If you're going to be away from home for an extended period of time, it's generally recommended to leave your fridge closed and turned on. Here's why:
Food preservation: Keeping the fridge closed maintains a stable, cool temperature, which helps preserve the freshness of perishable items. Perishable foods can spoil quickly when left at room temperature, leading to food waste and potential health hazards.
Energy efficiency: Modern refrigerators are designed to be energy-efficient and are well-insulated. When you leave the fridge closed, it doesn't need to work as hard to maintain its temperature, leading to lower energy consumption.
Avoiding odors: Leaving the fridge open can create unpleasant odors as food inside begins to spoil and decompose. Closing the fridge traps those odors and prevents them from spreading throughout the house.
Pest prevention: An open fridge can attract pests like insects or rodents, as they are drawn to the food smells. Keeping the fridge closed helps minimize the risk of attracting unwanted guests.
If you're concerned about electricity usage during your absence, you can empty the fridge of perishable items and leave it partially unplugged, but this is only recommended if you'll be away for an extremely long time (several months) and have taken appropriate measures to ensure the fridge is clean and odor-free.
Alternatively, if you have a second refrigerator that you don't need to use while you're away, you can unplug and empty it entirely. In any case, it's essential to properly clean and defrost the fridge before leaving to avoid any mold or mildew growth in your absence.