Moving large household appliances always causes concern among owners. Especially if we are talking about a complex unit that works with refrigerant and a compressor. Incorrect actions can lead to breakdown of expensive equipment or damage to the floor covering.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the process. You will learn how to prepare equipment, whether it needs to be defrosted, and what are the nuances of transportation. A competent approach will allow you to avoid unnecessary costs for repairs and calling movers.
Relocating the refrigerator requires preliminary preparation, which begins long before the very moment of moving. Critical important evaluate the dimensions of the new installation location and the width of the doorways through which the unit will have to be carried. Owners often forget to measure the height of the premises, which can become a fatal mistake when trying to carry equipment in a vertical position.
It is necessary to clear the route from foreign objects, carpets and furniture in advance. This will not only speed up the process, but also minimize the risk of tripping or hitting something valuable. If the apartment has narrow corridors, it may be necessary to temporarily dismantle the door panels or remove the baseboards to ensure sufficient clearance.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the floors. A heavy unit on thin legs can leave deep dents on the linoleum or scratch the laminate. Special pads or thick cardboard will help distribute the load and protect the coating when sliding. Planning the route is the first step to a successful installation.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, make sure the path is completely clear. Trying to maneuver a running or full refrigerator in a cluttered space is guaranteed to result in injury or property damage.
The most important stage of preparation is complete defrosting and drying of the internal chambers. It is impossible to leave the equipment turned on until the last moment, since when tilted, oil from the compressor can flow into the refrigerant circuit, which will lead to water hammer the next time it is started.
It is necessary to disconnect the device from the power supply at least 8-12 hours before moving. During this time, the ice on the evaporator will have time to melt and the water to drain. If you ignore this step, melt water can get onto the electronic control boards or cause a short circuit in the wiring.
After defrosting, the inside must be thoroughly washed and, most importantly, wiped dry. The humid environment inside a closed space promotes the growth of bacteria and the appearance of mold. Rubber seals Also require cleaning, since adhered dirt can break the seal when closing the door during transportation.
Is it possible to speed up defrosting with a hairdryer?
Using a hair dryer is possible, but with extreme caution. Direct the warm jet only at the ice, avoiding contact of hot air with plastic parts and rubber seals, which can be deformed due to high temperature.
To fix moving elements, use masking tape or special transportation belts. The doors should be tightly closed and sealed around the perimeter so that they do not swing open at the most inopportune moment. It is better to remove shelves and drawers separately and transport them in boxes, rearranged with paper or cloth.
- 🧊 Complete defrosting and removing moisture from the tray.
- 🔌 Disconnecting from the network and winding up the cable.
- 🚪 Fixing the doors with tape or belts.
- 📦 Removing and packing glass shelves.
⚠️ Attention: Never use regular office tape to secure the doors. It can leave hard-to-remove traces of glue on a glossy surface or even damage the coating when peeled off.
The choice of moving method directly depends on the distance and type of floor covering. If you just need to move the unit within one room on a smooth floor, you can use special furniture runners or thick fabric. However, this will not be enough for crossing thresholds or carpeting.
When moving long distances or through stairwells, it is recommended to use a cargo dolly. It allows you to fix the equipment in a vertical position and distribute the weight evenly. When working with a trolley, it is important to tilt the unit only towards the rear wall to prevent oil from leaking out of the compressor.
If the shift is carried out manually by two people, it is necessary to correctly distribute the load. One person grabs the upper part of the body, the second - the lower part, supporting the weight. Sharp jerks and swinging is unacceptable, since the internal suspension of the compressor may not withstand inertia.
☑️ Preparation for moving
There is a common misconception that modern refrigerators can be transported lying down. Although some manufacturers allow horizontal transport, there is still a risk of damage. The lying position creates a load on the side walls and can lead to deformation of the housing or separation of the condenser tubes.
The table below shows the permissible tilt angles and positions for various types of equipment:
| Type of equipment | Permissible tilt | Position at transportation | Settlement time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern No Frost | Up to 40 degrees | Vertical | 2-4 hours |
| Old single-chamber | Up to 20 degrees | Vertical | 8-12 hours |
| Unit with open compressor | No more than 10 degrees | Strictly vertical | 24 hours |
| In-Door (embedded) | Vertical only | Packed | 4-6 hours |
When moving, it is important to maintain an inclination angle of no more than 40 degrees. Exceeding this value may cause oil from the compressor to flow into the refrigerant circuit. If this happens, when first turned on, the compressor will work with overload, trying to push through the oil plug, which often ends in its combustion.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to drag the refrigerator along the floor. This is guaranteed to lead to separation of the legs, deformation of the bottom and damage to the floor covering.
Once the refrigerator is in a new room, do not rush to plug it in. Equipment needs time to acclimatize and stabilize internal processes, especially if it was transported at low temperatures or in an inclined position.
Settlement time depends on transportation conditions. If the unit was transported vertically and without strong shaking, 2-3 hours is enough. If you had to put it on its side or the transportation was long or otherwise, it is better to wait 8-12 hours. During this time, the oil will have time to return to the compressor crankcase, and condensation, if it has formed inside, will evaporate.
Before turning on, check the installation level. The legs should be adjusted so that the body is stable and does not wobble. The door should close on its own when opened to an angle of less than 45 degrees. To do this, use the adjusting screws on the front supports. Correct level ensures quiet operation and durability of the compressor.
It is better to start the unit idle, without food. This will allow it to reach operating temperature conditions and ensure that the system is working properly. If after an hour of operation the motor runs smoothly, without extraneous knocks and vibrations, you can gradually load the products.
What to do if the refrigerator does not fit into the doorway?
B First of all, try removing the door from the refrigerator itself. This will reduce its depth and allow you to carry the body sideways. If this does not help, you will have to dismantle the interior door along with the frame or remove the trim to gain a few centimeters.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after winter transportation?
No, it is not possible. If equipment comes from cold to warm, condensation will form inside. Turning on a wet electrical appliance is dangerous due to a short circuit. Let it warm up to room temperature with it turned off for at least a day.
How to protect the floor if there is no cart?
Use thick cardboard, linoleum scraps or special felt pads. Place them under the legs and carefully move the unit using sliding movements, without lifting it from the surface, so as not to scratch the coating.
Why does the refrigerator hum after moving it?
A new hum can be caused by improper installation (the legs are not adjusted), the back wall touching furniture or a wall, or oil getting into the circuit due to tilting during transportation. Check the gaps and stability of the case.