If transporting it in an upright position is not possible, lay it down on the compressor side of the unit. Be careful to secure the door to prevent it from opening. Set it upright in its final location and allow the freezer to sit for the same amount of time that it was on its side (24 hours maximum).
Possible damage to the sealed system could occur. Transport the freezer in an upright position. If it has been necessary to transport the freezer on its side, it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in.
Generally, if you're going to be 100 percent sure that the oil has settled back down into the compressor, you should leave it for 24 hours. However, when having it delivered, the company you bought the appliance from may recommend leaving it only for eight hours before turning it on.
Compressor Oil: Laying down a freezer can cause the compressor oil to flow into the cooling lines, potentially damaging the unit.
However, some brand new appliances need as little as eight hours before being ready to use. It's up to you how cautious you'd like to be, but the hazard is that if you don't wait a sufficient time, you will damage the cooling capacity of your fridge freezer, which you can't easily repair.
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.
In transit, your appliance gets shaken around, so it's best to let everything settle before you plug it in. If it was transported upright, give it at least an hour before you plug it in. If it was transported on its side, turn it the right way up and leave it for at least four hours.
Leave the appliance to sit for 3 hours. Then plug it in and switch it on. It should then be left overnight to stabilize before putting any fresh food into it. The ideal setting for the refrigerator is +4C and -18C for the freezer.
Once plugged in and running you should begin to see frost forming on the inside walls of the freezer after an hour or so. It normally starts near the top and within 24 hours should migrate downwards to about 3/4 of the way to the bottom of the freezer.
Because of the design of the drain, compact models should be kept upright at all times to prevent drain water from running back into the appliance unless it is new out of the box. If it does have to travel on its side, turn it off a day in advance and allow it time to drain.
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.
Compressor
Usually located at the lower-back of the freezer, the compressor increases the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant, working together with the condenser coils.
What does “garage ready” freezer mean? A garage ready freezer can handle hot or cold outdoor temperatures while maintaining an optimal temperature inside. Garage ready freezers can be kept in a garage of any temperature from 0°F to 110°F without malfunctioning.
Be careful to secure the door to prevent it from opening. Set it upright in its final location and allow the freezer to sit for the same amount of time that it was on its side (24 hours maximum). Do not plug the unit into the electrical receptacle without allowing this settling time.
You should leave your fridge/fridge freezer to settle for at least 4 hours. Once 4 hours have passed, you can plug your appliance in. When doing so, make sure that the thermostat control is set to on. Before placing food into the appliance, allow your fridge some time to cool down to temperatures safe for food storage.
Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
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.
Both upright and chest freezers can last an average of 10 to 15 years. To make your freezer last longer and live its best life make sure the unit gets proper ventilation, don't overload it with food and keep it set at a consistent temperature.
If you don't open the freezer door at all, a full freezer will maintain its temperature for up to 48 hours before it starts to warm up—a half-full freezer will only last half as long.
When can I put food in my new fridge freezer? You can put food in your new fridge freezer after letting it settle for 4 hours if it was transported on its side or 1 hour if it was transported upright. After this amount of time you're absolutely fine and safe to put your food in your new fridge freezer.
A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed). Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below, however, its quality may suffer. Never taste food to determine its safety.
Ideally, you should keep your freezer entirely upright the entire time during the move. If you do not have space to transport the freezer upright, place it on the compressor side.
Place a container filled with water in the freezer compartment. 2. As soon as the water has completely frozen, place a coin onto the surface of the ice. Now, if your freezer really is failing from time to time, over time the water in the container will thaw a little and the coin will gradually sink downwards.
Can you lay a fridge or freezer down to move it? Fridges and freezers are best transported upright to keep the cooling refrigerant in its right place.