Moving a refrigerator is a common task when relocating homes or replacing an old appliance. A frequent question that arises during this process is: “Can I Lay A Refrigerator On Its Side For Transport?” Understanding the best practices for moving your refrigerator is crucial to prevent damage and ensure it functions correctly in its new location. This guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to safely transport your refrigerator, focusing on whether laying it on its side is advisable and what precautions to take.
Preparing Your Refrigerator for Moving (Before Transport)
Proper preparation is key to a successful refrigerator move. Taking the time to prepare your appliance will minimize the risk of damage during transit.
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Defrost and Turn Off: Begin by turning off your refrigerator. Ideally, do this several hours before you plan to move it. This allows the evaporator to defrost, reducing water spillage during transport.
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Disconnect from Power: Ensure the refrigerator is completely disconnected from the power source. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to eliminate any electrical hazards during the moving process.
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Empty and Clean the Interior: Remove all food items from both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Clean the interior thoroughly using a mild cleaning solution. For longer transit times, consider placing an open box of baking soda or a bag of activated charcoal inside to absorb any lingering odors. This is particularly useful if the refrigerator will be stored for a period before being used again.
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Secure Loose Components: Remove and individually wrap any loose items inside the refrigerator, such as shelves, drawers, ice trays, and storage bins. Use packing tape and bubble wrap or blankets to secure these items. Taping shelves in place can also prevent them from shifting and causing damage to the interior walls or doors.
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Protect the Exterior: Wrap the exterior of your refrigerator with moving blankets or protective padding. Secure the blankets with packing tape to shield the appliance from scratches, dents, and other cosmetic damage during handling and transport. Pay special attention to corners and edges, which are most vulnerable to damage.
Upright vs. Sideways: Understanding Refrigerator Transport
The ideal position for transporting a refrigerator is upright. This is the manufacturer’s recommended method and minimizes the risk of damage to the internal components, particularly the compressor and sealed system.
Why Upright is Preferred: Refrigerators contain compressor oil that lubricates the compressor. When a refrigerator is laid on its side, this oil can flow into the refrigerant lines. If the refrigerator is turned on shortly after being transported on its side, the oil can clog the system, hindering its cooling ability and potentially causing permanent damage to the compressor. Keeping the refrigerator upright allows the oil to remain in the compressor where it belongs.
When Laying Down Might Be Considered (With Caution): Despite the risks, there are situations where laying a refrigerator on its side might seem unavoidable, such as when fitting it into a smaller vehicle or navigating tight spaces. However, it’s crucial to understand that this should be a last resort and handled with extreme care.
If You Must Lay It Down: How To Do It Safely (During Transport)
If laying your refrigerator on its side is unavoidable, follow these guidelines to minimize potential damage:
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Determine the Correct Side: The side you lay the refrigerator on depends on the model:
- Top-Freezer Models: Lay these 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: Position these on the freezer side. Similar to top-freezer models, the freezer door is typically heavier and less likely to open unintentionally during transit.
- French-Door & Bottom-Freezer Models: These models are generally recommended to remain upright. Laying them down is highly discouraged due to their complex design and the increased risk of damage. If tilting is absolutely necessary to navigate doorways, ensure it’s only tilted briefly and as close to upright as possible.
- Compact Models: Like French-door and bottom-freezer models, compact refrigerators should ideally remain upright. Their design makes them susceptible to drain water issues if laid on their side.
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Secure the Refrigerator: Regardless of the orientation, ensure the refrigerator is securely fastened during transport. In a moving van or truck, use straps to tie it down to the walls or secure it amongst other items to prevent shifting or tipping over. If using a dolly, make sure the refrigerator is strapped to the dolly and maneuver it slowly and carefully.
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Proper Handling with Dolly or Hand Truck: When using a dolly or hand truck, always move the refrigerator from the side, not the front or back. Tilting it from the front or rear can put undue stress on the components and increase the risk of damage.
Post-Transport Best Practices (After Transport)
What you do after transporting your refrigerator is just as crucial as the preparation and transportation itself, especially if it has been laid on its side.
The Critical Stand Time: If your refrigerator has been transported on its side for any duration (especially top-freezer or side-by-side models), it is imperative to let it stand upright for at least the same amount of time it was on its side before plugging it back in. Crucially, if it was on its side for more than 24 hours, allow it to stand upright for a full 24 hours before you attempt to turn it on.
Why Stand Time Matters: This stand time allows the compressor oil that may have flowed into the refrigerant lines to drain back into the compressor. Failing to allow this settling period can lead to compressor damage when the refrigerator is powered on. For brief periods of being on its side for servicing, cleaning, or minor adjustments, a few minutes of stand time might suffice, but for transport, err on the side of caution and allow ample time.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Refrigerator Move
Beyond the specifics of upright vs. sideways transport, consider these additional tips for a smoother move:
- Measure Entryways: Before moving day, carefully measure all doorways, hallways, and entry points in both your old and new homes. Ensure your refrigerator will fit through these spaces without needing to be excessively tilted or laid on its side, which might eliminate the need to lay it down at all.
- Consider Professional Movers: If you are uncomfortable moving the refrigerator yourself, or if it is a large or built-in model, consider hiring professional movers. They have the experience, equipment, and insurance to handle appliance moves safely and efficiently.
- Evaluate Older Refrigerators: If your refrigerator is quite old, moving might be a good opportunity to consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model. Many appliance retailers offer delivery and installation services for new refrigerators, which can eliminate the hassle of moving the old one. Explore our latest refrigerator models for energy-efficient options.
Conclusion
While it’s generally not recommended to lay a refrigerator on its side for transport, understanding when and how it can be done safely is important. Prioritize upright transport whenever possible. If you must lay it down, adhere strictly to the guidelines provided, particularly regarding stand time after transport. Proper preparation, careful handling, and post-move attention will help ensure your refrigerator arrives safely and functions correctly in its new home. Remember, when in doubt, always opt for upright transport and prioritize the longevity and performance of your appliance. For further assistance or appliance support, contact us anytime.
