If you are short on space but need to fit a freezer in your carpeted room, you might wonder if it is safe to place your freezer directly on the carpet. If you are worried about damaging the floors of your small space, learn how to properly place your freezer on a carpet with this guide.
A freezer can’t sit on a carpet because the coils and compressors are generally located near the bottom of the freezer, causing potential heat damage to the carpet. But it is possible to safely place your freezer on the carpet if you protect the bottom with a drip pan, ensure that there is space underneath the freezer, and keep the freezer away from the wall.
To understand the pros and cons of placing a freezer on a carpeted floor, it is important to understand how a freezer works, the surfaces that are best for a freezer, potential problems with placing a freezer on carpet, how you can protect your flooring, and how to choose a location for your freezer.
How Does a Freezer Work?
A Freezer uses a sealed system that pumps the refrigerant through a set of condensed coils. The refrigerant and gas are pumped through a compressor and into these coils. The compressor squeezes the vaporized refrigerant into a hot liquid, which is then pumped through the coils. Then it reaches the evaporator coils, which cool down the refrigerant by transforming the liquid back to vapor.
This cold vapor is the cooling mechanism in a refrigerator or freezer.
For a visual representation of how freezers work, watch this video:
The location of the coils and compressor varies depending on the model. The placement of these features affects the safety precautions that should be taken to prevent damage from the hot dispersal coils and the freezing evaporator coils.
Which Surfaces Are the Best for Placing a Freezer?
The following are the best surfaces that you can choose from for placing a freezer.
- Tiled Flooring: The best surface for a freezer would be a tiled floor because the stone is hard enough to resist denting, and it is resistant to water damage.
- Wood Flooring: Wood flooring will work for placing your freezer, but the wood can be warped if spills leak from the freezer or if there is a power outage, and the frost melts onto the floor.
- Vinyl Flooring: Vinyl flooring is a good surface to place your freezer on because it is strong and easy to clean. This type of flooring is resistant to water damage, making it a great choice for a freezer placement.
What Are the Potential Problems With Placing Freezers on Carpeted Floors?
Airflow Reduction
Placing your freezer on the carpet will reduce the airflow to the compressor, meaning that the freezer will not cool as efficiently. Compressors are usually located at the back of a freezer, so they may come in contact with or, at the very least, come close to the carpet.
Carpet Heat Conduction
When a freezer is placed near a carpet, the carpet can absorb the heat from the compressor and the coils. This can sear the carpet over time. Additionally, the heat from the carpet will reduce the efficiency of the freezer, raising your electricity bill. The heated carpet will also fade in color over time.
Mold Growth From Leaks
If water leaks out or you accidentally spill food in your freezer, the resulting moisture can cause mold growth on your carpet. This is preventable if you use floor protection such as a drip pan to make cleaning spills easy.
How Can You Protect Your Flooring?
If you have to place your freezer in a less than ideal place, these tips will help ensure that your freezer will not damage the floor below.
Buy a Drip Pan
If you don’t have any of the ideal types of flooring available such as vinyl, tile, or wood flooring,
you can place a plastic or metal drip pan on the floor to protect the flooring. This is recommended no matter what type of flooring you have, as a drip pan makes cleaning up spills and leaks much easier.
If you are looking for a durable drip pan, this Galvanized Steel Drip Pan is a great option. If you are looking for a cheaper but functional option, the Plastic DiversiTech 6-2626L Drain Pan would also work well as a freezer drain pan.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZQxYAZRyL.jpgKeep the Freezer Elevated
For freezers with the compressor or coils at the bottom of the freezer, it is important to maintain adequate airflow. Keeping space between the floor and the bottom of the freezer using legs or a piece of plywood will help your freezer function properly and protect your flooring from damage.
Furniture legs such as these Slipstick Non Slip Furniture Legs can be attached with adhesive and help prevent overheating your freezer.
Keep Space Between the Freezer and the Wall
If the coils or compressors are located at the back of the freezer, it is important to let air flow between the wall and the freezer. To do so, pull the freezer away from the wall, creating at least 4 in (10cm) of space. This will provide airflow and prevent the coils from freezing or damaging the wall.
Protect the Floor From Damage
Even if you have tile, vinyl, or wood flooring, it is recommended to add additional protection to your floor. The best type of material for this is plastic or rubber, but plywood will also work. Place a rubber or plastic mat on the floor below the freezer. If you have a carpeted floor, you can place the rubber mat below the drip pan.
If you are interested in a plastic floor mat, try this Resilia Clear Vinyl Plastic Floor Mat. For a rubber option, the RubberCal Flooring Rolls would work well. Just cut them to size and place them underneath your freezer or drip pan if you have one.
Resilia – Clear Vinyl Plastic Floor Runner/Protector for Deep Pile Carpet – Non-Skid Decorative Pattern, (27 Inches Wide x 6 Feet Long)Check for Leaks
Even if your freezer is brand new, checking for leaks will prevent unexpected water damage in the future. Check for leaks by closing the door of the freezer and running your hands along the seams. If there are any holes or you feel any liquid, dry them outside and check again in an hour.
If you feel or see the liquid coming out of any seams, your freezer has a leak. If so, check out this article by Home Guides on how to fix a leaking freezer.
Choosing a Location for your Freezer
You can choose to place your freezer in the kitchen, garage, storage space, or laundry room. Any room will work as long as you follow these simple guidelines.
Choose a Cool Area
Do not place your freezer in the direct sunlight or in a room without temperature control. If you place your freezer in a hot room, the compressor will have to work much harder to keep the contents cool and safe to eat.
Make Sure You Have Enough Room for the Door to Open
If you have a freezer that opens toward you, make sure that the location allows you to fully open the door. If your freezer opens from the top, make sure there is a room above for the freezer door to open. Raising your freezer off of the ground may be necessary to make sure the door is able to fully open and close.
You can raise it using a piece of plywood placed underneath the freezer or these Slipstick Non Slip Furniture Legs.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this information helps you make an informed decision about the placement of your freezer. Freezers can be placed on carpeted flooring as long as you elevate the freezer, place a drip pan below it, and remove it from the wall.
Understanding where to locate your freezer and how to protect your floors is important to protect your flooring from searing, denting, mold, and leaks. Make sure to follow appropriate freezer location guidelines to prevent damage to your flooring.
Chris is a Texas-based freelance writer who loves the outdoors and working in his garage. When he’s not enjoying the Texas sun, he can be found tinkering with all sorts of things in his workshop.