Moving a refrigerator is a common task when relocating homes, but it’s crucial to do it correctly to avoid damaging this essential appliance. One frequent question that arises is: How Long Can You Transport A Refrigerator On Its Side? Understanding the answer is vital for ensuring your refrigerator arrives at its new destination in perfect working order. This guide provides expert insights and step-by-step instructions to help you transport your refrigerator safely and efficiently.
Preparing Your Refrigerator for Transport
Before you even think about tilting your refrigerator, proper preparation is key. Rushing this stage can lead to damage during transit, regardless of how long it’s on its side.
Defrosting and Disconnecting
Begin by turning off and defrosting your refrigerator at least a couple of hours before moving. This allows the evaporator coils to defrost properly. Once defrosted, disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.
Cleaning and Securing
Remove all food items from both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Clean the interior thoroughly to prevent odors and mildew, especially if the refrigerator will be in transit for an extended period. Consider placing an odor absorber like activated charcoal or baking soda inside for longer moves.
Secure all loose components. Remove shelves, drawers, ice trays, and any other removable parts. Wrap them individually in packing material or blankets and tape them securely. For parts that cannot be removed, like the grille, use tape to hold them in place and prevent them from shifting and causing damage during transportation.
Protecting the Exterior
Protect the exterior surfaces of your refrigerator by wrapping it in moving blankets or protective padding. This will safeguard against scratches and dents during handling and transport.
Safe Transporting Methods: Upright vs. On Its Side
The ideal way to transport a refrigerator is always in an upright position. This minimizes the risk of damage to the sealed system and prevents oil from flowing into the refrigerant lines, which can cause compressor failure.
The Ideal: Upright Transport
Whenever possible, transport your refrigerator standing upright. This is the manufacturer’s recommended method and the safest for the appliance’s internal components. Use moving straps and secure the refrigerator against the walls of the moving truck to prevent it from tipping over during transit.
When Laying it Down is Necessary: Time Considerations
Sometimes, due to vehicle limitations or tight spaces, laying a refrigerator on its side becomes unavoidable. If you must transport your refrigerator on its side, the duration it spends in this position is crucial. While there isn’t a strict “time limit,” minimizing the time spent on its side is always best practice.
Here’s how to handle different types of refrigerators if side transport is necessary:
Top-Freezer Models
Lay top-freezer refrigerators on their side opposite the door hinges. This helps ensure the door remains closed during transport, preventing it from swinging open and causing damage.
Side-by-Side Models
For side-by-side refrigerators, lay them on the freezer side. Similar to top-freezer models, the freezer door is generally sturdier and less likely to open unexpectedly. However, built-in side-by-side models should always be transported upright.
French-Door & Bottom-Freezer Models
French-door and bottom-freezer refrigerators are designed to be transported upright. These models should ideally remain upright at all times. While tilting them slightly to navigate doorways is acceptable, prolonged transport on their side is not recommended.
Compact Models
Compact refrigerators should also be transported upright whenever possible. Their drainage systems are designed for upright operation, and laying them on their side can cause drain water to flow back into the appliance, potentially causing damage, unless they are brand new and unused. If side transport is absolutely necessary for a compact model, ensure it has been turned off and allowed to drain for at least 24 hours beforehand.
Built-In Models
Built-in refrigerators, including column models, must be transported upright in a vehicle. They can be tilted briefly when using a dolly to move them into a home, but only as described in their installation instructions.
After Transport: The Waiting Game
Once your refrigerator is moved to its new location, the process isn’t quite over. If you transported your refrigerator on its side, the waiting time before plugging it back in is critical. This waiting period allows the oil in the compressor to settle back into its proper place.
Why Upright Time Matters
When a refrigerator is laid on its side, the compressor oil can flow into the refrigerant lines. If you plug in the refrigerator immediately after moving it, this oil can clog the system and cause serious damage to the compressor, leading to costly repairs or even appliance failure. Allowing the refrigerator to stand upright gives the oil time to drain back into the compressor.
How Long to Wait
The general rule of thumb is to let your refrigerator stand upright for at least as long as it was on its side during transport. If your refrigerator was on its side for more than 24 hours, it’s best to leave it standing upright for a full 24 hours before plugging it in. For shorter periods on its side, a minimum of a few hours of upright standing time is recommended. Even if it was only briefly tilted for maneuvering, a short stand time of a few minutes is beneficial.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Move
Measure Your Space
Before moving day, measure the doorways and entryways in both your old and new homes. Ensure that your refrigerator will fit through all passages, including hallways and around corners. This simple step can prevent a lot of frustration and potential damage.
Consider Professional Help or New Models
If you’re uncomfortable moving your refrigerator yourself, consider hiring professional movers. They have the experience and equipment to transport appliances safely. Alternatively, if your current refrigerator is old, moving might be a good opportunity to invest in a new, energy-efficient model. Many appliance retailers offer delivery and installation services, eliminating the hassle of moving the old one yourself.
Conclusion
While transporting a refrigerator on its side should be avoided if possible, understanding how long you can transport a refrigerator on its side and, more importantly, the necessary upright waiting time afterward, is crucial for a successful move. By following these guidelines and taking the proper precautions, you can ensure your refrigerator arrives safely and continues to function reliably in your new home. For further assistance or appliance support, always consult your refrigerator’s manual or contact a qualified appliance service professional.
