Moving or purchasing new household appliances often puts the owner in a dilemma: is it possible to transport a large unit in a horizontal position? The dimensions of modern kitchen aids rarely allow them to fit vertically in the back of a truck. Owners are worried that violation of the manufacturer's recommendations will lead to fatal consequences for compressor or refrigerant.
Experienced loaders know that transportation on its side is permissible if the laying technology is strictly followed. However, there is a critical nuance that beginners forget. The compressor must always remain above the level of the tubes coming out of it. If you ignore this rule, oil from the engine will enter the circulation circuit, which will require complex and expensive flushing of the system.
In this article we will analyze the physical principles of operation of refrigeration systems and explain why the position of the unit during transportation directly affects its further performance. You will learn how to properly prepare equipment for the road, on which side it is best to transport it, and how much time it will take to adapt after installation.
Risks of horizontal transportation of equipment
The main danger when placing a refrigerator on its side is related to the design compressor. Inside this unit there is oil, which lubricates the rubbing parts during normal operation. When in a vertical position, it is located at the bottom of the engine crankcase. When you place the unit horizontally, oil tends to flow out under the influence of gravity.
If oil gets into the circuit, it will mix with the refrigerant and create an oil plug. This will cause the compressor to start running “dry” or to pump incompressible liquid, which will cause it to wear out quickly or jam. There is also a risk of mechanical damage: heavy shelves can squeeze out the glass, and doors can be deformed under the weight of the case.
⚠️ Attention: If the instructions for your model LG or Bosch there is a direct ban on horizontal transportation, it is better not to risk it. In this case, the warranty will not cover repairs, since violation of transportation rules is considered an operational error.
Particular caution should be exercised with models equipped with the system No Frost. They have more plastic elements and a complex air duct system that can crack if the load is not properly secured. The mechanical strength of the body under horizontal load is significantly lower than under vertical load.
Choosing the right side for installation
The question “which side to drive on” has a specific technical answer. The installation side depends on the location of the compressor pipes. You need to look into the back of the unit and find the motor. Tubes extend from it through which freon circulates. The principle is simple: you need to lay them so that these tubes look up.
Most often, manufacturers constructively position the outlet of the tubes in such a way that it is safest to place the refrigerator on the side opposite to the side where compressoris located. However, in some models Indesit or Atlant the design may differ. If the tubes point up when laid on the left side, transport from the left. If it’s on the right, then it’s on the right.
- 🔍 Inspect the back wall and find the compressor.
- 🔍 Determine the direction of exit of the copper tubes.
- 🔍 Choose a side with the tubes pointing straight up.
- 🔍 Make sure that the door hinges do not take the weight of the body.
There is a common misconception that you only need to carry it on the left side. This is not always true. If, when laid on the left side, the compressor tubes are on the bottom, oil is guaranteed to flow into the system. Always rely on a visual inspection of the motor, and not on popular advice.
Preparing the refrigerator for moving
High-quality preparation takes more time than the loading itself, but it saves you from breakdowns. The first step should be complete defrosting. Even if you use the system No Frostthere may be condensation or ice inside in hard-to-reach places. When the body rolls, water will spread over the electrical components, causing a short circuit.
After defrosting, you must remove all removable elements. Shelves, drawers, egg trays and door containers must be packed separately. When shaken, the glass of the shelves may burst, and the plastic guides may jump out of the grooves and crack the inner lining of the chamber. The doors must be secured so that they do not swing open on the way.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for transportation
To fix the doors, use masking tape or special shipping tape. Ordinary office tape can leave sticky marks or damage the paintwork Samsung or Haier. If the original packaging is preserved, this is an ideal option. It has a reinforced bottom and corner protective elements.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use self-tapping screws or a screwdriver to secure the doors. You can pierce the body or damage the sealing rubber, which will lead to loss of tightness.
The process of loading and fastening in the body
Loading requires the participation of at least two people. One person will not be able to control the position of the unit and may drop it, damaging radiator or the heat exchanger. You need to lift the equipment by grasping the lower part of the body, but not by the plastic elements or handles.
In the car body, the refrigerator must be installed on a flat surface. If you are transporting it lying down, place thick cardboard, a blanket or foam under the bottom to soften the vibration. The unit must be securely secured with belts so that it does not move when turning or braking.
Do not allow other heavy objects to press on the doors or side walls. Even a few kilograms of pressure from shaking can cause dents in metal or cracks in plastic. It is ideal if the refrigerator occupies a place near the side, where it can be spread out with soft bolsters.
What to do if there are no belts for fastening?
If there are no special belts, use thick ropes, but be sure to place a soft cloth under them so as not to scratch the coating. You can press the load with soft things (pillows, blankets), but this is less reliable.
Table: Comparison of risks for different methods of transportation
So that you can weigh the pros and cons, we have prepared a comparative table. It will help to understand why horizontal transportation is considered a compromise, but an acceptable option.
| Parameter | Vertical transportation | Horizontal transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Risk of oil getting into the circuit | Minimal | High (without following the rules) |
| Risk of damage to shelves | Medium (vibration) | High (weight pressure) |
| Required settling time | 2-4 hours | From 8 to 24 hours |
| Ease of loading | Requires a high body | Convenient for passenger cars |
As can be seen from the table, vertical is preferable, but horizontal has the right to life with proper preparation. The main thing is to minimize the time spent in a horizontal position and ensure the correct orientation of the compressor.
Settling time before turning on
The most common mistake is trying to turn on the refrigerator immediately after delivery. This is absolutely impossible to do. The oil that did get into the tubes or simply mixed with freon due to shaking should drain back into the compressor crankcase. This process takes time.
If you transported the unit vertically and carefully, 2-4 hours is enough. If transportation took place lying down, especially in winter or in the heat, the time increases. The refrigerator needs to warm up to room temperature so that condensation does not form inside, which is dangerous for electricians.
- ❄️ In summer: at least 4-6 hours after the vertical, 8-12 hours after the horizon.
- ❄️ In winter: at least 8 hours after the vertical, up to 24 hours after horizon.
- ❄️ If there is strong shaking on the way: add +2-4 hours to standard time.
Do not try to speed up the process by heating it with a hairdryer or installing it near the battery. Sudden temperature changes can damage plastic and seals. Let the equipment come to its senses under natural conditions.
First launch and diagnostics of operation
After the required time has passed, you can proceed to the first launch. Plug in the unit without any products. Let it run idle for at least 2-3 hours. At this time, listen to the sounds of operation compressor.
The smooth hum of the motor and periodic clicking of the relay are considered normal. If you hear gurgling, whistling or loud banging sounds, this is a warning sign. Also pay attention to the heating of the side walls: they should warm evenly.
⚠️ Attention: If after turning on the refrigerator works, but does not cool, or the compressor hums and immediately turns off, do not try to restart it repeatedly. Contact the service, you may need professional bleeding of the system.
Only after making sure that the equipment has reached the temperature and the freezer is working properly, you can load the products. Start with small batches so as not to create a sudden load on the system.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator over long distances while lying down?
It is possible, but the risks increase in proportion to the quality of the roads and the duration of the shaking. For long distances, it is better to order specialized transport with vertical fixation or use an air cushion in the back.
What should I do if I brought the refrigerator incorrectly and immediately turned it on?
Urgently unplug it. Let sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours. If after turning it on again (a day later) there are no problems, you are lucky. If extraneous sounds appear, call a specialist.
Does the brand of the refrigerator affect transportation rules?
In principle - no. The physics of compressor operation Beko, Liebherr or Whirlpool is the same. Differences can only be in the design of the fasteners and the fragility of the plastic, so packaging is important for everyone.
Do you need to remove the doors during transportation?
Removing the doors is not necessary and is even harmful, since you can break the geometry of the hinges. It is enough to securely fix them in the closed position with tape or belts.