Moving or even simply rearranging furniture in an apartment often poses challenges owners a complex technical task. Refrigeration equipment belongs to the category of large household appliances that require a special approach when moving. Improper transportation can lead to serious damage to the compressor, loss of system tightness or deformation of the case.
Many users wonder why they can’t just open the door and push the unit to the desired location. The answer lies in the complex internal structure, where refrigerant and compressor oil are under pressure and in strict balance. Any sudden movement or incorrect angle of inclination can upset this balance.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of preparation, methods of transportation and installation rules. You will learn how to minimize risks and maintain the performance of your Liebherr, Indesit or any other brand.
Preparing refrigeration equipment for transportationBefore proceeding with physical movement, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory procedures. Ignoring this step often results in damage to the internal shelves or water leakage when tilted.
The first step should always be defrosting. Even if your model is equipped with a No Frost system, condensation may have accumulated in the drainage system. Complete thawing will take from 4 to 24 hours, depending on the amount of ice.
After defrosting, thoroughly wipe the internal surfaces with a dry rag.
The next stage is fixing the moving elements. Doors, shelves and drawers must be securely fastened so as not to break when shaking.
- 🧊 Defrost the chamber completely and remove the water from the pan.
- 📦 Remove all food, glass bottles and loose containers.
- 🔒 Secure doors using adhesive tape or special shipping tape.
- 🔌 Disconnect the power cable and carefully rewind it.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use regular office tape to secure doors on glossy surfaces. It may leave adhesive residue or damage the finish. Use masking tape or belts.
☑️ Preparing to move
Is it possible to transport the refrigerator lying downOne of the most common questions that arises when ordering movers or renting a Gazelle is whether it is permissible to place the unit on its side. Manufacturers categorically do not recommend a horizontal position, but in practice it is often used.
The main risk is leakage compressor oil into the refrigerant circulation circuit. If oil gets into the evaporator tubes, it can clog the capillary system.
In addition, in a horizontal position, the load on the housing and fastening elements of the compressor increases.
If there is no other way out, and it is impossible to transport while standing, follow strict safety rules. Place the equipment only on a certain side, usually the one from which the compressor tube comes out (check the instructions for Beko or Atlant).
Why does oil get into the system?
When tilted or lying down, oil from the compressor crankcase can flow into the tubes. If you immediately turn on the device, the compressor will run "dry", which will lead to to its rapid wear or jamming of the piston group.
Carrying technology: vertical or inclinedThe ideal moving option is a strictly vertical position, however, doorways and landings often dictate their own conditions. The permissible angle of inclination is usually no more than 40 degrees.
Care must be taken when carrying on stairs. One person holds the unit from below, the second from above, controlling stability.
Sharp jerks and impacts against walls are unacceptable.
Use special belts for carrying weights to distribute the load on your back and arms. This is especially important for models with two doors or French doors. door Side-by-Side.
- 🚶 Use a cart with rubberized wheels to move on a level floor.
- 🤲 Hold the unit by the side walls or bottom, but not by the doors or the condenser at the back.
- ⏸ Stop at landings for rest and inspection fastenings.
Table of acceptable positions during transportationFor quick orientation in the acceptable methods of moving various types of equipment, check out the summary table. It will help you choose a strategy for your specific case.
| Equipment type | Vertical | Tilt up to 40° | Lying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber refrigerator | Recommended | Acceptable | Extremely undesirable |
| Two-chamber (No Frost) | Strictly required | C caution | Prohibited |
| Side-by-Side | Only vertically | Not recommended | Prohibited |
| Built-in refrigerator | As part of furniture | Depends on the cabinet | Prohibited |
⚠️ Attention: For models with inverter compressors, the requirements may be stricter. Always check the manufacturer's technical documentation Samsung or LG before starting. work.
How long should the refrigerator sit after transportation?After the unit is delivered to a new location, there is no rush to turn it on. The internal systems must come into balance, and the oil must drain back into the compressor crankcase.
The settling time directly depends on the position in which the equipment was transported. If you transported the device. strictly vertically, 2-3 hours are enough.
When transporting lying down or with strong leaning, the time increases to 8-12 hours, and in winter - up to a day.
First start and performance checkThe final stage is connecting to the electrical network. Make sure that the outlet is grounded and meets the power parameters. Do not use extension cords and tees, this can lead to overheating of the contacts.
After turning on, listen to the operation of the motor. It should hum smoothly, without knocking or clicking. or whistling.
Check the tightness of the door seals and the absence of vibration of the housing.
It is better to load with products 5-6 hours after start-up, when a stable temperature regime has been established inside.
Common mistakes when moving equipmentExperienced service center technicians identify a number of common mistakes that users make. Avoiding these pitfalls will save your budget and nerves.
Often people try to carry the refrigerator by the top, which leads to the handles being torn off or the top being deformed. panels.
- 🚫 Transportation without fixing the doors (a door opened while moving breaks the hinges).
- 🚫 Ignoring defrosting (water gets on the electronic board).
- 🚫 Transportation along with other heavy things that can crush body.
What to do if the refrigerator stops freezing after moving?
First of all, check whether the settling mode was observed. If you turned on the device immediately after shaking, the oil could block the system. If the problem is not solved, the capillary may have clogged or a freon leak may have occurred due to mechanical damage due to an impact. A call from a technician is required.
Is it possible to move a refrigerator outside in winter?
Short-term exposure to frost is acceptable, but you cannot turn on the device right away. A sudden temperature change will cause condensation inside the insulation and on the contacts. Let the equipment stand in a warm place for at least 4-6 hours before starting it for the first time.
Do you need to remove the doors when carrying them through a narrow opening?
Yes, if the width of the opening is less than the width of the refrigerator with the door open (or simply the width of the body, if the doors do not open outward during transportation, however, this must be done carefully so as not to damage the hinges and not drop the heavy door.