Hi jeanbean:
Thanks for the interesting question. The quick answer is "No, moving a
refrigerator in anything but an upright position is likely to damage
it."
The more detailed answer is "You need to check with the dealer you
bought the fridge from or the fridge's manufacturer to determine
whether your unit can safely be moved lying down or not. IF it can be
moved lying down then you will have to stand it upright for 24 hours
once the move is over before you can safely use it again."
Here are the sources I used for this answer:
How To Pack
URL: http://www.apartmentreviews.net/moving-boxes.htm
Quote: "Freezer/Refrigerator - Defrost and dry interiors well. Fill
interior spaces with lightweight linens, clothing or stuffed toys. If
you want to lay your refrigerator down for moving, check first with
the local dealer to determine if your brand can be moved like this. If
so, make sure refrigerator stands upright for at least 24 hours before
plugging in."
How To Move a Refrigerator
URL: http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/refrigerator/move.php
Quote: "Can I Lay the Refrigerator on its Side?
Avoid laying a refrigerator on its side. The oil in the compressor can
flow into the cooling lines when the refrigerator is tipped onto its
side. When returned to an upright position, there is a risk that the
oil will not completely drain from the cooling lines and the
refrigerator will not cool.
If you have to lay the fridge over, try to avoid laying it completely
flat. Instead tip it to an angle by placing a box under the top of the
fridge; this will help to keep the oil in the compressor. Also, there
are several lines connected to the compressor. The cooling and
discharge lines should be oriented to face up. You must keep the oil
out of these lines. Laying the refrigerator over with the tubes facing
up will minimize the risk of fouling the lines."
How to Plan a Move
URL: http://www.ehow.com/how_137495_move.html
Quote: "If you're moving a refrigerator, try to keep it upright. If
you must set it on its side, let it stand upright at its destination
overnight before plugging it in (to avoid damage)."
Tips on Moving a Refrigerator
URL: http://www.fridgedoctor.com/fridge-doctor-book/tips-on-moving-a-refrigerator.html
Quote: "A refrigerator should always be transported upright.
If the vehicle you are using is not high enough, consider getting a
different one. Be careful when using a trailer, some have no springs
or the springs may be meant for very heavy loads and give your fridge
a very rough ride. This could cause compressor spring problems."
Clean those refrigerator coils
URL: http://www.misterfix-it.com/Solutions/6Appliances.html
Quote: "According to service information provided by Whirlpool, it
makes a difference how a freezer, refrigerator or icemaker is
transported. If the appliance is moved on its side or back, it must
stand upright for 24 hours before being restarted. If the unit is
transported upright, it may be restarted immediately.
Why? Lubricating oil for the refrigeration compressor can flow out of
the crankcase if the unit is not upright. Running the unit without oil
can ruin the compressor, which is a major problem. "
Search Strategy (on Google):
* refrigerator moving upright
I hope this helps.
websearcher |
