How long can a refrigerator lay on its side without?

Author: Brigitte Wisozk I  |  Last update: Saturday, May 3, 2025

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.

How long can you transport a refrigerator on its side without?

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.

Can I transport a fridge lying down?

Can you lay a refrigerator down to transport it? Never lay a refrigerator on its front or back as it could cause damage. It is advised to strap it standing upright to the side of a moving truck or other tall truck. If the refrigerator must be laid down, only do so on the left or right side.

Can you plug in a fridge after laying it on its side?

For example, if the compressor lines are attached to the compressor on the left side of the refrigerator, then it can be transported laying on its right side. If the refrigerator has been laid on its side, it should remain in an upright position for up to 24 hours before attempting to reconnect and run it.

Will a refrigerator mess up if you lay it down?

It might seem that laying it down is the safer option to prevent damage. However, putting a fridge in a horizontal position can permanently damage its ability to cool. Even just tilting it at an angle for a short period of time runs the risk of introducing unwanted chemicals and oils into your cooling system.

Can you lay your refrigerator or freezer on its side for transporting? Well yes, BUT...

How do you fix a refrigerator that was laying down?

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.

How to transport a fridge in a car?

Keep the fridge upright during transport. If you must lay it down, only do so on its side, and never on the front or back. Secure it well in the moving vehicle to prevent any shifts during the drive. Once at your new place, don't rush to plug it in.

How long should you stand a fridge up after laying it down?

After you have moved the refrigerator to its new location, let it stand upright for 24 hours before plugging it in to allow all the fluids to settle. While you are waiting, place the shelves and drawers back in their original positions.

What happens if you don't let a fridge settle?

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.

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.

Can a fridge be transported horizontally?

It is always best to keep a fridge or freezer upright when moving, but you can transport a fridge on its side too. Just remember that before it is plugged in and switched on, it should be left upright for a minimum of 3 hours.

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.

What happens if a fridge is laid down?

Besides this, placing a refrigerator flat on its back is a major no-no: the weight of the fridge can damage its internal parts, even if they're not exposed. Some manufacturers warn not to move any of their refrigerators, or certain models, on their side under any circumstances.

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.

Is it OK to lay a mini fridge on its side for transport?

Minimize the time a mini fridge spends on its side, as prolonged positioning increases the risk of damage. While there's no strict rule, it's best not to put a mini fridge on its side for more than a few hours. Can you lay a mini fridge on its back? No, do not lay a mini fridge on its back during transport.

How long can a fridge be on its side?

It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours after transporting a fridge before plugging it in. This allows the refrigerant and compressor oil to settle back into their proper positions.

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.

Is a fridge ruined if you lay it down?

If you're moving a refrigerator, there's no reason to lay it down. It's best to keep your fridge upright during its journey so that nothing gets damaged or broken inside. If you are not careful, you could damage the refrigerator and cause injury to yourself.

What happens if you plug in a fridge too soon after moving it?

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 can a freezer lay on its side?

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.

How should a fridge be laid out?

How to Best Organize Your Fridge
  1. Upper shelves: Leftovers, drinks, and ready-to-eat foods (like yogurt, cheese, and deli meats).
  2. Lower shelves: Raw ingredients slated for cooked dishes.
  3. Door: The refrigerator door is the warmest part of the fridge, so only condiments.
  4. Drawers: Refrigerator drawers can be tricky.

Do fridges need to be transported upright?

Ideally, it is recommended not to move a fridge lying down. Transporting a refrigerator in an upright position is the safest method as it helps prevent potential damage to the internal components. However, if it becomes absolutely necessary to move a fridge horizontally, ensure it is laid on its back.

Can you move a fridge in a pickup truck?

Use a loading ramp to move it onto the truck. Once safely in the truck, secure the refrigerator with ratchet straps inside the load bed. This prevents it from moving or slipping as the truck moves.

How long should a fridge be off before moving?

When should you turn it off before moving? If you're moving a fridge or freezer into your new home, it's best to turn it off 24 hours before. This gives the fridge's evaporator time to defrost, which reduces the risk of any damage during the move.

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