Moving to a new apartment or simply the delivery of newly purchased household appliances often puts owners in a dilemma: how to fit a large unit into the back of a truck? Owners of cars with a small trunk immediately look for a way to lay the bulky box horizontally to save space.
However, horizontal transportation is one of the most flagrant violations of the operating rules prescribed in the instructions of most manufacturers. Ignoring this prohibition can lead to expensive repairs, which will cost a significant part of the cost of the device itself.
In this article we will examine in detail the physical and technical reasons explaining why the unit should only stand vertically, and what happens inside the system if it is transported incorrectly.
The design of the compressor and risk of oil leakage
The heart of any refrigeration unit is compressor, which is a complex electromechanical unit. Inside its sealed casing there is an electric motor and a piston group, which are immersed in a special mineral or synthetic oil.
When the refrigerator is in a vertical position, the oil remains in the lower part of the compressor crankcase, where it should be for normal lubrication of rubbing parts. If you place the unit on its side, the liquid will begin to flow into the pipelines under the influence of gravity.
⚠️ Attention: Oil leakage from the compressor into the refrigerant circuit is a critical malfunction that can lead to the motor jamming at the first start.
The consequences of such fluid displacement can be catastrophic for motor-compressor:
- ⚙️ Oil starvation of moving parts at the time of startup will lead to rapid wear and overheating.
- 🛢️ Oil getting into the capillary tube will cause blockage of the system and disruption of freon circulation.
- 🔥 Water hammer when trying to compress liquid oil with a piston can break the valves.
Even if the unit visually looks intact, the process of destruction of the lubrication system could already have begun inside. Restoring functionality in this case will require a complete flushing of the system and an oil change, which only a master can do.
Deformation of tubes and loss of tightness
The internal system of the refrigerator consists of many thin copper tubes through which it circulates refrigerant. These tubes, especially in the area of the rear wall and the compressor, do not have rigid fixation and are attached only at a few points.
In a horizontal position, the weight of the body itself, shelves and internal components is redistributed. Heavy elements begin to put pressure on the tubes, which in a vertical position experienced only vibration, but not static load.
Where are the most vulnerable tubes?
The thinnest and most vulnerable areas are in the foamed part of the body and in the area of connection to the compressor. When tilted more than 40 degrees, there is a risk of their breaking or separation from the fittings.
Risks of mechanical damage include:
- 🔩 Separation of tubes from the compressor fittings due to the displacement of the weight of the unit.
- 📉 Bending and squeezing of copper lines, which narrows the passage for freon.
- 💥 Microcracks in the welds of the evaporator, which will lead to gas leakage.
If the tube bursts or moves away from the soldering point, the refrigerant will quickly evaporate into the atmosphere. Without gas, the refrigerator simply will not cool, and finding the leak and refilling is a complex and expensive process.
Displacement of internal components and fasteners
Modern models such as LG, Samsung or Bosch, are equipped with complex internal architecture. Inside there are glass shelves, plastic drawers, a system No Frost with fans and electronic control units.
In a lying position, all loose objects are displaced. Glass shelves can push out the wall of the refrigerator compartment or break, and the fragments can damage the seals. Heavy vegetable boxes put pressure on the plastic guides, breaking them.
| Component | Risk during horizontal transport | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Glass shelves | Shifting and impact walls | Glass breaking, plastic chips |
| Door modules | Hinge pressure | Door misalignment, broken handles |
| Electronics | Vibration and displacement of boards | Contact loss, control failures |
| Fan No Frost | Axle load | Noise, blade jamming |
The system is at particular risk No Frost. Fans and defrost heaters are fixed rather fragile. If there is shaking and an incorrect angle of inclination, the fastenings may not withstand the weight of plastic cases.
In addition, refrigerator doors in a horizontal position often open spontaneously under their own weight or pressure from adjacent loads. This leads to damage to the handles and deformation of the sealing rubber bands.
Dangers for refrigerators with the No Frost system
Units with the system No Frost have a more complex evaporator design, which is often located in the back wall or in the upper part of the chamber. Unlike a drip system, large volumes of air circulate here.
When transported in a lying position, there is a risk of damage to the plastic evaporator box. If oil from the compressor gets inside (which is likely when tilted), it will settle on the fan blades and heat exchanger.
⚠️ Attention: If oil gets on the plastic parts of the No Frost system, it can lead to their chemical destruction and the appearance of cracks over time.
Consequences for the system No Frost during improper transportation:
- ❄️ Impaired air circulation due to displacement of the air ducts.
- 🔊 The appearance of extraneous noise and hum during fan operation.
- 🌡️ Uneven cooling of the chambers due to blockage of the channels.
Restoring such a system requires completely disassembling the inside of the refrigerator, which is often comparable in cost to purchasing a new device. Manufacturers Indesit and Atlant also indicate high risks for evaporators in their manuals.
Impact on the refrigerant and heat transfer
The refrigerant (freon) in the system is under pressure and in different states of aggregation. When used correctly, it circulates in a closed loop. However, with tilts and vibrations, its uneven distribution may occur.
If the liquid fraction of freon gets into the compressor along with oil, the so-called hydraulic shockoccurs. Liquid, unlike gas, is not compressed, and an attempt by the piston to compress it will lead to instant failure of the valve group.
There is also a risk of heat transfer disruption. If the tubes are pinched or bent, the pressure in the system will increase sharply. This will cause the compressor to work overload, which will significantly reduce its service life.
Even if the refrigerator turns on and begins to cool, operating efficiency may be reduced. You may notice that the unit is running continuously, trying to reach the set temperature, which will lead to an increase in energy bills.
Rules for safe transportation and storage
To avoid fatal mistakes, you must strictly follow the transportation rules. The ideal option is a vertical position with an inclination angle of no more than 40 degrees. If the situation is hopeless and it is necessary to put down the unit, this must be done wisely.
It is critical to observe the settling time before switching on. This time is necessary for the oil to flow back into the compressor and the refrigerant to be distributed throughout the system.
☑️ Preparation for transportation
The recommended settling time depends on the transportation conditions:
- ⏱️ 2-4 hours: if the refrigerator was transported vertically.
- ⏳ 8-12 hours: if transportation was carried out lying on its side.
- ❄️ Up to 24 hours: if transportation was in the cold in winter (time needed to warm up).
Do not try to turn on the device immediately after bringing it into the apartment. Give it time to acclimatize and return the working fluids to their original position. This simple action will save your equipment.
⚠️ Attention: In winter, after being brought into the heat, the refrigerator cannot be turned on for at least 4 hours, even if it was standing upright. Condensation on the contacts can cause a short circuit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator lying down if it is carried carefully and briefly?
No, the distance does not matter. Even a short stay in a horizontal position can lead to oil leakage into the circuit. The risk of breakdown remains regardless of the duration of the trip.
On which side is it better to place the refrigerator if there is no other choice?
Manufacturers often recommend placing the unit on the right side (as viewed from the rear), since the tube coming out of the compressor is usually located there, and the risk of oil leakage is lower. However, this does not guarantee safety.
What should I do if I have already turned on the refrigerator after a recumbent transport?
Urgently turn off the device from the network. Leave it alone for at least 12 hours. If, after restarting, there is a strong noise, knocking or lack of cold, call a technician.
Do you need to remove the doors during transportation?
It is not necessary to remove the doors, but they must be securely secured with masking tape or belts so that they do not swing open and are not damaged during movement.
Does the type of refrigerant affect the ability to transport lying down?
The type of refrigerant (R600a, R134a) is less important than the design of the compressor. Regardless of the gas, the oil suspension in the system remains the main threat during horizontal transportation.