Does a spare fridge for veggie storage - waste energy?
by
Cherylie
+8
We have an extra fridge for storing the harvest in the spring, and fall, but right not it only has apples and beer in it.
Is there any reason not to unplug the fridge for the winter months, when we don't need the cold storage? I feel like we're wasting electricity with it plugged in now.
Is there any reason not to unplug the fridge for the winter months, when we don't need the cold storage? I feel like we're wasting electricity with it plugged in now.
11 answers
-
It's usually better if you leave them plugged in.
Adrianne C
on Nov 21, 2014
-
Is there any place else you can keep a few apples and some beer cold? If so, I'd move them and then unplug the fridge. It seems like a waste of energy to run a fridge for just a few things. Unless it's completely full of apples and beer! If so, then it's time for a 'Bobbing for Apples and Drinking Beer' party!! :)
Mary Tonningsen
on Nov 21, 2014
-
If it's an older fridge I would unplug it/. The older ones waste a lot of energy. I did this with an older freezer, unplugged and saved an average of 15.00 a month
Lola
on Nov 21, 2014
-
It's brand new,so energy efficient, although the least expensive on the market. I have images of coolant settling or motors seizing or something - like the old days of yore.
Cherylie
on Nov 21, 2014
-
Newer refrigerators cost $8-12 a month to run. If you unplug it you have to clean it thoroughly with soapy water and wipe it down with a mild bleach solution or you're going to have a musty smell (and possibly mold) when you start it up again. You can keep it wedged open while it's unplugged to get some air circulation but then you run the risk of pets and children getting trapped in the fridge. To me it'd be worth 50-60 bucks not to have to worry about ending up with a smelly fridge or my pups or grandkids getting trapped in one.
Sue McGee
on Nov 21, 2014
-
That is what I want to know. Over flowing with breads. It is cleaned and doors slightly left ajar.Mine is only used if I have renter downstairs then they clean it and unplug when checking out.
Nancy Jenkins
on Nov 21, 2014
-
If you decide to unplug it, then follow Nancy's advice about cleaning and leaving the doors slightly ajar. However, with holiday season fast approaching, you may need the extra storage. I've found an extra fridge great for storing bulky things like large bags of potatoes, defrosting a turkey - and even for beer at the end of the day when I've had trades in.
Marion Nesbitt
on Nov 21, 2014
-
As it has been suggested, leave it on and put it on the warmest setting. Refrigerators are made to run 24/7. I would make sure it is cleaned really well and maybe even put a box of baking soda in there and change out every so often. You won't even notice the charge on your electric. I have a small refrigerator for sodas in my garage and it is always on even if my teenager drinks all the soda LOL I would also think about using the refrigerator for more items even in winter- leftovers during holidays, kids snacks, etc. that way you save the main refrigerator for every day items. good luck
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Nov 21, 2014
-
Ya'll are awesome! Thanks for the longer posts explaining the "why" of leaving it plugged in. It shall remain running - and if I put the temp up some after the holidays, I can use it to store produce which likes a cool environment, but not a cold one. You've got my brain working on how to use it as a storage place, not just a fridge.
Cherylie
on Nov 22, 2014
-
Clean and dry out throughly, then put newspapers inside and you will not have musty problems. Leaving a frig door slightly ajar will ruin the magnets in the door that help it stay shut. If you decide to leave it on, put jugs of water in it because a full frig is cheaper to run than when empty!
Love tiny spaces!
on Nov 28, 2014
-
I put my Christmas food in the freezer of spare fridge and probably juices not out of date in fridge so I have room for other items and fridge/freezer upstairs where I live won't be overworked. Keeps me from snacking when food for Christmas downstairs.
Nancy Jenkins
on Nov 29, 2014
Sign Up to Answer
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
