Moving to a new apartment or simply replacing household appliances is always stressful, which is aggravated by the issue of logistics of large items. The refrigerator is one of the most difficult units to transport due to its design, weight and fragile internal components. Improper preparation and violation of the rules of movement can lead to serious damage, which will appear only after connecting to the network.
Many owners mistakenly believe that the main thing is to bring the case to the car without scratching it, but the internal “filling” suffers much more often. Of particular danger is oil, which can get into the refrigerant circulation system if you ignore the requirements for the position of the equipment while driving. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from defrosting to the first turn on after delivery.
Ignoring simple safety rules often leads to failure compressorwhich is comparable to buying a new device. To avoid unnecessary expenses and nerves, you must strictly follow the algorithm of actions, which has been tested by years of practice of service engineers. Let's look at how to minimize risks during transportation.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
The first and most important step is to completely defrost the unit. Even if your model is equipped with a No Frostsystem, condensation or ice may remain inside in hidden cavities. It is necessary to disconnect the device from the power supply at least 24 hours before the planned transportation, open all doors and leave it until the water has completely drained.
After defrosting, you should thoroughly wash and, what is critically important, wipe dry all internal surfaces. Remaining moisture may cause short circuits or corrosion of metal parts during storage or transportation. Do not forget to remove all shelves, drawers and containers - they must be transported separately, packed in soft cloth or bubble wrap.
To protect the outer case, use the original packaging, if it is still there. Otherwise, stretch film is ideal; it should be tightly wrapped around the entire body, including the doors. This will prevent scratches and chips, and will also keep the doors closed if there are no latches.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for transportation
⚠️ Attention: Never use regular office tape or adhesive tape with a strong adhesive layer to secure the doors. Remaining glue will have to be scrubbed off with aggressive chemicals, which can damage the coating of the case. Use masking tape or special packing tape.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator lying down
The question of the position of the equipment during transportation causes the most controversy. Manufacturers categorically recommend transporting refrigerators only to vertical position. This is due to the design of the compressor, which is suspended on springs and filled with oil. When tilted more than 40 degrees or horizontally, there is a risk of the motor shifting and oil getting into the freon circulation circuit.
However, the realities of moving often dictate their own conditions, and sometimes putting the refrigerator on its side is the only solution. If vertical transportation is not possible, laying on its side is permitted, but subject to strict rules. The main thing is to determine which side the compressor tubes are located on, and place the unit strictly on the opposite side.
At the bottom of the refrigerator, next to the compressor, there are usually two or three copper tubes. Two of them go to the radiator, and one (or output) can lead directly to the compressor housing. If you put the refrigerator on its side, where the tubes “look down,” the oil will flow by gravity into the circuit, which will lead to hydraulic shock at the first start.
Why can’t you carry it on your back?
Many people ask whether it is possible to put the refrigerator on the back wall. The answer is a categorical no. On the rear wall there is a radiator and a condenser, which may not support the weight of the unit itself. In addition, the compressor can break away from the mounts under its own weight, which will lead to irreversible damage.
There is a myth that old Soviet refrigerators can be transported as you like, but modern ones cannot. In fact, the principle of operation of the compressor has not changed fundamentally over the past 50 years, and the risk of damage to internals is the same for any model, be it Indesit or Liebherr.
Packaging and fixation technology in the body
Correct packaging is the key to the safety of not only the appearance, but also the internal mechanics. After the doors are secured and the shelves are removed, cushioning must be provided. The best material for this is bubble wrap, which is used to wrap the corners and most protruding parts.
When loading into a car, it is important to use a cart with wide wheels so as not to damage the floor covering or drop a heavy unit. In the back or interior of a truck, the refrigerator must be placed on a level, non-slip surface. It is ideal to use rubber mats or thick cardboard.
Fixation with belts should be done in such a way as not to crush the body. The belt should be passed through soft pads (such as folded blankets) where it contacts metal. This will prevent dents and deformation of the thin walls of the chamber.
| Packaging type | Protection efficiency | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Factory box | Maximum | Long-distance travel, storage |
| Stretch film (5 layers) | High | Protection from scratches and moisture |
| Blankets and rugs | Medium | Only as an additional layer |
| No packaging | Low | Highly not recommended |
Rules for transportation in cars and trucks
The choice of vehicle directly affects the safety of the cargo. Ideally, to transport a refrigerator, it is ordered cargo taxi with a high body or a van. This allows you to transport equipment in a vertical position, which is the safest option.
If you have to use a passenger car, you will have to put the refrigerator on its side. In this case, it is critical not only to choose the right side (as described above), but also to ensure a soft fit. The interior or trunk must be covered with thick foam rubber or several layers of blankets.
While driving, sharp braking, acceleration and sharp turns should be avoided. Even slight vibration at high speed can be dangerous to an unsecured load. The driving speed should be moderate, and the driving style should be as smooth as possible.
⚠️ Attention: Transportation on the roof of a car is permissible only in extreme cases and in the presence of a special trunk and reliable fastenings. An open pickup bed without a hard cover is also a risky option due to the ingress of dust, moisture and stones.
Actions after delivery: settling period
After the refrigerator has been delivered to its destination, you should not rush to turn it on. If the equipment was transported in a horizontal position or with a strong slope, the compressor oil needs time to drain back into the engine crankcase. Usually this process takes from 2 to 4 hours, but it is better to wait a day.
In the winter season, when transportation occurs at subzero temperatures, the situation becomes more complicated. Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to form inside electrical wiring and on contacts. Turning on a wet appliance can result in a short circuit.
Therefore, if you brought the refrigerator in from the cold, let it stand in a warm room for at least 4-6 hours, or better yet, all night. Only after complete warming up and the oil has drained can you begin to assemble the internal elements and start up for the first time.
Common mistakes during self-transportation
Analysis of calls to service centers shows that most breakdowns during moving occur due to simple inattention. One of the most common mistakes is trying to carry the refrigerator by weight by grasping the door or decorative handle. These elements are not designed to support the weight of the entire unit and simply come off.
Another mistake is ignoring the compressor fixation. Some models (especially older ones) have special transport bolts to secure the motor. If they are not tightened before transportation, the compressor suspension may not withstand shaking.
They also often forget to check the integrity of the tubes after installation. If the circulation system is damaged during careless transportation, the refrigerator will work, but not cool, and after a while the compressor will burn out due to the lack of freon.
It is worth remembering that the warranty service may refuse free repairs if the examination shows traces of improper transportation (for example, oil in the evaporator or dents from belts). Therefore, saving on the services of professional movers or packaging may backfire.
What to do if the refrigerator stops freezing after transportation?
If after turning on the refrigerator hums, but does not cool, there may be an oil leak or a freon leak. In the first case, a long (up to 2 days) shutdown with periodic short starts can help. However, most often you need to call a technician to purge the system and charge it with refrigerant. Do not try to repair the system yourself without a vacuum pump and pressure gauges.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator in an elevator?
Yes, you can, but only in a diagonal position if the dimensions allow. In this case, the unit should rest on the lower corner of the housing, and not on the legs or door. You definitely need an assistant to hold the top. If the refrigerator does not fit into the elevator while standing, it is better to disassemble the door (if the design allows) or use a flight of stairs, taking precautions.
Do you need to remove the doors during transportation?
It is recommended to remove the doors if the openings in the apartment are narrow or if you are afraid that the latches will not hold. However, this requires tools (usually a screwdriver or Allen wrench) and care not to damage the hinges. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to take risks and just securely fix the doors with tape in several places.