Even though it's a new energy-efficient model, I still don't want to use the electricity for such a long period of time. Will it harm the fridge if I shut it off for so long?
2007-05-08 06:53:54 · 11 answers · asked by Al Hickey 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Probably won't hurt it if you clean it out good and leave the doors propped open for circulation. If you don't leave the doors open it will mold etc.
2007-05-08 07:01:09 · answer #1 · answered by marks 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely no harm will come to refrigerator electrical or mechanical/cooling systems if you shut it down for an extended period of time. Just unplug it.
You need to clean the interior thoroughly and remove the door, if you can, to prevent odour-causing bacteria from growing. Removing the door is also a safety issue in case children decide to play hide-and-seek.
Most refrigerator doors are easy to remove and reinstall. Usually two screws at the top allow you to remove the top hinge and door. The screws may hide behind a decorative cap. You then have access to the screws on the centre hinge. Put the hinges and their screws back to ensure they do not get lost inadvertently.
When the time comes, reinstall the bottowm door first.
2007-05-08 14:34:46 · answer #2 · answered by C2020 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No damage will occur. Just give it a good cleaning before shutting it down, and place a box of baking soda in the fridge and freezer. Keep the doors propped open a bit to allow for ventilation.
2007-05-08 14:02:19 · answer #3 · answered by It's Kippah, Kippah the dawg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I shut one of ours down every winter for 4-5 months. I use the following steps. 1. remove everything and wash the inside thoroughly. 2. Wash the exterior. 3. Put open cartons of baking soda in the freezer and refrigerator sides. 4. Leaves the doors OPEN.
In the Spring I throw away the baking soda and began restocking after I wipe out the interior again. i then add new cartons of baking soda.
The baking soda will absorb any odors.
2007-05-09 13:10:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A refrigerator that isn't being opened really doesn't use much electricity. I know this because I travel in my RV and stay away from home for months at a time. You could just set it on low... in other words, adjust it so that it doesn't get as cold as you'd want it to be if you had food in it... and just leave it on. I've been told by an appliance repairman that it's better to keep the frig on than to leave it unplugged.
2007-05-08 14:03:12 · answer #5 · answered by Annie D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, but if there is ANY [ even a speck of food ] it will mold.
1] clean it out, then scrub thoroughly with a disinfectant.
2] prop doors open with a wedge, piece of board, etc..
3] CHAIN the doors closed [ over the wedges ] so there are no accidents! every year children die of suffocation, stuck inside empty refrigerators/freezers - sad, but stupid.
2007-05-08 14:11:08 · answer #6 · answered by Nurse Susan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be okay if there's no food. I'd also watch out for any leakage from the thawing out process.
But, definitely remove the food first. Not three months later.
2007-05-08 14:01:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just leave the doors open a little so it won't mold the inside, put a box of baking soda in there too.
2007-05-08 13:59:15 · answer #8 · answered by kris 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just be sure to leave the doors open
2007-05-08 14:01:48 · answer #9 · answered by AM 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you do, Put news paper in it will keep it from molding
2007-05-08 14:02:28 · answer #10 · answered by lee b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋