Rearranging furniture is always stressful, especially when it comes to large household appliances. Large refrigerator weighing under one hundred kilograms is not just a bulky object, but a complex engineering device that requires delicate handling. Errors when moving can lead to damage to the flooring, back injuries, or, worst of all, failure of the compressor and cooling system.
Many owners make the fatal mistake of simply trying to push the unit across the floor or drag it. This is a direct path to scratches on the floor and deformation of the case. Before starting any manipulations, you must clearly understand: Side-by-Side or a classic two-chamber refrigerator is not an inert load, but a mechanism inside which refrigerants and oil circulate.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely change the location of your equipment. You will learn about the nuances of preparation, the correct angles of inclination and settling time before switching on.
Preparing equipment and premises for moving
The first step is always to free the internal volume. Full refrigerator - this is not only extra pounds, but also the risk of damaging the shelves from dynamic loads during shaking. All food, containers and removable interior elements must be removed. Pay special attention to glass shelves: it is better to remove them and move them separately, wrapped in thick fabric or cardboard.
Next you need to defrost. Even if your model is equipped with the No Frostsystem, moisture may remain in the evaporator pan. Unplug the device in advance so you have time to wipe the inner walls dry. A wet refrigerator slides worse, and water that gets on the electrical contacts or wiring can cause a short circuit.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to move the refrigerator while it is plugged in. The power cord should be unplugged from the outlet and carefully secured (for example, with tape) to the back wall to eliminate the risk of tripping over it.
Once the camera is empty and dry, secure the moving parts. The doors of modern models often open on their own when tilted, unless the standard locks are used. If the original straps are lost, use masking tape or soft rope to wrap it around the body several times.
Inspect the route. Remove carpets, thresholds, scattered toys or other obstacles. If you have to pass through narrow doorways, measure their width in advance and compare them with the dimensions of the equipment. You may have to temporarily dismantle the door handles or remove the doors themselves from the hinges, if the design allows this.
Necessary tools and protective equipment
Without the right equipment, the idea of moving heavy household appliances could end in injury. The human back is not designed for jerking loads of 80-120 kg. Therefore, the use of specialized equipment is not a whim, but a necessity. The main assistant will be a furniture trolley (trolley) with a wide base and fixation belts.
If there is no trolley, an alternative can be special rugs for moving furniture or even thick pieces of linoleum/cardboard placed under the legs. However, this method is only suitable for flat floors without thresholds and height differences. For flights of stairs, you can't do without a crawler trolley (stretcher).
Don't forget about protecting your hands and feet. Work gloves with a rubber coating will provide a secure grip and protect your skin from splinters and cuts from sharp corners. Shoes should have non-slip soles, preferably with a closed toe, to protect your toes in case of a dropped load.
Safe movement technique: step by step algorithm
The moving process depends on the type of floor covering and the presence of obstacles. If the floor allows it (tiles, linoleum, laminate), you can use the “sliding” method on the substrate. Pry up one edge of the refrigerator with a crowbar or lever, place thick cardboard or a special mat under the legs. Pull the top corner, carefully rearranging the substrates.
When using a cart, use two people. One person tilts the unit back, the second rolls up the platform. Refrigerator placed on the trolley and tightly secured with bracket straps. The leader pushes the cart, holding the body, the second one secures from above, preventing it from falling back or to the side.
⚠️ Attention: When moving up the stairs, one person should always be below, taking the main weight on themselves, and the second - on top, controlling balance and direction of movement.
It is important to maintain the correct angle of inclination. For most compressor-type models, the permissible angle of deviation from the vertical should not exceed 40 degrees. Exceeding this parameter can lead to oil leakage into the refrigerant circuit, which can lead to water hammer during the first start-up.
☑️ Moving checklist
Features of transportation of Side-by-Side models
The American type of refrigerator Side-by-Side is distinguished not only by its width, but also by its often modular design. Some premium models (for example, separate lines Samsung or LG) allow you to dismantle the doors to reduce dimensions. This greatly simplifies passage through standard doorways 80 cm wide.
If your model does not allow easy removal of doors without special tools, you will have to show miracles of maneuverability. In such cases, a diagonal sweep is often required. Calculate the trajectory in advance: the refrigerator is brought in at an angle forward, then turns around in the corridor.
Pay special attention to the water supply system. If you have a cooler or ice maker connected, you must turn off the water supply valve and disconnect the hose. Water remains in the tubes, which, when tilted, can leak out and damage the wiring or the floor. Blow out the hose or simply hold it vertically when disconnecting.
| Type of movement | Permissible angle | Risks | Recommended rest time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | up to 40° | Minimum | 2-4 hours |
| Horizontal (on the side) | 90° (only on the rear legs) | High (oil in the circuit) | 12-24 hours |
| Doors down | Prohibited | Critical (breaking doors) | Not applicable |
| Upside down | Prohibited | Critical (compressor damage) | Not applicable |
What to do if the refrigerator does not fit through the door?
If the dimensions do not allow you to pass through the doorway even diagonally, consider temporarily dismantling the door frame or trims. Sometimes it helps to remove the hinges from the refrigerator itself, if the design allows for it (a Phillips screwdriver and the help of a second person are required to hold the heavy door).
Installation in a new location and alignment
When the unit is placed in a new location, do not rush to plug it into the network. First, remove the shipping locks and tape. Allow the equipment to acclimatize if it was brought in from frost. A sharp temperature change can cause the formation of condensation inside electrical circuits, which is dangerous due to a short circuit.
The next stage is setting the level. Case skew is unacceptable, since this leads to loose fitting of the doors and, as a result, to overloading the compressor. Use a building level to place it on the shelves inside the chamber. Adjustment is carried out by rotating the front support legs.
Correct installation of the legs ensures a natural tilt of the body back (about 2 degrees). This is necessary so that the doors close independently under the influence of gravity if they are released in a half-open state. To adjust, use an adjustable wrench or an open-end wrench of the appropriate size.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that there is a gap of at least 5-7 cm between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. This is necessary for free air circulation and effective heat removal from the condenser.
Settling time before first use
The most critical moment is the first start after transportation. As mentioned earlier, when tilted, oil from the compressor could leak into the cooling system. If you turn on the engine immediately, it will try to compress the liquid (oil), which will lead to hydraulic shock and failure of the valve group.
The time that it should stand refrigerator at rest directly depends on how exactly it was carried. When transporting vertically, observing the angles, 2-3 hours is enough. If the equipment was carried lying on its side, the minimum waiting time is 12 hours, or better yet, a full day.
Only after the specified time has expired can you plug the power cord into the outlet. It is advisable to use a separate socket with grounding, avoiding extension wires and tees, which can cause overheating of the contacts.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator lying down in a car?
You can transport a refrigerator lying down only as a last resort and only on special soft substrates (blankets, mattresses). It must be placed strictly on the side opposite to the outlet of the compressor tubes (usually this is the right side when viewed from behind, but it is better to check the instructions). Transportation "on the back" (on the back wall) or "face down" is strictly prohibited.
What should you do if the refrigerator makes a lot of noise after turning it on?
If an uncharacteristic noise appears after moving, check whether the shipping bolts have been removed (if your model has them) and whether the device is level. The noise may also be due to the fact that the oil has not yet returned to the compressor crankcase. Let the equipment run idle for several hours. If the noise does not subside after a day, you may need to call a technician.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before installation?
Yes, this is a mandatory hygienic procedure. Even a new or recently defrosted unit may contain dust, bacteria or factory grease residue. Wipe the internal chambers with a solution of baking soda or a weak vinegar solution, then wipe dry with a clean cloth.
What if the floor is slippery and the refrigerator moves away?
If the floor covering (for example, glossy tiles) does not allow the equipment to be fixed, use anti-slip mats under the legs or place pieces of rubber. You can also unscrew the front adjustable feet a little to increase the pressure on the floor and improve grip, but keep an eye on the level.