QA

How Long Does A Refrigerator Have To Sit Upright

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 long should a refrigerator stand after being laid down?

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.

Is it OK to transport a refrigerator laying down?

Can you lay a fridge or freezer down to move it? Fridges and freezers are best transported upright to keep the cooling refrigerant in its right place. With a lot of padding underneath, lie your fridge or upright freezer down and secure it with straps so it can’t move during transit.

How long to wait to plug in a refrigerator 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.

What happens if you plug a fridge in 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.

Do I have to wait 24 hours to plug in fridge?

ANSWER: General rule for refrigerators is 24 hours before it should be plugged in after being laid down for transport or moving.

Do you have to leave a fridge for 24 hours?

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.

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.

How far can you tilt a refrigerator?

Remember, a fridge should not be tipped back more than 45 degrees. Walk the dolly with care to your first step. If you have to set the fridge back down at any time, do so slowly and with someone on the other side who can help you guide it down.

When can I put food in my new fridge freezer?

You can put food in your new fridge freezer after letting it settle for 4 hours if it was transported on its side or 1 hour if it was transported upright. After this amount of time you’re absolutely fine and safe to put your food in your new fridge freezer.

Is it OK to lay a refrigerator on its back?

If you do lay your fridge down to move it, you can lay it on its front or side, but it’s not recommended that you lay it on its back – the weight of the fridge’s body on its working parts could damage them, even if they’re not exposed.

How do you carry a fridge in a car?

Built-In models: All built-in refrigerator models, when transported in a vehicle, must be in an upright position under all circumstances. However, it can be tilted to the side when placed on a dolly to take it into the home.

Is it OK to lean a refrigerator?

Failing to keep your refrigerator upright may cause serious damage to your unit. Your natural instinct when moving a refrigerator will likely be to tilt it on its side. Regardless of how “natural” it feels, though, you must avoid the temptation of tilting your refrigerator, because even small shifts may damage it.

When should I turn my fridge off before 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. You can plug your appliance in once 4 hours have passed.

What happens if I tilt my fridge?

If it is tilted, the coolant can pool in the pipes, making the pump work harder and making the fridge less efficient. You may not even realize it, but a tilted fridge could mean that your refrigerator is using more energy than it needs to.

What number should my fridge be on?

Based on these two factors here’s the number your fridge should be set on: If you’re always storing plenty of food you need the colder settings (3 to 4). If you’re not storing as much choose between 2 and 3. If the temperature is very low, ice will form and it may prevent air circulation.

Can I lay a freezer down to transport it?

Keep the freezer in the upright position. If transporting it in an upright position is not possible, lay it down on the compressor side of the unit. Be careful to secure the door to prevent it from opening.

Can you transport a fridge horizontally?

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.

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.