Thing 5: Propane Tanks and Spare Refrigerators
This final category involves items that pose either a direct safety threat or a significant and hidden financial cost. Propane tanks and secondary refrigerators or freezers are common garage dwellers, but experts strongly advise against keeping them there.
The Hidden Dangers of Propane Tanks
Storing a standard 20-pound propane tank for your barbecue grill in the garage is a serious fire hazard. Propane is a liquefied petroleum gas that is highly flammable. If the tank’s valve develops a small leak, the propane—which is heavier than air—will not dissipate. Instead, it will sink and pool on the garage floor, creating an invisible, explosive cloud.
This is where a common garage appliance, the gas-powered water heater, becomes a deadly ignition source. The pilot light on a water heater sits just inches off the floor, right where leaking propane gas would accumulate. A spark from a car starting, a light switch being flipped, or a power tool being used can also ignite the fumes, leading to a devastating explosion. For this reason, fire safety codes in many areas explicitly prohibit the indoor storage of propane tanks. Always store propane tanks outdoors, in an upright and stable position, in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and any potential ignition sources.
The Inefficiency of a Garage Refrigerator
The spare fridge or freezer in the garage, often used for drinks and overflow groceries, seems like a convenience. In reality, it’s likely a major energy hog that is costing you a surprising amount of money. Refrigerators are designed to operate most efficiently within a specific range of ambient temperatures, usually between 60°F and 90°F (15°C to 32°C).
When you place that appliance in a garage that gets blistering hot in the summer, you force its compressor and cooling system to work much harder and run for longer periods to maintain a cold interior temperature. The hotter the garage, the more energy the fridge consumes. Conversely, in a freezing garage, the thermostat may not trigger the compressor to turn on often enough, which can cause the contents of the refrigerator section to warm up to unsafe temperatures, even as the freezer stays frozen. The oil in the compressor can also thicken in extreme cold, causing strain on the motor during startup.
Worked Example: The Cost of a Garage Fridge
Let’s do some mini-math. According to guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy, an older refrigerator can cost around $150 per year to run in a temperature-controlled home. Placing that same unit in a garage that reaches 90°F can increase its energy consumption by over 30%.
$150 (annual cost) x 0.30 (30% increase) = $45 extra per year.
If your garage gets even hotter or if the fridge is particularly old and inefficient, that cost could easily double to nearly $100 in wasted electricity every year. If you need extra cold storage, the most energy-efficient solution is to find a place for it in a conditioned space, like a basement or utility room.
