Perhaps one of the most common issues to be discussed regarding the maintenance of a refrigerator is: How often should you switch off your fridge?
This is a particularly relevant question to ask in Indian climatic conditions of heat and humidity. Let me dispel this: Under no circumstances does one need to turn the refrigerator off every day, weekly, or even otherwise, unless you intend to be away for a month or so.
Food safety and longevity of the appliances dictate that such a fridge must be on all the time. To shut it down for a few hours at a time defeats the purpose of the fridge, since there is a slacking in the internal temperature, wherein the food stands at risk of rotting.
How Often Should You Switch Off Your Fridge?
If you are planning to be away for longer than a month, it should be beneficial for you to disconnect your refrigerator after proper preparation. Empty all food items, clean the inside, and remove any perishables.
Keep the door ajar to allow the fridge to dry so that mould or odours do not build up. If you are moving, switch off the refrigerator 24 hours before it is moved.
This gives time for the ice to melt and for the cool parts, like the compressor, to settle. Should you need to turn it off for any shorter duration, try and keep it for about four hours unless the fridge is empty.
Also read: Which Gas Is Present in Refrigerator?
Does Turning It Off Help Save Energy?
Some believe that switching off the refrigerator for a few hours at night saves energy, but this is not true. Modern appliances are made to be used continuously and have temperature controls that save energy.
If unplugging the fridge becomes a regular thing to do, it may well do more harm than good.
Constantly switching off your refrigerator may well shorten its lifespan due to pressure on the compressor. Better keep an optimal temperature inside rather than switching it off now and then.
Also read: Best V-Guard Stabilizer for Fridge in India
Ideal Fridge Maintenance Tips
Ai generated image
- Clean the fridge and freezer at least every two or three months to keep away the mold, mildew, and odor.
- Don’t overload the fridge. Keep perishable items at the center where the temperature is most stable.
- Wait for at least two to three hours before switching back on after finishing cleaning or moving.
- Allow from 45 minutes to an hour for defrosting, in case your appliance needs manual defrosting.
Also read: How Many Amps Does a Refrigerator Use?
Long-Term Usage Considerations
The first tip is to ask yourself if leaving the refrigerator on for at least 4 months is harmful in any way. Your answer should have been no.
4 months is long enough to keep the refrigerators on without any issue if proper maintenance is followed. Avoid frequent shutdowns as they increase the risk of food spoilage and can encourage the growth of bacteria due to fluctuating temperatures.
The refrigerators are designed to run frequently, and shutting them off for 15–20 hours can damage the compressor. The benefit of continuous operation is not only food safety but also food preservation and energy efficiency.
Also read: Which Refrigerator is Better LG or Samsung?
Final Tip
To further increase the lifespan of your refrigerator, make it work under suitable conditions. Monitor temperature control, avoid blocking air vents, and don’t switch it off unnecessarily.
Proper maintenance, coupled with avoiding bad habits like frequent shutdowns, will preserve the quality of your food and keep your appliance efficient. So, just how often should you switch off your fridge?
Unless planning to take an extended trip away, the answer is rarely, not very often. So it is better to pay attention to cleaning, temperature checks, and professional servicing from time to time. You do not need to turn off your fridge to save energy; just follow the proper procedures.
