Moving or buying new equipment often confronts the owner with a difficult choice: take a risk and save on movers or hire professionals. LG refrigerators, known for their reliability and complex system No Frostrequire a special approach when moving. Improper transportation can lead to displacement of the motor, broken tubes or leakage of oil into the refrigerant circulation system.
In this article we will analyze in detail whether the device can be transported in a lying position, how to prepare the unit for the road and how much time should pass before the first turn on. LG Electronics produces equipment with various types of compressors, including inverter models, which are more sensitive to vibrations and shocks. Ignoring the rules may void the warranty.
Compliance with moving technology will preserve the life of the equipment and save you from costly repairs. Below are proven packing and securing techniques used by service centers. Carefully study the requirements for your specific model, since dimensions and weight play a decisive role.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
Before you begin any manipulations with the equipment, you must completely empty the internal chambers. Defrosting is a mandatory step that cannot be ignored. Even if you have a model with an automatic moisture removal system, condensation or ice may have accumulated inside in hard-to-reach places. Leave the doors open for at least 24 hours before transport.
After defrosting, thoroughly wash and dry all shelves and drawers. Internal elements made of glass and plastic may break or scratch the walls of the chamber when shaken. It is best to remove them and transport them separately, wrapped in thick paper or bubble wrap. This will also reduce the overall weight of the unit, making it easier to load.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use abrasive cleaners to clean the interior surfaces immediately before packing. Chemical residues may react with plastic if stored in a closed space for a long time.
Fixing moving parts inside the housing is critical. The door shelves, if you decide not to remove them, need to be secured with masking tape in several places. The compressor located at the lower rear also requires attention. Some models LG are provided with special shipping bolts for fixing the motor, which must be tightened before moving.
☑️ Preparation for transportation
Is it possible to transport an LG refrigerator lying down
One of the most common questions concerns the position of the body during transportation. Manufacturers categorically do not recommend placing refrigerators on their sides, as this creates a risk of damage to compressor the heat exchanger. However, in reality, especially when moving in a passenger vehicle or in the limited space of an elevator, it often becomes necessary to put the unit down.
If it is impossible to avoid a horizontal position, follow strict rules. Equipment can only be laid on its side, opposite the pipe exit from the compressor. Usually this is the right side (if you look at the refrigerator from the front), but for an accurate determination it is better to consult the instructions for the specific model LG. Door hinges and outlet pipes are often located on the left side.
- 📦 Place the device on a soft blanket or foam to avoid dents on the case.
- 🔧 Secure the compressor so that it does not hit the walls of the casing when shaking.
- 🚫 Never lay refrigerator on the back or on the front panel (doors down).
- 🚛 Make sure that when turning the machine does not create sharp rolls that displace the oil in the system.
⚠️ Attention: When transported in a lying position, the pressure in the cooling system changes. Oil from the compressor can leak into the freon circulation circuit, which, if turned on early, will lead to water hammer and engine failure.
Vertical transportation is considered an ideal option. In this position, all internal components remain in normal operation, and the risk of oil displacement is minimal. If the ceiling height allows, choose this method. You can tilt the housing during loading, but the angle should not exceed 40 degrees.
What happens if the tubes are damaged?
If the copper tubes are damaged, the refrigerant instantly evaporates, and air and moisture enter the system. Repair in this case requires professional sealing, vacuuming and refilling with freon, which is expensive.
Packaging and case protection
Scratches and dents do not affect the operation of the mechanism, but greatly spoil the appearance of the new equipment. To protect the case, use the original packaging, if available. If there is no box, wrap the case in several layers of stretch film, and then in a thick blanket or special soft moving cases.
Pay special attention to the corners and handles. These parts protrude the most and take the first impact upon contact with the door frames or sides of the truck. You can use pieces of foam or corrugated cardboard secured with tape. Do not skimp on packaging materials, as varnish on metal surfaces LG is easily scratched.
Doors must be tightly closed and secured. Use masking tape, wrapping the body in a circle 2-3 times. Adhesive tape should not leave marks on glossy surfaces, so avoid using regular office tape or electrical tape, which can melt in the sun and stick tightly.
Transportation in an elevator and on stairs
Moving large equipment up stairs requires a minimum of two people. One person holds the unit from below by the bottom (not by the decorative panels!), the second supports the upper part. When descending or ascending, it is important not to pile the refrigerator too much. The tilt angle should not exceed 40-45 degrees.
When using an elevator, make sure that the dimensions of the cabin allow you to lift the device vertically. If you have to place the refrigerator horizontally in the elevator, place a thick layer of cardboard or carpet underneath it. While the elevator car is moving, the unit must be held, as the vibration of the shaft can move unsecured equipment.
| Surface type | Recommended coating | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt/Paving stones | Trolley with pneumatic wheels | High (shaking) |
| Flight of stairs | Thick gloves, carpet | Medium (impacts on steps) |
| Truck body | Fixation belts, blankets | Low (when fastened) |
| Elevator floor | Corrugated cardboard in 2-3 layers | Medium (scratches) |
Using a special raking trolley greatly simplifies the process. However, when moving over uneven surfaces (curbs, slab joints), the trolley transmits strong vibration to the body. In such places, it is better to carry the unit in your hands or lift the trolley to soften the blow.
Fixation in the vehicle
Correct placement in the body is the key to successful delivery. The refrigerator should not be able to move freely. Ideally, it stands flush against the front wall of the cabin or is securely secured with straps. Be sure to lay soft material between the body and the sides: blankets, pillows or foam.
Use straps to secure cargo. They should press the refrigerator tightly to the floor or sides, but not squeeze the body until dents appear. The gaps between equipment and other pieces of furniture should be filled with soft things so that nothing moves during braking.
When transporting in a passenger car (if you managed to place the unit lying down), make sure that it lies across the passenger compartment and not along it. This will reduce the amplitude of vibrations during acceleration and braking. It is better to keep the windows in the car closed or slightly open so that dust and insects do not fly in and can get caught in the ventilation grilles.
⚠️ Attention: Do not allow direct sunlight to hit the body during transportation in the summer. Heat can damage plastic elements and change the properties of sealing rubber bands.
Actions after transportation: when to turn it on
The most common mistake is trying to turn on the refrigerator immediately after bringing it into the apartment. This is absolutely impossible to do. Any oil that may have migrated into the cooling system (especially if it was transported lying down) should flow back into the compressor crankcase. This takes time.
Experts recommend taking a pause before the first start. If the refrigerator was transported vertically, 2-4 hours is enough. If transportation took place in a horizontal position, the waiting time increases to 8-12 hours, and in winter (if the equipment is frozen) - up to 24 hours.
- ❄️ Let the unit warm up to room temperature if it was transported in cold weather.
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the power cord and socket before connection.
- 🧊 Start an empty refrigerator, without food, so that it gains temperature.
- 🔊 Listen to the operation: extraneous noise may indicate problems with the compressor.
After turning on, let the device run idle for about an hour. If during this time no errors appear on the display (in models with Smart Diagnosis) and no extraneous sounds occur, you can load the products. Compliance with this interval will extend the life of your inverter compressor.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after transportation?
If, after observing all the time intervals, the refrigerator does not cool, there may be an oil leak or a seal failure. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. Contact an authorized LG service center. Independent intervention will void your warranty.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator with the motor turned off?
Yes, the motor must be turned off. However, it is important that the refrigerator runs for at least a few hours before turning it off to ensure that the refrigerant is evenly distributed. An abrupt shutdown just before loading is undesirable, but less critical than transporting a working unit (which is physically impossible).
Do you need to remove the doors during transportation?
Removing the doors completely is not recommended, as this violates the geometry of the case and can damage the hinges. It is enough to securely fix them with tape. Removing the doors is justified only if the refrigerator does not fit into the doorway of the apartment.