Moving to a new apartment or replacing old equipment with more modern ones always involves risks for large equipment. Stinol refrigerators, popular thanks to their reliability and availability, require a special approach during transportation, since improper loading can damage the compressor or break the tightness of the system.
The main difficulty is that refrigerant and oil circulate inside the unit, which, when tilted or shaking, can get into the cooling circuit intended exclusively for gas. This leads to blockage of the capillary tube and expensive repairs.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation, selection of a vehicle and rules for starting after delivery, so that your Stinol serves for many years without failures.
Preliminary preparation for moving
Start preparing transportation must be done in advance, preferably one day before the scheduled date. The first and most important step is a full defrosting camera. Even if the model is equipped with a No Frost system, ice could form inside, which, when shaken, will turn into water and flood the electrical components.
After defrosting, thoroughly wipe the internal surfaces with a dry cloth. Moisture is the enemy of electronics, and condensation residue can cause a short circuit when first turned on in a new place.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects to chip ice. Damage to the evaporator will lead to an immediate release of freon and will require complex repairs with sealing of tubes.
Be sure to remove all shelves, drawers and containers. They must be transported separately, wrapped in soft cloth or bubble wrap, so as not to break and damage the internal walls of the chamber during sudden braking of the vehicle.
Fixation of moving elements and doors
Internal parts that cannot be removed and external doors require reliable fixation. If the door is left open or poorly secured, when it moves, it may hit the body or swing completely open, damaging the hinges.
To secure the doors, it is best to use the original shipping tape or durable stretch film. Regular office tape may not withstand the load and leave sticky marks that are difficult to clean.
- 🔒 Wrap the case tightly with 2-3 turns of stretch film, pressing the doors to the case.
- 🔒 Secure the power cord so that it does not dangle or get in the way loading.
- 🔒 Make sure the leveling feet are tightened or locked so as not to scratch the floor.
Pay special attention to the compressor. In some models Stinol it is suspended on springs. During transportation, it should not hit the walls of the casing.
☑️ Ready for transportation
Selecting a position for transportation
The most common question from owners: is it possible to transport Stinol refrigerator lying down? Manufacturers categorically do not recommend placing the unit on its side, as this creates a risk of oil leaking into the refrigerant circulation system.
However, in practice, in the absence of a high van, transportation in a horizontal position is often inevitable. If you decide to take a chance and put the equipment on its side, follow the rule: the tilt angle should not exceed 40 degrees, and the lying time should be minimal.
| Position | Risks | Recommended standing time |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical | Minimum | 2-4 hours |
| On the side (40°) | Medium (oil) | 8-12 hours |
| On the back | High (compressor) | Not recommended |
If you are transporting the unit vertically, be sure to secure it with straps to the sides of the body to prevent it from falling over. Vibration when driving on an uneven road can be detrimental to the engine suspension.
Packaging and protection of the case
The appearance of the equipment is as important as its internal condition. Scratches, dents and chipped paint not only spoil the aesthetics, but can also lead to metal corrosion in the future.
The ideal option is to use a factory-made cardboard box with foam inserts. If the packaging is still intact, place the unit in it and seal the ends with tape. This is the best protection against dust and shock.
If there is no box, use a thick blanket, batting or special soft covers. Wrap the body in several layers, paying attention to the corners and handles. Secure the fabric with a rope, but do not tighten too much so as not to deform the body.
⚠️ Attention: When loading into the body, do not place heavy things on the refrigerator. Pressure from above can push through thin roof metal and damage insulation.
Use a dolly to move up stairs. Carrying it by weight by two people is fraught with loss of balance and falling equipment.
What to do if there are no packaging materials?
If you don’t have the original box at hand, use thick polyethylene film (stretch) in several layers. It will protect against scratches and moisture. Additionally, you can line the sides with cardboard sheets from other boxes, securing them with tape. The main thing is to avoid direct contact of the body metal with the body of the refrigerator.
Features of transportation of different Stinol models
The line Stinol is quite diverse: from compact single-chamber models to tall two-chamber units. Dimensions directly affect the transportation strategy.
Tall models (over 170 cm) are more difficult to transport vertically in standard elevators and doorways. They often have to be tilted, which increases risks. Compact refrigerators are easier to lay horizontally, but they are also sensitive to compressor shock.
- 📏 Measure the doorways and the height of the elevator before starting work.
- 📏 Remove the doors from their hinges if they do not fit into the opening (only if the design allows this).
- 📏 For tall models, use a tilt of no more than 45 degrees when climbing stairs.
Pay attention to the type refrigerant. Older models may use R12 or R134a, while newer ones may use more environmentally friendly mixtures. Although this has little effect on the transportation process, knowledge of the model will help the technician with possible repairs.
Adaptation and startup after delivery
After the refrigerator has been delivered to a new location, do not rush to plug it into the network. Mechanical impacts and temperature changes could cause the oil in the system to move.
It is necessary to let the equipment “settle”. The waiting time depends on the location of the transportation. If the unit was transported vertically, 2-4 hours is enough. If horizontal, it is better to wait a day.
During this time, the oil will drain back into the compressor crankcase, and the temperature of the internal components will be equal to room temperature. A sudden start of a cold compressor can lead to thermal shock and breakdown.
⚠️ Attention: If after turning on you hear an unusual knock, a hum, or the refrigerator does not cool, but the motor is working, immediately unplug it and contact a service center.
Monitor the temperature for the first few hours of operation. Make sure that the freezer is getting cold and that an ice crust is not forming unevenly on the back wall of the main compartment.
Common mistakes when moving
Many owners make typical mistakes when trying to save time or effort. For example, carrying a refrigerator together without a cart often ends in hitting the door frame or falling on the stairs.
Another common mistake is ignoring door locking. A door that swings open in the back of a truck can break off the hinges or break the internal shelf, even if the body itself is intact.
It is also dangerous to transport equipment together with other heavy things without differentiation. Shifting cargo during braking can pierce the thin wall of the refrigerator or damage the condenser grille at the back.
Is it possible to transport a Stinol refrigerator at sub-zero temperatures?
Transportation at low temperatures is permissible, but you cannot turn on the unit right away. Compressor oil thickens in cold weather. Allow the refrigerator to warm up to room temperature for 24 hours before turning it on to avoid motor damage.
Do you need to secure the shelves inside if they cannot be removed?
Yes, definitely. Even if the shelf is glass and inserted into grooves, vibration can knock it out. Secure them with masking tape or place a soft material to prevent rattling and broken glass.
What to do if the refrigerator was transported lying down and immediately turned on?
If you turned on the unit immediately after horizontal transportation and it works fine, you are lucky. If you hear a hum or there is no cold, turn it off. Let stand 24 hours. If the problem does not go away, you will need to call a technician to purge the system.
How to understand that the compressor is damaged during transportation?
Main signs: strong metallic knocking during operation, absence of vibration on the side walls (which means it does not pump), or vice versa, constant operation of the motor without a rise in temperature. It can also knock out the automatic fuse in the panel.