Moving or disposing of old equipment is always stressful due to logistics and the risk of property damage. It is especially difficult to resolve the issue when it comes to large household appliances, such as refrigeration equipment. Improper preparation can lead to a refrigerant leak, compressor failure or scratches on the frame, which will turn a budget-friendly move into an expensive repair.
Many owners make the mistake of believing that simply unplugging the appliance and taking it outside is enough. However, the internal structure of modern models, be it Indesit or LG, requires compliance with strict transportation rules. In this article we will look at all the nuances: from defrosting to fixing in the back of a truck, so that you can safely deliver the equipment to your destination.
Planning the route and choosing transport
The first step is to assess the dimensions and weight of your unit. A standard two-chamber refrigerator can weigh from 60 to 90 kilograms, and models Samsung Side-by-Side even reach 120 kg. Dimensions also play a key role: if the doorways are narrow, the equipment will have to be carried tilted or even disassembled by removing the doors.
A cargo van with a closed body is ideal for transportation, where there is no risk of precipitation. If you plan to use a car with a trailer, make sure the bottom of the trailer is level and clean. Transportation in a passenger car on the roof is strictly not recommended due to vibrations and wind load.
Measure the height of the ceilings in the entrance and the width of the doorways in advance. Sometimes dimensions technicians exceed the dimensions of the elevator, and then they have to use a flight of stairs, which greatly complicates the task. In such cases, without professional loaders, it is better not to risk either your health or the integrity of the unit.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
You must begin preparation at least 24 hours before the planned removal. First, unplug the appliance and remove all food. If there are frozen foods left inside, it is better to distribute them to neighbors or consume them quickly, since defrosting will take time.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to speed up defrosting with a hairdryer or hot water. A sudden temperature change can damage the plastic internal circuit and seals.
After the ice has melted, thoroughly wipe all surfaces with a dry rag. Internal moisture is the enemy during shipping and can lead to mold or corrosion of metal parts during non-use. Pay special attention to the drainage hole, if your model has one. dry Bosch or Atlant.
☑️ Preparation checklist
All removable elements, such as glass shelves, plastic drawers and bottle holders, must be removed. It is better to transport them separately, wrapped in bubble wrap or soft cloth. Glass can burst during strong shaking even in a fixed state, damaging the interior finish.
Fixing internal components and doors
The most vulnerable part when moving is the doors. If they open while traveling, the hinges may come off or the glass may break. For fixation, use masking tape or a special stretch film. Wrap the body in a circle several times, tightly pressing the doors to the body.
What should not be used to secure the doors
Never use regular office tape - it leaves difficult-to-remove sticky marks on the glossy surface. It is also dangerous to use wire, which can cut through the seal or scratch the metal.
It is also necessary to ensure immobility inside the chamber. If you did not remove the shelves (which is not recommended), secure them with tape. The compressor located at the rear also requires attention: some models Whirlpool or Haier are provided with shipping bolts that need to be tightened before moving.
If the shipping bolts have long been lost, you can carefully place pieces of foam or soft rags around the motor to minimize its runout. However, shock absorption must be reliable so that vibration is not transmitted to the tubes of the cooling system.
Packaging and case protection
The appearance of the refrigerator often suffers the most. Scratches, dents and chipped paint are common features of moving houses. For protection, use thick cardboard, which can be found in hardware stores, or special covers. If they are not available, old blankets, rugs and stretch film will do.
| Packaging material | Protects from | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch film | Dust, small scratches, moisture | High (as a base layer) |
| Bubble film | Shocks, chips | Medium (requires fixation) |
| Cardboard sheets | Abrasions, dirt | High (for sides) |
| Blankets/plaids | Strong shocks, vibration | Maximum (with tight winding) |
Wrap the body around the perimeter, paying special attention to the corners and handles. These elements protrude the most and take the first blow when colliding with jambs. Secure the packaging with tape, but do not tighten it too much so as not to deform the thin metal of the case.
Rules for safe transportation
The most critical point is the position of the refrigerator in transport. Manufacturers categorically do not recommend transporting equipment lying on its side, especially on the back wall or door. The optimal position is strictly vertical, at an angle of no more than 40 degrees.
⚠️ Attention: Transportation lying down can lead to oil leakage from the compressor into the refrigerant circuit. This causes blockage of the capillary tube and failure (of the compressor).
If you still have to transport the equipment in a horizontal position (which is only permissible for short distances and for some models), lay it on its left side (when viewed from behind). In this position, oil is less likely to enter the system. After installation, such a refrigerator must stand for at least 12-24 hours before turning on.
When driving, avoid sudden braking and turning. Secure the unit with belts or stops so that it does not move. Vibration When driving on an uneven road, it can be disastrous for an unsecured compressor.
Installation at a new location and first start-up
After delivery to a new location, do not rush to plug in the device. Even if you transported it vertically, you need to let the equipment “rest” for 2-4 hours. This is necessary to stabilize the temperatures and pressure in the system. If there was horizontal transportation, the waiting time increases to a day.
Install the refrigerator on a flat surface. Use a building level to check. Adjust the height of the front legs so that the doors close themselves under their own weight if they are released at an angle of 30-40 degrees. This will ensure proper operation of the seals.
Only after acclimatization can you connect the device to the power supply. During the first hours of operation, do not load the chambers with products. Allow the refrigerator to return to operating mode and cool the empty volume. This will extend the service life compressor and prevent its overload.
How long should the refrigerator be left to settle after transportation?
The settling time depends on the method of transportation. For vertical transportation, 2-4 hours is enough. If the refrigerator was transported lying down, you must wait at least 12, and preferably 24 hours before turning it on for the first time, so that the oil flows back into the compressor crankcase.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator at sub-zero temperatures?
You can transport it, but you cannot turn it on right away. Sudden temperature changes will cause condensation inside electrical circuits. Leave the device in a warm room without connecting to the mains for at least 8-10 hours for complete drying and warming up.
What to do if the refrigerator hums after transportation?
A slight hum may be associated with incorrect installation (misalignment). Check the level of the legs. If the hum is strong and accompanied by vibration, the compressor suspension springs may have been damaged during transportation or the compressor may have become dislodged. In this case, diagnostics by a specialist is required.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before selling or disposing of it?
Yes, definitely. The remaining water and food will begin to rot, creating an unpleasant odor and an environment for bacteria. In addition, when ice melts in heat, it can leak inside the electronic units, if the design allows it.