Refrig on, raise thermostat setting, two 1 gal waters in the freezer to maintain freezer temps when refrig goes into defrost cycle, turn off ice maker, turn off water main valve to house. A/C on 78, heat off, A/C fan on circulate, lower gas water heater temp to lowest setting, garage door control panel on lock, I have a surge protector on my over the range microwave or you can just unplug MW, unplug toaster, Keurig coffee maker, etc. close off all drains in sinks, showers, and tub. Saran Wrap over toilet bowls to prevent water from evaporating, unplug tv, do not turn off internet router so I can check house temps on Wi-Fi / cell phone from up north. And keep fingers crossed that you didn’t forget something 😊

We were going to shut it off but last minute we left it on. The freezer is empty but there were some things in the fridge that we could not take and my wife didn’t want to toss so it is on. Last year we left it on as we planned to return but COVID hit and we didn’t make it down. I did unplug most things or turned off breakers of appliances etc.

Manufacturer recommends turn it off.

Which manufacturer? My Whirlpool refrigerator manual says that you can either leave it on or turn it off. It is your preference. I think there are more Whirlpool refrigerators in The Villages than any other brand.

We’ve left our refrigerator on minimal at around 2 for 4-6 months. I put unopened pantry items like rice, pasta, dog food, canned goods, flour, etc to avoid insect/worm infestations. Ice maker off & jugs of water in freezer.
Humidistat at 55, especially in summer, AC at 78. No problem in over ten years.

we always dumped whatever was in the refrigerator section, emptied out the ice bucket, turned off the water to the frig and left ours on...it was a good place to store open packages of sugar, flour etc.

the one year that we turned it off and propped the doors open there was a smell in the house that took a while to get rid of...in spite of having cleaned the inside of the frig before leaving. the cost of the electricity is peanuts.

We shut off ice maker and leave the refrigerator on with that said we have a company come in every week to check on things.

Empty and Turn Fridge Off
 

We used to leave our fridge on and one year it malfunctioned and made quite a mess. We have a family member in the area who checks on the house for us and they cleaned it up for us, but it wasn't pretty. Now we empty it and turn it off and prop the doors open. Saves quite a bit in electricity also.

plastic wrap and some put a little oil in the bowl.

11000+ views for a yes or no (on / off) question. Could be a record. Let's see if there is new worthwhile info yet to be posted or a repeat of what has been said over and over. NVA - No Value Add. Does anyone really read beyond the last few posts ? Darn here we go again - that is a yes / no question.

Turn it off and leave the doors cracked open. Refrigerators have to work extra hard to stay cold when it is all but empty. I turn off the power to frig at breaker as well as hot water heater and garage door. Unplug TV. Turn off water, pour a little vinegar in all traps & toilets. I do more that this but these are the major items.

1: remove everything that can spoil
2: Disconnect (unplug fridge)
3: Keep fridge door OPEN
This will eliminate rotten food(s) and smells

So far:

ON - 27
OFF - 24
NOT APPLICABLE OR NON COMMITTAL - 34

footnote - several posters voiced opinion multiple times

So pretty much - do whatever you want to do.