The freezer compressor coming on when it's below 40°F (4°C) in the garage is likely due to the thermostat settings and the design of the freezer unit. Freezers are designed to maintain a certain temperature range, typically around 0°F (-18°C) to 10°F (-12°C), regardless of the external ambient temperature.
Here are some reasons why the compressor might still run in colder temperatures:
Thermostat setting: Freezers have internal thermostats that monitor the temperature inside the freezer compartment. If the temperature inside the freezer rises above the set point, the thermostat signals the compressor to turn on and cool the freezer back down to the desired temperature. Even if it's cold in the garage, the temperature inside the freezer may still fluctuate due to opening the door or other factors, triggering the compressor to maintain the set temperature.
Insulation: While the external ambient temperature in the garage may be below 40°F, the inside of the freezer might not be as cold due to the insulation and design of the freezer. The insulation helps to maintain a more stable internal temperature and prevent rapid temperature changes.
Garage temperature fluctuations: Garages are often subject to temperature fluctuations throughout the day and night, especially in regions with variable weather. The compressor may need to run occasionally to compensate for these changes and maintain the freezer's consistent temperature.
Built-in safety measures: Some freezers have built-in safety features that prevent the internal temperature from dropping too low, as extremely low temperatures can damage certain components or cause the freezer to operate inefficiently.
To conserve energy and ensure the freezer functions optimally, some modern freezers come with a "garage mode" setting. This setting allows you to adjust the internal temperature range to better suit colder garage environments, avoiding unnecessary compressor cycling and minimizing energy consumption.
If you're concerned about the freezer's performance in colder temperatures, refer to the user manual or contact the manufacturer to see if there are any recommended settings or features specific to using the freezer in a garage.