Let’s take a look at what happens if you lay your fridge down on its side:
- The weight of the fridge will pull the top of the fridge downwards. ...
- Once the top of the fridge is on the ground, all the weight of the fridge is now on top of whatever is under the fridge.
- If there’s anything flammable or else able to catch fire underneath your refrigerator, this could cause a serious fire.
Can you transport a refrigerator laying down?
You can transport all refrigerators lying down except the monogram refrigerators. A monogram refrigerator provides innovative options such as climate control drawers and convertible freezer doors. Their design and structure can’t handle the weight of lying down during transportation. Avoid applying on the rear and front sides.
Can refrigerator be transported laying down?
Can you transport a refrigerator laying down? The answer is yes, you can except for the monogram refrigerators that should always remain upright. For the others, if you plan on transporting your fridge in a moving truck, van, or other means, you can carry them that way but ensure the doors are properly closed.
Can a freezer be transported lying down?
You should always transport a fridge or freezer upright to avoid disturbing the refrigerant in the cooling system, if you have no choice you can lay a fridge or freezer down but before turning it on it should be sat correctly upright for 24 hours.
Is it safe to lay a refrigerator down?
Yes, you can lay your refrigerator down. But remember that this won’t protect the contents of your fridge from damage. It will only make your refrigerator less prone to breakage. This is because when the refrigerator is lying down, its gravity pulls down the bottom part of the refrigerator which makes it easier to topple over.
Is it OK to transport a refrigerator laying down?
The answer is no. A refrigerator should never be transported on its back; the weight of the fridge can damage internal parts, and the internal fluids such as the oil inside the motor; or the refrigerant may shift and settle in undesirable places in the machine's system.
How long do you wait to plug in a refrigerator after laying it down?
When you plan to restart the refrigerator after moving it, wait at least twelve hours before plugging in to ensure that any lubricant or coolant is settled into place and isn't going to gush out or damage the function of your refrigerator when plugged back in.
How do you fix a refrigerator that was laying down?
If your refrigerator was on its side for more than 24 hours, let it stand upright for 24 hours before plugging it in. Allowing the fridge to stand in its normal position before plugging it in will give the oil time to flow back into the compressor where it belongs.
What happens if you lay a refrigerator down flat?
Besides this, placing a refrigerator flat on its back is a major no-no: the weight of the fridge can damage its internal parts, even if they're not exposed. Some manufacturers warn not to move any of their refrigerators, or certain models, on their side under any circumstances.
How long should a refrigerator sit after moving?
Once your fridge has been safely moved into the kitchen of your new home, it needs some time to settle before you can start using it. You should let it stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle. You can plug your appliance in once 4 hours have passed.
Which side do you lay a fridge down?
"If you're lying a fridge on its side, put it with the hinge side at the top, as gravity will make it spring open the other way. "If your unit's got an external heat exchanger on the back, then on its side might be best. But provided the back is flat and clear, then lying it on its back is probably safest."
Can you lay a refrigerator on its side for 30 minutes?
You're not supposed to move a refrigerator on its side. If you do, you can ruin the internal mechanisms and potentially break the refrigerator. When a refrigerator is laid on its side, the oil in the compressor will flow from the compressor tube into the coolant lines.
Why do you have to wait 24 hours to plug in a fridge?
Its because the compressor lubrication oil could get into the cylinder of the compressor and if not given plenty of time to drain back into the oil sump at the bottom of the compressor, could cause major compressor valve damage on start up. 2 or more hours is a good rule to observe.
What happens if you plug a fridge in too soon?
Its because the compressor lubrication oil could get into the cylinder of the compressor and if not given plenty of time to drain back into the oil sump at the bottom of the compressor, could cause major compressor valve damage on start up. 2 or more hours is a good rule to observe.
Do you have to leave a fridge for 24 hours?
Generally, if you're going to be 100 percent sure that the oil has settled back down into the compressor, you should leave it for 24 hours. However, when having it delivered, the company you bought the appliance from may recommend leaving it only for eight hours before turning it on.
How long can a refrigerator lay on its back?
Do not lie your refrigerator on its back for any length of time. The most fragile components, such as the compressor, are at the back, and putting...
What happens if you don't let a fridge settle?
Do not lie your refrigerator on its back for any length of time. The most fragile components, such as the compressor, are at the back, and putting...
How do you transport a refrigerator in a pickup truck?
Load the refrigerator upright using a dolly and place it upright against the cab wall. Use ratchet straps to anchor it securely and ensure it canno...
How to lay down a fridge?
Depending on how the compressor lines are situated, one side may be preferable to the other. The best way is so that the compressor tube is standing upright so that the compressor lines are going up. Consult your manual or ask your manufacturer if you are unsure.
Why is it dangerous to put a refrigerator on its back?
A refrigerator laying on its back is at the greatest risk of damage because this area houses the most fragile parts. Move a refrigerator immediately if it is ever on its back – being on its side is almost always preferable.
How to move a refrigerator when driving?
Load the refrigerator upright using a dolly and place it upright against the cab wall. Use ratchet straps to anchor it securely and ensure it cannot move when driving. Do not lie the refrigerator down because this can damage it.
What to do if your fridge doesn't have written instructions?
If your manufacturer does not provide specific written instructions and you are unsure, we suggest you either contact them or keep the fridge upright (better safe than sorry).
Why do refrigerators need oil?
The oil in these compressors act as a lubricant, and are critical to ensure they work correctly right. If the compressor is turned on without enough oil inside it can seize up – just like a car engine that hasn’t had its oil topped up.
How to keep oil from moving out of compressor?
If you can’t keep it stood upright, at least try to lie it so that the top end is higher than the bottom. This will prevent oil moving out of the compressor.
Do refrigerators break when they are upright?
Refrigerators are designed to transported standing upright. This means they are built to withstand any bumps that may occur during transportation while upright – but turning them on their side makes these bumps affect them on a different axis where they may not be as strong. Basically, they’re more likely to break!
What happens when you lay down a refrigerator?
When you lay down a refrigerator, the oil in the compressor flows out and gets into the cooling lines. The oil in the compressor is meant to stay in the compressor. If the oil drains the cooling lines, the fridge will stop cooling and the compressor will malfunction. There is also the risk of damaging the crucial internal parts such as ...
Why Can’t You Lay a Refrigerator Down?
When you lay down a refrigerator, the oil in the compressor flows out and gets into the cooling lines. The oil in the compressor is meant to stay in the compressor. If the oil drains the cooling lines, the fridge will stop cooling and the compressor will malfunction. There is also the risk of damaging the crucial internal parts such as the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator. Therefore, try not to lay a refrigerator down.
How to move a refrigerator?
Tips for Moving a Refrigerator 1 Switch off and disconnect your refrigerator the night before moving. 2 Secure the cable to avoid tripping or damaging the unit in transit. 3 Empty the fridge so that your fridge will be lighter — making it easier and safer to move. 4 Defrost the freezer and wipe away all the leftover water. 5 Perform a deep clean to avoid the growth of bacteria and mold in hot temperatures. 6 Take the shelves out and secure loose items, such as the grille, storage pans, ice trays, ice storage buckets, etc. 7 Put some activated charcoal or a box of baking soda inside to absorb odors if your refrigerator will be closed for a day or more. 8 Fasten the fridge and freezer doors by using moving straps or bungee cords. 9 Wrap the fridge in a blanket to avoid dings and dents to the outer surface and damage to the working parts at the back. 10 After reaching your destination, let the fridge settle for at least 24 hours to prevent any damage during reinstallation.
How to prevent oil leakage in refrigerator?
However, there is a way to minimize oil leakage. Lay the fridge down on the side opposite from where the compressor lines run out of the compressor. For example, if the compressor line exits the compressor on the right side, lay the refrigerator on its left side. Oil may still flow out of the compressor, but placing it that way might save it ...
How to protect refrigerator from dents?
Wrap the fridge in a blanket to avoid dings and dents to the outer surface and damage to the working parts at the back.
Can you transport a refrigerator laying down?
We discourage you to transport a refrigerator laying down due to the compressor oil concerns and the risk of damaging the internal parts. All the manufacturers strongly recommend transporting a refrigerator in an upright position. Fridges are not designed to be laid down. Standing upright is their default position.
Is a refrigerator a delicate appliance?
It is also the heaviest. That’s why we need to take special care when moving it from one place to another. Refrigerators may seem robust, but they are actually delicate.
What happens when you lay a refrigerator on its side?
When a refrigerator is horizontal, the oil from the compressor will start to move out and into the coolant lines, clogging them. If you absolutely cannot avoid moving a fridge lying down, then it’s possible to try and minimize oil leakage by placing the refrigerator on a side ...
How to protect refrigerator doors from damage?
Take out the drawers and shelves, and tape the doors shut. This will protect the shelving itself as well as the refrigerator’s interior, as well as the doors, whose hinges or corners can be damaged if it opens in transit.
Can a Liebherr fridge be moved sideways?
Liebherr, for example, says that its compressor brackets are designed to absorb vibrations from the compressor when the fridge is running in an upright position – moving it sideways can put lateral strain on it that it’s not designed to absorb. The GE website lists which models are suited to be moved on their side if necessary ...
Can you move a fridge when you lay it down?
One question we’re frequently asked is whether moving a fridge lying down can cause problems when you try to turn it back on. Our answer is that moving a fridge takes a lot longer if you’re lying down! Jokes aside, it can, in fact, be problematic to transport a refrigerator on its side for a number of reasons.
Do refrigerator doors have a vacuum seal?
This also brings us to the next point – the refrigerator doors. Though refrigerator doors are built with a slight vacuum seal, this is far from enough to keep the doors closed during moving. While it may seem easy enough to prevent this by laying the fridge on its back, it’s also important to remember to account for the direction that the compressor line faces.
Does Puls repair appliances?
If you’ve got an appliance in need of fixing, Puls has got you covered. We offer a full array of electric appliance repairs nationwide. We fix washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, and more, and, with our easy online booking, you can schedule a time slot in just moments. And with our 90-day guarantee on parts and labor, you can be sure the job is done right.
Can you put a refrigerator flat on its back?
Besides this, placing a refrigerator flat on its back is a major no-no: the weight of the fridge can damage its internal parts, even if they’re not exposed.
How to secure a refrigerator when laying down?
To minimize the risks, secure the refrigerator's doors with tape, twine, rope, or ratchet straps so they do not open when you are laying down the unit. Wrapping the fridge with a blanket or drop cloth before securing it can help reduce the risk of damaging the appliance's finish during transport. Advertisement.
Why do refrigerator doors open when you transport them?
Doors that are not secured will open when the refrigerator is laid on its side. It helps if you lay the refrigerator down with the hinged side on top, so gravity aids in keeping the door s closed, but you still risk the chance that the doors will open during transport. This could potentially damage the hinges, doors or door handles, as well as any other objects you might be transporting at the time.
How long should a refrigerator sit upright before plugging in?
For example, if the unit was on its side for four hours, it must sit upright for at least four hours before you plug it into the wall outlet.
What happens if you don't remove the shelves from a picnic cooler?
If you don't remove the shelving, there is a chance that the shelves will shift inside the unit and could break or damage the door or sides of the refrigerator. You should remove the shelves and any crisper drawers that could slide out or move when you lay ...
Where does the oil flow in a refrigerator?
Compressor Oil Concerns. When you lay a refrigerator on its side, the oil in the compressor will flow from the compressor tube into the coolant lines. If you must lay the unit on its side, lay it down on the side opposite from where the compressor lines run out of the compressor.
What to do before transporting a refrigerator?
Clean Out the Interior. Before you transport the refrigerator, you must clean out the freezer and food compartments. Not only will the food spill or potentially spoil, it represents extra weight. That makes the fridge harder to move, and increases the risk of damaging an expensive appliance.
Can a refrigerator be moved on its side?
There are also some models which, because of their design, simply cannot be safely moved on their side. If your refrigerator happens to be one of those models, you'll need to make alternate arrangements and move it in an upright position. Advertisement. references & resources.
What to do after laying a refrigerator on its side?
Here are the steps to take before turning your refrigerator on after its been laid on it’s side. Take off the box and set it up in its final position.
How long can you leave a refrigerator on its side?
You can safely lay a refrigerator on its side without any long-lasting ill effects, provided that you’ll let your fridge rest upright for at least 4 hours (24 hours at most) before turning it on.
How does a refrigerator work?
How a refrigerator works. Refrigerators work by continuously evaporating and condensing a refrigerant gas to produce a cooling effect inside the compartment. They do this with help of a compressor that pumps the refrigerant gas to the refrigerator’s coils.
How do you know if a compressor is bad?
Moreover, the compressor is supported by brackets that hold it in an upright position. If laid on its side, the brackets may give way, or the compressor’s internal parts may get dislodged. You’ll know something went wrong if loud banging and shuddering sounds are coming from the compressor after you turned it on.
Why won't my refrigerator cool?
Since the oil is thick and viscous, it can easily clog up the coils. This prevents the refrigerant gas from flowing through them and thus your refrigerator won’t cool. If the compressor runs with an improper amount of lubricating oil, it can get damaged and overheat.
How long does it take for oil to settle in a refrigerator?
Take off the box and set it up in its final position. Let it rest upright and unplugged for at least 4 hours (24 at most) to let the oil settle back into the compressor. Run it at the max temperature setting for at least 2 hours while it’s empty. Done! You can now put food into the refrigerator!
When will refrigerators be upright?
April 9, 2021. December 4, 2020 by 101 Appliance. Refrigerators are typically transported upright, but due to certain circumstances, there may be no other choice but to lay a refrigerator on its side during transport.
