If you need to lay down the refrigerator, make sure it is on its side, not the front or back. If the unit has to be laid down (not upright) for an extended period of time, wait 8 hours before restarting to allow the system to reset.
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 can a refrigerator lay on its back?
If it’s not plugged in you can lay a fridge down indefinitely. It needs to stand up for 30 min to let the oil settle back in the compressor before you turn it on. That’s it.
How long should I wait to plug in my fridge after laying it down?
Once your fridge has been safely moved into the kitchen of your new home and is in the desired position, you should let it stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle.
How long should a Whirlpool refrigerator sit after moving it?
12 to 24 hours: Allow your refrigerator to sit in place for 12 to 24 hours before plugging it in to allow the refrigerator to settle.
What is the best way to transport a refrigerator laying down?
Top-Freezer models: Lay it on the side opposite the hinges so the door will remain closed.
Side-by-Side models: Lay it on the freezer side.
French-Door & Bottom-Freezer models: These must always remain upright, though they can be tilted to get through doorways, etc.
Can you lay a refrigerator on its side for 30 minutes?
No, you should not move or store a refrigerator on its side. When a refrigerator is laid on its side, the oil in the compressor will flow from the compressor tube into the coolant lines.
How far back can you tilt a refrigerator?
45 degrees: Slowly tilt the fridge back, making sure that both the top and bottom of the fridge are evenly positioned on the dolly. Remember, a fridge should not be tipped back more than 45 degrees.
Can you lie a fridge freezer down to transport it?
Good to know: Do NOT transport or lay a fridge or freezer on its back. This will likely damage the parts even if they are not visible.
What happens if you don t wait 24 hours to plug a fridge in?
The level of caution you choose to exercise will be entirely up to you, but be warned that blockages in your system could occur – impacting the cooling capacity of your appliance – if you switch it on too early, so it’s always best to leave it for as long as you possibly can up the 24 hour mark.
How long should fridge be off before moving?
It is recommended that your refrigerator be turned off for about 24 hours before moving it. Allow your fridge time to defrost so that you may clean its interior to prevent mildew and mold growth during the move.
The refrigerator can be transported in either the upright or prone position.
Why do you have to wait 24 hours to plug in a fridge?
Fridges and freezers are full of fluid that’s used to cool the compartments. In transit, your appliance gets shaken around, so it’s best to let everything settle before you plug it in.
Is it OK to transport a refrigerator on its side?
It’s best to keep your refrigerator in an upright position for the entire move, no matter what its size. This is because putting a fridge down on its side can cause damage to the refrigerator compressor and keep it from doing its job.
What happens if you don’t let a fridge settle?
It is important to leave your fridge to settle after moving to protect the appliance’s internal parts and to ensure that the fridge continues to work to maximum efficiency. When moving a fridge, the compressor oil can leak into the refrigeration system, causing a blockage if the appliance is turned on too quickly.
What happens if a freezer is laid on its side?
Possible damage to the sealed system could occur. Transport the freezer in an upright position. If it has been necessary to transport the freezer on its side, it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in.
What are the steps to move a refrigerator down?
Tilt the dolly so that the fridge is resting at a 45-degree angle toward the person in the back, then very slowly go up or down the stairs one step at a time, with the person in front serving as a guide and helping distribute some of the weight. Don’t try to lift the dolly—instead, push or pull it carefully and gently.
Can you haul a new refrigerator laying on its side?
Though not preferable, you can move your refrigerator laying on its side. Remember, your fridge needs to stand still for hours after the move. If transported on its side, this wait time goes up to twice the time that the appliance has laid on its side.
How long can a small refrigerator lay on its side?
You can safely lay a refrigerator on its side without causing long-term damage if you leave it upright for at least 4 hours (maximum of 24 hours) before turning it on. We’ll go over what happens when you turn your refrigerator on its side in this post, as well as what to do before turning it on.
Left to right, the refrigerator should be perfectly level. Front to back, the angle should be minimal. Generally, manufacturers recommend the front of the refrigerator to be approximately 0.25 to 0.5 inches (6 to 13 mm) higher than the back.
When moving a freezer can you lay it on its back?
As you move, avoid placing an upright freezer on its side or a chest freezer on its back unless absolutely necessary. If you have to lay it down, do so on its compressor side and for as little time as possible, according to GE Appliances.
What is the safest way to transport a fridge?
Secure the door shut using either tape or rope. You might want to wrap the appliance in bubble wrap, a blanket, or anything to absorb shocks it may suffer during the move. Secure the appliance to the trolley or truck it’s going travel in with heavy-duty ropes. Refrigerators travel best standing up.
How do you transport a refrigerator without a truck?
Use an Appliance Dolly with Cargo Straps: Tilt your fridge on its side rather than front-to-back, then carefully slide the dolly underneath the fridge. Once the fridge is placed onto the dolly, use moving straps and automatic tighteners to wrap the entire length of the appliance and secure the doors.
Can you transport a fridge in a car?
The fridge should be held from both sides. It would be helpful to use a hand trolley. After placing the refrigerator in the car, fasten it with special belts to prevent any movement during transportation. A hand trolley would be helpful during fridge transportation.
How long does it take for a refrigerator to get cold once you plug it in?
It takes about an average of 12 – 24 hours for a refrigerator to cool and reach the recommended food safety temperature storage guidelines of 40F degrees.
Can you move a fridge short distance?
If you want to move the fridge a short distance in the same room, to clean behind it or reorganize the kitchen, remove the items anyway, and place them on the counters. It’ll make it safer to move and you won’t risk tipping over the fridge. Use moving rollers, and place them under the feet of the fridge to do this.
How long after moving a fridge can it be turned on?
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.
How long after transporting a fridge?
If you transported your refrigerator horizontally, you should wait at least twelve hours before using it again. For older refrigerators, 24 hours is recommended. When the transport is upright, 2 hours of rest is sufficient.
Why side walls of the freezer are very hot?
Your freezer’s compressor moves refrigerant through the appliance, generating heat as it runs. This heat dissipates to the sides of the freezer, helping prevent moisture from forming on the outside of the appliance. As a result, the exterior walls may sometimes feel hot to the touch.
