Moving a refrigerator is often a daunting task during relocation or disposal. A common question that arises is, Can I Lay A Fridge Down To Transport it? This article, brought to you by the experts at worldtransport.net, will delve into this very question, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the dos and don’ts of transporting your fridge. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to move your appliance safely and efficiently, minimizing any potential risks.
Understanding the Concerns: Compressor Mounts and More
The primary concern when laying a fridge down revolves around its internal components, particularly the compressor. Inside the compressor housing, the motor is typically suspended on spring mounts designed to handle vertical movement, not lateral stress. The worry is that laying the fridge on its side could potentially damage these mounts during transportation.
While theoretically possible, the reality is that compressor mount damage from laying a fridge down is extremely rare. In our extensive experience handling thousands of refrigerators, we have never encountered a case where the compressor mounts were broken solely due to being transported horizontally. The design of these mounts is more robust than commonly perceived, capable of withstanding the typical jolts and bumps associated with moving.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that “extremely rare” doesn’t mean impossible. A severe impact, such as hitting a significant pothole at speed, could theoretically exert enough force to damage the compressor mounts. If this were to happen, you might experience a noisy compressor or, in a worst-case scenario, compressor failure upon plugging the fridge back in. But again, this is a highly improbable scenario.
My Fridge Isn’t Cooling After Laying It Down: Is It Broken?
A more common issue encountered after moving a fridge horizontally is it not cooling properly. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t immediately assume the worst. While compressor damage is a remote possibility, a more likely culprit is a blocked refrigeration system.
Laying a fridge down can sometimes cause oil from the compressor to flow into the refrigerant lines. When the fridge is turned back on too soon, this oil can obstruct the flow of refrigerant, leading to cooling problems. This is a more frequent issue than physical damage to the compressor itself.
However, it’s also important to consider other potential problems. While less likely to be directly caused by laying the fridge down, issues like a malfunctioning computer (control board) or even a genuinely failed compressor could also be at play. Diagnosing these issues requires expertise and specialized equipment.
Is it worth repairing? This depends on several factors, including the age and value of your fridge, and the cost of repair services in your area. Repairing a blocked refrigeration system or replacing a compressor can be labor-intensive and costly, often ranging from $300 to $600 or even more, depending on location and the complexity of the fridge. For older or less valuable fridges, especially in regions with high labor costs like Australia, it might be more economical to replace the unit rather than repair it. Professionals often find that in such cases, stripping the unit for parts and disposing of the rest is the most practical solution.
Best Practices for Transporting Your Fridge
Despite the low risk of damage, following best practices when transporting your fridge horizontally is always advisable to minimize any potential issues and ensure a smooth move.
Our Method: Laying Them Down!
At worldtransport.net, when we move fridges, we typically lay them down. We find it to be the safer and more practical method for several reasons:
- Ease of Handling: Laying a fridge down makes it significantly easier to maneuver, especially when loading and unloading from vehicles like pickup trucks. With proper technique, it can even be done safely by one person.
- Reduced Risk During Transit: A fridge standing upright in a moving vehicle is inherently less stable. Even with straps, there’s a risk of it becoming a projectile in an accident or tipping over during sharp turns, especially as straps can loosen during transit.
- Door Security: Counterintuitively, fridge doors can be a major hassle when transporting upright. Tape or straps often fail to keep them closed, and doors swinging open during transit can damage shelves and the doors themselves. Laying the fridge down reduces door swing issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to Laying Down Your Fridge for Transport:
- Prepare the Fridge: Empty the fridge completely of all food and removable items like shelves and drawers. Secure doors with tape, but be mindful that tape alone may not be sufficient for long distances or rough roads.
- Protect the Fridge: Place a thick blanket or moving pad on the ground and the loading surface of your vehicle (truck bed, trailer). This will cushion the fridge and prevent scratches.
- Carefully Lay it Down: With assistance if needed, gently tilt the fridge and lay it down on its side onto the blanket. Ideally, lay it on its side, as this is generally considered better than laying it on its back or front. Consult your fridge’s manual if available, as some manufacturers may recommend a specific side. If no manual, the side is typically preferred.
- Secure the Fridge: Center the fridge in your vehicle and use strong straps to tie it down securely. Avoid overtightening straps, which could dent the fridge’s thin metal panels. The goal is to prevent movement, not crush the appliance.
- Transportation: Drive carefully and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns.
After Transport: The Waiting Game
Once you reach your destination and unload your fridge, do not plug it in immediately. This is crucial!
Allow the fridge to stand upright in its final location for at least 2-4 hours, and ideally 24 hours, before plugging it in. This allows any oil that may have entered the refrigerant lines to drain back into the compressor. Waiting patiently significantly reduces the risk of a blocked refrigeration system and ensures your fridge restarts smoothly.
Responsible Fridge Disposal
Finally, if your fridge is beyond repair or you are simply replacing it, please dispose of it responsibly. Refrigerant is harmful to the environment and must be handled correctly.
- Professional Disposal: Look for certified appliance recycling centers or services. In many regions, regulations require refrigerant to be reclaimed by certified technicians.
- Check for Authorizations: In places like Australia, reputable disposal services will hold an Australian Refrigeration Council trading authorization, ensuring they handle refrigerant properly.
- Be Wary of “Free” Disposal: Responsible refrigerant degassing is not free. If a disposal service offers to take your fridge away for free, it’s highly likely they are not handling the refrigerant responsibly. Proper disposal often has a cost associated with it.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently transport your fridge and ensure its continued operation or responsible disposal. Remember, while laying a fridge down for transport is generally safe and often the most practical method, taking precautions and allowing for settling time afterward are key to a successful move.
Imagine of a fridge being laid down on a blanket in the back of a truck
Alt text: Refrigerator being carefully laid down on a protective blanket in the bed of a pickup truck for safe transportation.
Imagine of a person securing a fridge with straps in a truck
Alt text: Securing a refrigerator for transport in a truck bed using heavy-duty straps to ensure it remains stable during transit.
