Transporting large household appliances is always stressful for the owner and a test of strength for the unit itself. The problem becomes especially acute when the factory cardboard box has already been thrown away, and it needs to be transported refrigerator to a new place of residence or dacha. The lack of external packaging deprives the device of protection from mechanical shocks, dust and moisture, which significantly increases the risk of damage to the case or internal components during movement.
Many owners wonder whether it is possible to put the equipment on its side, and if so, which one. The answer lies in the device compressor and the refrigerant circulation system. An incorrect position can lead to oil leaking into the cooling circuit or tearing off the springs supporting the motor, which at best will require a long time to settle, and at worst - expensive repairs.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances of preparing, fixing and transporting refrigeration equipment in a horizontal position without original packaging. You will learn how to minimize risks, properly secure the unit in the body and how long you need to wait before the first start so that the equipment will last for many years.
Risks of horizontal transportation for a compressor
The main element that suffers from improper transportation is motor-compressor. In working condition, it is suspended on springs inside a metal casing, which helps dampen vibrations. With sudden jerks or strong shaking in a horizontal position, these springs can jump off or burst, which will lead to a characteristic rumble and failure of the unit.
The second critical risk is associated with oil. In a vertical position it is located in the compressor crankcase. If you place the refrigerator on its side or back, oil may flow into the cooling circuit pipes or into the capillary system. Oil that gets into the system creates an oil plug, which disrupts the circulation of freon and can lead to overheating of the unit.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to transport the refrigerator on the back wall (with the radiator grill down). In this position, the weight of the entire body falls on the tubes and the condenser, which is almost guaranteed to lead to their deformation, depressurization of the system and leakage of freon.
It is also worth considering the condition shock absorbers and the fastenings of the internal shelves. Even if the external integrity of the enclosure is maintained, internal vibration can damage glass shelves or plastic elements if they are not securely secured before travel.
Choosing the correct side for stowage
If horizontal transportation is not possible, selecting the correct side for stowage is critical. Manufacturers usually indicate on the back wall or in the instructions which side a particular model can be placed on of the refrigerator. If the instructions are lost, you should follow the general rule: you need to lay the equipment on the side on the opposite side from which the compressor tube comes out.
When laid on the left side, oil from the compressor, as a rule, does not flow into the circuit, since the outlet tube is on top. If you place the unit on its right side, oil can flow into the circulation system under the influence of gravity. However, for different manufacturers, such as Indesit, Atlant or LG, the design of the pipes may differ.
How to determine the direction of the pipes without instructions?
Carefully inspect the compressor from the back. Locate the tube that comes out of the top of the housing. You need to lay the refrigerator on the side so that this tube faces up. If the tubes come out from different sides, it is better to consult the model features on the forum or with the manufacturer.
There is a common myth that modern models can be carried in any position. This is a misconception. The physics of work refrigerant and oil has not changed, and gravity continues to act on all liquids inside the system equally, regardless of the year of manufacture of the device.
Step-by-step preparation of the refrigerator for moving
Quality preparation takes more time than the loading itself, but it is this that saves the equipment from damage. You should start with complete defrosting. Even if the refrigerator has a system No Frost, condensation or ice may remain inside in hidden cavities, which, when tilted, will turn into water and flood the electronic modules.
After defrosting, it is necessary to thoroughly wash and dry all internal surfaces. A humid environment with closed doors promotes the growth of bacteria and the appearance of mold, the smell of which will then be very difficult to remove. The doors should be left open for at least several hours, and preferably for a day.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for transportation
The internal space must be completely free of removable elements. Glass shelves, plastic containers, ice trays - all this must be removed and transported separately, wrapped in soft cloth or bubble wrap. Objects left inside during shaking may break or damage the internal walls of the chamber.
Pay special attention to securing the doors. Without the original box, they may open spontaneously while in transit, causing them to hit the car body or other objects. Use strong masking tape or special belts, but do not overtighten them so as not to damage sealing rubber bands or the handles.
How to replace the original packaging: materials and methods
The absence of a cardboard box is compensated by using improvised soft ones materials. The main task is to create a buffer layer that will protect the paintwork from scratches and absorb small impacts. Old blankets, rugs, thick rags or professional stretch film are ideal.
First, tightly wrap the refrigerator body with several layers of soft cloth or bubble wrap. Pay special attention to corners and protruding parts such as handles and hinges. Then the structure must be fixed. A wide stretch film is perfect for this, which will tightly cover the protective layer and prevent it from slipping on the road.
| Material | Protective properties | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch film | High fixation, dust protection | May leave traces of glue on the gloss |
| Wadded blankets | Excellent shock absorption | Heavy, can absorb moisture |
| Bubble film | Protection from scratches and chips | Requires fixation with tape |
| Corrugated cardboard | Hard corner protection | Ineffective without external winding |
If you use tape to secure materials, choose a painting option that does not leave sticky marks. Ordinary stationery or packaging tape in the sun can “float” and leave hard-to-wash marks on the surface of the refrigerator.
Technology of loading and fastening in transport
Loading is the most traumatic stage. At least two people must lift the refrigerator. One person holds the top, the second controls the bottom and the angle of inclination. Sharp jerks during lifting can damage the internal tubes, even if the unit is turned off.
In the body of a car or gazelle, the refrigerator is placed strictly across the movement, if possible, to minimize roll during braking and acceleration. If the equipment is lying on its side, it should rest on a soft substrate. Be sure to place blankets or foam between the body and the metal sides of the body.
The unit must be secured not only to the sides, but also to the floor, if possible. The belts should not put pressure on plastic elements or tubes. It is best to pass them through the base or use soft pads where the belt contacts the body.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the refrigerator unsecured, even for a short distance. Inertia during emergency braking turns a 50-kilogram load into a projectile that can cause serious injury to passengers or the driver.
Settling time and first start
After delivery to the place, the refrigerator cannot be turned on immediately. Any oil that may have gotten into the tubes should drain back into the compressor crankcase. The time required for this depends on the ambient temperature and the duration of transport. In winter, this process takes longer than in summer.
Experts recommend maintaining the following time intervals before turning it on for the first time:
- 🕒 2-4 hours: if the refrigerator was transported standing up and for a short time.
- 🕒 8-12 hours: standard time for transporting lying down in warm weather year.
- 🕒 12-24 hours: necessary if transportation was carried out at sub-zero temperatures or lasted a very long time.
After the device has settled, remove the packaging, check the integrity of the case and only then connect to the network. The first launch is best done without loading products. Let the refrigerator run idle for 1-2 hours so that it reaches the desired temperature and stabilizes the operation of the thermostat.
If after turning it on you hear an unusual noise, knocking or the refrigerator does not freeze for several hours, immediately unplug it. This may indicate oil getting into the system or mechanical damage requiring specialist intervention.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator in the trunk of a car?
This is extremely undesirable. In a passenger car it is difficult to ensure reliable fixation and a horizontal position without strong tilts. In addition, vibrations from the car's suspension are transmitted to the body much more strongly than in the back of a truck. If there is no other way out, soften the cradle as much as possible and transport the equipment very slowly.
What to do if after transportation the refrigerator hums more than usual?
An increased hum may be caused by the fact that the compressor has not yet settled on its shock absorbers, or the oil has not yet completely drained. Let the equipment run for several hours. If the noise does not subside or turns into knocking, the compressor suspension spring may have slipped and repairs will be required.
Do you need to twist the legs of the refrigerator during transportation?
Yes, it is better to unscrew or remove the adjustable supports so that they do not break under the weight of the body during vibration. The holes can be plugged with a rag to prevent dust from getting in. This will also allow the unit to be packed more tightly and to avoid distortions.