When you go on vacation do you switch off the fridge freezer? | ExpatWoman.com
 

When you go on vacation do you switch off the fridge freezer?

1046
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 13:57

Just wondering. We'll be away for just less than two weeks and will obviously not be leaving fresh food in it, however quite a few frozen things and stuff like mustard, pickles etc will be hard to use up beforehand. Am thinking from a safety point of view - the house will be empty. What do others do?

1046
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 22:32
If I did turn it off, I'd completely defrost it and put a folded towel over both doors to stop them closing and going mouldy. My concern is around the risk of an electrical fault really - the most common cause of fires at home. I haven't thought about it too much in the past, but for some reason am spooking myself now!! there's no more of a risk of it creating a fire while you're away than while you're at home/work. How many times in your lifetime have one of your home appliances caused an electrical fire? Yes, very true and very sensible. Never!! However, in the unthinkable event, I'm not sure my neighbours would a)notice the house burning down and b) bother to do anything about it!!!!
1861
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 20:01
If I did turn it off, I'd completely defrost it and put a folded towel over both doors to stop them closing and going mouldy. My concern is around the risk of an electrical fault really - the most common cause of fires at home. I haven't thought about it too much in the past, but for some reason am spooking myself now!! there's no more of a risk of it creating a fire while you're away than while you're at home/work. How many times in your lifetime have one of your home appliances caused an electrical fire?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 19:41
The advise I have been given is to leave it on. I have a house abroad which is sometimes empty for 4 months and I keep fridge/freezer on low. They say it's better for the appliance to keep going, it will last longer. I do this now for 4 years so keep fingers crossed.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 19:16
remember though that all the buildings are made of concrete, so its not like in the uk/usa where there are timber to burn etc. if it was empty then yes turn it off, but depending on how long you are away and how hot it is will depend on what state it will be.
1046
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 15:19
If I did turn it off, I'd completely defrost it and put a folded towel over both doors to stop them closing and going mouldy. My concern is around the risk of an electrical fault really - the most common cause of fires at home. I haven't thought about it too much in the past, but for some reason am spooking myself now!!
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 14:41
yup, unless it's completely empty, leave it on. Also, if you do turn it off (and empty), wedge the door ajar and it won't start smelling.
4747
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 14:18
always leave it on, even if away for 2 months etc, if you turned it off, it would be mouldy and very dirty when you came back, because of the heat. turn off at the sockets all the other applicances etc.
5452
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 13:58
I leave my fridge on if it's just for a few weeks...
 
 

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