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.
Don’t leave it laid down longer than you needs to, ideally less than 24 hours. When you get it where it needs to be, leave it turned off, standing upright, for at least 24 hours. Longer if possible. There’s a tiny chance you’ve broken your fridge
Will it harm a refrigerator to lay it down?
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. The compressor is filled with oil that is held in place by gravity.
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.
A loose or torn gasket (or one caked with gunk) doesn’t seal tightly. This wastes energy and causes the fridge to work harder, shortening its lifespan. Make it a habit to clean the gasket with warm water twice a year to remove any residue. Then check the seal for tears and replace it if you find any.
Can you transport a freezer lying down?
If transporting it in an upright position is not possible, lay it down on the compressor side of the unit. Be careful to secure the door to prevent it from opening. Set it upright in its final location and allow the freezer to sit for the same amount of time that it was on its side
What is the best way to transport a fridge?
Empty out the fridge.
Disconnect water lines and wiring.
Defrost the fridge, if necessary.
Remove the doors, if necessary.
Protect the floors, walls, and refrigerator.
Physically move the fridge with a dolly.
Secure it safely in the truck.
Reassemble and reconnect in the new house.
Is it OK to transport a freezer 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 happens if fridge is tilted too far back?
Modern-day refrigerators contain a number of different chemicals, including oil, refrigerant, lubricants, and more. When tilted, these fluids may shift and move around to areas where they shouldn’t be. For instance, the oil inside the compressor may drain and travel into the refrigerant lines.
How long do you wait to plug in a fridge after moving it?
In transit, your appliance gets shaken around, so it’s best to let everything settle before you plug it in. If it was transported upright, give it at least an hour before you plug it in. If it was transported on its side, turn it the right way up and leave it for at least four hours.
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.
How many years should a refrigerator last?
Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you’re having any of the other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you’ll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge that’s already on its way out.
What brand of refrigerator has the least problems?
Top-freezers, as a category, have the highest predicted reliability. Despite these high marks, most top-freezer brands were rated low in terms of owner satisfaction. Within the category, five of the nine brands earned top-notch ratings for predicted reliability: Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool.
Why did older refrigerators last longer?
The appliances of days gone by were built for longevity. They were made using simple parts — and perhaps more importantly — parts that were fixable. In fact, appliances manufactured in the 1970s often last from 30 to 50 years.
What happens if you plug a fridge in too soon?
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 do you transport a flat refrigerator?
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 carry a fridge 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 do you fix a refrigerator that was laying down on its back?
A good rule of thumb is to leave the refrigerator upright and unplugged for the same amount of time that it was lying on its side. If it was on its side for two hours, leave it upright and unplugged for two hours.
How many hours should a refrigerator rest 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.
Why not turn on fridge after moving?
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.
Can you unplug fridge and move it and plug it back in?
The compressor will not start if you unplug and re-plug your refrigerator immediately. A build-up of pressure usually causes this. Since it is at the core of the refrigeration cycle, the compressor is critical. Plugging and unplugging the refrigerator right away can damage the compressor.
How important is fridge clearance?
Fridges need some breathing space around them to let heat dissipate. If you don’t allow enough space, the fridge will have to work harder to stay cool, which could shorten its lifespan and will definitely cost you more in electricity bills.
How much clearance does a refrigerator need for ventilation?
Leave space around the refrigerator to vent. Without proper ventilation, you can damage the fridge and cause it to consume more energy. You’ll need at least a quarter-inch gap for ventilation on the sides of the refrigerator as well as one inch on the back and top.
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.
What is the longest refrigerator lifespan?
Estimates range in terms of how long fridges last; some sources say 10 years while others say as long as 25 years. According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it’s likely time to replace it.
Is it worth fixing a 10 year old refrigerator?
But, as a good rule of thumb, if you have multiple faulty parts or if your refrigerator is over ten years old, it is probably time to replace it. Consumer Reports recommends replacing your refrigerator if the cost to repair it is more than half the price of buying a new one.
