Leaving Your Kenton-on-Sea Fridge Over the Off-Season

The case for switching off

Pros

• No electricity cost while you are away
• No risk of surge damage during power cuts
• No risk of coming back to a fridge that failed and left rotting food

Cons

• Mould grows quickly in a closed, switched-off fridge in Kenton's humid air
• Some fridges struggle to restart after months off, as relays and capacitors weaken
• You need to plan ahead so it is cold when you arrive

Best for

Homes left empty for months at a time, with nobody to check after power cuts.

The case for leaving it on

Pros

• The fridge is cold when you arrive
• Regular running keeps components in better shape
• No mould risk

Cons

• Electricity costs, which are modest for an efficient fridge with little inside
• Exposure to surges and hard restarts after power cuts
• If it fails while you are away, you may not know for weeks

Best for

Homes visited regularly, or where a caretaker or neighbour can check after outages.

Routine: switching off

1. Empty it completely. Take everything out, including condiments and ice. 2. Defrost the freezer if it has ice build-up. Place towels to catch water. 3. Clean inside. Wipe all surfaces, shelves, drawers and door seals with warm water and a little bicarbonate of soda or mild detergent. Dry thoroughly. 4. Clean the door seals carefully. Mould loves the folds. 5. Prop the doors open. Use a rolled towel or a purpose-made door wedge so air can circulate. This is the most important step. 6. Switch off at the wall and unplug if possible. 7. Ice makers: close the water supply tap, switch off the ice maker and empty the bin. 8. Leave the drain pan dry if your fridge has one underneath.

Routine: leaving it on

1. Use a delayed-restart surge protector. It protects the compressor from hard restarts and spikes when power returns. 2. Keep only drinks or water bottles inside. They stabilise the temperature and there is nothing to spoil. 3. Clean the condenser coils before you leave so the fridge runs efficiently. 4. Set a normal temperature. About 3 to 5 degrees in the fridge and minus 18 in the freezer. 5. Ask someone to check after outages. A caretaker or neighbour can confirm it is running. 6. Consider a smart plug or temperature alert. Simple devices can notify your phone if power is lost or the temperature rises.

Before you arrive

Whichever option you chose:

• Switch on or check a day ahead. Ask a caretaker to switch the fridge on 24 hours before you arrive, or to check that it is cold.
• Check for smells or mould when you open it.
• Look underneath and behind for water or signs of leaks.
• Wait for it to get cold before loading lots of food. A fridge takes several hours to reach temperature from warm.

If it will not start

• Check the plug, wall switch, breaker and any surge protector.
• Give it time: some fridges have a built-in delay of several minutes.
• If it clicks repeatedly without humming, switch it off and call us.

After long periods off, weak starter relays and capacitors are the most common culprits. They are inexpensive repairs.

Freezers and chest freezers

The same logic applies. A chest freezer full of meat should not be left unattended in a house with frequent power cuts unless someone checks it. If the freezer is empty, switching it off, drying it and leaving the lid propped open is usually best.

Bar fridges and wine fridges

Many Kenton homes have a bar fridge or wine fridge in the entertainment area. These are often in warmer, more exposed spaces. If left on, give them the same surge protection. If switched off, dry them and leave the doors open.