Moving to a new apartment or simply remodeling the kitchen often requires moving large household appliances. Large refrigerator is a complex structure, where it is critical not only not to scratch the floor, but also to maintain the integrity of the internal components. Any careless movement can lead to damaged pipes, refrigerant leakage or compressor failure, which will turn the move into an expensive repair.
There is a common myth that modern equipment can be transported in any position, but the physics of the process dictates its own strict conditions. The oil in the compressor, which is necessary to lubricate the rubbing parts, can get into the cooling circuit when tilted. If the unit is started immediately after installation, water hammer may destroy the valves. That is why the question of how to properly move a two-chamber refrigerator requires a detailed consideration of each stage of preparation.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances: from proper defrosting to choosing a route through flights of stairs. You will learn why you can’t ignore the settling time and how to securely fix the doors so that they don’t swing open at the most inopportune moment. Compliance with technology is a guarantee that your Indesit, Atlant or Bosch will last for many years after moving.
Preparation of equipment for transportation
The first and most important stage is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. You cannot simply unplug the cord from the outlet if the device has just been working; it is necessary to allow the system pressure to equalize. After switching off, start the defrosting process immediately. Even if your model is equipped with a system No Frost, condensation may form inside, which, when tilted, will flow into the electrical wiring.
While defrosting is in progress, begin removing all removable elements. Shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and door containers should all be removed. If the glass of the shelves vibrates while being carried, it may break, damaging the internal plastic lining. It is best to pack the shelves in cardboard boxes marked “fragile.”
☑️ Preparation checklist
Pay special attention to the doors. They have heavy hinges and can open spontaneously when tugged. For fixation, use masking tape, belts or special transport film. Adhesive tape should only be attached to handles or external surfaces, avoiding contact of the sticky layer with the paintwork of the body to avoid chemicals reactions. Wrap the entire body with thick film or blankets to protect the enamel from scratches on door jambs.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use ordinary stationery tape or adhesive tapes with aggressive glue to secure the doors. They can leave permanent marks or even remove paint when removed. Use only masking tape or soft belts.Transporting lying down: risks and limitations
The question often arises whether it is possible to transport the refrigerator lying down. The short answer is: you can, but with serious restrictions on time and location. If you place the unit on its side, oil from the compressor may flow into the evaporator tubes. When installed vertically, it will drain back, but if you immediately turn on the device, the compressor will try to compress the liquid, which will lead to breakdown.
There is a “transport angle” rule. Some manufacturers, for example Liebherr or Siemens, allow transportation on its side at an angle of no more than 40 degrees. However, for older models with cast iron compressors this can be fatal. If you are forced to transport equipment lying down, place it strictly on the side from which the compressor discharge tube comes out (usually it faces up).
- 🚛 Distance: If the path to the car is less than 500 meters, the risk is minimal, but settling time will still be required.
- 📉 Height: A lying refrigerator takes up less space, which is critical for passenger cars, but increases the load on the body.
- 🛡️ Protection: Be sure to place a thick layer of cardboard or foam under the bottom so as not to push through the thermal insulation.
After delivery in a horizontal position, the settling time should be much longer, than usual. The minimum period is 8-12 hours, and in the cold season - up to 24 hours. This is necessary so that the oil flows into the compressor crankcase and the refrigerant is distributed throughout the system. Launching earlier than this is a lottery with a high risk of losing.
Transportation in a vertical position
Vertical transportation is the safest method for any refrigeration equipment. In this position, all internal components are in normal mode, oil remains in the compressor, and the shock absorbers are not overloaded. However, there are also some nuances here, especially regarding the angle of inclination.
When carrying along stairs or loading into an elevator, it is impossible to avoid tilting. Try to ensure that the angle of deviation from the vertical does not exceed 40 degrees. If you tilt the device further, oil may flow into the evaporator compartment. In modern models with inverter compressors, the system is more sensitive to position than in old Soviet units.
📊 How do you plan to transport the refrigerator?In an elevator verticallyIn a freight elevator lying downOn the stairs on your handsIn a passenger car on the roofTo move in a vertical position, be sure to use a trolley or special belts for loaders. It is strictly forbidden to drag it along the floor - this will damage the legs and lower part of the body. If you are using a freight elevator, place the refrigerator with its back wall against the wall of the cabin to avoid damaging them when opening the doors.
⚠️ Attention: Never lean on the refrigerator door when carrying it. The plastic and handle mounts are not designed to support the weight of an entire person or load. This is the fastest way to tear off the door or break the hinges.Fixing the compressor and internal components
In older models of refrigerators, the compressor was often mounted on springs to dampen vibration. When transporting such a unit, it is necessary to secure it with the transport bolts that were included with the purchase. If they are lost, you have to be smart by placing bars or tightly wrapping the compressor with soft material so that it does not hit the walls of the case.
Modern models often have compressors mounted rigidly or on rubber shock absorbers that do not require additional bolts. However, with strong shaking, even they can move. Check the technical data sheet of your device (for example Samsung or LGto find out the type of mounting. If the documentation indicates a requirement for fixation, you cannot ignore it.
Compressor type Is fixation necessary Risk from shaking Rest time Piston (old) Required (bolts) High (broken tubes) 12-24 hours Inverter No (usually) Average (electronics failure) 4-8 hours Linear No Low 2-4 hours With screw motor No Low 2-4 hours In addition to the compressor, it is worth checking the fastening of the condenser (grids at the back). If it dangles, it must be carefully pressed with soft pads. Any vibration when driving on an uneven road can lead to microcracks in the soldering, which will eventually cause freon leakage.
What will happen if you do not secure the compressor?
If there is strong shaking, an unsecured compressor on springs can “fly away”, tearing off the copper tubes. Repair in this case requires calling a technician, refilling with freon and changing the oil, which often amounts to 50-70% of the cost of a new refrigerator.
Route and physical aspects of carrying
Planning a route is not a bureaucracy, but a necessity. Walk the path from the door to the car in advance. Measure all narrow spaces, doorways and ceiling heights in hallways. A large two-chamber refrigerator may not turn around on the landing, and then you will have to carry it up the stairs, which requires at least two, and preferably three, people.
When going down or up the stairs, the load is distributed unevenly. The person holding the top actually hangs from the handles, and the person at the bottom holds the main weight. Therefore, the bottom carrier often has a harder time, especially if the stairs are steep. Use weight belts that allow you to redistribute weight to your shoulders and back, freeing your hands for insurance.
- 👟 Footwear: All participants in the process must wear shoes with non-slip soles. Sneakers are preferable to smooth boots.
- 🧤 Gloves: Work gloves with a rubberized coating will improve your grip and protect your hands from splinters and cuts from sharp edges.
- 🗣️ Team: Agree on commands in advance ("stop", "up", "left"). Inconsistency in actions is the main cause of falls.
If the house has an elevator, make sure that the dimensions of the refrigerator allow it to fit there with a margin. In some older elevators, the floor diagonal is smaller than the height of a standard refrigerator, and then you still have to carry it up the stairs. Do not try to push the equipment by force - this will damage both the elevator and the unit.
Installation and first start-up after moving
After the refrigerator is installed in a new place, do not rush to plug it into the outlet. First, let it “settle.” This time is necessary to return the oil to the compressor and equalize the temperature of the internal components, especially if transportation was carried out in winter. Sudden heating of a cold heating element or compressor can cause thermal shock.
While the equipment is resting, remove the packaging, remove the fixing tape and wipe the internal chambers with a weak soda solution to remove odors. Place shelves and drawers in their proper places. Make sure that the refrigerator is level: adjust the height of the front legs so that the doors close on their own under the influence of gravity.
It is better to make the first start without load. Plug in the empty refrigerator and let it run for 2-3 hours. During this time, it will reach the required temperature, and you will be able to make sure that there is no extraneous noise or vibration. Only after this can you add food.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, you hear a loud knock, hum or whistle, immediately unplug the device. These are signs of a problem that occurred during transportation. Repeated launch can completely disable the equipment.Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should the refrigerator stand after transportation lying down?
The minimum settling time after horizontal transportation is 8 hours. If transportation was in winter or at temperatures below -5°C, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours in a warm room before turning it on.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator with extended drawers?
No, all drawers (drawers, shelves, trays) must be removed. When shaking, they can move out, hit the internal walls or break. They must be transported separately in boxes with soft packaging.
What to do if the transport bolts for the compressor are lost?
If the bolts are lost, try to cover the compressor as tightly as possible with soft things (blankets, foam plastic) inside the niche to prevent it from beating against the walls. However, the safest way is to find suitable bolts in a hardware store, selecting them according to the thread.
Is it possible to carry a refrigerator in the back of a Gazelle without packaging?
It is highly not recommended. Even the truck bed experiences vibrations and jerking when braking. Without the original packaging (cardboard + foam), there is a high risk of damage to the paintwork and dents. Be sure to wrap the body with stretch film or blankets.
Why does the refrigerator hum loudly after moving?
The humming may be caused by the fact that the compressor has not yet settled into its normal place, or the refrigerator is not level. Check the adjustment of the legs. If the humming does not go away after a day of operation, the pipeline or the compressor itself may have been damaged during transportation.