Moving to a new apartment or simply the need to move a bulky one unit to another corner of the kitchen often becomes a real a test for the nervous system. A refrigerator is not just a box of food, but a heavy, bulky and extremely vulnerable device that requires delicate handling. Improper carrying can lead not only to damage to the flooring or door jambs, but also to failure of the compressor if the angle of inclination is violated.
Many people mistakenly believe that to move equipment it is necessary to call professional loaders or hire special equipment. However, knowledge of the physics of the process and correct ergonomics movements allow two people to cope with the task. The key point here is not so much physical strength as coordination and preliminary preparation.
In this article we will look in detail at how to safely lift and carry a refrigerator, minimizing risks to your back and the appliance itself. You will learn about the nuances of preparing the case, methods of gripping and distributing weight, as well as what absolutely cannot be done when transporting household appliances.
Preparing the refrigerator for moving
Before trying to tear the legs off the floor, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory measures. Ignoring this step is the most common cause of household injuries and property damage. First of all, the device must be completely defrosted, if it is not part of the system No Frost, and disconnected from the power supply.
Empty the internal chambers of products and remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg containers. Even if the shelves seem securely attached, vibration during transport can shift the center of gravity or cause the glass to break. It is better to pack all removed parts separately in boxes with soft filling.
☑️ Preparing for transportation
The refrigerator doors must be secured in the closed position. Wide construction tape or special tie belts are ideal for this. Do not use narrow office tape - it may not withstand the jerk, and a suddenly opened door will injure the carrier or hit the wall.
⚠️ Attention: If there is slippery linoleum or laminate on the floor, cover the path with cardboard or old carpets. This will not only protect the coating, but also prevent your legs from slipping when jerking.Necessary tools and equipment
The success of the operation directly depends on what you are wearing and what you are holding in your hands. Ordinary clothing can get caught on protruding parts of the body, and shoes with slippery soles can cause a fall. Thick work gloves with a rubberized coating are ideal for work; they will provide a secure grip and protect your hands from sharp edges.
Clothing should be loose, but not baggy, so as not to restrict movement and not snag. Shoes with non-slip soles and closed toes are required. If you are going to carry the unit over a long distance or through a stairwell, it makes sense to prepare carrying belt weights.
- 🧤 Workers gloves - protects from cuts and improves adhesion to a smooth metal surface.
- 👟 Shoes with corrugated soles - guarantees stability on any type of surface.
- 📦 Construction tape or stretch film - for fixing doors and protecting corners.
- 🧱 Furniture carts or roller platforms - greatly facilitate moving on a flat surface.
If you plan to lower the refrigerator down stairs, having seat belts or at least durable fabric straps is critical. They allow you to redistribute weight from your arms to your shoulders and body, reducing the load on the spine.
Correct lifting technique and weight distribution
The most crucial moment is lifting the technique off the floor. This is where the law of leverage and biomechanics come into play. Never try to lift a refrigerator by bending only at the waist. The main work should be done by powerful leg muscles.
Two people should stand on the sides of the unit, facing each other or the path to follow. the grip should be as reliable as possible: one hand from below, the other holding the body from above or from the side. It is important that your back is straight and your knees bent. The lift is carried out by extending the legs.
If the refrigerator is equipped with wheels, the task is simplified: one person tilts the unit back, leaning it on the wheels, and the second insures and directs the movement. In this case, the main burden falls on the wheels, and people can only control the motion vector.
⚠️ Attention: Do not tilt a refrigerator that is running or has just been turned off by more than 40 degrees. Oil from the compressor can get into the refrigerant circulation circuit, which will lead to breakdown of the cooling system.Features of carrying through flights of stairs
Moving up stairs is aerobatics in the art of cargo transportation. This requires perfect coordination. The one on the bottom takes the brunt of the weight, so he has to work with overload. The person walking from above performs the function of a helmsman and insurer, making sure that the body does not touch the walls or railings.
You need to move backwards (the one from below) or sideways, but in no case facing the direction of movement in order to see the steps under your feet. The step should be short and confident. When turning, you need to stop, turn the unit around and only then continue moving.
📊 Who bears the main load on the stairs?The one belowThe one on topThe load is distributed equallyDepends on the height of the carriersIf the stairs are narrow, you may have to carry the refrigerator vertically, which is acceptable for most modern models, but requires special care with the compressor. In such cases, it is better to use special straps thrown over the shoulders.
Table of distribution of roles when carrying
For clarity, let's look at how to correctly distribute responsibilities between two participants in the process, depending on the situation. This will help avoid confusion and conflicts in a stressful situation.
Situation Role of the first person Role of the second person Flat floor Carries 50% of the weight, controls the left board Carries 50% of the weight, controls the starboard side Climbing stairs Goes from below, holds the main weight on the shoulders/arms Goes from above, insures against falling back, guides Descent down the stairs Walks from below, slows down, insures Goes from above, holds weight, slowly lowers Passage through a narrow door Controls one corner, gives commands Controls the diagonal angle, rotates It is important to agree on signals in advance. For example, the command "Stop" means to immediately stop and squat, not just stop moving your legs. Any uncoordinated action can lead to one of the partners being pressed against the wall by a heavy body.
What you absolutely cannot do
There are a number of common mistakes that are often made beginners trying to save time or effort. First, never try to carry a refrigerator by holding it only by the top edge or door handles. The handles are not designed to support the weight of the entire body and can come off at the most inopportune moment.
Secondly, it is forbidden to carry a filled refrigerator. Even a few bottles of water or cans of canned food can shift the center of gravity and turn a safe load into an uncontrollable colossus. In addition, the contents can damage the internal walls of the chambers.
- 🚫 Do not drag the floor unit, even if it seems light, will damage the legs and coating.
- 🚫 Do not hold the refrigerator only by the decorative elements or tubes at the back.
- 🚫 Do not ignore signals from your partner about fatigue or an obstacle on the way.
What to do if one of the carriers released the load?
If the partner could not bear the weight, the second person should not try to hold the refrigerator alone on the weight. The unit must be lowered to the floor immediately but smoothly, even if this creates noise. An injury to the back or fingers is more expensive than noise.
Installation in a new location and startup
After successful transportation, the refrigerator cannot be immediately plugged into the network. This is perhaps the most important technical requirement. When carried, especially along stairs, oil from the compressor could mix with the refrigerant or enter the evaporator circuit.
It is necessary to allow the equipment to stand in an upright position. The settling time depends on the duration and angle of inclination when carrying, but on average it is recommended to wait from 2 to 4 hours. If the refrigerator was carried strictly vertically and without shaking, 1 hour is enough.
Only after the oil has drained back into the compressor crankcase, can you carefully remove the tape, install the shelves and plug in the appliance. Load food into the chambers only after the refrigerator reaches operating temperature, which usually takes several hours.
⚠️ Attention: Manufacturers may change the recommendations for settling time for different compressor models. Always check the instructions of a specific modelif they are available, or check the information on the brand's official website.Following these simple but important rules will allow you to move the refrigerator to any place independently and without consequences. Remember that calmness and correct technique are more important than speed of work.
Can you carry a refrigerator lying down?
It is strictly not recommended to transport or carry most models of refrigerators horizontally. This can lead to oil leaking into the freon circulation system and deformation of the housing. The vertical position is the only safe option.
How much does a standard two-chamber refrigerator weigh?
The weight of modern two-chamber models varies from 60 to 90 kg depending on the volume of the chambers, wall thickness and type of compressor. Side-by-Side models can weigh more than 120 kg, which requires the participation of three people or the use of a cart.
Do you need to remove the doors when carrying them through a narrow opening?
In most cases, it is not necessary to remove the doors if the width of the opening exceeds the width of the refrigerator by a margin of 5-10 cm. Removing doors is a complex procedure that requires tools, and often leads to damage to the hinges during reinstallation.