Transporting large household appliances always causes concern among owners, especially when it comes to a complex unit such as Indesit refrigerator. Improper actions when moving can lead to damage to internal components, refrigerant leakage or failure of an expensive compressor. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply unplug the device from the outlet and load it into the back of a truck, but ignoring the preparation rules often becomes fatal for the equipment.
Refrigeration units of the brand Indesit are famous for their reliability, but their design requires careful handling when moving. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the motor-compressor and the integrity of the pipelines, which may be damaged by shaking or shock. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation so that your unit reaches its new destination intact and maintains its performance.
Before starting any manipulations, you must clearly understand: haste is the main enemy when moving. Allow a few hours for preparation, or better yet, start the process a day before the planned transportation date. This will allow completely defrost the camera to dry the internal surfaces and carefully pack all removable elements.
Why it is important to follow transportation rules
Ignoring transportation instructions often leads to serious damage, which is not always noticeable immediately after switching on. Compressor, which is the heart of the refrigerator, is mounted on special shock-absorbing springs. If there is strong shaking or impact, it may become dislodged, causing pipes to break or damage to the suspension. In addition, a violation of the system's tightness is fraught with freon leakage, after which the device will stop cooling.
Another vulnerable part is the plastic elements of the interior and door seals. When sharply tilted or dropped, the doors may become deformed, which will break the seal of the chamber. Subsequently, this will lead to constant formation of ice and increased load on the engine. It is also worth considering that there may be residual oil inside the unit, which, if positioned incorrectly, will leak into the cooling circuit.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to turn on the refrigerator immediately after transportation in a lying position without settling can lead to water hammer in the compressor. The oil that gets into the system must have time to drain back into the engine crankcase.
Compliance with transportation rules is not just a formality, but a necessity to extend the life of the equipment. Properly packaged and secured Indesit it will more easily withstand road vibrations. Saving time on packaging can result in expensive repairs or complete replacement of the unit.
Stages of preparing the refrigerator for the move
You need to start preparing long before the movers arrive. The first and most important step is defrosting. Even if your model claims a No Frost system, condensation and moisture are still present in the drainage system. Unplug the appliance, open the doors and remove all food. Leave the unit open for at least 10-12 hours, or better yet for a day, so that the moisture completely evaporates.
After defrosting, you must thoroughly wash the internal chambers. Use a soft cloth and neutral detergents, avoiding abrasives that can cause damage. Pay special attention to corners and joints where water may have accumulated. After washing, wipe all surfaces dry to prevent mold from appearing during transportation. plastic panels. Pay special attention to corners and joints where water may have accumulated. After washing, wipe all surfaces dry to prevent mildew during transportation.
The next step is dismantling the removable elements. Shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and bottle holders must be removed. Vibration can cause glass shelves to crack and plastic parts to break. Each shelf and drawer should be packed separately in soft cloth, bubble wrap or newspaper. The refrigerator doors must be locked in the closed position.
☑️ Preparing Indesit for transportation
To fix the doors, use masking tape that does not leave traces of glue, or special belts. Do not tighten them too tightly so as not to deform the sealing rubber. If you still have the original packaging - a cardboard box and foam inserts - this is an ideal option. Otherwise, wrap the case with thick stretch film in several layers.
In which position is it better to transport: standing or lying down?
One of the most common questions when moving: is it possible to transport Indesit refrigerator lying down? Manufacturers and service engineers unanimously recommend transporting equipment only in an upright position. This is due to the design of the compressor suspension and the risk of oil leaking from the motor into the refrigerant circuit. During vertical transportation, the load on the units is minimal.
However, the realities of moving often dictate their own conditions, and the dimensions of the body may not allow the unit to be placed standing. In such cases, transportation in a horizontal position is permissible, but requires strict adherence to certain rules. The main condition is not to place the refrigerator on the back wall or on the door. The optimal position is on side wall, and the one from which the compressor tube comes out (usually the left side, when viewed from the front).
If you put the unit on its side where the discharge tube is located, oil under the influence of gravity can flow into the circuit, which will lead to clogging of the capillary tubes. There is also a risk of tearing off the springs on which the motor is suspended if the impact falls on this side. Therefore, if there is no other choice, choose the side carefully and securely fix the case.
What the Indesit instructions say about transportation
The official manuals indicate that transportation is allowed only in a vertical position with an inclination angle of no more than 40 degrees. Transportation lying down is carried out at the owner's own risk, and in the event of a breakdown due to violation of these rules, warranty service may not be provided.
When transporting lying down, be sure to use a thick layer of shock-absorbing material (blankets, foam) under the body. This will soften vibrations from the road and protect the enamel from chipping. After delivery, such a refrigerator must stand in a vertical position much longer than usual - from 8 to 24 hours, so that the oil is guaranteed to flow into the compressor.
Safety precautions during loading and unloading
The most traumatic stage is the physical movement of the unit. Indesit refrigerator it weighs a lot, and attempts to lift it in standing alone can cause back injuries or damage to equipment if you fall. Be sure to involve helpers for carrying. The optimal number of people is two or three, depending on the model and the availability of an elevator.
When going up or down the stairs, you cannot carry the refrigerator holding only the doors or the lower base. The doors may not support the weight, and the plastic base may crumble. You need to take the unit by Base of the body and the upper part, pressing it tightly towards you. Movements should be smooth, without jerking.
| Carrying method | Number of people | Risks | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the elevator | 2 people | Stuck, hitting the door | Carry diagonally, hold it from the walls |
| On the stairs | 3 person | Fall, back injury | One belays from below, two carry |
| In the back | 2 people | Displacement during braking | Rigid fixation with straps |
Use weight straps or special carrying straps, if available. This will redistribute the weight and free your hands for belaying. When descending the stairs, the one at the bottom takes on the bulk of the load, so his task is to hold the weight steadily, and the upper assistant directs the movement.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to drag the refrigerator along the floor, even on linoleum or laminate. This is guaranteed to lead to the separation of the adjustable supports and damage to the bottom.
Packaging and protection of the case in transit
High-quality packaging is the guarantee that your Indesit arrives without scratches or dents. A factory-made cardboard box is the best solution as it is the perfect size and has foam liners to protect the corners. If the box has not survived, you will have to get creative. The main protection will be provided by dense stretch filmwhich needs to be wrapped around the body in 3-5 layers.
It is advisable to place a layer of soft material under the film: blankets, old towels or bubble wrap. Pay special attention to corners and protruding parts such as door handles and control units. These areas are most vulnerable to accidental impacts against door frames or the sides of a truck. You can use additional cardboard corners.
After packaging, make sure that all doors are securely latched. The tape should be glued across and along the seam, forming a cross or grid. Do not skimp on mounting materials, as the refrigerator may be subject to overload while traveling. If you are using a cargo taxi, warn the driver about the fragility of the cargo.
Actions after delivery to a new location
When the refrigerator is delivered to its destination, do not rush to immediately plug it into the network. Give it time to acclimatize, especially if the transportation took place during the cold season. A sudden change in temperature can cause the formation of condensation inside electrical circuits, which will lead to a short circuit.
Settling time depends on transportation conditions. If the refrigerator was transported while standing in a warm place, 2-3 hours is enough. If it was transported lying down or in the cold, this period increases to 8-12 hours or more. During this time, the refrigerant and oil will take their normal places in the system, and the temperature of the internal components will be equal to room temperature.
Before turning on for the first time, remove the packaging, remove the fixing tape and install all previously removed shelves and drawers. Check the integrity of the seals and the absence of visible damage to the housing. Plug the device into the outlet without load (empty) and let it work for 1-2 hours. Only after it reaches the temperature and turns off can you load food.
During the first hours of operation, listen to the sounds of the engine. A slight gurgling or hissing sound is normal as the refrigerant begins to circulate through the system. However, a loud knock, clanging or continuous hum should alert you. In this case, it is better to contact a service center for diagnostics.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator at temperatures below zero?
Transportation at sub-zero temperatures is extremely undesirable. Plastic parts become brittle and can burst from vibration, and the oil in the compressor thickens. If this cannot be avoided, after delivery the refrigerator must stand in a warm room for at least 24 hours before turning it on.
What to do if after moving the refrigerator does not freeze?
If after proper settling (more than 12 hours) the unit works but does not cool, the capillary tube may be clogged with oil or freon leakage due to a microcrack. A technician is required to diagnose and recharge the system.
Does it need to be secured before transportation?
In modern Indesit models, the compressor is secured to springs. Factory shipping bolts are usually not provided or have already been removed during installation. Additional fastening with your own hands is not recommended, as you can upset the balancing of the motor.
How to securely seal the doors so as not to damage the enamel?
Use masking tape (paper), it does not leave sticky marks. If you use ordinary stationery or packing tape, glue it not to the body of the refrigerator, but to a layer of paper or fabric previously applied to the door.