Compact Refrigerators

Are there any dangers associated with using a fridge in a small enclosed space?

I want to put a fridge in my dorm. I found a cheap old used one. Are there any dangers of gases or fire if I have it on in my very small dorm room?

Public Comments

1. Unless it is Very old, like, from the 30's, and uses Ammonia or SO2---they are all UL certified for home use. Look for that UL label. Freon is non-toxic, and it won't get out if lines not broken. Even if it does, you'll have enough ventilation. The only " problem" is if condenser coils get no ventilation, then refer will draw more energy and your beer won't get cold. Keep a couple inches clearance around the coils and dust them off every so often
2. I assume you mean an electric fridge. Refrigerators don't emit gases (unless the cooling coils leak), but they do produce a good deal of waste heat. They won't start fires unless the wiring is defective, but that's no more likely with a fridge than with any other electric appliance (less likely than with most, in fact). So I'd say go for it. I had a refrigerator in my freshman dorm room, and nobody got sick from it.