Moving is always stressful, especially when it comes to large-sized household appliances. The refrigerator is one of the most difficult appliances to transport due to the presence of a compressor, refrigerant and shock absorption system. Improper preparation can lead to mechanical damage to the housing or, worse, failure of the cooling unit after switching on.
Many owners make the mistake of relying on the services of movers without prior preparation. However, it is your actions before the car arrives that determine the safety freon and integrity of the internal tubes. In this article we will analyze all the stages, from defrosting to final installation in a new location, so that you can avoid costly repairs.
Ignoring transportation rules often becomes the cause of breakdown compressor. To prevent this from happening, you must strictly follow the algorithm of actions, which we will describe below. Remember that even modern models require careful handling when moving over long distances.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. Don't just pull the plug from the socket just before loading. The equipment should remain turned off for at least 8-12 hours, and preferably a day. During this time, the ice will have time to defrost, the condensate will evaporate and stabilize oil in the compressor.
While the device is cooling, it is necessary to empty it of its contents. Remove all food, shelves and drawers. It is better to transport glass shelves and plastic containers separately, wrapped in thick paper or bubble wrap. This will reduce the risk of them breaking and damaging the internal walls of the chamber.
Why can’t you transport the shelves inside?
If you leave the shelves inside, when shaking, they can move and break the glass doors or damage the plastic guides. In addition, loose objects create additional noise and vibration.
After defrosting, thoroughly wipe all internal surfaces with a dry cloth. Remaining moisture can cause corrosion or an unpleasant odor if not used for a long period of time. Make sure that all drainage holes are also dry and clean.
The appliance doors must be secured in the closed position. Masking tape or special packing tape are ideal for this. Do not use regular office tape, as it may leave traces of glue on the glossy surface that will be difficult to remove.
☑️ Preparing for packaging
Required materials for packaging
High-quality packaging is the key to safe transportation. You will need a set of materials that will create a protective buffer between the refrigerator body and the outside world. The main element is stretch film, which tightly fits the equipment and protects from scratches.
For corners and protruding parts (handles, hinges), it is best to use foam corners or thick cardboard. If the original packaging has not been preserved, these materials can be purchased at hardware stores. Bubble film with large cells is also useful for additional shock absorption.
It is important to use the correct one tape. Polypropylene-based packaging tape has high tensile strength and does not stretch, securely fixing the packaging. Paper tape is only suitable for securing lightweight elements, but not for the main winding.
The process of packing the case
Start packing from the top of the case. Wrap the refrigerator in several layers of bubble wrap, paying special attention to the corners and edges. It is these areas that most often suffer when colliding with door jambs or the sides of a truck.
After the film layer, wrap the stretch film. Do this tightly, turn by turn, moving from top to bottom. This will create a monolithic layer that will prevent the packaging from slipping while moving. Make sure that ventilation grilles on the back wall are also protected, but not completely blocked, so that dust does not get inside.
If you still have the factory cardboard box, consider yourself lucky. Insert the prepared refrigerator into the box, having previously covered the bottom with foam. The voids between the body and the walls of the box also need to be filled with crumpled paper or foam chips.
Transportation features: position and fastening
The most critical question when moving: in what position should you transport the refrigerator? The ideal option is a vertical position. In this case, the oil remains in the compressor crankcase, and the tubes do not experience critical fracture loads.
If the dimensions of the body do not allow the equipment to be installed vertically, tilting is allowed. However, the angle of inclination should not exceed 40 degrees. When transported in a horizontal position (lying down), the risk of damage to the compressor and oil leakage into the cooling circuit increases sharply.
When transporting in the back of a truck, be sure to use belts or stops. The refrigerator should not be able to move, fall or topple. Even a slight vibration on a bad road can be fatal for an unfixed device.
Table of risks for different methods of transportation
So that you can assess the possible consequences, we have prepared a comparative table. It will help you make an informed decision about the loading method.
| Position | Risk for the compressor | Risk for the housing | Recommended settling time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | Minimum | Low | 2-4 hours |
| Tilt < 40° | Medium | Medium | 8-12 hours |
| Horizontal | High | High | 24 hours or more |
| Upside down | Critical | Critical | Not recommended |
As can be seen from the table, any deviation from the vertical increases the time required to stabilize the system before the first turn on. This is due to the fact that the oil takes time to drain back into compressor crankcase under the influence of gravity.
If you are forced to transport the refrigerator lying down, place it strictly on its side, opposite the outlet of the compressor tubes. Usually this side is determined by the instructions, but often it is the side where the door hinges are located. Check the model of your unit in the technical data sheet.
⚠️ Attention: Transporting the refrigerator upside down is strictly prohibited for all models. In this case, the compressor supports may not support the weight of the motor itself, which will lead to spring breakage and failure.
Installation and first start-up in a new place
After delivering the refrigerator to a new kitchen, do not rush to plug it into the outlet. Let the equipment stand in an upright position. The settling time depends on how you transported it: if vertically - 2-4 hours is enough, if lying down - at least 24 hours.
During this time, the refrigerant and oil will take their normal places. Early starting can lead to hydraulic shock in the compressor, as liquid freon or oil will enter the cylinder, where there should be only gas.
After the exposure time has expired, remove the packaging, remove the fixing tape and wipe the body. Place shelves and drawers in place. Only after this can you turn on the appliance to the network and load food.
What to do if the refrigerator is humming after moving?
If after turning on you hear an unusual noise, immediately turn off the appliance. Let it sit for a few more hours. If the noise repeats, call a technician; the compressor may have moved.
⚠️ Attention: If you transported the refrigerator at a temperature below -5°C, the standing time before turning on should be increased to 24 hours, regardless of the position. This is necessary to warm up the oil, which becomes too viscous in the cold.
Common mistakes when moving
One of the common mistakes is trying to drag a refrigerator. Even on a smooth floor, this leads to damage to the legs and deformation of the lower part of the body. Carry the device only by weight, using carrying straps.
Another mistake is packing a wet refrigerator. Remaining moisture inside the chambers during long-term transportation in a closed space can lead to the formation of mold and corrosion of metal elements.
Also, you should not skimp on fixing materials. Cheap tape may break along the way, causing the doors to fly open, damaging the handles or glass. Use only proven packing materials packaging materials.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator with a running compressor?
No, absolutely not. Transporting a running refrigerator will cause compressor failure due to lack of refrigerant circulation and oil in the wrong position. Always turn off the appliance in advance.
Do you need to remove the refrigerator doors when moving?
You need to remove the doors only if the refrigerator does not fit through the doorway when assembled. In other cases, it is enough to securely fix them with tape so that they do not slam when shaking.
What to do if dents appear on the case?
Small dents on the side walls usually do not affect the operation of the equipment. If the rear radiator grille is damaged or traces of oil are visible, this is a reason for serious diagnostics by a specialist before turning it on.
How long can you store a switched-off refrigerator?
A switched-off and dry refrigerator can be stored indefinitely if you leave the doors slightly ajar (secure with a wedge). This will prevent the appearance of a musty smell and mold inside the chambers.