Is it possible to carry the refrigerator lying

It is impossible to imagine a modern apartment without a refrigerator, because it is a constant attribute of the kitchen interior. Refrigerators are different: large and small, with one chamber and several, domestic and imported. However, they are united by one quality - recommendations of manufacturers that it is necessary to transport the refrigerator in a vertical position.

But do not hire the same truck for the transportation of one refrigerator, when in the garage is your transport? Is it possible to transport the refrigerator lying down? Let's try to sort out this issue.

Is it possible to carry a refrigerator lying on its side?

You, probably, paid attention to the characteristic jingle from the back wall of the refrigerator, even with a simple rearrangement of the unit from place to place? It reminds of the compressor itself, which is attached to the frame on the suspension springs. Recommendations for the transportation of the refrigerator primarily proceed from the fact that if the unit is not properly transported, a compressor may break, and this will lead to cracks in its case, refrigerant leakage and leakage of compressor oil. As a result, your move will be darkened by the upcoming expensive repairs.

It should be noted that damage caused to the refrigerator as a result of improper transportation is not a warranty case. If this does not scare you, and it’s boring to live according to the instructions, you can try to transport the refrigeration unit in a horizontal position, but still subject to certain rules:

• It is strictly forbidden to transport the refrigerator in a horizontal position on the back or front panel, preferably only on the side surface, and at the top there should be a side to which the hinges for the door of the refrigerating chamber are attached. If you mix up the side surfaces, allow compressor oil to enter the circulation system, causing damage.
• It is necessary to firmly fasten the compressor, preventing its vibrations on the suspension mounts.
• It is necessary to ensure reliable fastening of the door in order to avoid its spontaneous opening during transportation.
• Securely fix the refrigerator in the vehicle, preventing its swaying and vibration.
• When carrying the refrigerator along a flight of stairs, the compressor should be at the bottom back. After the unit is installed in place, the first start-up must be made at least 6 hours after its transportation. During this time, oil entering the circulation system will flow back into the compressor.
• In the process of transportation, try to avoid bumpy roads, go without haste, bypassing the potholes.

Can I transport the refrigerator horizontally? Refrigeration repair specialists allow the refrigerator to be transported in a horizontal position, but on condition that the transportation will not last more than 30 minutes.

How to transport the refrigerator?

If you move frequently, then you should learn how to properly transport the refrigerator to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs. To do this, follow the simple instructions:

• defrost refrigeration chambers before shipment;
• all removable parts must be removed from the refrigerator: shelves, drawers, containers;
• carefully fix the door and the compressor;
• place the refrigerator in the original packaging, and in its absence, use a thick cardboard and foam;
• if the vehicle height does not allow the device to be installed strictly vertically, it may be transported with a slight inclination to the side, but only up to 40 °;
• it is necessary to firmly fix the refrigerator in the cargo compartment of the vehicle, using belts and special stops;
• when loading / unloading and carrying the unit, sharp shocks and jolts must be avoided;
• carry the refrigerator smoothly and carefully, do not hold the door handles or the condenser, as this may cause them to break;
• Count your strength, since the weight of individual models of refrigerators may be more than 60 kg.

Consequences of improper transportation

As mentioned above, refrigerator manufacturers recommend to transport them in the working position - vertically. Often people ignore such recommendations. Failure to follow the shipping instructions specified in the manufacturer’s documents may cause the compressor unit of the refrigerator or other parts to fail.

During horizontal transportation, a variable dynamic load acts on the compressor unit, which causes its displacement and breakage from the suspension brackets. As a result, the integrity of the compressor is disturbed and refrigerant and compressor oil leak. Leaked oil can get into the supercharger and cause it to clog. After such a breakdown, you will have to completely change the compressor and pump in freon.

Transporting the refrigerator in a horizontal position should be short with all precautions. When loading the refrigerator on the side panel, make sure that the tube coming out of the compressor is at the top. In this position, even if the oil is drained into the circuit, after starting the unit, it will fall back. Before starting the refrigerator after transportation, it is necessary to stand.

According to statistics, only 2% of problems occur during horizontal transportation of a refrigerator. Often, their cause is not the position of the unit, but insufficiently rigid mounting of the compressor unit and strong shaking along the road. But usually everything is successful. However, any non-compliance with the rules is a lottery, so whether it is possible to transport the refrigerator lying on its side, it’s up to the owner to decide.