Should you shut a freezer down when not in use?

Answer 1

You could do that in theory, though it's probably not especially good for it, and it takes more energy to cool it back down from room temperature than it does to keep it cold.

Unless it's going to be empty for long stretches of time (in which case unplugging it and propping the doors open might make sense), just leave it on.

Answer 2

If your fridge faces a window, it'd be like putting up a neon sign: "No one home so no food needed!" You will also need to make sure to let it defrost a couple days BEFORE you leave so it doesn't leak (especially for older units).

If you make sure the windows are covered, AND make sure you've let it dry out beforehand so the unit is now unplugged, grab a box of Baking Soda and dump the whole box into a flat tray. Put that in the fridge section, and put a chair to block the bottom door. Take another box of Baking Soda; dump it onto a flat tray, and put it in the freezer section. Block the freezer door with a broom handle so that door stays partly open.

If you will be gone less than 1 month....

Leave the fridge on and plugged in. Clean out ALL food that might spoil in 7-14 days. Leave everything else. Open a box of Baking Soda at least half-way and place the box in your freezer; put another box in the fridge section. Make sure both doors close completely.

NOTE: A one pound box of Baking Soda in each section will keep odors away for a full month or more.

Answer 3

if you unplug it it will shut off the power

Answer 4

No because evverything would thaw but if it is empty then yes

Answer 5

There's no need to switch it off.