It seems like a good idea to plug in the fridge, keep it at a temp that doesn't cause it to have to work too hard and use a lot of power un-necessarily. I'd put a large box of baking soda in there as well, just to help keep any odors at bay. Without food in there, probably not a big deal, but might be a good idea.
Might also want to get a hold of the manufacturer and see what they recommend for your situation.

Dean

There is nothing (that I can think of) to be gained by plugging either appliance in. If the garage is Houston-hot over the summer, the only thing you will do by plugging it in will be to ADD to the heat in the garage. Also, to plug it in you will need to remove packing material, which could come in handy when it is time to move the fridge into place. You will waste power all summer, for what? Unless you actually want to use the appliance to keep food cold, I would save power and protect your investments by leaving them packaged as well as you can. I also agree with weedmeister that you should be sure to keep them in a position such that little ones can't climb inside. If you keep them boxed, that ought to cover that concern.

In any case, you have a warranty that doesn't begin until the fridge gets installed. Why unnecessarily advance that date for no benefit to you or your family.

Be sure to store the fridge upright. Do not lay it on its side. If you have vermin of the rodent pursuasion, they are really the biggest threat as they can and will chew up wires. So keep them away if they're about. Otherwise, cover them up and let them wait until your kitchen is ready for them.

Ditto to all the reasons stated above. I repeat that warehouses are hot.
Do not run the fridge. Another factoid is that they are not designed to be run while empty.

Where do people get the idea that they can help when they know that others with more knowledge of the devices in question will be viewing the thread and commenting soon? funfarm feels it "... seems like a good idea to plug in the fridge, keep it at a temp that doesn't cause it to have to work too hard..." Wow.

Spooky, My apologies for what, apparently, was erroneous advice. I misread your post and thought that the fridge you were storing ahd been "used" as a floor model. My reply was based on a very similar situtaion faced by my Brother and Sister-in-law in Spring, TX. while they were overseas for 6 months. I've learned something from the other follow-up posts here as well.

David,
"WOW" is right... My apologies for giving my opinion on this internet forum. It was honestly based on what I knew from a previous experience and conversation. I have read a number of your posts on various of these forums and respect your input. I will consider waiting until the experts or at least the "pillars" of this forum chime in before I am so bold as to provide my input, lest it be incorrect.

Solidly in my place, Dean

Don't let davidro bother you, Dean. Speak your piece and don't worry about it. Hell, you may be right. This is the Internet we are talking about here. I've been wrong a few times myself. Of course, davidro hasn't, but he's from France!

Mojavean,
Thanks. Believe me - I'm not bothered ;o) .
The main thing is people who most likely have the correct answer have provided their input to Spooky and probably have him/her on the right path. Like I said, I learned something as well.
My condolences to Spooky for the upcoming weather. I work in the oil industry and have been to Houston and the Gulf coast a number of times. While that heat and humidity may not bother the fridge - it certainly isn't well-received by most humans.

Good luck and congrats on the good fridge deal!

Dean

mojavean, your last sentence is not good. As anyone else, i've been wrong and of course that goes without saying, so you are sarcastic in the first part of your sentence. Then, your trying to guess about an origin is off base and irrelevant, and can be seen as an encouragement to out a foreigner or recent immigrant. Now, that in my book needs a WOW. In the context of your post it doesn't look good. Imagine if you had written "but he's __" (insert term here, anything that the nazis used).

p.s. I've seen a lot of new posts from people with strange handles like unavailable, laughable, funfarm, and so on. Since funfarm posted without waiting and said happy go lucky kind of wishful thinking, I believe my comment had a purpose. No harm done, as the participant named funfarm is doing fine.

It's a joke, davidro, a non-sequitur. You were unnecessarily abrupt with a new person trying to help others so I made a little joke at your expense, mostly to lighten the mood after what would normally be an awkward silence. I apologize if I hurt your feelings any more than you hurt Dean's.

Thanks everyone! One small clarification which may or may not change anything...the fridge was plugged in and running in the showroom.

The critters (human and "other") where my main motivation for the wrapping...again everyone here was very helpful. Once everything gets installed, hopefully by Oct or Nov, I will be able to give some feedback on the actual appliance usage...good, bad, or ugly.

Make sure you check all six sides of every box you get before you sign off on delivery. You don't want to get a surprise down the road when you are ready to install and finally get to see the underside of the box (that the forklift might have punctured.)

Don't ask me how I know.