Going on vacation is always an exciting experience, but it also involves a lot of planning and preparation. One of the things you need to consider before leaving your home is how to keep your fridge running while you’re away. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks to help you keep your fridge on vacation.
Why Do You Need to Keep Your Fridge on Vacation?
Before we dive into the details of keeping your fridge on vacation, let’s first understand why it’s important to do so. When you turn off your fridge for an extended period, the temperature inside will rise, leading to spoilage of food and drinks. Apart from that, an empty fridge can also develop foul odors due to bacterial growth.
Tip 1: Set the Right Temperature
The first step towards keeping your fridge on vacation is setting the right temperature. Ideally, you should set the temperature between 35°F and 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C) before leaving. This temperature range will ensure that your food stays fresh and doesn’t freeze.
Note:
Do not set the temperature too low as it will lead to high energy consumption.
Tip 2: Clean Your Fridge
Cleaning your fridge before going on vacation is a crucial step in keeping it running smoothly while you’re away. Discard any perishable items and wipe down all surfaces with a solution of water and baking soda or vinegar.
Note:
Do not use chemical cleaners as they can leave behind harmful residues that can contaminate your food.
Tip 3: Fill It Up
It might sound counterintuitive, but filling up your fridge before leaving for vacation can actually help keep it running efficiently. When there’s less empty space in the fridge, it takes longer for the temperature to rise, making it easier for the fridge to maintain its ideal temperature range.
Note:
Do not overfill your fridge as it can obstruct airflow and lead to uneven cooling.
Tip 4: Unplug All Other Appliances
While you’re away, unplug all other appliances that are not essential. This will reduce energy consumption and lower your electricity bill. It will also prevent any power surges that could damage your appliances.
Tip 5: Ask a Friend or Neighbor for Help
If you’re going away for an extended period, consider asking a friend or neighbor to check on your fridge periodically. They can ensure that everything is running smoothly and throw away any spoiled food if necessary.
Note:
Do not leave spare keys lying around as it can compromise the security of your home.
In Conclusion
Keeping your fridge on vacation is an essential aspect of home maintenance. By following these tips, you can ensure that your food stays fresh, and your fridge runs efficiently while you’re away. Remember to set the right temperature, clean your fridge, fill it up, unplug other appliances, and ask for help if needed.