Moving or buying new equipment always involves risks, especially when it comes to comes to large-sized devices. No Frost refrigerator is a complex device, sensitive to tilts, vibrations and sudden changes in position in space. Unlike older models with a drip system, here the compressor is mounted on springs, and refrigerants circulate inside, requiring special attention during transportation.
Ignoring the rules of movement can lead to tearing of tubes, damage to insulation or displacement of the motor. In order for an expensive unit to continue to work properly in a new location, it is necessary to strictly follow the preparation and movement algorithm. Below we will look at all the nuances that will help deliver the equipment safely.
Preparation of equipment for transportation
The first and most important stage is the complete defrosting refrigeration chamber. Even if the No Frost system assumes there is no ice, condensation or small ice formations may remain inside in hard-to-reach places. Leave the device turned off with the doors open for at least 24 hours so that the moisture completely evaporates.
After drying, it is necessary to dismantle all removable elements. Shelves, drawers, containers for vegetables and bottle holders should be removed and packaged separately. Glass shelves When shaking, they can break and damage the interior trim or plastic guides, so it is better to wrap them in bubble wrap.
Refrigerator doors must be secured in the closed position. To do this, use masking tape or special shipping tape. It is better not to use ordinary office tape, as it can leave sticky marks or damage the coating of the case when removed. Make sure the power cord is securely fastened and does not dangle.
The external casing also requires protection from scratches and chips. Wrap the device in thick cardboard, stretch film or blankets. Pay special attention to corners and handles, as they most often suffer when carried through doorways.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Is it possible to transport the refrigerator lying down
The question of the position of the unit during transportation is the most controversial. Manufacturers refrigerators categorically recommend transportation only in a vertical position with an inclination angle of no more than 40 degrees. However, the realities of life often dictate their own conditions, and transportation in the back of a Gazelle or in a passenger car is only possible in a horizontal position.
If you decide to transport equipment lying down, remember the risks. Oil from the compressor can leak into the refrigerant circuit, and the motor itself can become dislodged and damage the suspension. To minimize damage, place the appliance on the side opposite the compressor. Usually the side with the tubes and condenser is located at the back, but it is better to clarify this in the instructions for your model Liebherr, Bosch or Indesit.
⚠️ Attention: Transportation on the back wall (where the tubes are located) or on the door is strictly prohibited! This will lead to deformation of the thermal insulation and breakage of the condenser.
When transporting horizontally, be sure to secure the housing so that it does not slide on the floor of the body. Place a thick blanket or foam under the bottom to absorb shock. The movement should be smooth, without sudden braking or jerking.
Why are manufacturers against transportation lying down?
The compressor is mounted on internal springs. In a horizontal position, the weight of the motor presses unevenly on these springs, which can lead to their deformation or breakage of the tubes. In addition, the oil flows by gravity from the crankcase into the system, which, if turned on immediately, will cause water hammer.
Rules for transportation in a vertical position
Vertical transportation is considered the safest a method for No Frost equipment. In this position, all internal components are in their natural state, the oil remains in the compressor, and the springs are not subject to lateral loads. The tilt angle should not exceed 40 degrees, otherwise the refrigerant may flow into the circuit.
Use belts or stops to secure it in the body. The device must not move freely on the platform. If you are transporting a refrigerator in an elevator, make sure that it does not hit the walls of the shaft. Two people must hold the unit strictly vertically, supporting it by the side walls or special bottom, but not by the doors or handles.
When going down a ladder or ramp, one person belays from below, and the second directs the movement from above. Sudden jerks are unacceptable. If you use a cart, make sure it is designed for heavy loads and has securing straps.
Comparison of transportation methods
The choice of transportation method depends on the distance, type of vehicle and the presence of assistants. Below is a table to help assess the risks and requirements for different scenarios.
| Option | Vertical | Horizontal (on the side) | On the back wall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk of damage compressor | Minimum | Average | Critical |
| Oil flow into the system | No | Possible | Guaranteed |
| Required settling time | 2-4 hours | 8-12 hours | 24+ hours (risk of breakage) |
| Recommendation manufacturers | Yes | Not recommended | Absolutely no |
The table shows that transportation on the rear wall carries fatal risks for No Frost systems. The condenser located at the rear is easily wrinkled, and the compressor can come off the mounts under its own weight.
If there is no choice and you have to carry it lying down, choose the side opposite the tube outlet. This will reduce the likelihood of oil flowing directly into the compressor discharge tube. However, even in this case, the waiting time before turning on should be increased.
Packaging and case protection
High-quality packaging is not only aesthetics, but also protection from mechanical damage. The factory box with foam inserts is ideal for shipping. If it is not preserved, use thick corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap and stretch.
Pay special attention to protecting the corners. They are the ones who take the brunt of the impact when passing through doorways. You can use special corner pads made of polystyrene foam or make them yourself from thick cardboard, folding it in several layers.
Internal shelves, if for some reason you decide not to remove them (which is extremely undesirable), must be firmly fixed. However, systems No Frost are characterized by a complex system of air ducts, and an unsecured box can pierce the back wall of the chamber when shaking.
Time sediment before switching on
After delivering the refrigerator to a new location, you cannot immediately plug it into the network. This rule is relevant for all types of equipment, but for No Frost it is critically important. During transportation, oil could get into the heat exchanger, and it takes time for it to flow back into the compressor crankcase.
The settling time directly depends on how exactly you transported the unit. If transportation was carried out vertically without strong tilts, 2-4 hours is enough. If the refrigerator was lying on its side, the minimum waiting time is 8 hours, and it is better to leave it for 12-24 hours.
⚠️ Attention: Failure to comply with the standing time can lead to water hammer in the compressor. Oil that gets into the system does not compress, which causes instant failure of the piston group.
It is also important to let the device warm up to room temperature if it was transported in winter. Suddenly turning on cold equipment will lead to the formation of condensation on electronic boards and can cause a short circuit. Leave the refrigerator in a warm room for at least 4-6 hours before starting it for the first time.
What to do if you turned it on ahead of time?
If you turned on the refrigerator immediately after transportation and it makes strange sounds or does not cool, turn it off immediately. Let stand 24 hours. If after restarting the problem persists, call a technician; the tube may have come off or the compressor has broken down.
Common mistakes when moving
Many users make typical mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is moving the refrigerator by the door or top cover. This leads to deformation of the hinges, misalignment of the doors and failure of the seal.
Another mistake is ignoring the compressor fixation. Some models (especially older or specific brands) have shipping bolts to secure the motor. If the instructions for your Samsung or LG indicate their presence, be sure to check whether they are installed.
Also, you should not skimp on help. A refrigerator is a heavy and bulky cargo. An attempt to carry it alone often ends in falling, bruises or damage to the flooring and walls.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long should the refrigerator sit after transportation in winter?
If transportation was carried out in the cold season, let the device warm up to room temperature at least 4-6 hours. This is necessary so that condensation on the internal components evaporates and does not cause a short circuit when turned on. The settling time of the oil depends on the position during transportation (from 4 to 24 hours).
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator with residual water inside?
Absolutely not. Water can freeze in freezing temperatures, expand and damage plastic parts or tubing. In addition, splashing water can get on electrical contacts. Complete defrosting and drying are required.
What to do if the refrigerator hums louder than usual after transportation?
The first hours of operation may be accompanied by unusual sounds due to residual oil in the system or uneven distribution of the refrigerant. If the humming does not go away after a day or is accompanied by vibration of the housing, check the level of installation (adjustment of the legs) and the presence of transport bolts on the compressor.
Do you need to remove the doors when transporting through a narrow opening?
In most cases, removing the doors is easier than trying to squeeze through the entire housing. Removing doors also reduces the risk of door damage or broken hinges. However, after installation in a new place, the doors will need time (about a day) for the seals to straighten out and restore tightness.