Moving or buying new household appliances always puts the owner in a dilemma: how to deliver a bulky unit to its destination without damage. The question which side can you transport the refrigeratoris one of the most discussed among movers and apartment owners. Errors at this stage can lead to serious damage that will require expensive repairs or even a complete replacement of the compressor.
Modern models, such as Bosch, Liebherr or LG, are equipped with complex refrigerant and oil circulation systems. Incorrect position of the housing during transportation disrupts the balance of these fluids, which can lead to failure of the heart of the refrigerator. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the nuances so that your move goes smoothly.
There is a persistent myth that you can only transport any household appliances vertically. However, real practice and engineers' recommendations often allow a horizontal position, but with critical caveats. After transportation in a lying position, the refrigerator must stand turned off for at least 8-12 hours before turning it on. This time is necessary for the oil to drain into the compressor crankcase.
Compressor design and risks of horizontal transportation
To understand why the position of the case is so important, you need to look inside the device. The compressor is a sealed motor that is suspended by springs inside a metal casing. It works by compressing gaseous freon, and a special synthetic oil located in the lower part of the crankcase is used to lubricate the rubbing parts. When transported vertically, the oil remains where it should be.
If the unit is placed on its side, the oil can flow into the refrigerant circuit, in particular into the evaporator or condenser. This creates the so-called oil plug. When trying to start, the compressor will operate in dry friction mode, which will lead to overheating and jamming. In addition, oil in the heat exchange system significantly reduces the cooling efficiency.
Inverter compressors, which are equipped with models Electrolux and Samsung of recent years, are especially sensitive to the position. Their design is more compact, and assembly tolerances are minimal. Even a small amount of oil getting into the high-pressure pipes can cause water hammer, which will physically destroy the valves.
⚠️ Attention: If you are transporting a refrigerator with the system No Frost, make sure that the internal shelves and drawers are securely fixed. Vibration during movement can damage the plastic guides if they are not secured with tape or factory clamps.
The risk of breakage also depends on how exactly the motor is suspended inside the casing. Some older models use stiff springs that do not dampen vibration well in a horizontal position. In modern units, the suspension may be softer, but this does not negate the need to strictly adhere to the transportation rules prescribed in the manual.
What happens to the oil inside the compressor?
When tilted or horizontal, the oil flows from the crankcase into the discharge tubes. If you immediately turn on the device, the oil will not have time to return, and the compressor will burn out in a few minutes of operation.
Which side should you put it on: left, right or back?
If vertical transportation is impossible due to the dimensions of the doorway or the height of the ceiling in the truck, you have to put the equipment on its side. This is where the golden rule comes into force: you need to place it strictly on the side from which the compressor discharge tube comes out. Usually this tube is directed upward when the refrigerator is standing vertically.
How to determine the right side? Look at the back wall of a running (or recently running) refrigerator. The tubes will heat up unevenly. The tube running from the compressor to the condenser will be hot. It is on this side (opposite the outlet of the hot tube) that the unit must be placed so that oil does not leak into the system under the influence of gravity.
In most cases, manufacturers recommend placing the refrigerator on right side (when looking at the door from the front), but this is not a universal truth. Models Indesit often require laying on the left side, and Atlant may be sensitive to the position of door hinges. Always check the sticker on the back wall or the instructions.
It is strictly forbidden to place the refrigerator on its back. In this case, the weight of the entire case, shelves and products (if they suddenly remain inside) falls on the rear grille of the condenser and the thermal insulation layer. This is guaranteed to lead to:
- 😱 Deformation of thin condenser tubes and freon leakage.
- 😱 Punching of thermal insulation and violation of the tightness of the internal circuit.
- 😱 Damage to plastic compressor mounts that are not designed for such load.
It is also not recommended to place equipment on the door. The door hinges and the plastic door frame itself will not support the weight of the frame and may tear off or crack. Even if there is no visual damage, the geometry of the door will be disrupted and it will no longer fit tightly, which will lead to constant freezing.
Preparing the refrigerator for moving
Successful transportation begins long before you pick up the cargo belt. Proper preparation takes 12 to 24 hours and is mandatory to maintain the warranty. If you ignore this step, the service center may refuse free repair, citing violation of operating conditions.
The first step should be complete defrosting. Unplug the appliance and leave the doors open for at least a day. All moisture should evaporate, and the ice crust should completely melt. Transportation even with a small amount of water inside is fraught with moisture getting on the electrical contacts or in the thermal insulation layer, which will cause corrosion and mold.
After defrosting, thoroughly wash and, most importantly, dry the internal surfaces. Use a soft cloth and neutral detergent. Abrasive powders can scratch the plastic, which then collects dirt. Pay special attention to the door seals - they also need to be wiped and dried.
To fix the internal elements, use mounting tape, adhesive tape or original packaging. If there is no box, you can use stretch film. It is important to fix:
- 📦 Glass shelves so that they do not move or hit the walls.
- 📦 Plastic boxes for vegetables that can fall out when shaking.
- 📦 Door shelves so that they do not break off when shaking slamming.
- 📦 The door itself, taping it to the body in several places.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for transportation
Vertical transportation: myths and reality
Many people believe that standing transportation is the only safe option. And this is true, but with small nuances. The vertical position minimizes the risk of oil leakage and damage to structural elements. However, the angle of inclination during vertical transportation should not exceed 40 degrees.
If you are transporting a refrigerator in the back of a gazelle or van, it must be securely fastened. Even when driving on a perfectly smooth road, vibrations occur. Use straps or supports to prevent the load from shifting. When loading into an elevator or carrying up stairs, also try to keep the unit vertical.
When transporting vertically in a passenger car (if the cabin height allows), make sure that the ceiling will not damage the top of the refrigerator. Remove the top panel if it is removable, or carefully rest the unit on a soft surface. Pressure on the cover can deform the housing and disrupt the operation of the system No Frost.
| Parameter | Vertical | On the side | On the back |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk of oil leakage | Minimal | High | Critical |
| Risk of tube damage | Low | Medium | Very high |
| Stop time before switching on | 2-4 hours | 8-12 hours | Not recommended |
| Safety for door loops | High | Medium | Low |
It is worth noting that some manufacturers, for example Miele, in their instructions directly indicate the possibility of transportation only in a vertical position. Violation of this requirement will void the device's warranty. Therefore, if you are not sure about the model of your refrigerator, it is better to play it safe.
Features of transporting refrigerators with the No Frost system
Refrigerators with the system No Frost ("no frost") have a more complex internal architecture. They contain fans, additional air ducts and an evaporator hidden in the rear wall. These elements are more fragile than a simple tube in drip models.
When transported on its side in models No Frost there is a risk of dislodging the heavy evaporator or damaging the plastic air ducts. Vibration can lead to the appearance of microcracks, which are not immediately noticeable, but over time will lead to freon leakage or the appearance of extraneous noise during fan operation.
In addition, such models often use more viscous oil, which takes longer to flow back into the compressor. Therefore, if you transported No Frost horizontally, it is better to increase the standing time before the first use to 12-24 hours. There is no need to rush things.
⚠️ Attention: In models with the system No Frost it is strictly forbidden to sharply pull the refrigerator door or tilt it at an angle of more than 45 degrees, even in a vertical position. This can lead to the fan blades being torn off.
If you buy a used refrigerator with No Frostbe sure to ask the seller how it was transported. If the unit was transported lying down and immediately turned on, the likelihood that the compressor has already received critical wear is very high.
Actions after delivery: adaptation and first launch
Delivery is completed, the refrigerator is in place. Can I turn it on right away? The answer is clear: no. Even if you transported it vertically and carefully, the compressor needs time for the oil, which could be splashed along the walls of the crankcase during shaking, to flow back into the working area.
The settling time depends on the method of transportation and the ambient temperature. In winter, if the refrigerator is frozen, it should not be turned on immediately after being brought into a warm room. A sudden change in temperature will cause condensation inside the electronics, resulting in a short circuit.
Recommended holding time:
- ❄️ Winter: minimum 4-6 hours (to warm up to room temperature) + 2 hours for oil to drain.
- ☀️ Summer: 2-3 hours for vertical transportation.
- 🛌 Horizontal: minimum 8-12 hours regardless of the season.
It is better to perform the first launch without load. Plug in the empty refrigerator and let it run for 1-2 hours. During this time, it should gain temperature and turn off. If the compressor operates smoothly, without knocking or vibration, you can gradually load the products.
⚠️ Attention: If after the first turn on you hear a loud knock, hum or smell a burning smell, immediately unplug the device. These are signs of a serious malfunction, and further operation is impossible.
Frequent errors during independent transportation
Statistics of service centers show that up to 30% of breakdowns during moving occur due to simple inattention. People often ignore simple rules, relying on chance. One of the most common mistakes is transporting a refrigerator together with other furniture or things without proper fixation.
When the car brakes sharply, an unsecured refrigerator can “dance”, hitting the corner of the body wall or other cargo. This results in dents that disrupt the geometry of the case and can damage the internal contour. Always use spacers and straps.
Another mistake is using thin tape to secure doors. Ordinary stationery tape will not withstand the tug and will come off. Use only wide packing tape or special straps. Also, do not forget to remove removable shelves - the tape may not hold a heavy glass shelf upon impact.
And remember that saving on calling professional movers can cost more than repairs. Specialists know how to properly carry equipment up stairs, how to get around tight corners and how to securely secure loads in the car. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust this matter to a pro.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator in cold weather at a temperature of -20°C?
You can transport it, but you absolutely cannot turn it on right away. The refrigerator must stand in a warm room for at least 6-8 hours (or better yet, a day) to fully warm up. Turning on a frozen unit will lead to breakdown of the compressor and cracks in the plastic due to thermal expansion.
What to do if the refrigerator was turned on immediately after transportation?
If a short time has passed since it was turned on (less than 5 minutes) and you heard strange sounds, immediately turn off the device. Let it sit for 12 hours. If it has worked for a long time and now does not cool, there may be a water hammer or a freon leak. You will need to call a specialist.
Do you need to remove the doors during transportation?
Doors need to be removed only if the refrigerator does not fit into the doorway with them. In other cases, it is better to leave the doors, but securely fix them with tape in 3-4 places so that they do not swing open and damage the hinges.
Is a small tilt (10-15 degrees) dangerous when climbing stairs?
A short-term tilt of up to 40 degrees when climbing stairs is not dangerous for modern compressors. The main thing is not to place the refrigerator completely on its side and not to shake it excessively. Smooth movement is more important than an ideal vertical position.
Is it possible to carry a refrigerator in the trunk of a car?
Only if it is a very small refrigerator (minibar) and you place it on its side according to the instructions (tubes up). A full-size refrigerator will not fit in the trunk without removing the rear seat and tilting it, which is dangerous. It is better to use a roof or a cargo taxi.