As is the case with air conditioners, refrigerators work by exchanging heat. The inside of the refrigerator is cooled by drawing that energy into the coils on the outside (usually the back) of the refrigerator and dissipating it in the form of heat. Being a small space a clothes closet will store the heat, even though the refrigerator door has been left open. The cooling is mainly concentrated inside the refrigerator although some cold air will dissipate in the closet as well. The cold air should sink to the floor area of the closet, while the hotter air should rise toward the ceiling. This would be an extremely silly thing to do, which I suspect you already know. The refrigerator would be competing with itself to heat and cool the air in the closet. The electric company would be the only winner of this competition.
don c
2010-08-23 11:05:16 UTC
It depends. There needs to be some air circulation. It it is a large closet OR if it has a vent. If you already have the refrigerator you might try it and check frequently to see if it is cooling properly or if the closet is becoming too warm. If you plan to be gone for a few days it might be best to empty it and unplug while you are gone. If it is a dormitory or a rented room check with the owner/manager as you might be violating some regulations. If there is no electrical outlet and you plan to use an extension cord... be careful the door does not close on the cord. For best results leave it on a shelf or table in the room.
?
2010-08-23 11:02:39 UTC
You can but you need to be sure that nothing is too close to the vents around it. Clothes can catch fire easily. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. There should be nothing within 6 inches of the back of the regrigerator and nothing under it.... do not sit it on carpet! The bare floor (wood, tile, lenoleum will work). If you have carpet, go get a piece of plywood to set it on.
?
2010-08-31 10:44:48 UTC
close to the vents around it. Clothes can catch fire easily. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. There should be nothing within 6 inches of the back of the regrigerator and nothing under it.... do not sit it on carpet! The bare floor (wood, tile, lenoleum will work). If you have carpet, go get a piece of plywood to set it on.
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Jewel
2010-08-23 11:05:38 UTC
As long as you meet the minimum ventilation requirements, yes.
My mother's had a small chest freezer in her closet for two years, now.
dusty8940
2010-08-23 11:12:48 UTC
Yes it will be just fine.
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