Is it possible to put a refrigerator on the balcony in winter or a freezer?

It just so happens that the majority of the population of our country lives in “Khrushchev” buildings. We all know very well that the apartments in these houses are quite modest in size and if the need arises to purchase and install a second refrigerator, this will become a difficult task. But residents from the second floor and above have balconies at their disposal. Usually they are either completely unoccupied or minimally busy. In any case, there is enough space for them to install a refrigerator. Is this possible? Will he be able to work there and will he not fail? Let's try to figure it out.

The principle of operation of the freezer

Each device has its own requirements for operating conditions. They also include location characteristics. To find out whether it is possible to place a refrigerator on a balcony, you need to understand how the cooling process occurs.

Components of a conventional refrigerator:

A compressor is a piston mechanism responsible for moving refrigerant.
Evaporator – located in the walls of the refrigeration chamber, it takes heat from it.
Condenser – transfers heat to the outside, located at the rear of the unit.
The refrigerant (most often freon gas) is distilled by a compressor through pipelines and delivers heat to the condenser from the evaporator.

When liquid freon enters the evaporator, it becomes gaseous. Its temperature readings become lower than those inside the refrigerator. Therefore, the freon heats up and the chamber cools. The refrigerant is then distilled into a cooler where it cools and returns to liquid form. After freon enters the evaporator, the entire cycle begins again. Freon moves until the desired temperature inside the chamber is reached.

Refrigerants can move stably through pipes at a certain room temperature. Manufacturers create models that operate stably under standard environmental conditions. If in the middle part of the country the temperature in a residential building ranges from +17 to +30℃, then refrigeration equipment for these regions will work properly at such indicators. For southern tropical countries, both the temperature and humidity at which the refrigerator can be used will be different.

There is such a thing as climate classes. Information about them can be found in the product data sheet. The class value determines what ambient temperature range the device is designed for. This indicator is key when deciding to install a refrigerator on a balcony or loggia.

Main types of classes:

N – from +16 to +32℃;
SN – from +10 to +32℃;
T – from +18 to +43℃;
ST – from +18 to +38℃.

They are respectively designed for normal, subnormal, tropical and subtropical regions.

Where can I buy?

Today, there are a huge number of companies that are ready to offer consumers a wide selection of refrigerators. Moreover, you can purchase both a domestic product and a product from abroad.

Where to buy in Moscow:

Household appliances store Eldorado Moscow metro station Shchelkovskaya st. 9-ya Parkovaya, 62/64 Contact phone number;
Household appliances store TechnoMarket metro station Kantemirovskaya, Moscow, Proletarsky prospekt, 14/49, building 3 Contact phone: 8 495 777-8-777;
LLC "Wikimart" Moscow, metro station "Belorusskaya", 3rd st. Yamskogo Polya, 28, 1st and 2nd floor, Contact phone.

Where to buy in St. Petersburg:

Online store SebeVDom.ru St. Petersburg, Troitsky Prospekt, 2 Contact phone: 8 (812) 244-1505;
Company ON NO St. Petersburg, st. Mirgorodskaya. 18 Contact phone: 8-800-555-0-250 (FREE IN RUSSIA);
m. Vasileostrovskaya, St. Petersburg, Bolshoy prospekt Vasilyevskogo Ostrov, no. 18 Contact phone: 8 (800) 777-8-777.

Is it possible to place a refrigerator on the balcony in winter?

Balconies and loggias can differ greatly from each other in the degree of protection from external conditions. There are several main types; let’s take a closer look at the possibility of installing refrigeration equipment on them.

Balcony without glazing and insulation

Placing a freezer on an open balcony is strictly prohibited!

Placing equipment on such a balcony is the same as on the street. It has no protection from severe frost or heat, from precipitation, dust, as well as insects and rodents. All this will lead to the following problems with technology:

Formation of rust on metal parts from contact with precipitation.
Increasing load on the compressor will lead to early wear of the equipment.
Violation of the appearance of the equipment body.
Damage to the seal from temperature changes, heat and frost will result in the door not fitting tightly to the body.
Risk of fire from short circuit due to moisture getting into the electronics of the refrigerator.

Corrosion process on the surface of the evaporator.

Glazed balcony without additional insulation

A closed loggia is a more suitable place to keep a refrigerator. Glazing prevents direct precipitation from coming into contact with equipment, but condensation often forms on uninsulated balconies due to temperature changes. Moisture can get on the body, wires, and electrical parts of the refrigerator. “Cold” glazing does not provide good sealing, which means that some dust and precipitation will get inside, especially in the wind.

Even if you provide waterproofing, it will be impossible to maintain a suitable temperature in extreme cold and heat. If the air is warmer or colder than the data specified in the data sheet, the refrigerator simply will not turn on.

Note! If the freezer turns off almost immediately after turning it on, the operating temperature conditions were probably not maintained.

If the summer is not very hot, then it is possible to use the refrigerator in spring - autumn, and store food in the off mode in winter. Refrigerators do not have a warming function, and if the room is very cold, the device will not be able to function.

Glazed and insulated balcony

Warm glazing prevents the penetration of cold air from outside and does not let heat out. But in extreme cold, this may not be enough to maintain the operating temperature of the refrigerator (+16-+30℃). Then additional heating of the room is required. To do this, use heaters or install a heated floor system.

In addition, sun protection and ventilation will be required. Metal or plastic blinds and thick curtains reliably protect from sunlight.

“Warm” window profiles, insulation and the weight of the refrigerator will put a noticeable load on the balcony slab. It is important to take this into account and calculate in advance the maximum available weight of structures and equipment.

Please note: We organize a greenhouse for the balcony with our own hands: a greenhouse without leaving home

In the case where the loggia is attached to the room, there are no restrictions on the placement of refrigeration equipment there. In such a room the same microclimate is maintained as in the entire apartment.

Balcony slab load

There is another obstacle to installing a freezer on a balcony, even if it is reliably insulated and equipped with a “warm floor” system.

During insulation of the balcony structure, the load on the balcony slab increases, because additional frames with double-glazed windows are installed (plastic windows have quite a significant weight); lay the screed; make a frame for insulation from a metal profile or a wooden block; sheathing the walls and ceiling with various building materials; lay the finishing floor covering (if ceramic tiles or natural stone tiles are laid on the balcony, this will significantly increase the load), install drains and a canopy.

With an increased load on the balcony slab, especially if the balcony has been used for a long time in open conditions, under the influence of the atmosphere and precipitation, there are chips of concrete and exposed reinforcement, there is a real threat of a significant reduction in the load-bearing capacity of the structure.

In this case, even an empty freezer on the loggia will be an additional load on the dilapidated structure, because the weight of a Liebherr brand refrigerator (for example) is 89 kg, and when fully loaded with food, this figure will increase to over 120 kg. The vibration created by a running refrigeration unit will also have a negative impact on the balcony slab.

How to fit a refrigerator in a tiny apartment? To be able, you need to be able. Be able to weigh the pros and cons, and refuse to install the refrigerator on the balcony, so as not to cause an emergency situation due to the collapse of the slab.

Is it possible to put a freezer on the balcony?

The conditions for placing a freezer on the balcony in winter are generally the same as for refrigerators. But there are nuances. The average temperature inside the chamber is -18℃. For the equipment to work, the air outside must be 2-3 degrees warmer. At -16℃ the device will work, but at maximum power. This will lead to rapid wear of the compressor and breakdown of the cooling system.

Important! Violation of the rules for operating devices specified in the instructions is grounds for refusal of free repair.

Whether to install a freezer on an insufficiently protected and insulated balcony is up to each owner to decide for himself. But it is important to understand what problems this can lead to. In addition to equipment failure, there is a risk of causing inconvenience to neighbors. Vibration from a working refrigerator can be transmitted along the walls and be felt by residents as a constant hum.

Among all types of balconies, the only suitable option for placement is a glazed, insulated loggia. But it is equally important to choose the right equipment model.

Full transfer

If the owners are determined and have obtained permission to completely demolish the wall, the interior of the kitchen with a balcony can be radically changed. Then you can get confused and move almost the entire kitchen set, along with the stove and sink, to the balcony. Then the kitchen area will increase significantly. This is beneficial for owners of one-room apartments and studio apartments.

What kind of freezer can be installed on the balcony?

Freezers differ in design solutions:

Chests are a horizontally located chamber with a door on top. Inside the chest is divided into compartments.

Cabinets are no different in appearance from refrigerators. They have a vertical arrangement, the door opens from the front.

The choice of model depends on personal preferences, the size of the loggia and the types of products that you plan to store frozen.

Whether a freezer will work on a balcony in winter depends on the region for which it was manufactured (climate class). For regions with a mild climate, where the temperature in winter does not drop below +12℃, class N models are suitable. Provided that the freezer is placed on a balcony with glazing and insulation.

Design options

Decorating a kitchen on a balcony presupposes a single style idea. Thanks to the correct decoration of the room, you can create an attractive and holistic design, as well as endow the kitchen space with special charm, coziness and comfort.

When partially moving equipment or furniture, the loggia becomes part of the room. Therefore, a style is selected for it that matches the main interior. In the case of a complete move of the kitchen to the loggia, any style solution is appropriate. Since the balcony is most often small in size, preference is given to less lush and bright directions in the form of minimalism, loft, hi-tech or Scandinavian design.

The photo shows a kitchen design with a dining area on the balcony, decorated in a minimalist style.

The best option for a small balcony would be a mini-kitchen with hanging open shelves or high narrow shelves that take up little space. The window sill will be a good basis for a countertop or two-burner hob. This kitchen design on a loggia is perfect for a small family of two or three people.

Rules for installing and connecting the device

In addition to the temperature, humidity and strength of the balcony slab, the uninterrupted operation of the device is affected by proper installation and connection. These rules will help extend the life of the equipment and make the operating process safe:

The base must be level and stable.
The distance from the rear and side walls to the surfaces of the balcony must be at least 4-5 cm. This is necessary for sufficient air ventilation and to prevent overcooling of the device.
It is not recommended to connect the device to the network through a carrying case. The outlet must meet all standards and be grounded.
The device should not be located near batteries or heaters.

Wardrobe with built-in freezer for a heated balcony:

You can install the refrigerator on a glazed and well-insulated balcony. It would be good if it would be possible to additionally heat it in cold weather, as well as cool it in hot weather.

The technologies used in the latest models allow the device to operate even at ambient temperatures up to +5℃. At the same time, the load on all systems will be increased, which can lead to early wear of the equipment. Repair under warranty in this case is impossible, since the operating conditions were violated. If you have an old device, for which the warranty has long expired and you don’t mind parting with it if it breaks, then you can try placing it on the balcony. In any case, it is important to ensure fire safety and ensure the stability of the balcony base.

Pros and cons of transferring

Before deciding to redevelop, you should compare all the advantages and disadvantages.

pros	Minuses
The space in the apartment increases.	A large number of complex dismantling works, insulation, cladding and complete re-equipment of the loggia are required.
Thanks to the complete relocation of the kitchen along with the working modules, space is also significantly freed up.	Permission must be obtained from the relevant organizations.
The worktop, sink and hob located near the window provide convenient use and high-quality lighting.	Not all types of repairs are available. For example, in the case of a permanent wall, its transfer is impossible.

What is dangerous for a refrigerator when installed on a balcony?

Before installing a refrigerator on the balcony, you need to take into account all the risks and take into account many negative factors that will negatively affect the performance and condition of household appliances:

The recommended temperature range for modern refrigerators used in our country is 15-35 degrees, which is very difficult to maintain on an unheated balcony;
Don’t forget about electrical safety, which is why many experts categorically do not recommend installing tees and various extension cords on balconies;
If the equipment is installed on an open balcony or near an open window, the body of the refrigerator may be exposed to snow, rain and other precipitation, which will quickly lead to damage to the working elements of the refrigerator and their failure;
A high level of humidity, which will certainly be combined with a low temperature, will reduce the operating life of the refrigerator to a minimum;
Having installed the refrigerator on the balcony, you will also need to consider its use in the summer, when the body of the equipment will become very hot due to sunlight, which can cause damage to the insulation of cables and rubber parts;
In addition, a high level of heating will increase the pressure in the cooling system, so the refrigerator will work constantly, without interruption, which also negatively affects its performance.

These problems are relevant if the refrigerator or freezer on the balcony is located in an unheated and unglazed room.

Storing vegetables, fruits and other products on an unglazed balcony in winter is also possible outside the refrigerator.

Please note: How to properly store potatoes on your home balcony: containers and conditions

What do manufacturers recommend?

One of the important characteristics of a refrigerator is the climate class, which shows at what ambient temperature the normal operation of the unit is guaranteed . Manufacturers prescribe operating refrigerators in the temperature range from +16 to +32°C (normal climate class N). Some models can operate at temperatures from +10 to +43°C (universal climate class SN-T).

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in unstable operation of the unit . Moreover, if a breakdown occurs due to non-compliance with the recommended operating conditions, the manufacturer has every right to refuse you warranty repairs.

Important! Operating a refrigerator on an unheated balcony or loggia (even if it is glazed) will most likely lead to a violation of the temperature regime recommended by the manufacturer (in autumn, winter and spring the temperature may well be below 10 °C, and in summer it may exceed 40 °C above zero).

The main reasons why to use a refrigerator or freezer on the balcony :

Exposure to precipitation on an unglazed balcony. When installing a refrigerator on an unglazed balcony, direct moisture on the unit threatens the electrical safety of the entire apartment: this can lead to a short circuit. In addition, in conditions of constant exposure to moisture, corrosion of metal parts is inevitable.
High humidity. Operating a refrigeration unit in conditions of high humidity can lead to damage to electrical insulation, premature corrosion of metal parts of the refrigerator, swelling of the paintwork, etc. In addition, exposure to moisture can cause damage to the thermostat or control board of the refrigerator (due to oxidation of the contacts).
Exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures. Installing the refrigerator in an area exposed to direct sunlight will inevitably lead to fading of the paintwork of the unit - the paint will turn yellow and crack, and damage to plastic and rubber parts. In addition, in the summer, it is possible that the temperature at which the refrigerator can be operated is exceeded, which will force the compressor to work at its limit and may cause it to fail.
Exposure to negative temperatures. During the cold season, the oil in the refrigerator compressor thickens, which puts additional stress on the motor and shortens its service life. In addition, at low ambient temperatures, the pressure in the line drops, and the freon collected in the condenser is initially unable to leave it. Therefore, the refrigerator motor will run idle for some time to create sufficient pressure. This also leads to overload of the compressor and premature failure.

Is it possible to place a refrigerator on an unheated balcony?

It was already noted above that the refrigerator and freezer will not work properly in low temperature conditions. It is quite possible to turn them off in an emergency under extreme operating conditions. Of course, it is possible that the equipment will be used on the balcony in the warm season, and driven back into the kitchen in winter, but this approach is irrational and extremely inconvenient.

General diagram of the refrigerator operation.

If heat exchangers - 1 and 3 freeze, and the oil in compressor - 4 thickens from the cold, then expander - 2 will stop working and the refrigerator will fail.

If the balcony or loggia has high-quality glazing, then these rooms can be additionally heated. For this, a variety of devices can be used: heated floors, oil, infrared, electric heaters - everything is up to the owners’ choice. But you need to understand that constantly heating such a cold room to the required temperatures may well lead to serious electricity costs, because the heaters will work constantly in such conditions.

It is not recommended to place a refrigerator or freezer on the balcony if the room does not have high-quality insulation and glazing.

In difficult operating conditions, the equipment will work irregularly, constantly turn off, and its service life will be reduced.

Partial kitchen relocation

If the balcony is not insulated, then the kitchen combined with the balcony can only be partially moved. Then you can make a winter garden on the loggia with plants that are not afraid of cool weather.

If there is heating, but also a partition, it would be a good idea to move some electrical equipment there, such as a microwave oven or coffee machine.

A square kitchen with a balcony with an area for drinking tea or reading looks good. You can also have lunch at a table located on the partition or create a mini-office with a laptop and a table lamp. This option will be especially appreciated by freelance housewives.

Installing a refrigerator on a glazed balcony

It is impossible to immediately say whether it is possible to place a refrigerator on the balcony for storing vegetables and fruits if it is completely glazed. The fact is that balconies and loggias, regardless of the level of glazing and insulation, are not residential premises, so it is quite difficult to ensure the required level of temperature and humidity in them, which will be optimal for the operation of household appliances.

It is quite possible to consider the option of replacing the refrigerant in the refrigerator with a lower temperature one if it is expected to constantly operate on a glazed but unheated balcony.

Refrigerator in a niche on the balcony.

Any refrigerator repairman can replace the refrigerant. In addition, in addition to the refrigerant, you will also have to change the oil for the compressor, which will have normal viscosity even at low temperatures. It is important that the technician called is experienced and has certain knowledge in this area, because the selected refrigerant and oil must fully comply with the characteristics of the equipment and be able to maintain the normal functioning of the refrigerator. Some modern models, by the way, use a special refrigerant, which is used together with oil based on semi-vinyl esters, which can work quite well at low temperatures in winter.

You can also consider an exotic option - purchasing a display refrigerator, usually they sell ice cream.

They can be used in conditions of any temperature, both summer and winter. They can be placed on a balcony or loggia, regardless of insulation and glazing. At the same time, manufacturers do not recommend the operation of such equipment when the temperature drops to -5, -7 degrees. And in winter it is often colder on the balcony. It is important to note that display refrigerators are quite large and cost much more than household models, so placing them on your balcony will be problematic.

Tips for use

The refrigerator should be installed so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
This can be avoided by closing the balcony windows with thick curtains or blinds. For the refrigerator to function properly, there must be ventilation in the room, which means that the balcony must be ventilated regularly. When trying to create the required temperature regime, you should not install heaters with spirals near the refrigerator. This can not only overheat the refrigerator, but also cause a fire. To ensure normal functioning of the refrigerator in a balcony environment, at a minimum, the following must be observed:

the device must be installed so that there is a distance of at least twenty centimeters from it to the walls;
the electrical outlet must work properly and have reliable protection;
Electrical wiring should be insulated and placed inside a box that will protect it from rodents.

If you manage to ensure that all the requirements for operation on the balcony are met, then you can safely remove the refrigerator from the kitchen.

Installation on a balcony connected to the kitchen

The most suitable option for installing a refrigerator for vegetables and other products outside the kitchen. If the apartment has been remodeled and the balcony has been added to the kitchen, then it becomes one with this room, so there is nothing wrong with installing equipment near the window. At the same time, special attention should be paid to electrical safety, because even on attached loggias and balconies it is necessary to install sockets and switches with a high degree of protection. You can use a well-insulated and protected extension cord.

Refrigerator in attached room.

At the same time, it is important to place the refrigerator for vegetables and other products in a place on the balcony where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight. It is very good if blinds are installed on the windows or dark curtains are hung. Keeping such equipment under the sun is very dangerous, because it can fail due to overheating (including in winter). Also, do not forget about systematic ventilation of the room, for which special ventilation valves that are installed on modern plastic windows are excellent.

High-quality ventilation of the balcony and kitchen is especially important if the window faces the sunny side.

In this case, both in summer and winter, the air in the room will be seriously heated (taking into account the operation of the radiators), so it can be quite hot on the balcony in direct sunlight, which also negatively affects the normal functioning of the equipment.

What else you need to remember

Special websites contain a lot of useful tips from specialists and advanced users on refrigerator storage and repair. If a visual problem occurs in an electrical appliance, this means there is a problem with the internal structure. In this case, you will have to invite a good master. Often everything in the refrigerator is working properly, but problems arise due to improper operation of the device - for example, incorrect washing after defrosting (not all accumulated moisture is removed, detergent remains).

Water pooling under vegetable boxes and a foul odor may occur due to a clogged drainage hole. Periodic inspection of the drainage system will help prevent the occurrence of an unpleasant aroma in the refrigerator. From here we again have to return to the user instructions compiled by the caring manufacturer - we must not forget about it, since it indicates all the design features - temperature limits for operation, the structure of the drainage system and many other necessary information.

Problems with the operation of the refrigerator can also arise for other reasons - incorrect installation of the unit, storage of warm and hot products, loose door fit. Some of them arise due to improper placement of a switched-off refrigerator in an unheated room or on a cold balcony in winter.

Summary

From all of the above, we can conclude that it is not recommended to install the refrigerator on unglazed and unheated balconies. If the loggia or balcony has glazing, then for the normal functioning of the equipment you need to create all the conditions (installation of heaters, ventilation, protection from the sun, etc.), otherwise the refrigerator will quickly fail.

Please note: How to get rid of condensation on the balcony?

In addition, when installing a refrigerator on a balcony (on a balcony, not in a loggia), you need to take into account the strength of the load-bearing concrete slab (especially in old houses). It is quite possible that it is not designed for heavy loads. And glazing, finishing materials and supplied equipment will create a very significant load on the floor.

A fun way to use an old refrigerator. If you install the pipe on the side, you can also use a working refrigerator on a glassed-in balcony and turn it on only in the summer. Video below.

As an alternative to a regular refrigerator, you can consider purchasing soft thermal containers, which are great for storing vegetables, fruits and other products in winter. Such containers for storing vegetables are used in many countries around the world.

https://www.youtube.com/embed

How to design a combined kitchen?

The transition between the room and the kitchen can be played out in several ways. The most popular are a small step or podium at the bottom and a ledge at the top, into which lamps are built-in. This option is optimal when abandoning the window frame.

Another original idea for delimiting two zones is a row of LED strips or a beautiful wall sconce. A passage in the form of an arch or different flooring looks original, visually separating the room from the kitchen.

A wide countertop made of stone or wood located between the room and kitchen area will look organic. This approach will make advantageous use of the available space and visually divide the room.

Secrets of technology

The basis for the operation of any refrigerator is the principle of phase transition - the phenomenon of changing the aggregate states of substances (from gas to liquid and vice versa). The described physical process is accompanied by another phenomenon - the absorption or formation of a significant amount of heat. The operation of the refrigerator is based on a similar system; refrigerant (freon) is used as a liquid instead of water. In order to understand the effect of freon on cooling the contents of refrigerators, you should know its main characteristics.

The boiling point of the refrigerant charged into the system is below zero degrees Celsius.
The process of freon boiling is accompanied by the absorption of warm air from the refrigerator, creating an optimal temperature.
Thanks to the presence of a compressor, at the next stage freon turns back into liquid.
The heat generated in the process escapes through the back wall of the refrigerator (heat exchanger).

This is how a refrigerator works

Since the temperature of the living space is above zero degrees, ideal operating conditions for the refrigerant are created. Accordingly, the uninterrupted operation of refrigeration units is ensured by a positive temperature in the room.

It should be noted that manufacturers of modern household appliances have developed special systems in refrigerators that are capable of efficiently performing their functions in different climatic latitudes and temperature conditions.

Winter-summer problems

When placing a refrigerator on a loggia, you should remember the rules for operating in cold weather. Freon must not be allowed to freeze in the pipes. Is winter moderate, and is the balcony glazed and heated? There's nothing to worry about. Otherwise, it is better not to risk the equipment or the products stored in it.

The main emphasis in the rules for operating refrigeration chambers is on the mandatory presence of positive temperatures in the room, however, there are some cautions regarding operation in July. The heat has a detrimental effect on the unit.

In hot weather, freon does not have time to perform its functions. In summer, simple rules will help you avoid problems:

install the refrigerator in the most shaded place on the balcony;
close the windows with thick curtains;
frequently ventilate the loggia;
ensure air circulation.

Basic requirements for the premises

In order to finally understand where it is permissible to store and efficiently use the functions of refrigerators, it is worth finding out the main requirements for the premises. There are few rules and they are all important.

The best option is frequently ventilated rooms.
The refrigerator will be uncomfortable in direct sunlight (danger of freon overheating, a direct path to system failure).
Humidity is below 80 percent.
It is important to protect household appliances from precipitation.

Conclusion: refrigerators can be stored on loggias with above-zero temperatures, protected from rain and snow.

There are a number of nuances that should be taken into account when placing the refrigerator on different types of balconies.

Loggia room

Many owners expand the living space of the apartment by adding a loggia to the room. Typically, balconies-rooms (insulated) are the best choice for placing a refrigerator. The only problem is the lack of an outlet on the balcony premises: according to the rules for the safe operation of loggias, it is prohibited to conduct electricity there. Therefore, you will have to buy an extension cord in order to connect the equipment to the network using a room outlet.

Glazed option

Glazed loggias are:

insulated;
not insulated.

Choose the darkest place for your refrigerator

Glazed balconies with an entrance to the kitchen differ from attached balconies in that they do not have the status of a living space; it is colder on the loggias than inside the apartment. The refrigerator runs smoothly and stays warm. Therefore, if the loggia is not insulated (16-32 degrees Celsius), breakdowns may occur in the refrigerator, particularly in winter.

To avoid such troubles, there are several practical recommendations. Firstly, use the refrigerator on the loggia only during warm periods, and store food in winter without using household appliances. Secondly, move the refrigerator into the apartment for the winter months. The third option is to provide heating for the balcony room.

The presence of an insulated loggia “on-site” eliminates a number of the problems described above: in a heated room, the air temperature remains pleasant to the refrigerator at all times.

Without "glass"

It is better not to keep equipment on completely open balconies. There is a rational explanation for this:

Homemade refrigerator for the balcony

the balcony does not protect from direct rays of the sun, precipitation, wind;
manufacturers refuse warranty service for equipment used outdoors;
sudden changes in temperature conditions and humidity significantly accelerate the period of wear of the unit;
the anti-corrosion coating deteriorates quite quickly in “open” conditions;
rubber parts lose elasticity.

If the owner values the equipment, it should not be exposed to the sun or rain or snow.

You have nowhere to put the refrigerator: what to do?

Contrary to your fears, you decided to move the refrigerator to the balcony, since there is simply nowhere else to put it. It is important to consider two aspects of this decision: rational and safe. Follow these recommendations if you are determined to break the rules.

Think about why you need a refrigerator on the loggia. If you plan to keep fruits, mushrooms, and meat products in it, then you should choose a freezer. Are you planning on stocking your fridge with carbonated drinks that are available on any hot day? Choose the unit class ST or T without a freezer. You can get two in one if you get Full No Frost equipment.
Check that the climate class correlates with seasonal temperature. Are you sure that the heat will not rise above +30? You can bet without any doubt. But if you make a mistake with the weather, the compressor will only work for a season or two.
If you do not use a freezer, then unplug the refrigerator at temperatures below +10. By adjusting this issue, you will be able to turn the unit on and off according to the changing weather outside, without fear of harming the equipment.
Do not expose the refrigerator to sunlight. Take care when purchasing roller blinds or blinds so that the paintwork does not deteriorate and the rubber seal does not crack.
Buy a budget model. This way, at least you won’t be so annoyed if the refrigerator does break down. Soviet units often become permanent “residents” of balconies, because the warranty and operational period have long expired, but they continue to work, and it is a pity to dispose of them.
Protect equipment from moisture. Glaze the loggia, think over a ventilation system, or simply open the windows.