Leave a kegerator running when not in use?

Published On: Monday, March 16, 2009

The Kegerator Guy

The Kegerator Guy, Christian Lavender, is a kegerator expert and answers readers' questions about kegerators and draft beer issues. Ask a question Expert Corner Archives

Dear Kegerator Guy,
I love draft beer from my kegerator, but I usually do not buy a keg except for parties or gatherings when I know that there will be enough people to really help me drink it. So, is it bad to leave a kegerator running if you are not using it? -- Shawn in Boston

Dear Shawn,
If you have a keg of beer in the kegerator, you should definitely leave it on.  If you have no beer in the kegerator, why not save energy and turn it off?  You must take some precautions, though.  Be sure to clean and sanitize your beer lines before turning the kegerator off, and make sure that it is cleaned inside and out, clean and sanitize your spill tray, and try to avoid any excess moisture on the inside of the kegerator – this can lead to mildew and mold, which would be terrible if they got in your beer or gas lines.

After you clean the lines and interior just prop open the door of the kegerator for a few days to help any remaining moisture evaporate. When you are ready to fire it back up, just remember that it takes a few hours to get back down to optimal beer dispensing temperatures.

See related: Cleaning Your Kegerator, Maintaining Beer Lines With A Beer Cleaner

Christian Lavender is the CKO (Chief Kegerator Officer) for Kegerators.com in Austin, TX. Kegerators.com has been an online destination for draft beer related information since 1998.

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