A refrigerator uses about 15 percent of your household’s average energy bill every month. If you’re planning to go away on vacation or are just leaving for an extended period, there are things you can do to maximize its efficiency without having to unplug it. First, turn off the ice maker and the water supply; if you turn off the water, the ice maker must be off so it does not malfunction. Then raise the temperature to 40 degrees, which is the maximum temp for your fridge to keep food fresh. The best thing to do? Empty the fridge completely of perishables and flip the switch at the circuit breaker box.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION