Can you plug up a refrigerator after laying it down?

Author: Efrain Stehr MD  |  Last update: Sunday, December 7, 2025

If it is transported upright, wait at least two to three hours before plugging it in. If transported on its side, turn it upright and let it stand for at least four hours.

Can I plug my fridge in after laying it down?

Laying down the refrigerator for any length of time can get oil into the refrigerant lines. When you stand it up you should wait at least an hour before you plug it in. Also the motor inside the compressor is suspended on springs which can come unhooked, causing the compressor to short out.

How long do you have to leave a fridge upright before plugging it in?

After Transporting Your Refrigerator

If it was on its side for more than a day, leave it standing upright for 24 hours before running the refrigerator. If laying on its side just briefly to service, clean or adjust, just a few minutes of stand time will be enough.

Can you plug a fridge back in after moving it?

As long as you kept it upright when you moved it, you can plug it in right away. But if you laid it down flat for any length of time, you'll need to let it sit for a day or so before you plug it back in. Something to do with the compressor, so the service guys who made the big bucks told us.

What happens if you don't wait 24 hours to plug a fridge in?

If you've ever moved a fridge freezer, or even bought one brand new, you'll know that you are meant to give them time to settle once they've been put back down again. Waiting 24 hours before plugging in your fridge prevents compressor damage and ensures proper oil circulation.

How long do I need to wait before plugging in my refrigerator after laying it down?

How long can a refrigerator sit without being plugged in?

Luckily, your fridge can go without power and keep your food safe for up to 48 hours, depending on the food and how it's stored. Here's everything you need to know—including when bacteria growth becomes a threat and forces you to toss perishable food.

Why can't you plug a new fridge in straight away?

It is important to leave your fridge to settle after moving to protect the appliance's internal parts and to ensure that the fridge continues to work to maximum efficiency. When moving a fridge, the compressor oil can leak into the refrigeration system, causing a blockage if the appliance is turned on too quickly.

Can you lay a fridge down in a truck?

A refrigerator should really only be transported in an upright position. If you are deciding how to transport a refrigerator in a pickup truck, trailer or moving truck, remember that it's best to keep the refrigerator upright, and rent or borrow a vehicle that will allow for that positioning.

How long should I wait to plug in my fridge after laying it down on my Whirlpool?

Your refrigerator should be left in an upright position when being moved or stored to prevent damage to its cooling mechanism. If it must be transported on its side, leave it for no more than 8 hours and do not plug it in for at least 24 hours after arriving at its installation location.

How long after plugging in a fridge can it be used?

How Long After Plug-in Can I Add Foods in a New Fridge? Right after plugin, in order to ensure normal operation and storage effect of the machine, you need to wait at least another 2 hours before putting food or drink inside.

What happens if you plug a new fridge in too soon?

Plugging in and turning on the fridge immediately can cause the compressor to run dry, leading to damage. Waiting gives the oil enough time to settle, ensuring proper lubrication and protecting the compressor from damage. Additionally, waiting allows the compressor to settle into its correct position.

How long do you leave a fridge off after laying it down?

Don't leave it laid down longer than you needs to, ideally less than 24 hours. When you get it where it needs to be, leave it turned off, standing upright, for at least 24 hours. Longer if possible. There's a tiny chance you've broken your fridge.

What happens if the fridge door is left open for 12 hours?

Since the compressor has to work harder to maintain the temperature inside the fridge, it puts extra load and pressure. This leads to increased wear and tear on the compressor. This is potentially detrimental to the overall lifespan of the refrigerator leading to frequent breakdowns.

Will a refrigerator work after lying down?

What can happen when you lay it down is that the lubricant from the compressor leaks into the cooling pipes. If you turn it upright and turn it on, the refrigerator may still run for a bit, but you run a high risk of actually damaging the compressor in your refrigerator and breaking the appliance.

How long does it take for a refrigerator to get cold after you plug it in?

Top-freezer fridge – depending on the brand will take 4 hours to 24 hours. French door fridge – depending on the brand will take 2 hours to 24 hours. Side-by-side fridge – depending on the brand will take 2 hours to 24 hours. Bottom freezer fridge – depending on the brand will take 2 hours to 24 hours.

How long do I unplug my fridge to reset it?

Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

Can you lay a refrigerator down and then plug it in?

If it is transported upright, wait at least two to three hours before plugging it in. If transported on its side, turn it upright and let it stand for at least four hours.

What happens when you lay a refrigerator on its side?

When a refrigerator is horizontal, the oil from the compressor will start to move out and into the coolant lines, clogging them.

What is the effect on a refrigerator if it is switched off daily at night?

Damages the Compressor and Rubber Seals

Additionally, the rubber seals around the refrigerator door may lose their flexibility, allowing warm air to enter and cold air to escape when you eventually turn it back on. This compromises the appliance's efficiency & energy consumption, leading to frequent fridge repairs.

How long should I wait to plug in my freezer after laying it down?

When moving the freezer, do not tilt it more than a 45-degree angle. If tilted, it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was tilted before plugging it in. If on its side for more than a day, leave standing for 24 hours before running.

Can I lay a fridge freezer down to transport it?

When laid on its side, ensure that the process tubes (the ones that pipe the refrigerant around) are on the upside when laying down. This will ensure that the oil does not "leave" the compressor. Do NOT transport or lay a fridge or freezer on its back. This will likely damage the parts even if they are not visible.

How long does a fridge need to settle for after delivery?

Once your fridge has been safely moved into the kitchen of your new home and is in the desired position, you should let it stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle.

How much is a fridge gas refill?

Fridge freezers repair and gas refilling on-site ,R400 for gas refill. 0646213749 call or WhatsApp Lesley for assistance.

Can I unplug my fridge and plug it back in?

Is it safe to unplug the refrigerator? The answer is no. The temperature of a refrigerator needs to be maintained at a certain level, and if you unplug it, the temperature inside drastically changes leading to many problems.

How long after turning on the fridge can it be used?

How long should I wait after plugging in the refrigerator before putting food in? After plugging the refrigerator in, wait two to four hours and verify that the unit is cooling before putting food inside.

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