.).
• Provide such an arrangement so that the battery located near the refrigerator is protected by a partition and is located not at the back, but on the side of the unit.

And of course, it’s worth considering alternative options for space for the refrigerator. As they say, not by the kitchen alone! A storage room, hallway, or insulated loggia may well be suitable for this option.