What To Know
- In general, it’s not a good idea to transport a refrigerator on its side.
- If you’re only moving the refrigerator a short distance, such as from one room to another, it’s unlikely to be damaged if it’s transported on its side.
- If you do need to transport a refrigerator on its side, it’s important to take the following precautions.
Refrigerators are an essential part of any modern household, but they can be a pain to move. They’re heavy, bulky, and often filled with perishable food. If you’re not careful, you can easily damage your refrigerator or the food inside.
One of the most common questions people have about moving refrigerators is whether or not they can be transported on their side. The answer is: yes, but only under certain circumstances.
Why You Shouldn’t Transport a Refrigerator on Its Side
In general, it’s not a good idea to transport a refrigerator on its side. This is because the compressor, which is the heart of the refrigerator, is located at the bottom of the unit. When the refrigerator is on its side, the compressor can be damaged by the refrigerant oil that circulates through it.
In addition, transporting a refrigerator on its side can also damage the door seals. This can lead to leaks, which can allow warm air to enter the refrigerator and spoil the food inside.
When It’s Okay to Transport a Refrigerator on Its Side
There are a few exceptions to the rule that refrigerators should not be transported on their side. These exceptions include:
- If the refrigerator is empty. An empty refrigerator is much less likely to be damaged when it’s transported on its side.
- If the refrigerator is being transported a short distance. If you’re only moving the refrigerator a short distance, such as from one room to another, it’s unlikely to be damaged if it’s transported on its side.
- If the refrigerator is being transported in a specially designed vehicle. Some moving companies have vehicles that are specifically designed to transport refrigerators on their side. These vehicles have special supports that help to protect the refrigerator from damage.
How to Transport a Refrigerator on Its Side
If you do need to transport a refrigerator on its side, it’s important to take the following precautions:
1. Empty the refrigerator. Remove all of the food and drinks from the refrigerator.
2. Unplug the refrigerator. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power outlet.
3. Secure the doors. Tape or bungee cord the doors shut to prevent them from opening during transport.
4. Pad the refrigerator. Wrap the refrigerator in blankets or towels to protect it from scratches and dents.
5. Load the refrigerator into the vehicle. Carefully load the refrigerator into the vehicle, making sure that it’s secure and won’t move around during transport.
6. Transport the refrigerator upright. Once the refrigerator is loaded into the vehicle, drive carefully and avoid making any sudden stops or turns.
7. Unload the refrigerator. Once you arrive at your destination, carefully unload the refrigerator from the vehicle.
8. Let the refrigerator stand upright for 24 hours. Before plugging the refrigerator back in, let it stand upright for 24 hours. This will give the compressor time to settle and prevent damage.
What to Do If You Damage Your Refrigerator
If you do damage your refrigerator while transporting it on its side, don’t panic. Here are a few things you can do:
- Check the compressor. If the compressor is damaged, you will need to replace it.
- Check the door seals. If the door seals are damaged, you will need to replace them.
- Test the refrigerator. Once you have replaced the damaged parts, test the refrigerator to make sure it’s working properly.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I transport a full refrigerator on its side?
A: No, you should never transport a full refrigerator on its side. This can damage the compressor and the door seals.
Q: How long should I let my refrigerator stand upright after transporting it on its side?
A: You should let your refrigerator stand upright for 24 hours after transporting it on its side. This will give the compressor time to settle and prevent damage.
Q: What should I do if I damage my refrigerator while transporting it on its side?
A: If you damage your refrigerator while transporting it on its side, you should check the compressor and the door seals. If either of these parts is damaged, you will need to replace it.
