Is it ok to keep refridgerator switched off for a prolonged period (2 months) or will it cause damage to it?

Question

I am going away for couple of months when my refridgerator will be totally unused. I wanted to keep it off to save on electricity, but a friend said that doing so will damage its compressor and gas lines (due to un-use) and will cost me a lot to re-start it when I am back. What do you suggest?

Answer 1

Andrew is correct, and when you come back, stuff it with balled up newspapers while it cools off.  Once it is cold, remove them, and put food in. Sounds strange I know, but it will cool off better and faster if the empty spaces are filled up, and newspaper is very easy to come by.  Have fun on your trip!

Answer 2

Your "friend" is  wrong.Just be sure you empty EVERYTHING!!! out of it and it wouldn't be a bad idea to leave the door propped open so it could air out.

Answer 3

It is perfecly safe to leave a fridge unplugged a couple of months.  Be sure to leave the door open, or the smell will be hard to get rid of.

Answer 4

Unplug it, clean it good, empty drip tray if it has one below the doors in front and leave the doors open.  It will be fine.  If you are feeling ambitious pull out the fridge and vacuum and dust out all the dust from the condenser (radiator looking-thing) and everywhere else.  This will help you fridge in the future as dust accummulating there is a main reason for many fridge failures.    Happy trails.

Answer 5

yes, and leave the door open like the first answerer said or you'll come back to not only a smell but a fridge full of black mold