How long should I leave my refrigerator unplugged before plugging it back in?

Author: Carlie Brekke  |  Last update: Sunday, June 29, 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.

How long after unplugging a refrigerator can you plug it back in?

A fridge with a standard compressor typically needs four hours before you plug it in. However, side-by-side or French door fridges that have dual evaporators or more zones may need 24 hours or more to settle. If you have a standard compressor fridge, you may wonder why you need to wait four hours before plugging it in.

How long is food ok in the fridge without power?

As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

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 does it take for a refrigerator to reset?

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.

How long should I wait before plugging in my fridge after moving it?

How long does it take for a refrigerator to get cold after being unplugged?

It can take about 12 hours to cool the interior down to 40℉ (the food safe recommended temperature as determined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But cooling time can vary by brand and refrigerator type. With that in mind, cooling time can range from 2 to 24 hours.

How to fix a fridge that is not cooling?

If your refrigerator isn't cooling, try these troubleshooting steps:
  1. Check to see if it has been installed in the correct location.
  2. Unblock air vents.
  3. Reorganize your food and other contents inside.
  4. Check to see if gasket seals are broken or damaged.
  5. Relevel the refrigerator.
  6. Clean condenser coils.

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.

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 it OK to unplug the refrigerator every night?

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. Even when not in use at night, it is best left plugged in to preserve the quality of the food stored inside.

How long is milk good in the fridge without power?

How long will milk/eggs last during a power outage? Milk, eggs, fish, meat and leftovers will last four hours in the refrigerator, as long as the door stays closed the entire time.

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.

Do you have to throw out condiments after a power outage?

Salad dressing, ketchup, mustard, olives, pickles, jams, jellies and peanut butter: May be kept unrefrigerated until power returns. Mixed food items, including cooked pasta, stews, casseroles, soups, potatoes, custards and puddings: Discard if held above 40°F for more than 2 hours.

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

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 plug a fridge into an extension cord?

We strongly recommend that an extension cord not be used with any Refrigeration appliances (Refrigerator, Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Ice Machine, Beverage Center, etcetera) due to the potential safety hazards under certain conditions.

What to do when you unplug a fridge?

Otherwise, if you unplug your refrigerator before leaving, then make sure you completely remove perishable items, defrosted the ice machine, and dry any moisture inside your fridge.

How do I know if my fridge needs gas?

The Foodstuff Starts Getting Spoiled or at Best Starts Remaining Warmer. If you find the foodstuff stacked in your fridge has started getting spoiled or getting warmer, that's a red flag. This is the first sign of the fridge losing gas, and the rate of the loss speeds up, you can find a freezing effect.

How much does it cost to recharge a refrigerator?

How much does it cost to recharge refrigerant? Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their refrigerator unit. If you own a larger Subzero fridge, you may have to spend $500 or more.

How many years does fridge gas last?

Never. The gas stays in the refrigerator life-long. It only leaks out if you puncture the icebox with a knife or sharp object when you try to remove ice. If you are patient and let the thing defrost by itself, you won't damage the evaporator and the gas will stay inside forever.

How long should I leave my refrigerator unplugged to reset?

Unplug the Refrigerator

You can disconnect your fridge from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet or by flipping the correct circuit breaker in the breaker panel. There may be whooshing or knocking noises, which is normal. Remain unplugged for 10 minutes.

How do you keep an unplugged refrigerator fresh?

An unplugged refrigerator will naturally defrost as the internal system stops maintaining a cool temperature. Placing towels or wads of old fabric inside the refrigerator and changing them out regularly helps soak up excess liquid and prevent flooding or puddles forming.

Should you leave a fridge door open when unplugged?

Avoid mildew by propping an unplugged refrigerator's doors open with a ball of tape to give an inch or more of space. This space will allow moisture to escape. “The No. 1 thing is to get the moisture out of it,” said Stackpole.

What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops cooling?

Clear blocked air vents: Inspect the air vents inside the fridge and freezer compartments to ensure they are not obstructed by food or containers. Proper air circulation is vital for even cooling. Check the door seals: Inspect the rubber gaskets (door seals) around the refrigerator and freezer doors for damage.

Which brand of refrigerator is the best?

Our Top Pick: LG produces excellent refrigerators that perform well in our tests and receive high satisfaction ratings from consumers, including our survey participants. The Smart French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker stands out for its simple, user-friendly design and customizable features.

How do I get my fridge to start cooling again?

Make sure the temperature setting isn't too high
  1. Remove anything blocking the circulation vents. ...
  2. Keep enough food in your fridge. ...
  3. Check for an old or cracked gasket seal. ...
  4. Clean the condenser coils. ...
  5. Inspect the evaporator fan motor for clogs or damage. ...
  6. Ensure the condenser fan motor hasn't stopped.

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