Should You Turn Off Your Fridge When Going on a Vacation? The Right Way to Do It and Save Energy.

The refrigerator is a continuously operating appliance, keeping your food fresh 24/7. However, many households wonder if they should turn it off to save energy when they go on business trips, vacations, or visit their hometown for a few days.

1. Short Absence: Keep the Fridge Running

If you’re going to be away for just 2-4 days, it’s best not to turn off your refrigerator. Constantly turning it on and off can affect the lifespan of the compressor and cause food spoilage, leading to waste and hygiene issues.

Instead, here are some energy-saving tips:

Reduce the amount of food in the fridge to prevent overworking the cooling system.

Adjust temperatures: Set the fridge compartment to 5-7°C and the freezer to -15°C to -18°C instead of the lowest setting.

Keep the fridge door closed to prevent cold air from escaping.

2. Long Absence: Turn Off the Fridge After Thorough Cleaning

If you’ll be away for more than a week, turning off the fridge is a sensible option to save energy, but only if you:

Remove all remaining food to prevent spoilage and odors.

Thoroughly clean and dry the fridge and freezer compartments before unplugging to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

Leave the fridge door slightly open when not in use to avoid unpleasant smells.

A medium-sized fridge with a capacity of 300-400 liters typically consumes about 30-40 kWh/month, costing around 100,000-150,000 VND. Turning it off during a month-long absence can lead to significant savings.

3. Alternative Solution: Energy-Saving Mode

Many modern refrigerators come with an energy-saving mode (Eco, Vacation Mode). When activated, the fridge maintains a suitable temperature to prevent mold and keep certain dry foods, while significantly reducing power consumption. This is a convenient option for long absences when you still want to store some basic foodstuffs.

4. Important Tips for Energy-Efficient Fridge Use

Don’t place it too close to the wall: Allow at least 10 cm of space between the fridge and the wall for better heat dissipation from the condenser.

Avoid frequent door openings: Each time the door is opened, the temperature fluctuates, causing the compressor to work harder.

Regular cleaning: The condenser and door gasket should be regularly inspected and cleaned to maintain optimal efficiency.

Don’t leave the fridge completely empty: If you’re keeping it on while away, consider leaving a few bottles of water inside to stabilize the temperature and reduce energy consumption.

5. Tailored Advice for Different Scenarios

Short absence (less than 5 days): Keep the fridge running but adjust temperatures to a higher setting, and reduce the amount of food inside.

Long absence (more than a week): Turning off the fridge is advisable if you don’t need to store perishable food. This saves energy and avoids the risk of the appliance running unattended. If your fridge has an energy-saving mode, activate it instead of unplugging, for safety and basic functionality.

Turning off your refrigerator when away isn’t always the most efficient choice. The right approach depends on the duration of your absence and your food storage needs. By adjusting temperatures wisely, cleaning the fridge before leaving, and utilizing energy-saving modes, households can reduce their electricity bills while maintaining the convenience and longevity of their appliance.