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Refrigerator on or off during storage

October 22, 2010, 05:05:29 pm

I have always turned my refrigerator off when in storage even if just for a week.  Is this the right thing to do??Tks Dan Stansel U270 99 36 Bullard, Texas

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Re: Refrigerator on or off during storage

Reply #1 – October 22, 2010, 05:22:18 pm

I am not sure there is an overwhelming reason for on vs off.

If off, definitely leave the doors open.

If left on full time, be sure to defrost when ice gets 1/4" thick.

Brett Wolfe

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Re: Refrigerator on or off during storage

Reply #2 – October 22, 2010, 05:33:30 pm

I, too, adhere to the "off" when not in use. I empty mine, turn it off, and return to wipe it down good when all of the ice has melted and it has warmed to ambient temperature. I wipe the gaskets with a mild cleanser with a bit of bleach, dry out the freezer, wipe out all of the buckets and dry it all. then prop the doors open with a bungee cord. My fridge, so far, has remained sweet and cool.

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Re: Refrigerator on or off during storage

Reply #3 – October 22, 2010, 07:28:59 pm

Having seen the result of a fridge fire, we recommend and follow fridge OFF and propane valve shut especially if storing indoors or under cover if near other vehicles or property.  Even if you have shore power, if there are outages of any kind where the fridge could switch to propane, it's not worth the risk.

Michelle

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Re: Refrigerator on or off during storage

Reply #4 – October 22, 2010, 09:54:38 pm

I leave the fridge on hoping it will keep the coils from rusting in the south La. humidity. Motorhome is parked at my house.

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Re: Refrigerator on or off during storage

Reply #5 – October 22, 2010, 11:02:16 pm

Thanks for all the input.  I think turning off is the right thing to do.  I always leave the door open and clean top to bottom.  I will start cleaning the gaskets.  Tks Dan Stansel U270 99 36 Bullard, Texas

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Re: Refrigerator on or off during storage

Reply #6 – October 23, 2010, 12:10:05 am

I know a fellow near Austin that had his RV parked beside his house.  The refrig caught fire when he was away and the RV and his house both burned.  The refrigerant in RV absorption type refrigerators is flammable.  So if you smell ammonia or notice a leak at the back of the unit, it should be turned off immediately.

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