How long to let a freezer set after moving?

Author: Lionel Wintheiser  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

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.

How long should I wait to plug in a freezer after moving it?

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. The unit can be damaged if it is plugged in prematurely.

How long does a freezer need to settle after moving?

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.

Do you have to let a freezer sit upright for 24 hours after moving it?

It's always recommended that if you move a refrigerator / freezer that you let it sit for 24 hours before turning it back on. It might make the trip, but if it were my unit, I wouldn't risk burning up the compressor on the freezer.

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

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.

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

Why do you have to wait 24 hours to plug in a freezer?

Fridges and freezers are full of fluid that's used to cool the compartments. In transit, your appliance gets shaken around, so it's best to let everything settle and consider the duration needed to 'let it stand' before you plug it in.

How long does freon need to settle?

Freon settles in an air conditioner in a matter of minutes. Though, it depends on the type of air conditioner too. If the air conditioner is portable, it takes about 5-30 minutes for the Freon to settle. This time must be dedicated to the appliance for it to function properly.

How long should a freezer be plugged in before use?

Once the unit is in the house you should: 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.

When can I put food in my new freezer?

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.

How to move fridge freezer when moving house?

A moving dolly, specifically one built to move fridges, should be used. The dolly will hopefully come with straps to help secure the fridge-freezer to the dolly. This will do the heavy lifting for you and is especially helpful when moving your unit down a flight of stairs.

How long does it take for a new upright freezer to get cold?

Upon initial installation or when the settings on the temperature controls are changed, it usually takes 24 hours for an upright or chest freezer to reach the proper temperature.

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.

What to do when moving a deep freezer?

Defrost a freezer for moving for at least 24 hours. Thoroughly clean and dry the interior to prevent mold and mildew during transport. Remove and clean off any shelves or bins from the freezer, too. Use tape to secure the electrical cord to the back of the freezer.

How long to leave the freezer after moving?

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.

What happens if you plug in a freezer right away?

The refrigerant used to make the appliance work has to settle before you can plug it in. Please wait 2 hours before you plug it in. If you plug it in straight away it is possible that damage may occur to your new appliance. The refrigerant used to make the appliance work has to settle before you can plug it in.

Where is the compressor on an upright freezer?

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.

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.

Why is my freezer taking so long to freeze?

Sometimes you can troubleshoot a freezer that's not freezing by simply reorganizing the shelves. Overpacked freezer shelves can block proper airflow, which can alter the internal temperature. Avoid overfilling your freezer and keep the evaporator fan unobstructed.

How long does a freezer take to defrost?

How long does it take to defrost a freezer? Depending on the freezer you have, and how much frost/ice build-up there is, defrosting your freezer can take anything between 2 hours and 24 hours to defrost naturally. That time can be cut if you use any of the methods mentioned above to help thaw the ice.

How soon can you plug in a freezer after moving it?

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.

How long to leave the freezer unplugged after moving?

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. The appliance can be damaged if it is plugged in prematurely.

How long should you wait to put food in a new freezer?

When a new refrigerator or freezer arrives in their home, most people can't wait to use it. But remember, it usually takes a unit between 6 and 12 hours to get to the proper temperature to safely store food or keep frozen items properly frozen.

How long should I let my AC sit after moving?

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

How long does freon stay in the air?

Theoretically, Freon can last forever. It is not burned up like fuel. When an air conditioning system is in top shape, the refrigerant will be continually recycled within a closed system, to cool your home.

How long does a fridge need to sit after moving?

Once your fridge has been safely moved into the desired position, it needs time to settle. As aforementioned, you should leave the appliance to stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle. Once 4 hours have passed, you can plug your appliance in.

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