It’s a common question when moving homes or rearranging kitchens: “Can Fridges Be Transported On Their Side?” While it might seem like the easier option, especially for navigating tight doorways, the short answer is generally no, it’s not recommended. Transporting a refrigerator on its side can lead to a range of potential problems.
Let’s delve into why moving your fridge horizontally can be risky, what precautions to take if you must, and the best practices for ensuring your appliance arrives safely at its new destination.
The Problem with Laying a Fridge Down: Oil Clogging
When a refrigerator operates in its normal, upright position, the compressor oil stays where it should – in the compressor. However, when you lay a fridge on its side, gravity takes over, and this oil can flow out of the compressor and into the refrigerant lines.
This is problematic because the refrigerant lines are designed for coolant, not oil. If oil clogs these lines, it can severely impact the refrigerator’s cooling efficiency and potentially cause permanent damage to the compressor. Think of it like a blocked artery in your body – it restricts flow and can lead to serious complications.
Diagram showing fridge compressor with oil moving when laid sideways, illustrating why transporting fridges on their side is not recommended.
Beyond oil issues, placing a refrigerator flat on its back is also discouraged. The sheer weight of the appliance itself can put undue stress on internal components, even if they are not directly exposed or appear robust. This internal pressure can lead to damage that might not be immediately obvious but can shorten the lifespan of your fridge.
Manufacturer Warnings: Heed the Advice
It’s not just general advice; many refrigerator manufacturers explicitly warn against moving their appliances on their sides. Liebherr, for instance, highlights that their compressor brackets are specifically designed to handle vibrations in an upright position. Sideways transport can exert lateral stress that these brackets aren’t built to withstand, potentially leading to damage.
GE Appliances provides specific guidance, categorizing models that can sometimes be moved on their side and those that must always remain upright. Crucially, refrigerators that should never be transported horizontally include:
- French door refrigerators
- Bottom freezer refrigerators
- Compact refrigerators
- Built-in refrigerators
If you’re uncertain about your specific refrigerator model, always consult your manufacturer’s manual or website for guidance before attempting to move it. This information is usually readily available and can save you from costly mistakes.
Other Potential Damage from Sideways Fridge Moving
Even if you’re meticulously careful about the compressor, other issues can arise when moving a fridge horizontally. Consider the internal components: drawers, doors, and shelves. While you might have emptied the fridge of food (and hopefully avoided a messy milkshake scenario!), these internal parts are still vulnerable.
Refrigerator shelves are often made of glass, which, while sturdy in its intended position, can be surprisingly fragile when subjected to bouncing and shifting during transport. Even when laid flat, these shelves can move and potentially shatter or crack due to impacts.
Then there are the doors. Refrigerator doors are designed with a magnetic seal to keep them closed, but this seal is not intended to withstand the forces of moving. While laying the fridge on its back might seem like it would keep the doors shut, they can still swing open during transit, risking damage to the doors themselves or anything around them.
What to Do If You Must Transport a Fridge on Its Side
Sometimes, despite the risks, moving a fridge on its side is unavoidable due to space constraints or logistical challenges. If you find yourself in this situation, you can take steps to minimize potential damage.
The key is to reduce oil leakage into the coolant lines as much as possible. To do this, position the refrigerator on its side so that the compressor tube is facing upwards. Essentially, if the compressor lines exit from the right side of the compressor, lay the fridge on its left side. This orientation helps keep the oil in the compressor chamber due to gravity.
After transporting your fridge on its side, do not plug it in immediately. It’s crucial to allow the refrigerator to stand upright and unplugged for a period that equals the time it was on its side. For example, if the fridge was horizontal for two hours, let it stand upright for two hours before plugging it in. If it was on its side for an extended period, such as a day or more (like during delivery), give it a full 24 hours to settle before turning it on. This waiting period allows the oil to drain back into the compressor, reducing the risk of damage.
Best Practices: Refrigerator Moving Instructions
While sideways transport should be a last resort, the best approach is always to move your refrigerator upright. Follow these steps for a safer move:
- Defrost and Unplug: Ideally, turn off and unplug your refrigerator overnight before moving. This allows it to defrost and reduces the amount of water that could spill. If time is short, even two hours of defrosting will help. Make sure to find alternative refrigeration for any food you need to keep cold during this time.
- Secure Internal Parts: Remove all drawers and shelves from inside the refrigerator. Wrap them separately in blankets or moving pads to prevent damage. Secure the refrigerator doors shut with tape. This prevents them from swinging open during the move and potentially damaging hinges or corners.
- Odor Control: If your refrigerator will be closed for a day or more during the move, place activated charcoal or an open box of baking soda inside. These absorb odors and keep the fridge smelling fresh while it’s not in use.
Infographic with tips for safely moving a refrigerator, emphasizing upright transport and preparation steps.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with moving your refrigerator and ensure it arrives at its new location in good working order. While transporting a fridge on its side is sometimes unavoidable, understanding the potential problems and taking appropriate precautions is essential for protecting your appliance.
