Moving to a new apartment or simply changing location kitchen appliances is always stressful not only for the owners, but also for the equipment itself. The question arises especially acutely when large items have to be transported in a horizontal position due to the dimensions of doorways or staircases. In such a situation, it is critical not only to pack the equipment correctly, but also to observe a strict time schedule before putting it into operation for the first time in a new place. refrigeration unit have to be transported in a horizontal position due to the size of doorways or staircases. In such a situation, it is critical not only to pack the equipment correctly, but also to adhere to a strict time schedule before putting it into operation for the first time in a new location.
The main reason why you should not rush to plug it in lies in the device compressor. During operation and even at rest, some of the lubricating oil inevitably enters the refrigerant circuit. When transported on its side or, even worse, upside down, oil flows under the influence of gravity into the system tubes, filling the capillaries and heat exchangers. If you start the motor right away, it will work without proper lubrication, which will lead to rapid wear or instant jamming.
The time that needs to be waited directly depends on the ambient temperature and the duration of the equipment being in a horizontal position. Ignoring these rules often leads to expensive repairs that will not be covered by the warranty, since violation of transportation conditions is a classic case operation violations. Let's look in detail at how many hours you need to wait and what this period depends on.
Physics of the process: why oil escapes into the system
To understand the need for a pause, you need to imagine the internal structure motor-compressor. This is a sealed unit in which the piston group moves in an oil bath. Even in a vertical position, a small amount of oil can migrate into the circuit, but at an inclination of more than 40 degrees, this process becomes uncontrollable. The liquid flows into the low points of the system, including the evaporator condenser.
When you install the refrigerator vertically, the oil does not return to the crankcase instantly. It has a high viscosity and must flow back under the influence of its own gravity. This process takes time, which varies depending on the design of the particular compressor and the type of refrigerant used. An attempt to start the engine with an empty crankcase will result in dry operation.
⚠️ Attention: Operating the compressor without oil causes critical overheating of the rubbing parts and jamming of the piston group in the first minutes of operation. Such a unit usually cannot be restored.
In addition, the system contains refrigerant (freon). If there is a sudden change in position and temperature (for example, if you bring a cold refrigerator from a winter street into a warm one), condensation may form inside the circuit. It also needs time to evaporate before electric current flows through the system.
Dependence of standing time on air temperature
The temperature in the room where you delivered the equipment is a key factor determining the duration of the “rest” of the refrigerator. The viscosity of compressor oil greatly depends on the degree of heating. The colder the room, the thicker the oil and the longer it takes to flow back into the compressor tank.
If transportation took place in the warm season or the room is well heated, the spreading process goes faster. However, even in summer you cannot turn on the device immediately after installing it vertically. A minimum safety threshold always exists, no matter how warm it is around.
In winter, the situation becomes more complicated. If the refrigerator was in an unheated car, the oil in it could thicken to the state of paraffin. In this case, you need to not only let the equipment stand, but also warm it up to room temperature. A sudden start of a cold unit is fraught with thermal shock for metal and plastic.
There is a direct correlation: the lower the ambient temperature at the start of settling, the more time needs to be allowed for stabilization. You shouldn’t rely on “maybe” and turn on the device in an hour if the weather outside is sub-zero.
Exact dates: table of settling times
For ease of perception of information and to eliminate errors when planning the turn-on time, we have systematized the data in a table. These terms are relevant for most modern brand models Indesit, Atlant, Bosch and other popular brands.
| Transportation conditions | Environment temperature | Minimum settling time | Recommended time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical (trolley) | Above +15°C | 2-3 hours | 4 hours |
| Lying on your side (up to 15 minutes) | Above +15°C | 4 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Lying on your side (for a long time) | Above +15°C | 8 hours | 12-24 hours |
| Any position (winter) | Below +5°C | 12 hours | 24 hours + warming up |
Please note that the time specified in the “Recommended” column is optimal for extending the service life of equipment. The minimum values are a critical threshold, below which it is strictly not recommended to go below even in emergency situations.
If you do not know exactly how long the refrigerator lay on its side, or were not present during loading, always select the maximum value from the table. It is better to lose a day of time than to send the unit to a service center.
Rules for transportation and installation to a new location
To minimize risks and reduce waiting time, it is important to properly organize the moving process itself. Even if you plan to let your refrigerator sit for a day, proper preparation will reduce stress on the equipment. Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to defrost the chamber and unplug the device at least 24 hours before transportation.
When laying on its side, it is important to observe the orientation. There is often a marking or diagram on the back of the compressor indicating which side a particular model can be placed on. Usually this is the side opposite to the outlet of the tubes from the compressor, so that the oil does not leak directly into the circuit.
☑️ Preparation for transportation
After delivery and installation of the refrigerator in a vertical position, do not rush load products. Empty chambers will gain temperature faster, and you will be able to monitor the operation of the unit in idle mode. This will allow you to notice extraneous noise or vibrations before there are supplies in the chamber.
Step-by-step instructions for the first start
The process of turning on the refrigerator after a long period of inactivity and transportation must follow a strict algorithm. Violation of the sequence of actions can negate all efforts for proper transportation.
- Install the refrigerator on a flat surface and remove the transport bolts (if they are on the compressor, although this is rare in household models, most often only the doors are fixed).
- Wait the time indicated in the table above, corresponding to your conditions.
- Plug in the appliance, but do not set the minimum temperature yet.
- Let the refrigerator run empty for 2-3 hours.
- If during this time there are no extraneous sounds and the walls of the chamber begin to cool, you can load the products.
It is important to check the density the fit of the door seals after transportation. When shaking, the clamps could become loose and the cold would escape, forcing the compressor to work without interruption. To check, use a sheet of paper: clamp it with the door and try to pull it out - it should be pulled out with force along the entire length of the perimeter.
What to do if the refrigerator makes a noise after turning it on?
If after turning on you hear loud gurgling, humming or knocking, immediately unplug the device. This may mean that the oil has not yet returned to the compressor, or that air has entered the system. Let the equipment stand for another 10-12 hours. If the noise repeats, call a technician.
The first cycles of work may be accompanied by more noisy operation than usual. This is normal, since the system needs time to reach the operating mode of circulating refrigerant and oil. However, vibration of the case is an alarming sign.
Typical errors during transportation
Despite the availability of information, users often make fatal mistakes when trying to save time or effort. The most common of them is ignoring the locking of the doors. A door open while moving can deform the hinges or damage the seal.
Another mistake is transportation in the back of a truck without shock absorption. The impact of the wheels on uneven roads is transmitted to the compressor. Even if the refrigerator is standing upright, strong shaking can lead to breakage of internal tubes or deformation of the motor mount.
⚠️ Attention: Never use carts for transportation, resting them on the bottom of the refrigerator. The support should only be on the bottom of the housing, otherwise you can damage the condenser grille or tear off the compressor.
It is also a mistake to try to speed up the heating process using heaters or hair dryers. Sudden temperature changes can lead to cracking of the plastic of the inner chamber or damage to the varnish coating. Heating should occur only naturally in room conditions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to carry a refrigerator lying down if there is no other way out?
Yes, you can, but only on the special side specified in the instructions. Be sure to firmly fix the compressor (if there is such a structural possibility) or simply fasten the housing itself very securely to prevent vibration. The settling time in this case should be maximum - at least 12-24 hours.
What will happen if you turn on the refrigerator ahead of time?
In the best case, nothing will happen, and the oil simply will not have time to drain completely, but the compressor will start. In the worst case, a water hammer will occur (if liquid refrigerant or oil enters the cylinder under pressure) or the piston group will jam due to oil starvation. Repair in this case is often not economically feasible.
Do you need to remove the shelves during transportation?
It is better to remove the glass shelves and transport them separately, wrapped in a soft cloth, as they can crack from vibration. Plastic drawers and shelves can be left, but they must be secured with tape or spacers so that they do not hit the walls of the chamber.
How to understand that everything is in order with the compressor after turning it on?
The indicator of serviceability is the cyclical operation: the refrigerator should gain temperature, turn off and turn on again after a while. If the motor hums continuously for hours and does not turn off, or turns on and immediately clicks and stalls, these are signs of a malfunction.
Compliance with all the listed rules guarantees that your refrigerator will last the entire period stated by the manufacturer. Remember that the technical passport and warranty are valid only subject to proper operation and transportation, about which there is always a corresponding clause in the documentation.
⚠️ Attention: Characteristics and transportation requirements may vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture. Always check the official user manual (manual) attached to your device, as the design of compressors of different generations may have nuances.