Moving to a new apartment or replacing old household appliances with a more modern model is always fraught with risks, especially when it comes to large-sized devices. Transporting a refrigerator requires a special approach, since inside the unit there are complex mechanisms that are sensitive to shaking, shock and changes in position in space. Many owners make a fatal mistake, believing that a new device, just removed from the factory packaging, can be transported in any way, forgetting about the fragility of the compressor and the integrity of the tubes.
Incorrect loading or ignoring basic safety rules can lead to a refrigerant leak, breakage of the motor suspension or deformation case, which automatically voids the warranty. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation, the transportation process and actions after delivery, so that your equipment will serve for many years without failures.
Preparing the refrigerator for moving
Before you begin the physical actions of moving the unit, you need to perform a number of preparatory procedures. Even if the refrigerator is new and seemingly empty, there may be loose items inside that, if shaken, will damage the interior or shelves. The first step is to remove all removable parts: glass shelves, plastic containers for vegetables, egg trays and grates.
Each shelf and drawer should be packaged separately in bubble wrap or thick paper to prevent broken glass and cracks. If you still have the factory foam and cardboard inserts, it would be ideal to use them to secure the interior. Otherwise, the voids inside the chamber can be filled with crumpled paper or soft things, but only if you are sure of their cleanliness.
The device doors must be locked in the closed position. To do this, use masking tape, construction tape or special belts. Duct tape is preferable because it does not leave marks on the glossy surface, unlike some types of packing tape. Make sure that the fastenings are secure and the door will not swing open at the most inopportune moment.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for transportation
Wrap the case with a soft cloth or stretch film in several layers. This will not only protect the enamel, but also prevent chipping at the corners when maneuvering in doorways.
In which position is it better to transport: standing or lying down?
The question of how to transport the refrigerator - in a vertical or horizontal position - causes the most controversy among users and even some movers. Manufacturers of household appliances most often indicate in their instructions that transportation should be carried out only in a vertical position with an inclination angle of no more than 40 degrees. This is due to the design of the compressor and the shock absorption system.
When transported “standing”, the risk of damage to internal components is minimal. The oil suspension remains in the crankcase, and the tubes do not experience critical pressure. However, if the dimensions of the car body do not allow the unit to be installed vertically, a compromise has to be made. In such cases, transportation on its side is allowed, but subject to strict rules.
⚠️ Attention: Transportation lying down is prohibited for some models with an open cooling system or a specific type of compressor. Always check the technical documentation of a particular brand, for example Liebherr or Atlantas the requirements may differ.
If you do decide to lay the refrigerator, do it only on the left or right side, but never place it on the back or front panel. On the back there is a condenser and tubes that are easy to crush, and on the front there is a door and handle that can be deformed under the weight of the case. Laying on its side is permissible only for short distances and provided that the speed of movement is minimal.
Why can’t you carry it on your back?
On the back wall there is a cooling radiator (condenser), which is often made of thin tubes. When laid on the back, the weight of the heavy body falls on these tubes, which leads to their flattening or rupture. Also, in this position, the compressor may fall off the shock absorbers, which will lead to noisy operation or breakdown in the future.
Technical nuances: compressor and oil
The heart of any refrigerator is the compressor, which is secured inside the housing on springs or shock absorbers. If there is strong shaking or sudden jerking during transport, this heavy unit may wobble and damage the copper supply pipes. That is why the smooth running of the vehicle plays a critical role.
Another important aspect is compressor oil. In a horizontal position, oil from the compressor crankcase can flow into the refrigerant circuit. If immediately after such transportation you turn on the device to the network, the compressor will try to compress the liquid (oil), which will lead to water hammer and instantaneous breakdown of the mechanism.
Modern inverter compressors, which are installed in models of brands Samsung and LG, may be less sensitive to tilts due to their design, but the risk always remains. Therefore, the “settle” rule is the gold standard for any equipment.
It is also worth considering the condition of the roads. If the route runs along a bumpy dirt road, the risk of damage to the compressor suspension increases many times over. In such conditions, vertical transportation is the only safe option, even if you have to make several trips or call for special transport.
Rules for safe loading and fastening
Loading a refrigerator into a car is a team effort that requires the coordination of at least two people. It is strictly prohibited to drag the unit along the floor: this will damage the floor covering and may tear off the legs or deform the bottom of the housing. Use a cart with straps or carry the device manually, holding it by the bottom and top.
In the back of a truck or the trunk of a car, the refrigerator must be securely fixed. It should not be able to shift, tilt or fall when turning or braking. For fixation, use stops from boxes, soft bags or special belts.
| Parameter | Vertical position | Horizontal position |
|---|---|---|
| Risk for the compressor | Minimum | Medium/High |
| Space occupied | Large | Minimum |
| Need for sludge | 2-4 hours | 8-24 hours |
| Recommended angle | up to 40 degrees | Only on the side |
When attaching with straps, do not over-tighten the case firmly so as not to leave dents on metal or plastic. Place a soft cloth under the straps. If you are using a passenger car, make sure that the interior is well ventilated in case you suddenly need to open the door on the road, although it is better to avoid stopping with the body open in the cold season.
The influence of ambient temperature
The time of year and temperature overboard make adjustments to the transportation process. In winter, especially in severe frosts, metal and plastic become brittle. A sharp temperature change when bringing a warm refrigerator from the street into a warm room can cause the formation of condensation inside the electronic units and on the contacts.
Moisture is extremely dangerous for electrical control circuits. If you transported equipment in winter, do not rush to unpack it and remove the protective film immediately. Allow the unit time to warm up to room temperature in its packaging. This will prevent condensation from forming, which could cause a short circuit when first turned on.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was in the cold for more than 30 minutes, its acclimatization time in the room should be at least 4-6 hours, or better yet, a full day. Turning on a frozen appliance can damage the thermostat.
Summer also has its own nuances. Direct sunlight shining on the body in the back of a car can heat the internal components to undesirable temperatures. Try to plan transportation so that the unit is not exposed to direct sun for a long time, or cover it with a light cloth to reflect the rays.
Actions after delivery: installation and first start-up
After the refrigerator has been delivered to its destination, it must be installed correctly. Choose a flat surface, away from heat sources (stoves, radiators) and direct sunlight. The distance to the walls should be at least 5-10 cm for normal air circulation around the condenser.
Use a building level to check the horizontal installation. Height adjustment is carried out by twisting or unscrewing the front legs. Correct installation will prevent vibration and excessive noise during compressor operation. The door should close tightly and independently if you open it 45 degrees.
The most important rule is to wait a while before turning it on. As mentioned earlier, if the transport was vertical, 2-4 hours of rest is sufficient. If the refrigerator was lying on its side or subjected to shaking, it is better to wait 12-24 hours. This ensures that the oil drains back into the compressor and the refrigerant is distributed evenly throughout the system.
Only after the standing time has expired can you connect the device to the network. During the first hours of operation, do not load the chamber with products. Allow the refrigerator to reach temperature and turn off automatically. After this, you can gradually load the products while monitoring the operation of the equipment.
Frequent errors during transportation
Analysis of service cases shows that most breakdowns occur due to banal non-compliance with instructions. One of the most common mistakes is transporting with unsecured doors. As a result, the door swings open, hits the body or jamb, breaking itself and damaging neighboring objects.
Another mistake is ignoring the factory packaging. Many people throw away foam plastic “helmets” on the corners right after they get to the store. During repeated transportation, the corners receive impacts, dents and chips, which spoils the appearance of the new equipment. Save the packaging or purchase protective corners separately.
It is also a mistake to believe that a new refrigerator does not need to be “defended.” Even if the unit was not turned on, the oil in the compressor could have shifted due to shaking along the way. Neglecting this rule is a direct path to expensive repairs in the first month of operation.
Do not forget that the manufacturer's warranty may be voided if an examination shows mechanical damage caused by improper transportation. A careful attitude and following simple rules will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and nerves.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator in cold weather at -20 degrees?
Technically it is possible, but with big reservations. The case will become brittle, so any impacts may cause cracks. The main thing is not to turn it on for at least 24 hours after bringing it into the heat to avoid condensation and problems with the oil. It is better to use a closed van.
What to do if after transportation the refrigerator hums or vibrates?
Check the installation level, tighten the legs. Make sure the refrigerator does not touch walls or furniture. If the vibration is strong and appeared precisely after transportation lying down, the compressor suspension spring may have come off - in this case, a technician is needed.
Is it necessary to defrost a new refrigerator before transportation?
A new refrigerator that has not been in use does not need to be defrosted, since it does not contain ice. However, make sure the inside is dry. If the equipment is used, complete defrosting and drying is required.
Which side is better to place it on: the left or the right?
Usually manufacturers recommend placing it on the right side, since the compressor tubes and connections are often located on the left side. However, for some models (for example, Indesit or Beko), the rules may differ. Ideally, look at the sticker on the back wall or the instructions.
How long should the refrigerator stand after transportation in the summer?
In the summer, when there is no risk of icing and condensation from temperature changes, the standing time can be reduced. For vertical transportation, 2-3 hours are enough. For horizontal - at least 6-8 hours, so that the oil is guaranteed to return to the compressor.