Moving to a new apartment or simply changing the layout of the kitchen is always associated with physical activity, but no household appliance requires such delicacy as refrigeration unit. Improper transportation can lead to permanent damage to the compressor, ruptured tubes or leakage of refrigerant, which will turn an expensive device into a pile of metal. Many owners make a fatal mistake, believing that modern equipment is strong enough to withstand tilting and shaking without consequences.
The physics of the refrigerator dictates its own strict conditions: oil and freon circulate inside the system, which, if tilted or turned over strongly, can get into the cooling circuit where they should not be. Compressor, which is the heart of the system, also has a specific suspension that is easily damaged by shock or vibration. Therefore, the question of how to transport a refrigerator correctly should be asked to yourself even before the start of active actions in order to avoid costly repairs.
In this article we will analyze in detail the preparation algorithm, the rules of transportation in an elevator and a flight of stairs, as well as critical nuances that even professional movers often forget about. Compliance with these recommendations will allow you to maintain the manufacturer's warranty and ensure long service life of the equipment in the new location.
⚠️ Attention: If you are transporting a refrigerator that is more than 10 years old, the risk of damage to the pipes when tilted increases significantly due to the natural aging of the metal. In such cases, horizontal transportation is extremely undesirable.
Preparing the refrigerator for moving
The first stage is thorough preparation, on which 80% of the success of the entire operation depends. You can’t just unplug the cord from the outlet and start pushing the unit towards the door. You need to start completely defrosting: turn off the device from the network, remove all products and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours. During this time, all the ice in the evaporator will have time to melt, and the water will evaporate or be removed.
After defrosting, you need to dismantle all removable elements. Glass shelves, plastic containers for vegetables, egg trays and bottle holders should be removed and packaged separately in boxes with soft filling. Shelf fastenings It is also better to remove them if the design allows them so that they do not vibrate and break the glass from the inside when shaking.
- 📦 Be sure to pack the shelves and drawers in a separate box, lined with paper or foam.
- 🔌 The network cable should be carefully rolled up and secured with tape on the back wall so as not to step on it when carrying it.
- 🚪 The refrigerator doors must be tightly closed and secured with masking tape or with a special shipping tape in two or three places.
External walls also require protection. The ideal option would be to use factory packaging with foam corners. If the box does not survive, wrap the case in thick cardboard, bubble wrap, or old blankets, securing them with string. This will save the enamel from scratches and chips, which can lead to metal corrosion in the future.
☑️ Preparing to move
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator lying down
This is the most common question that worries owners when ordering a cargo taxi. Short answer: lying position not preferred, but acceptable under strict restrictions. Manufacturers always recommend vertical transportation, but the dimensions of the body or doorway sometimes dictate their conditions.
If you place the refrigerator on the floor, there is a risk of oil leaking from the compressor into the discharge tube and then into the freon circuit. When such a unit is turned on, the oil will create an “oil plug” that will block the circulation of the refrigerant. The compressor will begin to work with overload, which can lead to its combustion in a matter of minutes.
In addition, in a horizontal position, the load on the housing and thermal insulation increases. Heavy compressors of modern models can damage the bottom or come off their mounts when shaking. If there is no other way out, place the appliance only on its side, never on the front or back wall.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to place the refrigerator on the front door or on the rear grille (condenser). This will lead to deformation of the doors, damage to the tubes or failure of the compressor mounts.
Why not on the rear wall?
The condenser tubes and coils are located on the rear wall. They are made of thin metal and pressed against the body. When placed on them under the weight of the refrigerator itself (which can reach 80-100 kg), the tubes may burst or come off, which will cause an instant leak of freon.
Rules for tilting when carrying
When carrying the refrigerator by hand, especially on staircases, it is impossible to keep it strictly vertical all the time. This is where the 40 degree rule comes into play. This is maximum angleby which it is allowed to tilt the operating unit from the vertical without the risk of oil leaking.
The refrigerator can only be tilted to the sides (left or right), but not forward or backward. When tilted forward or backward, oil from the compressor is guaranteed to flow into the cooling system. Side tilt is less dangerous, since the compressor outlet is often designed to minimize this risk, but the angle of 40 degrees still cannot be exceeded.
A minimum of two people are required to safely navigate the stairs. One person holds the upper part of the body, controlling the tilt, the second belays from below and helps bear the weight. The use of special straps greatly facilitates the task and allows you to fix the position of the body, reducing the load on the spine.
- 📏 Make sure that the angle of inclination does not exceed 40 degrees relative to the vertical axis.
- 🤲 Hold the refrigerator tightly, avoiding sharp jerks and impacts against walls or railings.
- 🚫 Do not lean on the doors or protruding parts of the case when carrying, grab only the side walls or special handles.
If you are carrying the refrigerator together, it is important to synchronize your steps. A sudden step by one of the porters may cause hesitation, which will lead to exceeding the permissible angle of inclination. Move slowly and smoothly, especially when turning stairwells.
Transportation in elevators and stairs
Using an elevator is the easiest way to move, but there are some nuances here too. The dimensions of modern refrigerators are often comparable to the size of the doorway of an elevator car. Before starting work, be sure to measure the width and height of the opening, as well as the diagonal of the refrigerator.
You need to bring the refrigerator into the elevator diagonally (diagonally), resting it on the lower corner. However, if the cabin height is not enough to lift it vertically, you will have to tilt it. At this point, remember the 40 degree rule. If the elevator is small and the refrigerator is tall, you may have to put it on the floor of the cabin, but you only need to carry it in an upright position or with a minimal tilt, holding it with your hands.
When going up or down stairs, the situation is more complicated. Stairwells in older houses are often narrow, and turning 180 degrees can be a real challenge. In such cases, you may have to briefly place the refrigerator on its side to push it through a narrow area, but immediately return it to its upright position once the obstacle is cleared.
Do not try to force the refrigerator through if it is stuck. It is better to disassemble the door frame or remove the door from the hinges of the refrigerator itself (if the design allows) than to risk the integrity of the case and pipelines.
Settling time before turning on
After the refrigerator is delivered to its destination, the most important stage begins - the adaptation period. Many people make the mistake of turning on the device immediately after unpacking. This cannot be done. During transportation, even the most careful one, the oil in the compressor gets agitated and can get into the tubes.
The time that the refrigerator should stand before being turned on for the first time depends on the transportation conditions. If you transported it vertically and without shaking, 2-4 hours is enough. If transportation took place in a horizontal position or with strong slopes, the time increases.
| Type of transportation | Time of year | Minimum settling time |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical | Summer | 2-3 hours |
| Vertical | Winter | 4-6 hours (to warm up to room temperature) |
| Horizontal (on the side) | Summer | 8-12 hours |
| Horizontal (on the side) | Winter | 12-24 hours |
In winter, it is critical to let the device warm up to room temperature before turning it on. If you start a cold compressor in a warm room, condensation formed on the contacts and internal parts can cause a short circuit. In addition, cold oil has a high viscosity, and it will be difficult for the compressor to start, which will lead to rapid wear.
Common mistakes when moving
Even knowing the theory, people often make practical mistakes that cost them money and nerves. One of the most common is ignoring door locks. When carrying, a loose door can swing open, hit the wall, or, worse, get caught on the handle and come off.
Another mistake is carrying the refrigerator by the door handles or the condenser grille from behind. The handles are not designed to support the weight of the entire body, and the tubes on the back are easily deformed. Also, do not place the refrigerator on wheels if they are not provided for by the design: this will damage the bottom panel.
- 🚫 Do not leave the refrigerator unattended on an inclined surface, even for a couple of seconds.
- 🚫 Do not use ordinary stationery tape for packaging, it leaves sticky marks and does not hold well in the cold.
- 🚫 Do not try to carry the refrigerator alone, even if it seems light: its center of gravity is shifted and it is easy to drop it.
Remember that saving on the services of professional movers or packaging can cost the cost of a new refrigerator. Taking good care of equipment is the key to its long service.
⚠️ Attention: Technical specifications and transportation requirements may vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Always check the instructions user manualthat come with your device.
What to do if the refrigerator was turned on immediately after transportation?
If you turned on the refrigerator immediately after horizontal transportation, immediately unplug it. Let it sit unplugged for at least 24 hours. During this time, the oil will have time to drain back into the compressor. After that, you can try to turn it on again. If the refrigerator works normally and is cold, you are lucky. If you hear a hum, but there is no cold, or the compressor hums and turns off, an oil plug has probably formed or freon has entered the system. In this case, you will need to call a technician to purge the system.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator with a No Frost system differently?
Refrigerators with the system No Frost are more sensitive to tilts than classic drip models. They use a more complex system of air ducts and evaporators, which can be damaged by strong shaking or improper angle of inclination. The principle of preparation and settling time are the same for them, but the requirements for the vertical position during transportation are stricter. Try not to tilt them more than 20 degrees.
Do you need to remove the refrigerator doors during transportation?
Removing the refrigerator doors when transporting them assembled is not necessary and even harmful, since this violates the geometry of the case and the tightness of the seal when reinstalled. The doors are removed only if the refrigerator does not fit into the doorway of the apartment or elevator when assembled. In this case, the door is carefully unscrewed, transported separately, and installed back on site, adjusting the hinges.