Moving or buying new large household appliances is always accompanied by logistical difficulties. The issue becomes especially acute when standard doorways or elevator dimensions do not allow the unit to be carried in a vertical position. In such situations, owners often wonder whether it is permissible to place the device on its side during transportation and what risks this carries for expensive equipment.
The physics of the compressor operation implies the presence of oil in the system, which, if tilted or horizontal, can flow into the refrigerant circuit. Critical moment occurs when the equipment is turned on immediately after delivery: if the oil does not flow back into the crankcase compressor, there is a risk of water hammer, which can damage the motor. That is why there are strict time limits for settling equipment before the first launch.
Modern models Indesit, Atlant or LG have different compressor suspension designs and wall thicknesses, which dictate individual transportation conditions. Ignoring the manufacturer's instructions can lead not only to damage, but also to loss of warranty. In this article we will analyze the technical nuances that allow you to safely deliver equipment to its destination in a horizontal position.
Why there is a risk during horizontal transportation
The main danger when transporting in a lying position is related to the design of the compressor. Inside it is a motor-compressor, suspended on springs or shock absorbers, and filled with special oil. If there is a strong inclination or horizontal position, the liquid can leave the area allocated to it and enter the pipelines of the refrigerant circulation system.
The second aspect is the mechanical load on the housing and internal components. The weight of the unit is distributed unevenly when it is lying on its side. Thin walls the rear panels can become deformed under the pressure of their own weight, especially if unsuitable support is placed. Also, vibrations when driving on an uneven road can damage the compressor mounts if it is not secured with transport bolts.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor is not secured with factory bolts, when transported lying down, it can come off the mounts due to inertia, which will lead to depressurization of the system and expensive repairs.
In addition, air or moisture may enter the system if the seal is broken, and oil entering the evaporator or condenser creates an oil plug. This significantly reduces cooling efficiency and causes the engine to work under overload. Understanding these processes helps to understand the importance of correct positioning of the load.
What happens to freon when tilted?
Freon is in a closed circuit and in a gaseous or liquid state (depending on the section of the system). The tilt itself is not dangerous for the refrigerant, but oil, mixing with it, can migrate to areas where it should not be, disrupting heat transfer.
Which side is better to place the refrigerator
If vertical transportation is not possible, you must choose the correct side for laying. The general rule is that the unit should be placed on its side opposite the outlet of the compressor tubes. Typically, the tubes are directed upward when the refrigerator is standing, so when laid on its side, they end up on the side, which minimizes oil leakage.
You can visually determine the desired side by inspecting the back wall. The tubes coming out of the motor should point up or to the side, but not down. If you place the equipment so that the tubes are directed downward, the oil will flow into the system by gravity, and the risk of breakdown will increase many times over. In most cases, manufacturers recommend laying it on the right side, but this is not a universal rule.
It is important to consider the location of the doors. If you place the unit on the door, you can damage the hinges or sealing rubber. If on the opposite side, there is a risk of tearing off the handles or deforming the shelves inside if they are not removed. Optimal position - on the side wall, after first removing all removable elements.
Preparation of equipment for transportation
Quality preparation It takes longer than loading itself, but it is critical for the safety of the device. The first step should be complete defrosting. Even a small amount of ice inside the chambers will turn into water when moving, which can flow into electrical components or damage the casing.
After defrosting, it is necessary to remove all shelves, drawers, egg trays and lattice partitions. Vibration can cause glass to burst and plastic elements to crack. Doors should be locked in the closed position. Masking tape or special belts are ideal for this, but under no circumstances use ordinary stationery tape, which can leave traces of glue on the body.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for transportation
To protect the case from scratches and chips, it is recommended to wrap the refrigerator in several layers of stretch film, bubble wrap or an old blanket. Cardboard packaging from the manufacturer is the best option, as it has special reinforcements in the corners. If there is no box, use thick blankets, wrapping them around the body and securing them with ropes.
The process of loading and fastening in transport
Loading is the most traumatic stage for equipment and loaders. The unit should only be lifted vertically using belts. You need to turn it over carefully, avoiding sudden jerks and impacts against the sides of the car or door jambs. The minimum number of people for safe loading is two, even if the refrigerator seems light.
In the back of a car or gazelle, the device is placed on a pre-prepared, level base. It is ideal to use a thick layer of cardboard, foam or old carpets. Do not place the refrigerator directly on the metal floor of the vehicle or on other hard objects. The substrate should be wider than the unit itself so that the edges do not droop.
| Surface type | Risk of damage | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Metal floor | High (scratches, dents) | A layer of cardboard 5-10 mm is required |
| Wooden flooring | Medium (splinters, unevenness) | Use fabric or film |
| Foam | Low | Optimal option |
| Carpet | Low | Good shock absorption |
Securing the load is a prerequisite. The refrigerator must not be able to move, slide or tip over while in motion. Use supports from boxes of things, soft bags or special guy wires. The main thing is not to squeeze the body with tightening belts, so as not to deform the metal.
How much should let the refrigerator settle after transportation
The settling time is the period required for the oil to drain back into the compressor and condensate to evaporate (if it has formed). The duration of this process directly depends on the position in which the equipment was transported and at what air temperature.
If transportation was carried out in a vertical position with a slight inclination (no more than 40 degrees), 2-4 hours is enough. However, if the refrigerator was lying on its side, the time increases. At air temperatures above +10°C, it is recommended to wait at least 8 hours. If delivery took place in winter at sub-zero temperatures, the waiting time should be at least 24 hours.
⚠️ Attention: Turning on the refrigerator immediately after being brought from the frost into a warm room without preheating can cause moisture condensation on the electronic boards and a short circuit.
It is critically important not to plug the device into the network ahead of schedule. Even if visual everything seems to have gone well, the oil in the capillary system may not have returned to its place. Starting a compressor early with an oil plug in the circuit is a sure way to get a pipe rupture or a wedge in the piston group.
Features of transporting different types of refrigerators
Different designs require an individual approach. For example, No Frost systems are more sensitive to shock due to the complex system of fans and air ducts. Shaking can disrupt the fan mounts, which will lead to noise or damage to the heat dissipation system.
Models with inverter compressors often have a more massive and heavier motor, which is mounted more rigidly, but also weighs more. When transported lying down, the load on one side of the body may be excessive. For such devices, such as Samsung or LG new generation, vertical transportation is a strict recommendation, and horizontal transportation is a last resort.
Built-in refrigerators require special care. The presence of a decorative furniture panel increases weight and changes the center of gravity. In addition, protruding furniture elements can be damaged if loaded inaccurately. It is better to transport such units in their original packaging using corner protectors.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is neglecting to secure doors. While traveling, the refrigerator may “play”, and if the doors are not secured, they may swing open, hit the side of the body, or come off. Always use tape or belts for fixation.
Another mistake is using upholstered furniture as a backing. A sofa or mattress may seem like a good cushion, but it doesn't provide a level surface. The unit may bend in the middle, which will lead to deformation of the body and disruption of the door geometry. Use a solid, level base.
Temperature conditions are also often forgotten. Bringing a cold refrigerator into a hot room and immediately turning it on is a mistake. Let it not only settle, but also warm up to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the insulation and on the contacts.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator lying down if it is old?
Old models (for example, Soviet ZIL or Biryusa) often have more heavy and massive compressors, rigidly mounted. They may be more resistant to shaking, but their rear-wall tubular capacitor design is very vulnerable to shock. The risk of damaging the tubes when laying them on them is high. It is better to transport it vertically.
What to do if the refrigerator was turned on immediately after transportation?
If you turned on the device immediately and it works fine, you are lucky. If you hear a hum, but there is no cold, or the compressor hums and turns off, immediately unplug it. Let stand 24 hours. If the problem persists, water hammer may have occurred or the capillary may have become clogged with oil. A call from a specialist is required.
Do you need to remove the doors during transportation?
It is not necessary to remove the doors if you securely secure them with tape. However, if the doorway is narrow, removing the doors will make maneuvering easier. The main thing is not to lose the fasteners and carefully install the hinges back so as not to break the tight fit.