Fridge /Freezers, on or off?

Grandmabatty

I would empty them and switch them off. Make sure you leave the doors open to avoid smells.

Yes, wedge the doors open and leave a note - my kind, helpful neighbour shut the door on my empty fridge and it went mouldy inside though I'd tried to wedge it open!

My brother and sil will be looking after post and the garden etc, so visiting regularly to keep an eye on things.

Check your house insurance - you may find that it states that the house cannot be left for more than a set length of time (42 days) without someone staying for a couple of nights.

It is safer to switch off and unplug them. If left on they would be a fire risk and I agree with wildswan, no point in wasting money.

I would definitely switch them off. Why pay for 6 months electricity when you don't have to. It may also increase the life of your appliance as it will be six months younger than it is!

I'd empty and switch off too. Have you asked your brother to put your heating on in the autumn?

I don't see the point of keeping it on, what if it were on and broke down or your electricity tripped during that time, unless your brother was going in every day it would be a lot of mess to clean up.

How fabulous to be going to Australia for six months.

If you do turn them off do it in time to allow them to defrost before you go. Otherwise you’ll come home to soggy wet floors and mold.

I would empty them and switch them off. Make sure you leave the doors open to avoid smells.