[msilagy]

The bottom line - do what you are comfortable with!!! Then forget it.

[Bay Kid]

I leave mine on to keep my beer cold when I return!

I put in almost full water bottles and fill the freezer w/them. Turn off the ice machine and remove any ice. Fresh water bottles to finish off the main refrigerator.

When I return I use the freezer water bottles to water plants and drink the beer.

[Puddin]

I solved the dilemma by buying YoLink temperature sensor. For $50 I bought this that transmits the temperature of the refrigerator/freezer every 3 minutes. It uses my Wi-Fi and a phone app. I know the temperature no matter where I am. If the temperature rises too much I get an alarm and a neighbor can go check it out.

[IRISHGIRL3US]

I leave mine on but empty. Something happens to the frig. And then it's a mess

[gail swanson]

Originally Posted by NancyLee

Should kitchen refrigerator be unplugged when leaving house for an extended length of time? My friend and I have differing options. Thanks!

I have been doing this at both homes for 12 years. I turn ice maker off, fill plastic jugs full of water as put in the freezer. This solid ice keeps the freezer from running so often.

[bowlingal]

no, not necessary. My neighbors are gone for about 6 months and no problems....but you must shut off the water at the main valve

[DaleDivine]

We have friends that unplug and leave the doors open while they're in NY.
I go over every 2 or 3 weeks to check on their house.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by J1ceasar

I have read in the past although I don't know about new refrigerators that mechanically speaking it is better to keep it plugged in and running so that the rubber the belts for years the motors continue to operate. my two cents

I agree. I know some will disagree, but I believe that an appliance designed to be on all the time should stay on all the time. There is a small amount of oil that circulates in the refrigerant to keep the compressor and other parts lubricated. You may never have a problem by turning off the refrigerator for several months, but I wouldn't do it.

Also, in most cases, you need to pull the refrigerator out from the wall to unplug it. This can scratch or dent your floor because the refrigerator is only supported by 4 tiny plastic wheels. I have seen brand new wood and vinyl floors damaged by dirt getting under the wheels, wheels that are stuck, or just by the weight. Be careful pulling it out.

[Marcojb]

When I leave for long periods of time I actually shut off the circuit breakers to the refrigerator ( keep doors open), stove, hot water heater, microwave, as well as shut off the main water valve to the house

[Red Rose]

I would leave it running, but would not leave any perishable items in fridge or freezer. You will have an awful mess and stench if power goes out for an extended period of time.

[Gobragh]

I was told by my refrigerator repair man to leave it on. His reasoning was something with the Freon. And it doesn’t cost a lot per month to leave it on.

[Lsepanske@aol.com]

Recommend leave it run less problems and expense.
Refrigerators were designed to run constant. Shut downs on parts cause problems of functioning properly for longer life of unit.
Much same advice from appliance repair.

[asianthree]

During the pandemic our up north fridge died, emptied, doors left open. There is sat from April until November, because supply chain didn’t have a fridge to buy.
We were in TV, so not a big deal. Our electric bill was $8.17 less per month without the fridge, everything else was exactly the same in year previous.

We have left our fridge running in TV in all of our homes since 2010, (always with weekly home watch) at the advice of repair men. Some experts say not running the fridge can shorten life, due to coolant is not circulating. But who really knows.

OP do what make you feel comfortable, you have 50/50 chance at being right or wrong.

[susan927]

We are new to TV and had to make that decision last month. After looking at older posts here and reviewing the published Florida guidelines for a seasonal home, we decided to leave ours on. As others have stated, we left water bottles in both the refrigerator and freezer. We also found and followed a suggestion to freeze a cup of water, then place a coin on top of it. When returning, if the coin has dropped to the bottom of the cup, you'll know if the freezer lost power/thawed any time while you were away.
Another tip we found re: the frig/freezer for preparation when leaving a seasonal home - if it has any scratches/nicks on it, rub appliance wax or car wax on it to prevent rusting.

[BlackhawksFan]

No leave it running. It doesn't cost much to run especially if it's not being opened. Also if you unplug it you could come back to awful odors you won't be able to remove. And finally its designed to run 24/7 to keep the refrigerant for both fridge and freezer circulating. You shut it down for a long period you could have issues with the refrigerant or the compressor.