Big questions are raised when it comes to transporting a fridge – questions on the proper methods. While many people would not give a second thought, it is best to understand which way is right. However, it is most times essential to understand how you should do these things. For example, a few people may ask if it is alright to transport a fridge lying horizontally.
It is never a good idea to transport your fridge horizontally nor even place it down horizontally. The reason being that specific internal designs in the refrigerator do not fancy being tossed around. As a result, they end up developing problems when this is done. For instance, oil in the compressor moves out into the coolant line, causing clogging in the coolant line and preventing cooling.
In most instances, you may not know the problems resulting from transporting your fridge horizontally. Anyways, it would help if you also understood that placing your fridge horizontally may cause the weight to damage its internal parts.
There are tons of better ways to transport your fridge without causing it damage. Fortunately, we shall discuss what happens if you transport your fridge horizontally. You don’t have to panic if you’ve already transported it as I’ll teach you how to fix that and how you can do it correctly.
What Happens if I Transport My Fridge Horizontally?
Transporting your fridge while it lies horizontally has quite a few effects on the functioning of your fridge. Generally, a refrigerator needs some viscous oil in its compressor to function appropriately; transporting it horizontally may push out this oil. Thus, as the oil flows out into the coolant coil, it clogs the coil and prevents the fridge from cooling. This process occurs whenever a refrigerator is placed on its side, this may be a reversible effect on the fridge.
In addition, as the oil flows out of the compressor, lubrication would not be efficient in parts of the fridge. So if the refrigerator is put on, the lack of lubrication would cause an overheat of the compressor. This process accelerates the damage.
Also, transporting your fridge with it lying horizontally may cause severe breakages in the inner components of the refrigerator. In addition to the fact that a refrigerator is designed to stand upright, these components have been placed in fixed positions. Therefore, putting pressure on them from the wrong side would most likely damage them and the fridge in return.
Fridges are pretty tender and essential household appliances that may require a lot of tending. Remember, a saying goes, “Prevention is Far Better than Cure.” Therefore, it is much easier even on your part when you carefully transport your fridge without turning it horizontally.
This singular act may prevent you from some serious work, errands, or repairs. Although it may seem like an inconsequential rule, it would save you from a truckload of stress.
How To Fix A Fridge That Was Transported Horizontally.
This activity may prove to be a tricky exercise, fixing a fridge that develops some abnormalities after being transported horizontally. Although a few fridges brands develop permanent damage that requires replacements, others do not; mainly when no breakages occur.
Here are a few things to do if your fridge develops faults after being horizontally transported:
- The best thing to do with a fridge transported horizontally is to let it stand unused for a while. However, it is more advisable to let it stand for roughly the same time it spent horizontally. This exercise helps push back the oil into the compressor before it is used to prevent overheating.
- After the standing period, the fridge should be kept at a maximum temperature for about two hours while empty. This process helps in redistributing the oil in the compressor and getting it ready for real cooling work. While doing this, a note is taken on the general well-being of the fridge. Other parts are also checked for faults.
- If you notice no persisting problems, your fridge has survived the ordeal, and you can resume use.
It would be best if you did this after a professional is brought to take a look. You would not want to take chances.
- Sometimes your fridge may undergo severe damages such as breakages while it is transported horizontally. It doesn’t take long to realize. Sounds emanating from the inner compartment, failure to cool items; these all point to the need for some replacement. When these occur, it is ideal to employ a professional who would take a look and make a diagnosis.
At the end of it all, some replacements may be the final answer to the faults which the fridge developed.
How Do I Move a Fridge Without Getting it Damaged?
Moving a fridge may be a tricky activity, especially if you’re packing into a new home and have to take it with you. While others may employ moving services to help pack their belongings, others prefer to do it themselves. Here are tips for those who would choose the DIY method:
- Remember to turn your fridge off a couple of hours before it is moved. Although this may sound like a tiny piece of info, trust me when I say it’s crucial. The point is; keeping your fridge off for a while helps settle the fluids in it, making it ready for transport.
- Properly disconnect the fridge according to user specifications. Disconnecting your fridge improperly could cause bits of damages, such as damages to some chips and ports on the refrigerator. This process helps maintain a fridge’s perfect functionality and prevents damage even before moving from place to place.
- Make sure your fridge is placed on furniture sliders while it is moved and not tilted too much. Just as earlier mentioned, transporting your fridge while it lies horizontally causes tons of problems to it. Therefore, if it’s necessary to tilt it, it should be inclined to a minimal degree to prevent these problems.
- Your fridge shouldn’t be allowed to crash or bump into walls. Note that the better treatment you give your fridge, the longer it remains of use to you. Thus, preventing crashes while it’s being transported is one thing that you should ensure.