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Transporting a refrigerator: What to consider
When it comes to moving a refrigerator, there are several things you need to consider. Transporting a refrigerator is not as simple as just picking it up and moving it. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at what you need to know before attempting to move a refrigerator. We’ll be discussing manufacturer recommendations and best practices for moving and handling refrigerators based on expert advice.
Manufacturer recommendations for transporting refrigerators
When transporting a refrigerator, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for transporting refrigerators to avoid potential damage. These recommendations cover different aspects of handling and moving refrigerators.
As per the manufacturer recommendations for transporting refrigerators, the refrigerator should be unplugged and left to defrost for at least 24 hours before transportation. All removable parts such as shelves, drawers, and ice makers should be removed and packed separately to prevent any damages while transporting.
To comply with the manufacturer recommendations for transporting refrigerators, the doors of the refrigerator should be secured with straps or tape to prevent them from opening during transport. Additionally, the refrigerator should be transported in an upright position whenever possible or at an angle not exceeding 45 degrees.
Following these manufacturer recommendations for transporting refrigerators helps prevent damages and prolongs its lifespan. Manufacturers may differ in their guidelines, so it is essential to check the manual before transporting a fridge.
Transporting a refrigerator incorrectly can lead to significant damages. Therefore, manufacturers usually provide detailed guidelines on best practices for moving and handling refrigerators. The manufacturer recommendations for transporting refrigerators ensure that the appliance remains secure during transportation and installed adequately once it reaches its destination.
However, while the recommendations may vary with different manufacturers, they all agree on fundamental procedures such as ensuring the security of removable parts and doors during transportation. If not adhered to, it can strain or damage internal structures that might compromise how efficiently the appliance cools your products at your premises.
Best practices for moving and handling refrigerators
When it comes to moving and handling refrigerators, following certain best practices is crucial to ensure their safe transportation. Here is a 4-step guide for best practices when it comes to moving and handling refrigerators:
- Empty the contents of the refrigerator before handling it. This will make the process easier and safer.
- Secure the doors of the refrigerator using either tape or bungee cords. This will prevent them from swinging open during transportation.
- Use a dolly or hand truck with straps to move the refrigerator easily and safely. Make sure that the straps are tight around the body of the refrigerator so that it stays secured while being moved.
- Avoid tilting or laying the refrigerator on its side or back as this can cause damage to its internal components such as compressor and evaporator coils.
It’s important to note that these best practices may vary based on manufacturer recommendations for particular models or brands of refrigerators.
Unique details regarding moving and handling refrigerators include factors such as size, weight, dimensions, accessibility of both starting location and end destination, etc. It’s also important to check doorways, hallways, staircases, and elevators for any potential space restrictions prior to attempting transportation.
In a true story recounted by one professional mover, he transported an older model refrigerator that he laid down on its side in his truck while traveling for several hours. Upon arrival at his destination, he tried plugging it in but found that it wouldn’t work. After closer inspection by a repairman, he realized that laying it on its side had damaged part of its compressor system beyond repair, resulting in a total loss for his customer.
Remember: Don’t lay your fridge on its back unless you want to turn it into a water dispenser. These are the best practices for moving and handling refrigerators.
Laying a refrigerator on its back: Risks and potential damage
If you plan on moving a refrigerator, it is crucial to know the risks and damages of laying it on its back. This section will cover the effects of laying a refrigerator on its side, which could lead to potential damage and costly repairs. Factual data supports that laying a refrigerator on its back can cause oil leakage, damage to the compressor and condenser coils, and potentially air blockages in the cooling system. To avoid making a costly mistake in refrigerator maintenance, it’s important to stay informed.
Effects of laying a refrigerator on its side
When it comes to transporting a refrigerator, it’s essential to keep one important thing in mind: don’t lay it on its side. Doing so can have significant effects on the appliance’s functionality, with the potential to cause both mechanical and cooling issues. This is because the refrigerator’s oil system can be compromised during transportation.
The oil present in the fridge lubricates the compressor and circulates with the refrigerant to cool the appliance. When the fridge is laid flat, the oil redistributes itself throughout the unit, which can clog or impair its function. In fact, continuing to transport the fridge in this way can further exacerbate any potential damage.
To prevent this from happening, it’s recommended to transport the fridge in an upright position only. Even after transportation, it’s crucial to let the fridge stand upright for at least 24 hours before turning it back on. This will allow all of the fluids, including gas and oil, to find their way back into their correct positions before use again.
To ensure that large household appliances like refrigerators remain functional even after being moved, it’s essential to strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper transportation. By doing so, you can prevent permanent damage and keep your essential equipment functional for years to come.
Turning on a refrigerator after transporting
Refrigerators are delicate appliances that require careful handling, particularly during transportation. To ensure that your refrigerator functions as intended after transport, it is crucial to take adequate precautions before turning it on.
Here is a 5-step guide to follow when turning on a refrigerator after transportation:
- Leave the refrigerator standing upright for at least 24 hours before turning it on to allow the refrigerant to settle.
- Check the power cord for any damages and plug it into a grounded electrical outlet.
- Ensure that the temperature controls are set to the manufacturer’s recommended setting.
- Wait for the refrigerator to cool down before placing any food inside.
- Thoroughly clean the refrigerator before use.
It is crucial to note that refrigerators can sometimes sustain internal damage during transportation, even if they appear to be in good external condition. Turning on the refrigerator immediately can exacerbate the damage and create further issues. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution before switching on the refrigerator and to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Reports have emerged of users who turned on their refrigerators immediately after transportation, only to find that it stopped working after a few months. It was found that the compressor had sustained damage due to improper handling during transportation. Therefore, diligent transportation practices are crucial, and necessary precautions should be taken to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Conclusion: Importance of following manufacturer instructions to avoid potential damage
Manufacturers provide instructions for the proper use and care of appliances, emphasizing the importance of following them to avoid potential damage and extend the lifespan of the appliance. Transporting a refrigerator, for example, can cause harmful compressor damage, making it essential to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent costly repairs.
Placement and leveling are also crucial for refrigerators, as placing them on their back can cause potential harm to the compressor and cooling system. Manufacturers warn against laying a refrigerator flat on the ground, as the oil in the compressor can mix with the refrigerant, causing damage to the unit. Different manufacturers have varying recommendations for how long a refrigerator can stay on its back, but failure to follow instructions can result in harmful damage to the compressor, leading to expensive repairs.
FAQs about How Long Can A Refrigerator Lay On Its Back
Can a refrigerator be transported on its side or back?
Most fridges can be transported on their side, front, or standing upright, but laying them on their back is not recommended. Laying a fridge on its back can damage its internal components.
What happens when a refrigerator is laid on its side?
When a fridge is laid on its side, compressor oil can move out of the compressor sump and into the coolant lines, clogging them and potentially causing irreparable damage to the compressor and the cooling system. The oil is critical to the fridge’s proper functioning, acting as a lubricant and ensuring that the refrigerant moves throughout the system. If the oil moves into the refrigerant part of the fridge, the compressor will break, and there will be no more cooling.
How long can a refrigerator lay on its back?
Placing a refrigerator flat on its back can damage internal parts, even if not exposed. If the fridge must be moved lying down, minimize oil leakage by placing it on its side with the compressor tube facing upwards. After being moved on its side, the refrigerator must sit upright for the same amount of time it was on its side to allow the oil to return to the compressor and clear the coolant lines.
What’s the best side to lay a refrigerator on?
If the fridge must be moved lying down, lay it on the side opposite from where the compressor lines run out of the compressor to minimize oil leakage. It’s best to not lay the refrigerator on its back to avoid risking damage.
Can a refrigerator be turned on immediately after it’s been moved?
If the refrigerator is moved upright, it can be plugged in immediately. If the refrigerator is moved on its side, wait the same amount of time it was on its side before plugging it in. Moving a refrigerator on its side can ruin internal mechanisms and potentially break the refrigerator.
What should I do if I’m unsure about moving my refrigerator lying down?
If you’re unsure about moving your refrigerator lying down, consult your manufacturer’s guide or website for specific instructions on how to lay it down during shipment. Different makes and models have different requirements, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
