Moving or simply rearranging furniture is often confronted with a fact: how to move a large household appliance without damaging it and own gender. A refrigerator is not just a box, but a complex system with a compressor, refrigerant and oil that require special handling during transportation. Incorrect actions when descending or ascending flights of stairs can lead to pipes being torn off, freon leaking or housing deformation, which will turn the equipment into a pile of metal.
Many people mistakenly believe that simply physical strength is enough for such work, but the key factor here is coordination of the actions of knowledge of the physics of the process. The weight of a modern two-chamber unit can reach 70-90 kilograms, and the distribution of this mass between two people must be strictly symmetrical. Ignoring the rules of inclination or sudden jerks on steps often cause failure of the the shock-absorbing system compressor.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm for preparing, packing and directly moving the equipment. You will learn why you cannot carry the device horizontally, how to properly fix the moving parts and what tools will make the task easier. Following the recommendations described below will allow you to avoid costly repairs and maintain the manufacturer's warranty.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
Before picking up the appliance by the handles, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory manipulations, which are often ignored in a hurry. The first step should always be a full defrosting camera. Even if the refrigerator has a No Frost system, condensation or ice may remain inside, which, when tilted, will flow onto the electronic boards or cause corrosion.
Unplug the appliance and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours. This time is necessary for moisture to evaporate and temperatures to equalize. At the same time, all shelves, drawers and containers should be removed. Glass shelves may burst when vibrating while being carried, and plastic elements may crack from the load.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Pay special attention to the compressor. Some models require fixation with shipping bolts, which are included in the kit. If they are lost, soft spacers can be used to limit the movement of the motor inside the casing. After removing the internal contents, thoroughly wipe the chambers with a dry cloth.
⚠️ Attention: Never start carrying if there is water or pieces of ice left inside. When tilted, liquid may get on the wiring or cause a short circuit when first turned on.
Fixing doors and protecting the body
The most vulnerable part when carried up stairs is the doors. Under their own weight or from accidental contact, they can swing open, which will lead to hitting the walls, damage to the hinges, or injury to the carriers. To prevent this, use masking tape or special stretch film. It is better not to use ordinary office tape, as it can leave sticky marks or damage the coating.
Wrap the case with several layers of film, paying attention to the corners. It is the corners that take the brunt of the impact when passing through doorways and staircase turns. If you still have the original cardboard packaging, this is an ideal option. Insert the device back into the box, having previously lined the bottom with polystyrene foam.
For additional protection, you can use blankets or thick blankets, wrapping them around the unit and securing it with a rope. This will not only save you from scratches, but will also provide a better grip, since slippery metal is more difficult to hold. Make sure that the power cords are securely fastened and do not dangle so that no one trips over them on the stairs.
Two-person carrying technique: weight distribution
Once the packing issue is resolved, the task of physical moving arises. You can move the refrigerator together, but only if there is a clear distribution of roles. One person (usually a taller or stronger person) stands at the back and takes on the brunt of the load, while a second person helps from the front, guiding and supporting the weight. It is important to agree on a command to start and stop the movement, for example, counting “one-two-three.”
It is strictly forbidden to drag the device or tilt it more than 40 degrees. The angle of inclination is critical to conserving oil in the compressor. If the refrigerator is tilted too far, oil from the compressor crankcase may flow into the refrigerant circuit. This will lead to water hammer at startup and costly repairs.
When climbing stairs, the one at the bottom takes the main weight, so he should keep his back straight and work with his legs. The top person acts as a helmsman, controlling the gaps between the hull and the walls. If the stairs are narrow, you may have to turn the refrigerator sideways, but strictly maintaining the vertical position.
⚠️ Attention: When carrying, never grab the refrigerator by the doors, handles or plastic decorative elements. The only points of support should be the lower grille (at the back) and the side walls at the base.
Use of auxiliary equipment and trolleys
If the staircase opening allows, the use of belt for carrying loadscan greatly facilitate the work. This is a special device that is thrown over the shoulders and allows you to distribute the weight on the body, freeing your hands for maneuvering. However, on steep flights of stairs, a belt can be dangerous due to the risk of loss of balance.
A lifting cart or construction wheelbarrow is only suitable for moving on a flat surface (asphalt, floor). Carrying a refrigerator on a cart up the stairs is extremely risky for two people: the wheels can get stuck, and the entire mass will fall on one of the participants in the process. For stairs, there are special stair carts with a caterpillar or triangular wheel mechanism, but they require driving skills.
If you decide to use improvised means, make sure that they can withstand a weight of 100 kg with a margin. As temporary protection for the floor and steps, you can use thick cardboard or rugs that are placed under the legs when stopping. This will prevent slipping and scratches on the floor covering.
| Carrying method | Number of people required | Risk of damage | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two per person hands | 2 | Average | Narrow stairs, no elevator |
| Carrying straps | 2 | Low | Long corridors, flat floors |
| Staircase trolley | 2 (1 pulls, 1 insures) | Low | Multi-storey lifts without an elevator |
| Regular trolley | 2 (1 lucky, 1 insures) | High (on the stairs) | Only flat surfaces |
The nuances of going down and going up the stairs
Descent down the stairs is technically more difficult than going up, since gravity pulls the load down, and it is necessary constantly slow down When descending, the person below is actually holding all the weight, so they may need the help of a third person for protection. You should move backwards (for the lower carrier) in order to control the placement of your feet on the steps.
At turns in landings (flights), it is important not to touch the protruding parts of the railing. If the refrigerator is wide, you have to unfold it. This should be done on a flat part of the site, and not on the steps. One person pushes the upper corner, the second holds the bottom and pushes the lower corner.
What to do if the refrigerator does not fit through the doorway?
If the dimensions of the refrigerator exceed the width of the doorway, sometimes it is necessary to temporarily dismantle the door hinges of the refrigerator itself or remove the interior door. In extreme cases, if the design allows, you can carefully remove the door hinges of the refrigerator, first securing them with tape so as not to lose the fasteners.
When climbing, it is critical to maintain the pace. Do not make sudden jerks. If one of the participants is tired, you need to stop on the platform, support the refrigerator on its legs (making sure that it is stable) and rest. Continuing to move without rest is dangerous - loss of concentration leads to falls.
Installation and first start-up after carrying
After the refrigerator has been successfully placed in place, do not rush to plug it into the outlet. This is perhaps the most common mistake. During tilting and shaking, oil may have moved into the tube system. If you start the compressor right away, it will run “dry” or a hydraulic shock with liquid oil will occur, which will disable the unit.
It is necessary to wait a certain time for the oil to drain back into the compressor crankcase. The standing time depends on exactly how and for how long you carried the refrigerator. If transportation took place in a strictly vertical position, 2-4 hours is enough. If the tilt was significant or the appliance was lying (which is not recommended), the standing time increases to 12-24 hours.
After the standstill period, connect the device to the network, but do not load the products yet. Let it run idle for about an hour to reach the required temperature. Only after making sure that normal operation and the absence of extraneous noise can you load the chambers with products.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the main mistakes is carrying the refrigerator horizontally (“flat”). This is absolutely not possible. In this position, the compressor can break away from the shock absorber springs, and oil is guaranteed to flow into the circuit. Even if the refrigerator starts working after such a transfer, its service life will be reduced significantly.
They also often make the mistake of moving the device by the upper part of the case. The center of gravity of the refrigerator is shifted, and when lifted by the “head” the bottom may hit the step. Always grasp the unit by the bottom and middle of the height. In addition, do not forget to take measurements of doorways in advance - it’s a shame to bring the equipment to the place and find that it does not fit in width.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice mechanical damage to the case or hear rattling inside after carrying it, do not turn on the device. Contact a service center for diagnostics, as the system's tightness may have been compromised.
Following these simple but important rules will allow you to safely move the refrigerator without the involvement of paid movers. Remember that caution and the correct tilt angle are more important than physical strength.
Is it possible to carry a refrigerator lying down in a car?
It is highly not recommended. If there is no other way out, then it should be placed only on the back wall (radiator grille) or on its side, but not on the door. After such transportation, the standing time before turning on must be at least 24 hours.
What should you do if, after transportation, the refrigerator hums louder than usual?
Perhaps the compressor has touched the walls of the housing or the alignment has been disturbed. Let the device operate for several hours. If the noise does not subside or vibration appears, call a technician to check the compressor mounting.
Is it necessary to defrost the No Frost refrigerator?
Yes, definitely. Despite the absence of ice in the chambers, water may remain in the hidden channels and pan. If tilted, it will leak and damage the electronics or the floor.
How many people do you need to carry a three-compartment refrigerator?
For large models weighing more than 100 kg, it is recommended to use three people or use a professional ladder truck. Carrying such dimensions together is dangerous for the back and the equipment itself.