We rarely move refrigerators; After settling in the family kitchen, they will stay there until the family moves into their new home.

But if you want to move the refrigerator, you have to be careful — after all, there is no magic formula that makes moving the refrigerator easier. Look, refrigerators are not only bulky, heavy and complicated, but also expensive.

So, when you move, you have to be careful to avoid any risks. However, while traveling, the vehicle may have to go to a door or upstairs, tip it, or lie on its back.

While this is sometimes unavoidable, it’s best not to put the refrigerator on its back or side to cause problems.

Of course, your instinct is to put the refrigerator on its side, but no matter how «natural» it seems to you, you should avoid this test as even small changes can damage it. Not storing the refrigerator can seriously damage the appliance, we will find out soon.

Titles can change fluids

The biggest risk with placing a refrigerator on its side or back is that it can carry liquids where they shouldn’t.

Look, refrigerators usually contain a variety of fluids such as oils, greases, refrigerants, and more. If the refrigerator is tilted, these fluids will move to places they shouldn’t.

For example, the oil in the compressor can go to the filter and to the line of the refrigerator. As we know, the oil is incompressible, which means the compressor will stop automatically when the refrigerator is plugged back in.

Boring shelves

Another potential problem with placing a refrigerator on its side is the ability to tilt or change shelves.

Depending on the model of the refrigerator, some units are equipped with shelves due to the force of gravity.

Now when you tilt the refrigerator, the shelves will come loose, knock and snap into the appliance. They can be boring if they’re made of plastic, but if they’re made of glass, they can be devastating.

This is obviously a minor problem compared to the possibility of oil circulation in the refrigeration line.

How to move the refrigerator

So how do you prepare a refrigerator for transport and reduce the risk of breakdown?

1. Empty the refrigerator

The first thing to do when moving your refrigerator is to empty it, not only because of its weight, but also for safety reasons.

2. Remove shelves and drawers

Empty food, ice cubes, and all food, and remove any items that may be removed from the refrigerator or any area, such as drawers, shelves, and dividers.

3. Security of the door

The final stage of preparation is securing the refrigerator door with rope or tape. Do not stretch the cable too much, so as not to adjust the door incorrectly.

Also, don’t cover the refrigerator door completely, especially if you have to move around for long periods, as this will cause mold growth or pick up odors. Instead, open the door a few inches with a ball or a piece of cardboard.

How about moving the refrigerator to the side?

As I mentioned before, I cannot completely prevent the refrigerator from tipping over one way or the other; Especially when you move in tight spaces, you will be forced to climb.

Resolution

After moving the refrigerator to its side, leave it straight until it is on its side before putting it in.

This will allow any oil that has entered the cooling pipe to return to the compressor and clean the cooling pipes.

Lines

If you need to run the refrigerator on its side for a long time, make sure it is on the opposite side to the compressor hoses coming out of the compressor.

Please read the instructions carefully to help you understand the process pipe and exhaust line.

When you turn its side over, turn it so the drain tube is above the shrinkage to prevent oil from running into the drain tube.

For example, if the compressor hose is on the right side of the appliance, the refrigerator should be placed on the left side.

Application

Better not to put the refrigerator on its side.