Leave refrigerator on or off?

[Bunny1]

When you leave your FL home, 4-6 months do you leave REFRIGERATOR on or off?
Receiving conflicting information on on or off? Thank you for your input.

[FenneyFanatic]

We leave ours on..

[rustyp]

When you leave your FL home, 4-6 months do you leave REFRIGERATOR on or off?
Receiving conflicting information on on or off? Thank you for your input.

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.

[retiredguy123]

Leave the refrigerator on, but turn off the ice maker, and close the main water valve for the house. Some people also say to turn off the circuit breaker to the electric water heater, but I am not sure that is necessary.

[coffeebean]

When we were seasonal, we always emptied the fridge and freezer and turned the power off to the appliance. We propped the doors open. We were not in our villa for 9 months of the year.

[Stu from NYC]

I would empty it including ice tray and shut off and leave door open.

[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.

[bobdeb]

Empty the ice. Leave water in the fridge and leave it on. Worked well for 11 years.

When we close up back up north we empty it out, prop doors open and turn it off.

[dewilson58]

Conflicting here too.

But I WOULD, empty ice, shut off ice maker, shut off water.....leave it ON.

:ho:

[tophcfa]

If you will be gone for 6 plus months it is best to empty it, turn it off and leave the doors open. Between my wife and I one of us tries to get to our Villages home at a minimum every 2 months, so we leave ours on so when one of us arrives we have some food in the freezer and some cold beer, water, and wine in the fridge. We also have friends who live in the Villages part time, and whenever we go to our home we check on their place and they always check on ours. One time we checked on our friends home and the fridge had died. The stuff in the freezer was beginning to turn very nasty but we caught it in time and were able to clean everything up before it caused bad damage. That was a wake up call for us as to what could happen, so we now only keep basic stuff in the freezer that would not make a mess if the freezer/fridge failed.

[tophcfa]

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.

Based on my experience, I would not worry about damaging the fridge by turning it off annually for an extended period of time. We have a refrigerator in our garage up north that goes crazy when it gets below freezing outside, so we turn it off after Thanksgiving and don't turn it back on until Easter, and have never had a problem. We also have a seasonal family lake house in the Berkshires, and the fridge is only on from early May until mid October each year, and that also has never been a problem.

[mepoole]

Leave it on.

[TStVillages]

Yes turn off water heater at breaker.

[La lamy]

I agree with turning it off. Make sure you have an object that prevents the doors from shutting.

[msilagy]

I leave my refrigerator on - fill it with water bottles, turn temp down to 3 - turn off ice maker and it's always just fine.

[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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[rustyp]

Brownouts are a lot more damaging to a fridge than sitting idle for an extended period of time.

[jdrahaim]

We used to leave for 3-4 months and left the refrigerator on but turned off the ice water feature in the door. Also get a humidistat installed and set at 60% humidity and ac at 80 degrees.

[Suzieque]

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.

Why do you put water bottles in the freezer?

[retiredguy123]

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.
If you are concerned that the toilets may go dry, you can seal the toilet bowls with saran wrap to prevent evaporation. Also, if you have the Kohler toilets that the builder installs, they are a two flush type. This means that if you press the handle down and release it immediately, you will only use about a half gallon of water. But, if you press the handle down and hold it for a few seconds, you will get a stronger flush that uses about 2 gallons. I would suggest giving each toilet a strong flush before leaving for vacation, as that will leave more water in the bowl, and also flush some of the dirt out of the tank.

[tallyhoer]

Florida Department of Agriculture has a class as well as a handbook titled, "Closing Your Florida Home" Good information that you can access online at their website. They strongly recommend turning fridge off, cleaning out and leaving doors open.

[tobiaszr]

For the last 16 years, we have left ours on, when we go away for extended times. I Ioad up the fridge with soda, beer, and water. I also have large water bottles, that I freeze, and leave in the freezer. I feel all of this helps to keep the temp down in the unit and it won't run as often with the doors opening fewer times.

[merrymini]

Never turn off the fridge but empty any perishables out of it and the freezer. Because no one is opening the door, it does not work as hard to stay cold. I have heard that shutting refrigerators off can shorten their life span. Getting a refrigerator back to the right temp can take a couple of days. Partially filled bottles of water in the freezer work to keep the unit working more efficiently and good to do all the time. Bleach in toilets keeps mold from growing (do not forget the tank). Water turned off to the house and water heater turned off at the circuit breaker. I have been doing this for over thirty years at beach houses and here. Works like a dream.

[retiredguy123]

Never turn off the fridge but empty any perishables out of it and the freezer. Because no one is opening the door, it does not work as hard to stay cold. I have heard that shutting refrigerators off can shorten their life span. Getting a refrigerator back to the right temp can take a couple of days. Partially filled bottles of water in the freezer work to keep the unit working more efficiently and good to do all the time. Bleach in toilets keeps mold from growing (do not forget the tank). Water turned off to the house and water heater turned off at the circuit breaker. I have been doing this for over thirty years at beach houses and here. Works like a dream.
I wouldn't put bleach in the tank. It can damage the rubber parts.

[retiredguy123]

Florida Department of Agriculture has a class as well as a handbook titled, "Closing Your Florida Home" Good information that you can access online at their website. They strongly recommend turning fridge off, cleaning out and leaving doors open.
Do you have a link? I did an extensive search on their website and Google and cannot find it.

[hubheadrmh]

When you leave your FL home, 4-6 months do you leave REFRIGERATOR on or off?
Receiving conflicting information on on or off? Thank you for your input.

We have been turning off our refrigerators for 25 years, save electricity $ and extends its life. No adverse problems. Doesn't ruin the seals.

[Petersweeney]

For the last 16 years, we have left ours on, when we go away for extended times. I Ioad up the fridge with soda, beer, and water. I also have large water bottles, that I freeze, and leave in the freezer. I feel all of this helps to keep the temp down in the unit and it won't run as often with the doors opening fewer times.


Where do you live? Some cold beer would be nice in July

[GPGuar]

Shut refrigerator off, turn thermostat to 82 degrees, turn off water heater, and shut off whole house water. Why would you wanna spend money on electricity when you’re not there? Bin doing this for 15 years and never had any problems.

[tomtauto]

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.

We cover the bowl of the commodes with Saran Wrap which prevents the evaporation of the water. We are usually away for six months—most of the water is still there when we return. We also cover or use the drain plug on all sinks and shower drains. This keeps the water from evaporating out of the traps.

[Papa_lecki]

Do you have a link? I did an extensive search on their website and Google and cannot find it.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/HE/HE88700.pdf

[retiredguy123]

We cover the bowl of the commodes with Saran Wrap which prevents the evaporation of the water. We are usually away for six months—most of the water is still there when we return. We also cover or use the drain plug on all sinks and shower drains. This keeps the water from evaporating out of the traps.
I would not cover or close the drain plugs. But, if you do, I would make sure that you shut off the main water valve to the house. Otherwise, a small faucet leak could cause the sink or shower stall to overflow.

[worahm]

If you decide to leave the refrigerator turned on, and you turn the main water valve to the house off, you should be aware that if your ice maker uses an electronic ice level detector, (no wire over the ice) It is important the electronic switch is in the OFF position. The switch usually located next to the ice bin. Leaving the ice maker switch on with no water flowing to it, could destroy the ice maker. Your owner's manual should discuss this information.

[retiredguy123]

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/HE/HE88700.pdf
Thanks for the link. Although, it is not from the source mentioned in Post No. 35.

[cajonjoe]

fridge off, door open, T-stat set to 82, hot water circuit breaker off

[Jerry Leinsing]

The reference to document FCS3154 Closing Your Seasonal Home, to preparing a house for extended vacation or northern travel is very complete. It is for Floridians, so the info is meant for us locals.
Never ask people on this forum what to do because most speak out of ignorance or laziness and don’t bother to read things like this , the manuals, or knowledgable professional technicians.
The key highlights:
Give away food and shut down refrigerator. The comments about having stuff ready when they arrive, really?
Set A/C to recommended setting in the above reference. DO NOT SHUT OFF.
Turn off water heater at breaker. Unnecessary use of electricity.
Turn off water at entrance to house. Anything that leaks will just leave a few drops and will not siphon out the system. All our water is supplied from underneath and won’t be able to be siphoned.
Unplug anything that can get fried in case there is a surge. [SECO can install a whole house surge protector]. Unplug all other low voltage items that can get fried because of the cable connections. The whole house surge protector doesn’t protect that. Just turning off electrical equipment doesn’t mean it is protected. Experience says a surge can jump a switch and whack what is on the other side, such as a microwave oven. It can turn it on and let it run for months.

[retiredguy123]

FYI, my Whirlpool refrigerator manual doesn't recommend turning off the refrigerator. It says that you can turn it off or leave it on, whichever you prefer. If you turn it off, you may save about 5 dollars per month in electricity. For that minimal cost, I would prefer to leave it on.

[stebooo]

Why fill with water bottles?

[Alana33]

Leave it off.
I can turn mine off at the breaker box or you can just unplug.
Empty and clean refrigerator, leave doors open for both refrigerator and freezer.
I also turn breaker off for hot water heater and any other appliances not going to be in use and unplug anything else not being used.
No sense in paying for electricity you're not using.
If I'm going to be gone for a couple months in winter, I turn AC off at breaker, too. No issues.
Wouldn't turn AC off if I traveled any other time of year.

[westernrider75]

We turn ours to power saver, empty and turn off the ice maker. We set our A/C to 82.

[rlsjks1987@gmail.com]

90% of the time this is best suggestion! Turn it to clean then turn off ice maker. Store as many items in freezer that will freeze and not stress freezer to cool empty space. Turn refrigerator temp up after emptying and cleaning. Running allows oils to lubricate compressor. Shorter periods away might change how you prep refrigerator. Bob's House Watch Service.

[rlsjks1987@gmail.com]

90% of the time this is best suggestion! Turn it to clean then turn off ice maker. Store as many items in freezer that will freeze, such as water bottles or containers of water, and not stress freezer to cool empty space. Turn refrigerator temp up after emptying and cleaning. Running allows oils to lubricate compressor. Shorter periods away might change how you prep refrigerator. Bob's House Watch Service.

[rustyp]

90% of the time this is best suggestion! Turn it to clean then turn off ice maker. Store as many items in freezer that will freeze and not stress freezer to cool empty space. Turn refrigerator temp up after emptying and cleaning. Running allows oils to lubricate compressor. Shorter periods away might change how you prep refrigerator. Bob's House Watch Service.

I disagree with this. If you want to leave it on then remove all perishable food from the freezer. If fridge fails or loss of power for extended period of time (like after a hurricane) the food will thaw. It will leak and ruin the insulation and you will have the worst stench imaginable. I also don't subscribe to the lubricate the compressor theory. How long was it not plugged in after it was manufactured and someone purchased it. That could be a couple years in some cases. I have had a vacation home for forty years and unplug the fridge every winter. Never lost one yet due to lack of compressor lubrication. Leaving it on also subjects you to brownouts which is more likely to kill a compressor. Again don't forget we live where there are hurricanes = loss of power.

[Topspinmo]

It it was me I would empty and turn it off leaving door open. Why let it set there and run for nothing. Plus best way to get good defrost. Way build refrigerator ‘s now day’s you’re running on borrowed time anyway. Now it was the old entry level cheap ones with no ice or water in door then who cares?

[Topspinmo]

I disagree with this. If you want to leave it on then remove all perishable food from the freezer. If fridge fails or loss of power for extended period of time (like after a hurricane) the food will thaw. It will leak and ruin the insulation and you will have the worst stench imaginable. I also don't subscribe to the lubricate the compressor theory. How long was it not plugged in after it was manufactured and someone purchased it. That could be a couple years in some cases. I have had a vacation home for forty years and unplug the fridge every winter. Never lost one yet due to lack of compressor lubrication. Leaving it on also subjects you to brownouts which is more likely to kill a compressor. Again don't forget we live where there are hurricanes = loss of power.

I agree, why let is set there and run for months?

Lub compressor theory? only if you lay it down, you have let it stand up so oil will run back where it supposed be before you fire it back up.

[tallyhoer]

I misquoted the source. It is University Of Florida IFAS Extension. Http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. I have followed their recommendations for 22 years as a snowbird and never had a problem yet.

[Professor]

On, with A/C on 82, water and water heater turned off.

[tophcfa]

So based on the replies we have an answer. Flip a coin and either leave the fridge on or off, or selectively believe one side or the other regarding the various opinions on the issue at hand. Problem solved, kind of? : )

[RICH1]

Did you have maggots & Flies when the meat defrosted?

[jimhurtt@twc.com]

On the water heater it is wise to turn it off. With no demand while you are gone, it will still heat up the water continuously. Kicking on and off as it cools.

[jimhurtt@twc.com]

Yes. Refrigerator on. Leave in a couple of gallons of water in plastic jugs so it will help cool the refrigerator.

[jimhurtt@twc.com]

Raise the lids on the toilets otherwise you will have mold from the water evaporating while you are gone. If you are worried about high humidity while you are gone, buy a roll-around dehumidifier and set it in your shower to drain.

[symc655@gmail.com]

I leave mine on and shut off ice maker. The bill is $20 more. Have neighbors check on the house while away.

[Susan from Ohio]

Advice from our electric company: turn off the breaker to the hot water tank, oven, microwave. Turn off the house water, as your sprinklers will continue to water the lawn. Empty the refrigerator, BUT load it with 5 full gallons of bottled water so it is not totally empty. LEAVE THE REFRIGERATOR ON. In the freezer place a paper cup with a few ice cubes....if they are still ice cubes when you return, you did not lose power....if cubes have melted and turned into solid... you lost power while you were away. Still recommend home watch or a neighbor to have a key in case of an emergency.

[Puddin]

When you leave your FL home, 4-6 months do you leave REFRIGERATOR on or off?
Receiving conflicting information on on or off? Thank you for your input.

I solved the problem by buying a wifi temperature monitor for $50. It uses my wifi to send temperature to my iPhone every 10 minutes and sends an alarm if it rises more than 3 degrees. I always know the status regardless of my location.

[camaguey48]

Leave the refrigerator on, but turn off the ice maker, and close the main water valve for the house. Some people also say to turn off the circuit breaker to the electric water heater, but I am not sure that is necessary.
If you leave the electric water heater on and shut off the water, the water inside the water heater will start to evaporate and perhaps in 6 month's time, the water level inside will drop low enough to expose the heating coils and will cause a burn out. I suggest that it be turned off.

[bp243]

Do you have a link? I did an extensive search on their website and Google and cannot find it.

Top tips for snowbirds - FPL Blog (https://www.fplblog.com/top-tips-for-snowbirds/)

[bp243]

Thanks for the link. Although, it is not from the source mentioned in Post No. 35.

Top tips for snowbirds - FPL Blog (https://www.fplblog.com/top-tips-for-snowbirds/)

[Neils]

Just like fridge in a store. Turn it off. Put a towel in the door to keep it open. Turn off the water at main valve to the house. Switch off hot water heater.

[rlsjks1987@gmail.com]

One Week before Leaving
Clean refrigerator and freezer. Eat food on hand.

Per: IFAS University of Florida article on Closing your Seasonal Home.

[Astron]

Do you have a link? I did an extensive search on their website and Google and cannot find it.
I found it at:
FCS3154/HE887: Closing Your Seasonal Home (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he887)
It seems well thought out.

[jefforyj]

A word to the wise from someone who's "been-there-done-that". If you leave it on with food in it, make certain that it's not on a circuit that IS NOT protected by a GFI. We did, a heavy rain blew water into the lamp post, threw the GFI the fridge was on and we returned to a horrible smell in our garage and lost many, $$$$$$ in food. since, I had a separate, non-protected plug installed so that won't happen again.

[Catalina36]

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 😊

[Garywt]

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.

[Deanmasser]

When you leave your FL home, 4-6 months do you leave REFRIGERATOR on or off?
Receiving conflicting information on on or off? Thank you for your input.


Manufacturer recommends turn it off.

[retiredguy123]

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.

[Mleechu333@gmail.com]

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.

[davem4616]

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.

[CDerington]

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.

[Burnsurfer]

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.

[village dreamer]

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

[rustyp]

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.

[Spsmith444]

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.

[giorgio1948]

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

[rustyp]

So far:

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

footnote - several posters voiced opinion multiple times

[Papa_lecki]

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.