Why can’t you transport a new refrigerator lying down, and how to minimize the risk of breakage?

It is not recommended to transport the refrigerator lying down. Despite its apparent reliability, this technique is quite fragile. Horizontal transportation can cause negative consequences.

If a new refrigerator of a good brand does not freeze well or the old one began to malfunction after moving, then in 9 cases out of 10 the reason is a breakdown caused by improper transportation. In order not to damage expensive equipment, it is necessary to transport it in a certain position, observing safety precautions.

Possible problems

If transported incorrectly, the compressor most often suffers. It is attached to the frame using springs. When the refrigerator is in a vertical position, there is a uniform load on the springs. When bending or lying down, this balance is disrupted. With strong shaking, the springs often break, which leads to serious damage and the unit ceases to function normally.

Depending on the model, oil plugs may appear in the pipes. In a horizontal position, the oil from the compressor flows freely throughout the system. Once in the tubes, it clogs them like a cork. As a result, the refrigerant stops circulating normally through the system. It is also possible for freon to overflow, which entails the formation of air pockets and leads to rapid overheating of the compressor.

Advice
A used refrigerator must be defrosted, thoroughly washed and dried before transportation.Remove all shelves, containers and removable elements located on the doors.

Transportation methods

Vertical. This is the most reliable and safe way to transport a refrigerator. In the case of a new unit, it is carefully transferred in packaging to a cargo taxi and securely secured. If the refrigerator is used and without packaging, you need to fix all the elements located on the back wall. They do the same with doors. You can use belts or wide tape for them. You need to lay protective material on the floor: thick fabric, polystyrene foam, sheets of cardboard. They will serve as shock absorbers.

At an angle. A refrigerator of any size can easily fit into a special cargo taxi. If it is not possible to use such a car, you can resort to tricks. The device in the cabin is installed in an inclined position, and the angle should not exceed 40 degrees. The unit is also carefully fixed. Additionally, it is surrounded on all sides by soft fabric rollers to level out vibration. You need to transport the refrigerator in this position at low speed and only on a flat road.

In extreme cases, you can transport the refrigerator lying down. In this case, you must follow the recommendations:

1. It is best to transport refrigeration equipment in its original packaging. If it is not there, you need to wrap the unit with sheets of cardboard and cloth, securing them with belts or ropes.
2. Place fabric in the body to protect the equipment from shocks and vibrations.
3. Place the refrigerator on its side. Ideally, the side with the compression tubes coming out should be at the top. The unit cannot be placed on the front or rear wall.
4. Additionally, the device should be securely fastened in the body so that it does not “dangle” when driving.

Important
It is strictly forbidden to transport old Soviet refrigerators in a horizontal position, as well as modern models with the NoFrost system.

If you need to move a refrigerator, it is better to use the services of professional movers. They have vehicles of appropriate dimensions and the skills to transport household appliances. In any case, a cargo taxi will cost less than buying a new unit.