When the fridge is laid sideways, the oil can run off from the compressor and make its way up to the cooling coils. Since the oil is thick and viscous, it can easily clog up the coils and may prevent the refrigerant gas from flowing through them and thus causing cooling issues for your refrigerator.

Is it OK to transport a refrigerator laying down?

The answer is no. A refrigerator should never be transported on its back; the weight of the fridge can damage internal parts, and the internal fluids such as the oil inside the motor; or the refrigerant may shift and settle in undesirable places in the machine's system.

How long can a refrigerator lay on its side?

After Transporting Your Refrigerator

If it was on its side for more than a day, leave it standing upright for 24 hours before running the refrigerator. If laying on its side just briefly to service, clean or adjust, just a few minutes of stand time will be enough.

What happens if you transport a fridge on its side?

If you place the fridge on its side, the oil can flow into the cooling lines and clog them, which will mean a call for appliance repair at best and a trip to buy a new refrigerator at worst. The damage chance is greater for an older model that may have sludge in the oil that makes it even more likely to clog.

Does it hurt a refrigerator to lay on its side?

No, you should not move or store a refrigerator on its side. When a refrigerator is laid on its side, the oil in the compressor will flow from the compressor tube into the coolant lines.

Can You Lay a Refrigerator on Its Side? How to Transport a Refrigerator on Its Side

How do you fix a refrigerator that was laying down?

If your refrigerator was on its side for more than 24 hours, let it stand upright for 24 hours before plugging it in. Allowing the fridge to stand in its normal position before plugging it in will give the oil time to flow back into the compressor where it belongs.

Why do you have to wait 24 hours to plug in a fridge?

Its because the compressor lubrication oil could get into the cylinder of the compressor and if not given plenty of time to drain back into the oil sump at the bottom of the compressor, could cause major compressor valve damage on start up. 2 or more hours is a good rule to observe.

What side do you lay a fridge on?

"If you're lying a fridge on its side, put it with the hinge side at the top, as gravity will make it spring open the other way. "If your unit's got an external heat exchanger on the back, then on its side might be best. But provided the back is flat and clear, then lying it on its back is probably safest."

How long can a freezer lay on its side?

Be careful to secure the door to prevent it from opening. Set it upright in its final location and allow the freezer to sit for the same amount of time that it was on its side (24 hours maximum). Do not plug the unit into the electrical receptacle without allowing this settling time.

How long after moving a refrigerator can I turn it on?

Once your fridge has been safely moved into the kitchen of your new home, it needs some time to settle before you can start using it. You should let it stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle. You can plug your appliance in once 4 hours have passed.

Can you put a fridge freezer on its side to move it?

It is always best to keep a fridge or freezer upright when moving, but you can transport a fridge on its side too. Just remember that before it is plugged in and switched on, it should be left upright for a minimum of 3 hours.

Can you lay a Whirlpool refrigerator on its side?

The refrigerator can be transported in either the upright or prone position.

Can I transport an upright freezer laying down?

Transport the freezer in an upright position. If it has been necessary to transport the freezer on its side, it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in. If on its side for more than a day, leave standing for 24 hours before running.

How long does it take for Freon to settle in a fridge?

Generally, if you're going to be 100 percent sure that the oil has settled back down into the compressor, you should leave it for 24 hours. However, when having it delivered, the company you bought the appliance from may recommend leaving it only for eight hours before turning it on.

How long should I wait to plug in my fridge after laying it down?

If it's been on its side for 30 minutes during transit, wait 30 minutes once it's back upright. If it's been on its side for more than a day, you should wait 24 hours.

How do you transport a refrigerator?

Secure the door shut using either tape or rope. You might want to wrap the appliance in bubble wrap, a blanket, or anything to absorb shocks it may suffer during the move. Secure the appliance to the trolley or truck it's going travel in with heavy-duty ropes. Refrigerators travel best standing up.

Which side is the compressor side of a freezer?

Depending on the design of the freezer, the compressor generally is located in the back of the unit near or on the floor. When the compressor is activated, an audible humming noise usually can be heard coming from the refrigerator, while there usually is silence when the compressor is not active.