When moving a refrigerator, it’s usually best to carry it gently in its original upright position. If you can’t, you might be wondering, “Can you lay a fridge down?” After all, moving it upright might not always be feasible.
If you must transport a refrigerator on its side, you should what might happen so you can prevent causing irreparable damage to the appliance during transit and installation in its new home.
So the short answer is yes, you can lay a fridge down on its side, but there are some things to be aware of.
Why Fridges are Amazing (Duh!)
Fridges are amazing because they help keep our food fresh and we can store a lot of food in them. They also have compartments that help keep different types of food separate so that they don’t mix and spoil. Fridges are also great for chilling drinks on hot days.
However, it’s important to be careful around a fridge because they can be very dangerous. If you are not careful, your fridge could become permanently damaged, you could get electrocuted, or even worse.
When you are moving a fridge, it is important to be careful when you lay it down. If you are not careful, the weight of the fridge can damage the floor or even break through the floor. Also, the oil can run off the compressor to the cooling coils when they are positioned side by side. Because the oil is thick and gooey, it may quickly clog up the coils. The refrigerant gas cannot flow through them, therefore your refrigerator won’t operate. If the compressor is not adequately lubricated, it may overheat and be damaged.
Before we begin on how to properly lay a fridge down, let’s remain upright, and examine what exactly makes up a fridge, so that we are more aware of why we need to handle these giant boxes of cool convenience with such care and attention.
Components of a fridge
Several components make up a fridge: the power source, the compressor, the evaporator, the condenser, and the expansion valve. The power source provides electricity to run the compressor which in turn circulates coolant through the evaporator and condenser. The expansion valve regulates the same amount of coolant that flows through the system, and the evaporator and condenser work together to remove heat from the fridge. The sealed system of the compressor line exits hot air from the fridge, keeping the inside nice and cool.
The power source
The power source for a fridge is typically electricity from a wall outlet. However, some models may run on propane or other fuel sources. There are a few different ways to power a fridge: by plugging it into an electrical outlet, by using batteries, or by using a generator. The most common way to power a fridge is through an electrical outlet. However, if there is a power outage, you may need to use batteries or a generator to keep your fridge running.
Compressor tube
A fridge compressor tube is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the cooling system. Compressor lines run refrigerant throughout the components of the fridge. Refrigerant is a fluid that helps to cool the air inside a fridge.
Refrigerant fluid in a fridge is typically a mix of water and glycol. Glycol is an antifreeze, which helps to keep the fridge cold even when the outside temperature is warm. The exact composition of the fluid will vary depending on the manufacturer, but it is generally around 50% water and 50% glycol. The main concern with glycol is that it can be toxic if it is ingested. Inhaling glycol vapors can also be dangerous.
With that being said, it is very important to be careful around the fridge compressor line. If the coolant lines get damaged, it can cause a serious leak that could lead to an electric shock or fire. Always make sure to keep the area around the compressor and coolant lines clean and free of any debris that could potentially damage the tube.
The evaporator
The evaporator coils are located at the back of the fridge, behind the panel. They are made of metal or plastic and are filled with refrigerant. The coils work by absorbing heat from the air inside the fridge and transferring it to the refrigerant. This helps to keep the air inside the fridge cool and also prevents freezer burn.
It is important to be careful around the evaporator coils. If they become damaged, it can cause a serious leak that could lead to an electric shock or fire. Always make sure to keep the area around the coils clean and free of any debris that could potentially damage them.
The condenser
The condenser in a fridge works by taking heat from the air and transferring it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant then carries the heat away from the fridge and releases it into the outside air.
There are several key differences between condenser and compressor tubes in a fridge. The most notable difference is that a condenser is responsible for cooling the refrigerant, while a compressor circulates the refrigerant. Additionally, a condenser typically has fins that help to dissipate heat, while a compressor does not.
You should be careful with a condenser in a fridge. A condenser is a device that helps to remove heat from the fridge. If the condenser is not working properly, it can cause the fridge to overheat and potentially catch fire.
Expansion valve
The expansion valve is located between the evaporator and the condenser. It is a small device that regulates the flow of refrigerant and helps to control the temperature inside the fridge.
The cooling system in a fridge is a closed-loop. This means that the refrigerant is continually circulated through the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. The expansion valve helps to regulate the flow of refrigerant and ensures that the fridge stays at a consistent temperature.
How to move a refrigerator onto its side instead of an upright position
Step by step instructions on how to properly move a refrigerator on its side:
1. If your refrigerator has a water line, disconnect it before moving the fridge.
One reason why you should disconnect the water line before moving a refrigerator on its side is that it can help prevent the water line from getting kinked. If the water line gets kinked, it can cause problems with the flow of water to the refrigerator. Additionally, disconnecting the water line before moving the refrigerator can help prevent damage to the water line itself.
2. Empty the fridge of all the food and beverages.
There are a few key reasons why it is important to empty your fridge of all food and beverages before moving it to its side.
- First, if there are any spillages during the move, you will want to avoid having any of your food or drinks come into contact with potential contaminants.
- Second, moving your fridge on its side can cause items to shift and become damaged, so it is best to avoid having any breakable items inside.
- Finally, moving your fridge on its side can cause the compressor to overheat, which could damage the appliance.
For these reasons, it is always best to play it safe and empty your fridge before moving it. Feel free to toss some baking soda inside to eliminate the odor from your fridge while it is turned off.
3. Remove any loose items from the shelves and drawers.
It is important to remove any loose items from the shelves and drawers before moving a refrigerator on its side for a couple of reasons.
- First, it prevents those items from getting damaged or broken when the fridge is moved.
- Second, it keeps the inside of the fridge neater and more organized, making it easier to move and less likely to cause damage.
- Finally, it helps to evenly distribute the weight of the fridge, making it easier to move and less likely to tip over.
4. Secure any loose items inside the fridge with tape or bungee cords.
It is important to secure any loose items inside a fridge before moving it on its side because otherwise the items might fall out and break. Plus, it helps to keep the fridge more stable when it’s being moved.
Tape or bungee cords are the best way to secure loose items inside a fridge because they will hold the items in place and prevent them from falling out. Plus, they won’t damage the fridge like other methods (such as straps) might. Most people have tape laying around the house, and bungee cords are another of those common household items that most people have.
5. Place something soft (such as a blanket or towel) on the floor where you will be laying down the fridge. This will help to prevent scratches or other damage to the appliance.
6. Carefully tilt the fridge onto its side, being careful not to drop it or tip it over and keeping the doors shut.
To tilt the fridge onto its side, you will want to grab it from the top on both sides. Gently pull it down, and then slowly lower it down until it is on the blanket and its side. Make sure you lay it down on the blanket or towel on the floor. Additionally, be careful not to drop the fridge or tip it over when you are moving it.
7. Once the fridge is on its side, use something (such as a furniture dolly) to move it into the desired location. Be careful not to bump it or tip it over while moving it.
8. Once the fridge is in its new location, level it out so that it is standing upright again. Use something (such as a level) to make sure that it is even on all sides.
9. Reconnect the water line, if necessary, and plug the fridge back in. Allow it to sit for a few hours before adding any food or beverages back inside. This will give the compressor time to cool down and prevent any potential damage.
What happens when you lay a fridge on its side for more than a day?
When a refrigerator is turned on its side, the oil from the compressor drains into the cooling coils. Because the oil is thick and gooey, it may quickly block the coils. The refrigerant gas cannot flow through them, therefore your refrigerator will not operate.
If it is left on its side for just a couple of hours, then it is usually no problem, when the refrigerator is upright again, it’s a good idea to leave it alone for the same amount of time that it was laid on its side. If you laid it on its side for four hours, then leave it upright for four hours as well.
Related: Can You Put a Mini Fridge on Carpet?
Can you lay a refrigerator immediately on its back if you pay attention to the compressor?
No, a refrigerator should never be laid on its back. The oil from the compressor will drain into the cooling coils and block them. The refrigerant gas cannot flow through them, therefore your refrigerator will not operate.
Please also note, there are some fridges that can not be laid on their sides, such as those with a french door.
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