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.
If your refrigerator is unlevel, it may cause fluctuations in temperature that could spoil your food. That’s why leveling is one of the most important steps when installing a refrigerator. If your doors aren’t closing properly, or if the door switch isn’t actuating, then the culprit could be your unlevel refrigerator.
Is it okay for a fridge to sit at a slight slant?
Regardless of how “natural” it feels, though, you must avoid the temptation of tilting your refrigerator, because even small shifts may damage it.
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.
This slight backward tilt helps the doors shut easily, supports ice production, and prevents water from leaking into the fridge from the evaporator.
Can tilting a fridge damage it?
It might seem that laying it down is the safer option to prevent damage. However, putting a fridge in a horizontal position can permanently damage its ability to cool. Even just tilting it at an angle for a short period of time runs the risk of introducing unwanted chemicals and oils into your cooling system.
Do modern fridges need to settle?
You should leave your fridge/fridge freezer to settle for at least 4 hours. Once 4 hours have passed, you can plug your appliance in. When doing so, make sure that the thermostat control is set to on. Before placing food into the appliance, allow your fridge some time to cool down to temperatures safe for food storage.
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.
How long should a refrigerator sit upright?
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.
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.
Do I need to leave a gap behind my fridge?
Refrigerators need to breathe. If they are entirely boxed in, then there’s not much room for ventilation. When you measure the space for the refrigerator, and compare it to the size of the refrigerator, leave at least 1 inch of extra room for the back and the top of the refrigerator.
Why do fridges need to settle?
The short answer is to keep your fridge or freezer in proper working order. This is due to an oil which is present in the compressor on your appliance, an oil which, if leaked into the refrigeration system during movement, can cause a blockage once the appliance is turned back on.
Also make sure to level the refrigerator front to back, as the refrigerator is designed to be leveled and square. However, if your doors do not stay open and you would like them to, you can raise the legs slightly in front to slant it backwards slightly.
Can an unlevel fridge cause a leak?
If your fridge is improperly uneven, the coolant won’t be able to flow as it should, leading to condensation and puddles forming underneath your refrigerator. These puddles might not just contain water but coolant as well. If your fridge is leaking coolant, you should consult a professional immediately.
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.
Do compressor fridges need to be level?
Compressor Refrigerators – Most compressor refrigerators can double as freezers because of the powerful compressor motor. Compressor refrigerators work well in uneven terrain, in fact most compressor refrigerators will operate just as well regardless of being flat or on an incline.
Can you lay down a brand new refrigerator?
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.
What is the optimal fridge arrangement?
But here are the basics: The top shelf and door tend to be the warmest “zones”, while the middle and bottom shelves get progressively cooler. So, you should keep condiments in the door, dairy products, eggs and spreads on the upper shelves, meats and milk on the lowest shelf and fruits and vegetables in the crises.
Can you lay a brand new refrigerator?
If you do lay your fridge down to move it, you can lay it on its front or side, but it’s not recommended that you lay it on its back – the weight of the fridge’s body on its working parts could damage them, even if they’re not exposed.
What happens if you don’t wait 24 hours to plug in 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.
Can you move a fridge right after unplugging it?
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.
How long does it take a refrigerator to get cold once plugged in?
After plugging the refrigerator in, wait two to four hours and verify that the unit is cooling before putting food inside. Only add food to the freezer once the freezer temperature is below 0°F (-18°C).
How long can a fridge 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.
How much room do you need on either side of a refrigerator?
Remember to leave 25 mm of free space around the top, back and sides to allow for the heat produced during refrigeration to escape. Be sure to also measure clearance (entryways, doorways etc.) to ensure that when your fridge is delivered it will fit safely into the home, and your old fridge can be safely removed.
Is the front or the back of the fridge colder?
As a general rule of thumb the front door of your fridge is its warmest place. That’s because as you open the door warm air rushes inside. This makes the back of the appliance safer for food fridge storage by definition. The coldest place in a refrigerator, however, is its bottom.
Should a refrigerator be perfectly level?
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.
What happens if you tilt a fridge on its side?
If you place the fridge on its side, the oil can flow into the cooling lines and clog them, which will mean a call for appliance repair at best and a trip to buy a new refrigerator at worst. The damage chance is greater for an older model that may have sludge in the oil that makes it even more likely to clog.
How do you level the back of a refrigerator on an uneven floor?
If your refrigerator rocks or leans, place a level on top of the fridge, place both palms firmly on the front of the fridge (with the door closed), and gently rock the refrigerator into a level position. Have a helper find which corner of the fridge is raised off the ground.
