[Laker14]

If I decide to leave mine on, I will make sure there is no perishable food in there. I haven't decided what to do yet.

I know that something magical happens to any piece of machinery left off for a few months. Whenever I re-open my lake house up north after months of not being used, all sorts of stuff that worked great in October when I turned it off, no longer functions the following Spring when I restart it. Winter Gremlins.

edit: BTW, the owner's manual for my Samsung refrigerator suggests emptying it, turning off the power, and propping the doors open if going to be gone for an extended period.

[rahart]

We leave ours on but we have a friend/neighbor walk through house weekly when we are gone. We reciprocate with a gift certificate out as a gesture of thanks.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Leaving the refrigerator off for 6 months will save less than about $40 on electricity. You can turn the setting down to reduce the electricity usage even more. But, I think that leaving it on is better for the refrigerator because it will keep the refrigerant flowing. The refrigerant contains oil that continually lubricates the internal parts and the seals. My opinion.

We must have been very lucky to not have any problems when we returned after nine months with the fridge off. We did that for several years upon the advice of the guy who "watched" our villa for us while we were up north.

[Skunky1]

If you’re going to turn off the main water valve you need to turn off the water heater. I do recommend turning off the main water valve because a burst pipe can cause a lot of damage in your house. That damage may not be paid for by the insurance company!

[IRISHGIRL3US]

I have left mine on for 10 years now. This last time I emptied the freezer, including ice. Worried mine might be on its last leg.

[Girlcopper]

Originally Posted by rustyp

I turn mine off. AC at 80 degrees. Electric bills while away less than $35/month. Lesson learned once in my life. Went away for two weeks plus. Somewhere during that period refrigerator crapped out. You could not stand the stench when we opened the door upon return. Refrigerator shot (just a thermostat which would have been an inexpensive fix) but the food in freezer defrosted and liquids penetrated the insulation. Weeks to get rid of the stench in the house and a new fridge.

I would never turn off my fridge when going away just for a couple of weeks. Nor would I raise my a/c to 80 to save a few dollars. If the fridge is that old that it would just crap out, replace it. With all the humidity, setting the a/c max at 76-77 degrees is about right. 80 is way too high. Just my opinion but its worth it to me to spend a few pennies more on electric than just shut everything down and get that stale moldy smell

[Bay Kid]

I always leave mine on. Turn off the ice. I fill water bottles and place them in the freezer. Keep the main frig full of beer, ready for my return. With the lack of door opening very economical to keep running and better for the fridge.

If you must turn off for any length of time leave the doors blocked open.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Girlcopper

I would never turn off my fridge when going away just for a couple of weeks. Nor would I raise my a/c to 80 to save a few dollars. If the fridge is that old that it would just crap out, replace it. With all the humidity, setting the a/c max at 76-77 degrees is about right. 80 is way too high. Just my opinion but its worth it to me to spend a few pennies more on electric than just shut everything down and get that stale moldy smell

Au contraire, when we leave for 6-8 months we turn the AC to 83. Never had a problem. 76-77 is cooler than we run it while here--79 or 80 during the day; 76 at night.

I have done both with the refrigerator, but now we turn the fridge off and prop the doors open.

It's what to do about the johns that I can't seem to find the right answer for.

[Mohawksin]

Originally Posted by Laker14

If I decide to leave mine on, I will make sure there is no perishable food in there. I haven't decided what to do yet.

I know that something magical happens to any piece of machinery left off for a few months. Whenever I re-open my lake house up north after months of not being used, all sorts of stuff that worked great in October when I turned it off, no longer functions the following Spring when I restart it. Winter Gremlins.

edit: BTW, the owner's manual for my Samsung refrigerator suggests emptying it, turning off the power, and propping the doors open if going to be gone for an extended period.

Reading the manual is the best way to prolong the life of anything that has moving parts.

[noslices1]

Even if you empty it out and leave it turned off, leave an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves and it will absorb any odors that occur.

[bowlingal]

So.......Bunny, have your answer??

[raynan]

Shut it off. Prop both doors open. Shut off water line. Empty ice. Leave an open container of baking soda inside.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by Girlcopper

I would never turn off my fridge when going away just for a couple of weeks. Nor would I raise my a/c to 80 to save a few dollars. If the fridge is that old that it would just crap out, replace it. With all the humidity, setting the a/c max at 76-77 degrees is about right. 80 is way too high. Just my opinion but its worth it to me to spend a few pennies more on electric than just shut everything down and get that stale moldy smell

I was not saying turn off every time your away for two weeks - not practical, Just saying this happened to me once while on a two week vacation.

[PennyAnn]

Correct. An appliance repair person told us that. Turn it down, but keep it on.

[Joeint]

I would leave it on and empty all foodstuff, turn the ice maker off, and empty the ice bucket. Fill some gallon jugs and put them in the refrigerator and freezer so your not cooling air, the refrigerator will run less with something in it.