Moving or replacing household appliances often poses a difficult task for owners, especially if the apartment has narrow flights of stairs or no freight elevator. Independently transporting a heavy unit requires not only physical strength, but also a clear understanding of the device’s design, so as not to damage the expensive compressor or tubing system. Errors at this stage can lead to serious damage that will require professional repairs.
In this article we will examine in detail all the nuances of safely moving refrigeration equipment by two people. You will learn how to properly prepare the equipment, at what angle it can be tilted and what prohibitions exist, the violation of which is guaranteed to disable the device. Compliance with these rules will allow you to save money on calling movers and maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.
Before starting physical actions, it is necessary to thoroughly prepare the premises and the route. Remove all objects, rugs and shoes from stairs that could cause a tripping hazard. Make sure that the lighting in the entrance or corridor is sufficient, as poor visibility significantly increases the risk of injury and damage to the cargo.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
The first and most important stage is the full defrosting chamber. Internal ice and residual water put additional stress on the cabinet and may leak, damaging electrical contacts or the floor covering. It is recommended to turn off the device from the network Settings → Power off in advance, at least 24 hours before moving, so that the moisture completely evaporates.
After defrosting, you must remove all shelves, drawers and containers. Glass shelves can break when shaken, and plastic elements can crack when hitting the walls. It is better to pack each removable part separately in bubble wrap or soft cloth. Door shelves should also be removed if the design allows this to be done without effort.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to carry a refrigerator with the doors closed but not secured. During movement, they can open spontaneously, which will lead to a blow to the jambs or, worse, to injury to the legs of the carriers.
To secure the doors, use masking tape, special belts or a strong rope. The unit needs to be wrapped in two places: in the upper and lower parts, creating reliable adhesion of the flaps to the body. If you have a model Side-by-Side with wide doors, fixing them is critical to maintaining the geometry of the hinges.
☑️ Preparing for transportation
Distribution of roles and positions on the stairs
The safety of the process directly depends on how the partners distribute the weight and take their positions. When going up or down stairs, one person should always be above and the other below. The person located bottomtakes the brunt of the unit, so a more physically strong participant should take on this role.
The top partner performs the function of a helmsman and insurer. Its task is to control the upper part of the body, prevent the refrigerator from falling back and direct movement. He holds the device by the upper part of the side walls or specially provided carrying handlesif they are in the design of the model Beko or Indesit.
The lower porter holds the unit by the lower part, often leaning on his own thigh or using special belts for loaders. He needs to constantly control (the space under his feet), since he is the one moving backwards when lifting. It is important to agree on the “stop” command in advance in order to be able to stop instantly in case of danger.
Tilt technique: critical angle 40 degrees
One of the most frequently asked questions concerns the permissible tilt angle. Manufacturers of household appliances strictly prohibit placing the refrigerator on its back or on its side at an angle of 90 degrees. The maximum permissible tilt is 40 degrees from the vertical. Exceeding this angle may result in oil leaking from the compressor into the refrigerant circuit.
If oil gets into the pipe system, it will clog the capillaries and the refrigerator will stop cooling. Restoration in this case will require a complex and expensive procedure for purging the system and replacing the filter-drier. Therefore, when maneuvering on landings where you need to turn the unit around, strictly adhere to this limit.
What to do if you can’t get through without bending too much?
If the flight of stairs is too narrow and requires more tilting, the only safe option is to temporarily remove the refrigerator doors. This will reduce the dimensions and allow you to carry the body more vertically without violating the 40-degree angle.
To control the angle, you can use a regular building level or even a smartphone with a level application, applying it to the side wall. Remember that it is better to take extra steps to avoid obstacles than to risk integrity compressor group. When descending from the stairs, the top person must carefully lower the unit, and the bottom person must hold it, preventing it from sharply tilting forward.
| Position | Actions | Area of responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Upper carrier | Top control, steering | Balancing, view of the path ahead |
| Lower carrier | Weight retention, hip support | Main load, leg control |
| Both participants | Synchronization of steps | Safety and no jerking |
Use of auxiliary aids
Significantly facilitate the process can special carrying belts weights. They allow you to distribute the weight of the refrigerator not only on your arms, but also on your shoulders and back, freeing your hands for a better grip on the body. Such belts are especially useful when descending steep stairs, where constant control of balance is required.
If the house has a freight elevator, its use is a priority. However, even in an elevator, the refrigerator cannot be placed on its side. It must stand strictly vertically or with a minimum inclination, secured with straps to the elevator handrails. For models LG and Samsung with inverter compressors, the vertical position is critical due to the design of the motor suspension.
⚠️ Attention: When using a hand truck (trolley), make sure that the platform is securely fixed under the bottom of the refrigerator. Do not rest the cart on the front panel or radiator grille - they may become deformed under the weight of the unit.
Use old blankets or thick cardboard to protect the body from scratches when passing through narrow places. Wrap the corners of the refrigerator, as these are where they will take the brunt of the impact when maneuvering. This is especially true for models with a glossy finish, on which any abrasions will be immediately visible.
Algorithm of actions during descent and ascent
The moving process should be as smooth as possible. Sudden jerks, jumping over steps or rapid changes in trajectory are unacceptable. Move in a uniform rhythm, taking one step at a time. If the staircase is spiral or has narrow turning platforms, stop before each maneuver to assess the situation.
When climbing to the floor, the top person pulls the unit up, and the bottom person pushes it, using the strength of the legs, not the back. This is key to preventing lower back injuries. Your knees should be slightly bent and your back straight. If you feel that the weight is becoming unmanageable, immediately signal your partner and place the weight on the step.
Pay special attention to doorways and wall corners. Before passing through a bottleneck, the top porter must visually assess the gap. If the refrigerator passes end-to-end, the lower partner can slightly turn the body, using inertia, but without fanaticism. Remember that when a metal case hits a concrete wall, it gets dents that are almost impossible to fix.
Installation and settling time after moving
After the refrigerator is safely installed in the kitchen, do not rush to plug it into the network. Even if you carried it vertically, vibration during transport could cause the oil to move around inside the compressor. It needs time to settle back into the engine crankcase.
Time standing depends on transportation conditions and the model of the device. For most modern units, 2–4 hours are sufficient if they were transported vertically. If the tilts exceeded the permissible norms or the refrigerator was lying on its side (which is extremely undesirable), the waiting time should be increased to 12–24 hours.
Only after this time has elapsed, you can remove the fixing belts, install the shelves and plug the device into an outlet. During the first hours of operation, monitor the sound of the motor: it should run smoothly, without any extraneous knocking or humming. If you notice anomalies, immediately turn off the device and contact the service.
Common mistakes when doing it yourself
Many people underestimate the weight and dimensions of modern equipment. Trying to drag your refrigerator across the floor or stairs is a sure way to damage the legs and bottom panel. It is also a mistake to carry the unit by doors or handles that are not designed to support the entire weight of the device.
Another common problem is ignoring weather conditions. If you move your refrigerator outside in the winter, condensation that forms inside the electronics due to sudden temperature changes can cause a short circuit. In such cases, the acclimatization time before switching on should be increased.
Is it possible to carry a refrigerator on its side if the stairs are very narrow?
It is strictly not recommended. On the side there is a high risk of oil leakage and damage to the tubes. If there is no other way, remove the doors, carry them as vertically as possible, or use professional movers with special equipment.
How many people do you need to move a large refrigerator?
For standard two-chamber models, two physically strong people are enough. For models Side-by-Side or built-in equipment weighing more than 100 kg, it is better to involve a third person for insurance or use mechanisms.
What to do if the refrigerator falls while being carried?
Do not turn it on immediately. Let it stand upright for at least 24 hours. After switching on, listen carefully to the operation of the compressor. If cooling does not occur or you hear extraneous sounds, call a technician for diagnostics.
Do you need to remove the doors of a new refrigerator to get through the door?
Yes, if the width of the doorway is less than the width of the refrigerator, taking into account the diagonal of passage. Removing the doors is often the only safe way to bring in large equipment without damaging the walls and the unit itself.