Transporting large household appliances is always stressful for the owner, especially when it comes to a large refrigerator. The situation when it is necessary to transport a unit in a personal car, and not in a cargo taxi, requires a special approach to packaging and positioning. Often the only physically possible option is to place the equipment in a horizontal position in the back seat or in the trunk.
However, horizontal transportation carries serious risks for the integrity of the compressor and cooling system. Improper installation may result in oil leakage into the refrigerant circuit or deformation of the internal pipes. In this article, we will look at how to minimize these risks and deliver equipment to its destination without damage.
The main question that concerns everyone who is planning a move: is it possible to put the refrigerator on its side? The answer lies in understanding the compressor design and choosing the right side for installation. Ignoring the basic rules of logistics of household appliances often ends in expensive repairs immediately after switching on.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to transport the refrigerator lying on the door or on the rear grille (radiator). The pressure of the body weight can break the evaporator tubes or damage the door hinges.
Risks of horizontal transportation for equipment
Why do manufacturers and service center technicians so strongly recommend vertical transportation? It's a matter of design compressor unit. At the bottom of the motor there is oil, which, if tilted strongly or horizontally, can flow into the pipelines of the freon circulation system.
If oil gets into the cooling circuit, it will create a “plug” that prevents the normal movement of the refrigerant. A compressor deprived of lubrication can quickly fail upon first start-up. In addition, there is a risk of mechanical damage: a heavy case, when shaking in a car, creates a load on the attachment points of internal elements.
Another problem is condensation and moisture. If the refrigerator has not been thoroughly defrosted and dried, water will flow into the electrical control units when tilted. This is guaranteed to cause a short circuit. Therefore, preparation for transportation is as important as the loading process itself.
What happens if oil does get into the system?
If oil gets into the circuit, it must be removed. To do this, flush the system with nitrogen or leave the refrigerator to stand in an upright position for a period of 24 to 48 hours (depending on the model) so that the oil flows back into the compressor crankcase.
Preparing the refrigerator for moving in a car
Before trying to stuff the equipment into the cabin, it is necessary to carry out a number of mandatory procedures. The first step should always be defrosting. Even if your model has a No Frost system, the presence of ice in the drainage channels or on the evaporator is unacceptable when transported on its side.
Unplug the device at least 24 hours before the planned transportation. This will allow the ice to completely melt and the water to evaporate or be removed. After defrosting, thoroughly wipe all internal surfaces with a dry cloth. Humidity inside the camera is the enemy of electronics when shaking on the move.
Next, you should fix the moving parts. Doors must be tightly closed and secured. Use masking tape or stretch film to wrap the body in a circle. It is better to remove the shelves and drawers and transport them separately, wrapped in soft cloth, since vibration may cause the glass to burst even when closed.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for transportation
Which side can the refrigerator be placed on: choice sides
This is the most critical moment of the entire operation. If you place the unit on the “wrong” side, you can damage the tubes or cause oil to flow out of the compressor in an undesirable direction. Usually the manufacturer indicates the acceptable side on a sticker on the back or in the instructions, but if the documentation is lost, follow the general technical rules.
In most cases, the refrigerator can be placed on its side opposite to the outlet of the tubes compressor. Look at the back wall: on one side there are copper tubes and a capillary, on the other there is usually a door or a blank wall. Place the equipment so that the tubes face up.
Why is this important? If you place the refrigerator on its side from the side of the tubes, they may not withstand the pressure of the mass of the body and burst. In addition, in this position, oil is more likely to flow into the circuit. If the tubes are not visible (they are hidden), focus on the opening side of the door: it is safer to place it on the side opposite the hinges so as not to damage them, but this is a secondary factor compared to the tubes.
⚠️ Attention: Never place the refrigerator on the front panel (doors). The glass of the shelves and the plastic of the internal compartments are not designed to support the weight of the entire case and are guaranteed to crack.
There is also a nuance with the color of the case. Some craftsmen advise placing them on their side in the same color as the pipes (if they are painted), but this is more of a folk sign. It is best to be guided by the design features of a particular model Indesit, Atlant or LG.
Comparison of risks: transportation on different sides
To finally decide on positioning, let's compare the consequences of laying on different sides. The table below will help you weigh the risks and make an informed decision before loading into the machine.
| Laying side | Risk for tubes | Risk for oil | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear grille | Critical (breaking) | High | Prohibited |
| On the door (front) | Medium | Medium | Prohibited |
| On its side (tubes up) | Low | Minimum | Recommended |
| On its side (tubes down) | High | High | Not recommended |
As can be seen from the table, the only safe option for horizontal transportation is laying on its side with communications raised up. Any other options pose a direct threat to the performance of the device. Remember that saving on calling movers with Gazelle can cost the cost of a new compressor.
It is also worth considering the height of the ceiling at the installation site. If you are transporting a refrigerator on the roof of a car (which also happens), the rules are the same: only on its side, only the tubes up, and be sure to securely fasten it with straps through the roof, and not through the handles.
Proper fixation and packaging in the car cabin
After you have decided on the side, you need to ensure reliable fixation. Inside the car, the refrigerator will be subject to vibration, jerking when braking and roll when cornering. Simply placing it on the seat is not enough; it must become part of the body structure for the duration of the journey.
Use thick cardboard, blankets or bubble wrap to create a layer between the body and interior elements. This will protect the paintwork of the equipment and the upholstery of the car. Pay special attention to protecting the bottom part where the compressor is located: it should not touch metal thresholds or sharp corners.
For fastening, use ratchet straps or strong ropes. You need to tie it by the body, avoiding pressure on the doors and plastic elements. If the refrigerator is in the back seat, additionally support it with the backs of the front seats or luggage boxes to prevent it from moving.
It is important to ensure a smooth ride. Avoid sudden starts and braking. It is better to avoid potholes on the road or pass at a minimum speed, since the shock load in a horizontal position is transferred directly to internal components that lack shock absorption, which operates in a vertical position.
⚠️ Attention: The technical characteristics of the oil in the compressor may vary depending on the temperature. During the cold season, oil thickens and the risk of damage due to shaking increases. In winter, transporting equipment on its side is even more dangerous.
Switching on after transportation: rules for settling
The most common mistake is trying to turn on the refrigerator immediately after delivery. This should not be done under any circumstances. After shaking and a horizontal position, the oil is guaranteed to be in the pipelines, and it needs time to drain back into the compressor crankcase under the influence of gravity.
The settling time depends on exactly how and for how long you transported the equipment. If the transportation was vertical, 2-4 hours is enough. If the refrigerator was lying on its side, the minimum waiting time before turning on is 8-12 hours, and ideally - a full day.
During this time, not only the oil will return to its place, but the temperature of the internal components will even out, especially if you transported the equipment in winter. A sharp temperature change when turned on can lead to condensation on the contacts and failure of the electronics.
After the required time has passed, carefully remove the tape, open the doors and let the device “ventilate” for another 30 minutes. Only after this can you connect to the network. The first cycles of operation may be accompanied by unusual sounds - this is normal, the system enters operating mode.
How long should the refrigerator stand after being transported on its side?
The minimum standing time is 8 hours, but experts recommend keeping the unit in an upright position for at least 12-24 hours. This ensures that the compressor oil is completely returned to the crankcase, and you will avoid water hammer when starting.
Is it possible to carry a refrigerator in the trunk of a sedan?
The refrigerator most likely will not fit in a standard sedan even when disassembled due to the height. If we are talking about a compact model or a station wagon, then you can only transport it on its side, carefully securing it and placing a soft bedding on it. In a sedan you will have to lower the rear seat, which is often impossible due to its size.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after turning it on?
If after 24 hours of sitting and turning on the refrigerator works but does not cool, there may be oil still in the system or a freon leak has occurred. Try turning it off for another 12 hours. If the problem repeats, call a technician to check the pressure and refill the refrigerant.