Updated at: 24-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Do you need to know how long you should wait to plug in a refrigerator after relocating it? Both yes and no are acceptable explanations, but they hinge on where your refrigerator was placed during transport. Since there are so many factors to think about, it’s important to take your time while shopping for and moving a fridge.

For the best results, you should take careful measurements of your kitchen before making a purchase. This item may be too big for your car, so plan ahead for its transportation. Finally, remember that how long you have to wait to use it depends on where you put it.

If you’re still confused, this article will clear things out for you. If you’re looking to buy a refrigerator, you’ll find the following advice to be extremely helpful. Don’t lose contact!

Can You Lay a Fridge on Its Side

The quick answer to the question “Can you put a fridge on its side?” is “yes”. But if you turn it on too soon after going to sleep, you could damage the machine.

How to Store a Refrigerator | Oakley Self Storage

When moving a refrigerator, the rule of thumb is to wait until it has been upright for the same amount of time before plugging it in as it was on its side.

You must meticulously record the duration your device was off-level or lying on its side. How long you should wait in some situations before plugging in a refrigerator:

Cost of the Refrigerator

When waiting, it’s best to lie down and relax.

Simple as can be seen in the diagram above, the golden fridge moving rule is exactly what it sounds like.

If you take a moment to step back and think about the context, you’ll see why this rule is so important. Understandably, there are a number of factors that must be considered when arriving at an answer.

What Happens If You Turn the Refrigerator on Too Soon

Disobeying common sense and turning on your fridge too soon may lead to unexpected results. As you may imagine, it could lead to a wide range of undesirable outcomes. The compressor in your fridge will be overworked and may break if you do this. Your refrigerator will eventually stop performing as well as it did before you moved, even if it doesn’t malfunction immediately away.

What happens if you forget the experts and put food in the fridge before it’s fully cool? As you may imagine, it could lead to a wide range of undesirable outcomes. Consequently, you’ll be putting unnecessary stress on the compressor, which could lead to costly repairs for your fridge. The refrigerator may not stop working as well as it did before to your move, but it will eventually.

Facts About How Long You Should Wait Before Plugging Your Fridge After Moving It

If you don’t listen to the experts and turn on your fridge too soon, how long will your food go bad before you realize it? You can expect it to have a wide range of negative consequences. Thus, you will stress the compressor in your fridge to the point where it breaks. The refrigerator may continue to function less well than it did before the move, but it will ultimately break down.

Fact #1. Upright position can make you use the fridge in no time

When the fridge is upright, nothing can fall off unless you’re driving over some extremely rough terrain. The oil that powers the compressor stays put when the fridge is upright.

Once you get home, just plug in the fridge. Some cars may not have trunks that are long enough to hold such a large refrigerator.

If your car is enclosed and not a pickup truck, you probably won’t be able to get your perishables out of the fridge as quickly as possible. However, you can contact the appliance store for delivery possibilities. If you don’t want to shell out the extra cash, you can have the fridge delivered by a company that specializes in hauling heavy or bulky items.

Fact #2. Transporting the fridge sideways needs a more extended time

Driving your refrigerator is a simple and practical alternative to employing a delivery service. Although the usage of a refrigerator plug-in is acceptable, it is recommended that it not be used right away. If the compartment is lying on its side, some of its contents, such as fluids, may spill out. Only use this gadget when absolutely necessary.

There is a degree of adjustability in the car seats if they don’t quite fit. Keep it securely attached so that you don’t scratch the back of your car on the rough road. Once everything has been put in order, you may depart.

After you go home, give the refrigerator some time to cool down. After four hours, the oil is supposed to be recirculated back to the compressor. However, the time the refrigerator is tipped on its side is typically a consideration. As a result, if you plan on driving for 12 hours, you should expect to wait at least that long.

Fact #3. Purpose of compressor oil

The waiting game now centers on compressor oil. More time will be required to allow the oil to return to the compressor if the refrigerator leans to the side, as was previously mentioned. For what purpose, exactly?

A well-oiled compressor is a crucial component in providing cold air to your inventory. Protects against corrosion, extends machine life, and decreases friction on metal parts. Therefore, understand the significance of this fluid in maintaining the compressor.

Fact #4. Result of plugging in the fridge early

Many people are wondering what effect the oil will have on your machinery. If not enough oil has been returned to the compressor’s components, the compressor could stop working. This could cause metals to produce annoying and pointless noise. There may be a rusty or burned smell coming from wherever this sound is coming from.

Instant activation places additional stress on your compressor because it will try to operate in the face of increased resistance. We can expect the stench and noise we discussed earlier to emerge as a result of this situation. It’s best to let your fridge rest when it makes that noise. To keep things from becoming too hot, obviously.

How Does the Compressor Work

It’s crucial to know how your refrigerator operates to prevent damaging the compressor by, for example, plugging it in too quickly. It’s a complicated bit of machinery, but it’s essential to keeping your fridge running well.

Fridge Compressor Components

Although there may be some small differences between refrigerator compressor models, most brands employ the same basic components. For starting and stopping the compressor, the start relay is an essential part of the system. In addition, there is the compressor itself, which consists of an electric motor and an air pump. Power for the various parts of the machine comes from a capacitor as well.

Fridge Compressor Location

Unless you work on an airplane, you’ve probably never given your compressor any thought. If you look beneath your refrigerator, you can see a black tank-like part in the bottom. Because of this, you’ll typically have to relocate your fridge in order to have access to the compressor.

Fridge Compressors Function

The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant within your fridge. The defrost cycle of a refrigerator is, in essence, a system that keeps the device at a constant temperature. Compressing the heated refrigerant allows it to bleed its heat through the evaporator, which in turn cools the air surrounding it, and is an essential part of how your refrigerator works.

How Do You Know If You Turned Your Fridge on Too Early

If you turn on your refrigerator and listen carefully, you can usually tell if you’ve done so too early. Compressing refrigerant gas while the compressor is full of oil is harmful to the compressor.

If your fridge produces a lot of noise when you turn it on, oil is likely still in the compressor pipes. It’s still a good idea to unplug the fridge and let any remaining oil drain, even if it’s too late to avoid further damage.

How to Move a Refrigerator | Call Olde World Movers

How to Move a Refrigerator the Right Way

It can be cost-effective to move a refrigerator on your own. Can this be done? Only if you take the time to learn the best way to move a refrigerator, though.

There is no magic technique that will make moving a refrigerator easier. Refrigerators are not only costly but also cumbersome and awkward to move around. Knowing the proper way to move a refrigerator, however, can make the process considerably less taxing.

Depending on the specifics of your case, it may be best to pass over this responsibility to trained professionals. There is no need to worry if you are unable to do so since we have you covered. Taking the necessary precautions with this expensive appliance is essential. The following tips will be useful if you need to move a refrigerator from one location to another.

You’ll need:

  • Appliance moving dolly with straps
  • By means of a caliper
  • Hammer drill or screwdriver
  • Changing locations of blankets
  • You can use tape or rope for this.
  • To wit: a minimum of two people

Follow These Steps to Move a Fridge Safely

1. Clean out and defrost the unit.

Getting ready is the first step in moving a refrigerator. Remove all contents and discard or store in a refrigerator. Make sure you have plenty of ice on hand to cool down your refrigerator and keep your food safe while you’re moving.

You should consume all perishables in the weeks leading up to the move. If you plan ahead and prepare meals, you can avoid making a mad dash to the grocery store.

In order to clean all surfaces after the food has been removed, a solution of baking soda and water should be used. Take out the remaining ice from the freezer and dry the water with a hair dryer. It’s a good idea to melt these surfaces in advance to prevent water leaks during the transfer.

Refrigerators should be unplugged at least a few hours before a move.

A moisture absorbent product like activated charcoal can help prevent odors from accumulating in the refrigerator during the transfer.

2. Disconnect fridge according to the user manual.

A moisture absorbent product like activated charcoal can help prevent odors from accumulating in the refrigerator during the transfer.

A moisture absorbent product like activated charcoal can help prevent odors from accumulating in the refrigerator during the transfer.

Activated charcoal and other moisture-absorbing products can be used to keep the fridge smelling fresh throughout transport.

For further safety, take out the glass shelves and drawers from the fridge. If you’re not going far, tape the drawers shut.

3. Measure fridge and doorways then create a moving plan.

If your doorways are too narrow to fit a refrigerator, relocating it will be difficult. There’s a chance you’ll need to take the doors off the fridge and the house as a whole so it can fit through the passageway.

Use a measuring tape and a notebook to jot down the exact measurements of your fridge. The next step is to measure all of the entrances and exits in your home. Plan out how the refrigerator will fit through each of the doorways. The last thing you want is to have the refrigerator on a dolly and find out it won’t fit through a door.

4. Remove obstacles like doors as necessary.

Any obstacles to your plan to relocate should now be eliminated. Door and stair railing hinges should be removed before cleaning. Remove any remaining pieces of furniture so that you can easily access the moving vehicle.

5. Slide fridge out and strap onto the dolly.

The majority of refrigerators include wheels, making relocation a breeze. Slide some furniture pads under the back of the fridge and slide it forward a few centimeters for security. The next step is to stand in front of the fridge, grab both sides, and push it forward in one direction. At times, a straight shot is the best option. Maintaining a straight back while keeping your knees bent is the key.

6. Tilt fridge back and move with care (slowly).

Most modern refrigerators have wheels, making relocation a very simple task. For security, slip the furniture sliders under the refrigerator’s back and slide it forward slightly. Next, with one hand on each side, push the fridge in one direction while standing in front of it. In some cases, a direct approach may be preferred. Maintaining a straight back while keeping your knees bent is the key.

7. Take extra precaution going down steps.

Most modern refrigerators have wheels, making relocation a breeze. To avoid any mishaps, move the fridge forward a little and put the sliders beneath its back. Then, with both hands, stand in front of the fridge and push it forward in one direction. It’s possible to employ a straight shot at times. The proper stance entails preserving a bent knee position and a straight back.

8. Guide fridge into moving truck.

Use the board to help load the refrigerator onto the moving truck or pickup. Placing the refrigerator on a platform or plank makes it much simpler to move it than if you had to lift it each time.

9. Secure the refrigerator for the move.

Don’t tip the fridge over if you can help it! Attach the refrigerator to the car using straps across the top and sides. When you reach your location, you can unload the refrigerator without further stress.

10. Wait before plugging in and adding food.

If you’ve just moved your refrigerator, don’t plug it in right away. Make sure the fridge has been upright for at least twice as long as it was on its side before plugging it back in. You should wait at least 24 to 72 hours after recharging it before feeding your pet, as instructed by the manufacturer.

Don’t forget:

  • If you aren’t planning on using the refrigerator for a while, leaving the doors open can help prevent unpleasant odors from forming.
  • Keep the fridge upright whenever possible.
  • Once you’ve double-checked the dolly’s weight, you can move any large appliances.
  • If you have to use the stairs, it could be a good idea to have someone wait at the bottom of the staircase with you. They can pull the dolly up the stairs with you as you carry the refrigerator.

FAQs

What happens if you plug in a fridge after moving it?

Flipping a fridge on its side is not how it was designed to work. Doing so could cause serious damage to the refrigerator’s inner workings or possibly cause it to break. Putting a refrigerator on its side causes compressor oil to spill into the coolant pipes.

Is it OK to transport a refrigerator laying down?

When you move your refrigerator, you’ll need to lay it on its side or front. It is not recommended to lay the refrigerator on its back since the weight of the appliance could cause damage to the internal components.

Why is my new refrigerator not getting cold?

We recommend using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from coils located beneath or behind the fridge. Unfavorable cooling performance could be due to dirty or blocked coils. Make that the condenser fan is not blocked and can spin freely (except for models with coils on the back). Simply pull the refrigerator out of the wall after disconnecting the power.

How long do you have to wait to put food in a new LG refrigerator?

Wait at least three hours after turning on the fridge before putting any food in it. Make sure the freezer is getting a steady supply of cold air to keep it cool. This is to let you know that your refrigerator has been repaired and is working properly.

Can you use a new fridge straight away?

General. When can I expect to be able to start using my brand new refrigerator/freezer? Please allow your refrigerator or freezer to stand upright for at least four hours before powering it on if it was delivered in a horizontal position. If your fridge freezer was upright during shipping, you should just have to wait 30 to 60 minutes.

How do you move a short distance fridge?

If you need to move the refrigerator only a short distance within the same room, clean behind it, or reorganize the kitchen, take everything out of the refrigerator and set it on the counters. When you do this, the refrigerator won’t be in risk of toppling over. Simply install rolling feet under the refrigerator’s legs to achieve this.

How long do you have to wait to put food in a new refrigerator?

The refrigerator is an essential appliance in every kitchen and should be treated as such. Food should not be placed in a brand-new fridge for at least two hours and preferably no less than twenty-four hours. The fridge won’t be ready for use until more maintenance has been completed.

How long do I unplug my fridge to reset it?

Unplug your device from the wall outlet for 30 to 45 minutes, then plug it back in. This will restore the device to its factory settings, which might be all that’s needed to fix the issue. If the issue persists after a hard reset, a “liquid temperature reading” should be taken.

How long should I wait before plugging in a new LG refrigerator?

The recommended wait time, according to LG, is one hour.

How long does it take a freezer to get cold after plugging it in?

On average, a freezer will achieve the FDA-recommended temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) after four hours. Both upright and chest freezers typically require four hours and twenty minutes to reach freezing temperatures.

Why can’t you turn on a fridge after moving it?

How can I ensure that my refrigerator and freezer always function properly? If your appliance has oil in the compressor, and that oil is accidentally spilled into the refrigeration system while being moved, the appliance will not work when turned back on.

How long do you have to wait to put food in a new Whirlpool refrigerator?

Adjust the temperature or add food, if necessary, in 24 hours. For less cooling, move the dial in a counterclockwise direction. Food should be kept at the new temperature for at least 24 hours before being stored in the fridge.

What happens if I turn my new fridge on too soon?

What Can Go Wrong If the Refrigerator Is Turned On Too Soon? You shouldn’t overwork your refrigerator’s compressor since it will cause permanent damage. Your refrigerator will eventually stop performing as well as it did before you moved, even if it doesn’t malfunction immediately away.

Can You Lay A Refrigerator Down - Moving Tips 2022 - NorseCorp

How long does it take a refrigerator to get cold once plugged in?

If you’ve ever had a power outage and wondered how long it takes for a refrigerator to cool down after being plugged back in, here’s your answer. Large refrigerators like this one take around 12 hours to reach the temperature at which the Food and Drug Administration considers food to be safe to eat.

Which side do you lay a fridge down?

As needed, lay the device on its side. Position the freezer on the side that is opposite the hinges if you have a top or bottom freezer. Side-by-side refrigerators and freezers work best when placed next to one another. As a result, the likelihood of that door opening is low.

Do modern fridges need to settle?

There are several different fluids that serve the purpose of cooling in refrigerators and freezers. The best course of action is to wait until the shipment dust has cleared before plugging in your appliance. Wait at least an hour before plugging it in if it was transported upright.

How do you fix a refrigerator that was laying down?

A refrigerator that has been lying on its side for more than 24 hours should not be plugged in. Let the refrigerator stand in its usual position before plugging it in to allow oil to circulate back into the compressor.

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

Starting a compressor without enough oil can cause damage. Thus, the manufacturers suggest allowing two hours JUST IN CASE. If I knew the fridge had been delivered on its side, I’d keep it that that for a full day.

Wrapping Up

The question, “How long should you wait to plug in a fridge after moving?” ends here. Keep your frozen goods in an ice chest until you figure out how to best utilize your new refrigerator. Other foods can be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature.

If you still have your old refrigerator, though, you should not plug it in until the new one is installed and ready to use. The value of patience is emphasized, much as the vital role oil plays in the game of waiting.

On the first day of using your brand new refrigerator, you may have learned something about how to maintain it functioning at optimal efficiency. If you liked the preceding section, you might find this section on how long a leather sofa lasts to be of use. Please keep us updated on any developments and we wish you the best of success!