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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.
Do I need to turn off the fridge before moving?
If you’re moving a fridge or freezer into your new home, it’s best to turn it off 24 hours before. This gives the fridge’s evaporator time to defrost, which reduces the risk of any damage during the move. It also lets the oils and fluids inside settle and stops them moving through the compressor.
How do I prepare my fridge for moving?
How do I prepare my refrigerator for moving? Empty out the fridge. Disconnect water lines and wiring. Defrost the fridge, if necessary. Remove the doors, if necessary. Protect the floors, walls, and refrigerator. Physically move the fridge with a dolly. Secure it safely in the truck. Reassemble and reconnect in the new house.
Can you move a refrigerator right after you unplug it?
Let the refrigerator down and move it into the new place just as you moved it out. Allow it to sit for at least 3 hours before plugging it in. This will allow for the refrigerant oil to flow back into its compressor, and would prevent any damage to the appliance.
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.
How long should you wait to turn on a fridge?
Once the unit is in the house you should: Leave the appliance to sit for 3 hours. Then plug it in and switch it on. It should then be left overnight to stabilize before putting any fresh food into it.
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 hard is it to relocate a fridge?
Moving a refrigerator is hard enough without its doors flying open during the move. So before placing your refrigerator on the dolly, wrap the appliance with either a moving strap or strong rope. Make sure the rope is tied tightly and the doors are securely closed before sliding it onto the dolly.
How long do you wait to plug in a fridge after moving it?
When you plan to restart the refrigerator after moving it, wait at least twelve hours before plugging in to ensure that any lubricant or coolant is settled into place and isn’t going to gush out or damage the function of your refrigerator when plugged back in.
How long can a refrigerator lay on its side?
You can safely lay a refrigerator on its side without any long-lasting ill effects, provided that you’ll let your fridge rest upright for at least 4 hours (24 hours at most) before turning it on.
What happens if you turn a fridge on too soon?
Compressors are designed to compress refrigerant vapour (mixed with oil). They are not designed to compress liquids such as compressor oil and doing so can also cause mechanical damage. If the fridge was transported upright before use, then there is no issue. Turning it on immediately will not cause issues.
Does it ruin a refrigerator to lay it down?
When a refrigerator is horizontal, the oil from the compressor will start to move out and into the coolant lines, clogging them. Besides this, placing a refrigerator flat on its back is a major no-no: the weight of the fridge can damage its internal parts, even if they’re not exposed.
Should I unplug my refrigerator if away for four months?
If you are going to be away for a month or less, we recommend the following: Leave the refrigerator running. Leave the temperature controls at the normal settings. If all the food is removed and you want to save energy, the temperature control may be set to a warmer temperature setting during the absence.
Can one person move a refrigerator?
Most fridges are on wheels, so sliding it forward shouldn’t be too difficult. Have one person lift the fridge slightly while the other slides the moving dolly underneath the side of the refrigerator. Do not push the dolly onto the front or back of the fridge. Use the dolly straps to tighten the fridge into place.
Can I put a fridge anywhere?
The correct depth ensures that the refrigerator does not jut out beyond the counter space on either side of the appliance. Allow for 6 inches of space behind the refrigerator and 2 inches overhead for proper ventilation and to increase the life or your appliance.
Can you lay a new refrigerator on its side?
Refrigerators travel best standing up. Though not preferable, you can move your refrigerator laying on its side. Remember, your fridge needs to stand still for hours after the move. If transported on its side, this wait time goes up to twice the time that the appliance has laid on its side.
Do you have to wait to plug in a mini fridge after moving it?
When you are able to stand it upright, wait 24 hours before plugging it in to allow the system to re-correct itself should anything have shifted during transport.
