Can You Transport a Refrigerator Horizontally?

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Introduction

The refrigerator is one of the essential home appliances. Indispensable for storing food and keeping it fresh, it is at the heart of the kitchen and operates almost continuously. However, when it comes time to move or relocate this appliance, a common question arises: can you transport a refrigerator horizontally? Many people fear that this orientation could harm the appliance's functionality. Others hear that simply letting the refrigerator rest for a few hours after horizontal transport can prevent any issues. In this article, we will examine this topic in detail, covering technical aspects, best practices, and precautions to take. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding so you can transport your refrigerator with peace of mind.

Understanding How a Refrigerator Works

Before discussing transport, it's important to understand the basic functioning of a refrigerator. Knowing how this appliance cools food helps us understand why certain transport positions are recommended or discouraged.

The Cooling Circuit

A refrigerator operates through a closed circuit of refrigerant fluid. This fluid, often called Freon or another refrigerant gas, travels through a circuit where it changes from liquid to gas, absorbing or releasing heat. The process generally involves several steps:

  1. The compressor draws in the gas and compresses it.
  2. The condenser, often located at the back of the refrigerator, cools the gas to turn it into liquid.
  3. The expansion valve lowers the pressure of the liquid, causing it to evaporate and absorb heat.
  4. The evaporator, inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments, absorbs heat from the food and ambient air, keeping the items cool.

The Role of the Compressor and Oil

The compressor is certainly one of the most critical components of the refrigerator. It contains lubricating oil necessary for the proper functioning of its mechanical parts and to ensure longevity. This oil is designed to stay inside the compressor, continuously lubricating the parts when the appliance is running.

When you lay a refrigerator flat, the oil may flow out of the compressor and into the refrigeration circuit. This can lead to several consequences:

This is the main reason manufacturers often advise against laying a refrigerator down or, if unavoidable, taking certain precautions to minimize risks.

The Risks of Horizontal Transport

It's common to hear differing opinions on whether a refrigerator can be transported horizontally. Ideally, the appliance should be transported in an upright position. But reality may impose certain constraints:

In any case, you must weigh the pros and cons. Transporting a refrigerator horizontally carries certain risks:

  1. Fluid Leak: If the appliance experiences vibrations or shocks, a joint may give way, causing refrigerant to escape.
  2. Displaced Oil: As mentioned, oil can enter the refrigerant circuit and affect functionality.
  3. Structural Damage: Some refrigerators have glass shelves, delicate accessories, and sensitive internal walls. When laid flat, all the weight rests on these points, which can lead to cracks or breaks.

Can You Still Transport a Refrigerator Flat?

The answer is not entirely negative: yes, it is possible to transport a refrigerator flat, provided you take strict precautions. However, it's preferable to keep it upright if you can. When horizontal orientation is necessary, be sure to follow several essential steps to limit risks.

Choosing the Right Side

In some user manuals, manufacturers recommend laying the refrigerator on a specific side. The goal is to ensure the compressor remains in a position less likely to cause oil to flow into the circuit. Most often, it's recommended to lay the appliance on its side opposite the compressor or on the side where the oil return piping is located. To know the ideal side, it's best to consult the appliance manual or contact the manufacturer.

Packing and Protecting

A refrigerator includes sensitive parts that need protection:

Before transport, completely empty your refrigerator by removing all stored food. Also, remove shelves, bins, and glass or plastic separators and pack them separately in bubble wrap or blankets. This limits shocks and potential breakages. Then, ensure the refrigerator door is securely closed with strong adhesive tape. Some also recommend placing a thick blanket or cardboard around the appliance to protect it from scratches and impacts.

Minimizing Time Spent Flat

If you must lay the refrigerator flat, try to limit the time it remains in this position as much as possible. Prepare the move in advance so that loading, transport, and unloading are quick and organized. The less time spent horizontally, the less likely you are to damage the appliance.

Steps to Follow After Horizontal Transport

Once you arrive at your destination, do not immediately plug in the refrigerator. On the contrary, it's crucial to wait a certain period before turning it back on. Why? Because the oil may have had time to flow into the cooling circuit. It must first settle back into the compressor.

Waiting Before Powering On

The most commonly recommended rule is to wait at least 12 hours, or even 24 hours, before plugging in the refrigerator if it has been transported flat. This period allows the oil to return to the compressor. The waiting time may vary depending on:

Some newer or more compact refrigerators may require less time. Ideally, check the instruction manual or contact the brand's customer service to follow the exact waiting period.

Powering On Slowly and Monitoring Functionality

When you finally turn on your refrigerator, stay attentive:

  1. Listen for any unusual noises that could indicate a compressor problem.
  2. Check if the temperature drops correctly in the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
  3. Look for excessive vibrations or any oil leaks around the compressor.

If you have doubts about unusual noises or insufficient cooling performance, it's best to contact a professional. Specialized technicians have the expertise and tools necessary to diagnose and repair any potential issues.

Tips Before Moving Your Refrigerator

To make the task easier, here are some general recommendations to ensure transport under the best possible conditions:

  1. Plan Ahead: Measure all openings through which you will need to pass the refrigerator. If door and hallway heights allow, opt for vertical transport.
  2. Empty and Clean: Emptying your refrigerator avoids risks of bad odors, liquid leaks, and makes handling easier. Take the opportunity to defrost the freezer if there is one, then thoroughly dry all surfaces.
  3. Protect Carefully: Use blankets, cardboard, or bubble wrap to pack the appliance and its fragile parts. Prevent the door from opening by securing it with non-marking adhesive.
  4. Transport with Care: If your vehicle allows, transport the refrigerator upright. If you must lay it down, ensure its vital parts do not experience excessive pressure.
  5. Wait Before Plugging In: Even with vertical transport, it's often advised to wait a few hours after installation to allow the fluid and oil to stabilize.

Differences Based on Refrigerator Type

There are different categories of refrigerators. While the basic principles remain similar, each type may have specific considerations.

Combined Refrigerators

These are the most common models, integrating a refrigerator section and a freezer compartment. Depending on the freezer's position (top, bottom, or side-by-side), the cooling circuit and compressor position may differ. It's important to consult the manual to precisely locate the compressor and know the manufacturer's recommendations.

American Refrigerators

Larger and heavier, American refrigerators (side-by-side) are more delicate to handle. They sometimes have two independent compressors and multiple cooling circuits. Generally, it's even more recommended to keep them upright, as the risk of damaging an expensive component is higher. Sometimes, it may be necessary to remove the doors to pass through frames. In this case, it's better to call a professional or at least an experienced friend.

Mini Refrigerators

Mini refrigerators or "table top" refrigerators are relatively light and compact. They can more easily be tilted or laid down without too much risk. Nonetheless, it's always better to be cautious and allow a rest period before powering on.

Absorption Refrigerators

Some small refrigerators, especially those found in hotel rooms or RVs, operate on an absorption principle rather than compression. They have no compressor or lubricating oil, which significantly reduces the risk of damage in case of horizontal transport. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions, as the absorption circuit can also be sensitive to shocks and sudden position changes.

Should You Hire a Professional?

Transporting a refrigerator is an operation that can be done by individuals, especially if it's a standard-sized model and you have a suitable vehicle. However, for large-scale moves or particularly heavy and fragile models (like American refrigerators), it may be wise to hire a professional. Professional movers have:

This may represent an additional cost but generally ensures increased safety for your equipment.

How to Choose the Right Vehicle

If you decide to transport your refrigerator yourself, choosing the right vehicle is crucial. Here are the most common options:

  1. Van or Minivan: Ideal for transporting the appliance upright, thanks to sufficient height.
  2. Truck with Liftgate: Perfect for easily loading and unloading a heavy refrigerator without tilting it.
  3. Personal Car with Folded Seats: Possible, especially for a mini refrigerator or a small model. You will likely have to lay it down. It's better to protect the vehicle's interior with a tarp.

Whatever vehicle you choose, always ensure the appliance is securely strapped to prevent movement during the journey.

Consequences of Poorly Managed Transport

Poorly executed transport can lead to more or less serious problems for your refrigerator:

In some cases, the damage is immediately apparent, but it can also be progressive and only appear over time.

Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free Transport

Here are some additional practical tips you might find useful:

Can You Transport It Slightly Inclined Instead of Flat?

Some users wonder if transporting a refrigerator at a slight incline, say at 45 or 60 degrees, solves the problem. In practice, the closer the angle is to vertical, the better. There is no official precise measurement, but it's logical to think that at 45 degrees, the oil and refrigerant are less likely to move into inappropriate areas than at a full 90 degrees (flat). If you can incline the appliance only a few dozen degrees, it's an acceptable compromise in some situations.

However, you remain exposed to the risk of damage, although it is less than in a completely horizontal position. It is therefore always recommended to minimize the inclination and ensure that once installed, the refrigerator remains stationary for the necessary duration before restarting.

Conclusion

Ultimately, can you transport a refrigerator horizontally? The answer is yes, but only if you have no other option and take all necessary precautions. Manufacturers generally advise keeping it upright, as horizontal transport carries significant risks. The most common consequences concern the compressor and cooling circuit, which can be damaged by the migration of lubricating oil outside its intended area.

If you must lay your refrigerator down, remember:

  1. To choose the right side to minimize issues.
  2. To remove and protect fragile internal elements.
  3. To transport it horizontally only for a limited time.
  4. To wait at least 12 hours, or even 24 hours, before plugging it back in.

This way, you will ensure the maximum preservation of your equipment's performance and longevity. In case of doubt or if you own a large and expensive model such as an American refrigerator, hiring a professional can be a wise investment, ensuring secure transport. Take the time to plan your move or relocation carefully, and you will be able to enjoy a perfectly functioning refrigerator once again.