Moving or buying new household appliances often puts owners in a dilemma: how to deliver a bulky unit to its destination if there is not enough space in the back of a Gazelle or an elevator its vertical installation. The question of whether it is possible to transport a refrigerator lying on its side worries many, since the further performance of expensive equipment depends on the correct transportation. Incorrect moving position can lead to serious damage to internal components, which are not always noticeable immediately after unpacking.
There is a strong belief that transportation in a horizontal position is strictly prohibited, but professional movers and repairmen often use this method while observing strict safety regulations. The key here is to understand the compressor and the refrigerant circulation system. If you ignore the technical nuances, oil from the engine may flow into the cooling circuit, and the compressor itself may suffer mechanical damage due to vibration or shock.
In this article we will look in detail at why restrictions arise, how to properly prepare the equipment for transportation and how much time should be given to the unit to recover before the first start. Compliance with these recommendations will avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your refrigeration equipment refrigeration equipment.
Why do manufacturers recommend vertical transportation
The main reason why the instructions for any equipment include a requirement for vertical transportation lies in the design of the compressor. This unit is the heart of the cooling system. Inside the compressor there is oil that lubricates the rubbing parts and ensures tightness. If there is a sharp tilt or horizontal position, liquid may leak from the engine crankcase into the pipe system.
If oil gets into the refrigerant circuit, it will create an oil plug. This will disrupt the circulation of freon and the refrigerator will stop cooling. In addition, the compressor can run dry, which will lead to its rapid overheating and failure. It is also worth considering that in a horizontal position the load on the motor suspension and its mountings increases.
Another risk is associated with doors and shelves. When transporting lying down, there is a high probability of deformation of the case or damage to the hinges if the unit is not properly secured. Vibrations from the road are transmitted to the entire structure, and loose elements can move.
Modern models they often have more compact compressors, but this does not negate the physical laws of hydrodynamics. Therefore, even if the seller in the store assures that “nothing will happen,” it is better to play it safe and take precautions.
⚠️ Attention: Transportation on its side is possible only in extreme cases. If there is the slightest opportunity to transport the unit while standing, take advantage of it. The risk of damaging the compressor or breaking the tightness of the system during horizontal transportation is always higher.
Risks of horizontal transportation for different types of compressors
Not all refrigerators react equally to a lying position. The design of the compressor plays a decisive role. Older models used heavy piston units suspended on springs. When shaking in a horizontal position, they could easily come off the fastenings and pierce the housing, which led to freon leakage.
Modern inverter compressors are more compact and often more rigidly fixed, but they are sensitive to oil getting into the system. It is also important to consider the type of refrigerant. Some modern freon replacement gases are more demanding in terms of system cleanliness and the absence of oil plugs.
Particular caution should be exercised with models that have a “No Frost” system. They have a lot of plastic elements and a complex air duct system. If placed incorrectly or subject to impacts, plastic parts can crack and fans can become dislodged.
If you don't know the type of compressor installed in your model, it's best to assume the worst-case scenario. You can clarify this information in the technical data sheet or on the sticker on the back of the unit, where the model number is indicated model number.
What is the danger of the compressor coming off?
If the compressor comes off the fastenings inside the housing, it can break the copper tubes. This will cause instant refrigerant leakage. Repair in this case will include replacing the compressor, sealing tubes and refilling with freon, which often amounts to up to 70% of the cost of a new refrigerator.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
Regardless of the position in which you plan to transport the equipment, preparation is a mandatory step. Ignoring simple steps can lead to food spoilage, mold growth, or damage to the interior of the machine.
First of all, you need to defrost the unit. Even if there is ice left in the chamber, when the position changes, it will melt and water will flow into the engine compartment or onto the floor of the car. After defrosting, all surfaces need to be wiped dry.
The next step is to fix the internal elements. Shelves, drawers and trays must be removed and transported separately. If it is impossible to remove them (for example, glass shelves with latches), they need to be securely secured with tape or foam so that they do not dangle.
Doors also require attention. They need to be tightly closed and secured with straps or tape. It is better to wrap the entire body with stretch film to protect the coating from scratches. Do not forget to disconnect the device from the mains and wind up the power cord.
☑️ Preparation for transportation
Technology for proper placement and fixation in transport
If vertical transportation is not possible, you must choose the right side for styling There is a golden rule: you need to place the refrigerator on the side opposite the outlet of the tubes from the compressor. Usually the tubes are directed upwards when the unit is standing, but when laid on its side they should not be at the bottom.
Look at the back wall. The tubes coming from the motor are often painted black (discharge) or have a different shade (suction). If you place the refrigerator so that the tubes point down, the oil is guaranteed to leak into the circuit.
Fixation in the body is a critical point. The unit must not be able to move. Use soft blankets, foam, or bubble wrap as padding between appliances and the truck bed floor. This will soften the vibration.
Attach the housing to the sides of the machine using straps. Do not use doors or plastic parts for support. The pressure must be distributed throughout the metal frame. The vehicle speed should be moderate, avoid sudden braking and potholes.
| Parameter | Vertical transportation | Horizontal transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Risk of compressor breakdown | Low | Medium/High |
| Risk of oil getting into the circuit | Minimum | High |
| Fixation requirements | Moderate | Maximum |
| Settling time | 2-4 hours | 8-24 hours |
How long should the refrigerator sit after transportation
The most important stage after delivery is waiting. Many people make the mistake of turning on the device immediately after unpacking. This cannot be done. The oil that may have gotten into the tubes needs time to flow back into the compressor crankcase under the influence of gravity.
The settling time directly depends on how exactly you transported the equipment. If transportation was carried out in a vertical position, 2-4 hours is enough. During this time, the temperature of the internal components will stabilize and condensation, if it has formed, will evaporate.
When transported while lying on your side, the waiting time increases. The minimum period is 8 hours, but experts recommend waiting a full day (24 hours). This ensures that the oil will completely return to the compressor, and you will not run the engine “dry.”
If you transported the unit in winter, in the cold, the settling time in a warm room should also be at least a day. Sudden temperature changes and condensation inside electronics can cause a short circuit when turned on instantly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to speed up the heating process or draining of oil using hair dryers or heaters. Artificial heating can damage plastic pipes and seals. Let the equipment return to normal naturally.
First launch and performance check
After the required time has passed, you can proceed to the first launch. Plug in the device, but do not load it with food yet. An empty refrigerator must run for several hours to reach the desired temperature.
Pay attention to the sound of the motor. It should be smooth, without knocking, gurgling or whistling. If you hear strange sounds, this may indicate that oil is still in the system or the compressor is damaged.
Check the cooling. After 1-2 hours, the inside of the chamber should become noticeably colder. If after 3-4 jobs the temperature has not dropped below +10°C, and the freezer has not started to freeze, there may be a freon leak or an oil plug has formed.
Only after a successful cooling cycle can you load food. Do not overcrowd the chambers right away - let the system reach operating mode. Thermoregulator In the first day, it is better to set it to the average value.
What to do if after transportation the refrigerator does not freeze?
If after 24 hours of settling the unit hums, but there is no cold, most likely the oil has clogged the capillary tube. It is difficult to solve this problem on your own. You need to call a technician to purge the system with nitrogen or replace the filter drier. In the worst case, the compressor will need to be replaced.
Is it possible to carry a refrigerator on the roof of a car?
It is strictly not recommended. In addition to the risk of falling and damage to the housing, on the roof the unit is exposed to dust, moisture and direct sunlight, which can deteriorate the coating and damage the electrical system. In addition, vibration on the roof is much higher than in the body.
Do you need to remove the doors during transportation?
It is not necessary to remove the doors if you securely secure them with tape or belts. However, if the door opening is narrow and you are afraid of damaging the hinges during maneuvers, dismantling the doors will simplify the task. In this case, be sure to number the hinges and parts in order to correctly assemble them back.