What happens if you lay a fridge on its side?

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.

Does it hurt a refrigerator to lay it on its side?

It's best to keep your refrigerator in an upright position for the entire move, no matter what its size. This is because putting a fridge down on its side can cause damage to the refrigerator compressor and keep it from doing its job. The compressor is filled with oil that is held in place by gravity.

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.

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.

Can I lie a fridge on its side?

How long must a fridge stand after moving?

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.

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.

Can you transport a fridge freezer on its side?

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.

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.

Which side do you lay a fridge down?

"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 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.

Can I lay a freezer down to transport it?

You should never lay your fridge freezer down. When on its back or side, oil will flow into the cooling tubes, and it may not drain from them when the fridge moves back to an upright position.

How long should a new fridge sit before plugging in?

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.

Do modern fridges need to settle?

Let it stand

In transit, your appliance gets shaken around, so it's best to let everything settle before you plug it in. If it was transported upright, give it at least an hour before you plug it in. If it was transported on its side, turn it the right way up and leave it for at least four hours.

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.

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.