How long to wait after AC was on its side?

Author: Herman Mosciski DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, January 4, 2026

The lubrication in your air conditioner may not be where it needs to be if it has been sitting on its side for an extended period. Allow it to cool and settle for a day or two before reusing it.

How long can an AC unit be on its side?

Do not place the Air Conditioner on its side or upside down. This placement could cause damage to the mounting of the compressor. If on its side or back for more than a day, leave it in an upright position and unplugged for 24 hours.

How long should you let an 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.

What happens if you lay an AC unit on its side?

A portable air conditioner should not be tilted, inclined, or positioned on its side or back during operation, as sideways use of an air conditioner will cause damage. As a result of oil depletion and the inability to retain condensate, the compressor could permanently fail.

How long should I leave my AC upright before turning on?

If, for any reason, the system is on its side for any length of time, it is a good idea to put it in the upright position for a day before you turn it on. This may help to minimize damage to the compressor and give the system time to settle.

How to Reset an AC Thermostat

How long to wait before turning AC back on?

Allow a 3-minute break after turning the AC on or off and reset the circuit breaker 24 hours prior to first use to prevent damage and improve efficiency. Perform a pre-start inspection by cleaning the unit, checking filters and coils, and starting the AC in fan mode before cooling to ensure it runs smoothly.

What happens if you don't let an air conditioner settle?

By properly situating the air conditioner, you can allow the oil to return to the compressor. That is precisely what settling entails. Our AC repair specialists in Mississauga suggest that the compressor may be damaged if the air conditioner is turned on for an extended period before it settles.

How long does it take for freon to settle in an air conditioner?

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.

Can you lay an air compressor on its side?

Laying a used upright air compressor on its side can be risky. The sludge will be free to move around the tank in that position, causing potential damage to critical areas of your compressor, especially the tank check valve. The sludge can slow down the valve's motion or prevent it from moving altogether.

How long can you store a portable AC on its side?

Very important to always remember that the portable air conditioner must always be kept upright, never place it on its sides or upside down as this will damage the air conditioner and sadly if left in these positions for prolonged period of time it will most likely be beyond repair.

How long does a compressor need to be upright before use?

If transported on its side, turn it upright and let it stand for at least four hours.

Do air conditioners need to be stored upright?

To avoid damaging the compressor, be sure to store the unit in an upright position.

Can I run a portable AC all day?

Generally, portable air conditioners can run continuously for 8 to 12 hours, depending on the factors mentioned above. However, it is essential to give your unit some rest to prevent overheating and ensure its longevity. Experts recommend turning off the unit for 15-20 minutes every 3-4 hours of continuous operation.

How long does an AC unit need to rest?

Giving your air conditioner a 15 to 30-minute break every 2 to 3 hours of uninterrupted functioning can be beneficial. The system can cool down, and its parts can rest during this time, reducing the stress on the unit.

How long to wait after installing an air conditioner?

Normally technicians would advice customers to keep the unit turned off for almost a day, exactly 2-3hrs, just to let the compressor oil settle back into place to provide proper lubrication and prevent clogging or any further damage.

Can I move my AC unit to the side of my house?

HVAC units are commonly placed next to the back or side of your home. As it turns out, patios, porches, and decks are also commonly installed in these areas. Your unit's existing location should not stand in the way of your building plans when it can be easily relocated.

Is it safe to enclose an air compressor?

An enclosure can protect the compressor from these mishaps, keep the compressor operating at peak (and safe) performance levels, and help prevent downtime due to repairs or, even worse, replacement.

Can you lay an air handler on its side?

Yes, an air handler can be installed to lay on its side.

Can you lay a compressor fridge on its side?

If possible, keep it vertical

If you do lay your fridge down to move it, you can lay it on its front or side, but it's not recommended that you lay it on its back – the weight of the fridge's body on its working parts could damage them, even if they're not exposed.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.

How long does it take for freon to dissipate in the air?

Freon does not dissipate or gets taken in, so there is no loss unless there is a leak in one of the pipes or fittings. HVAC professionals suggest that freon leaks be repaired without delay as they can worsen in time and cause the entire system to fail.

What happens if you don't let freon settle?

Turning the fridge on too soon can lead to a coolant rush, which can cause problems like leaks or blockages. This can damage the fridge, and you may need to pay for expensive repairs. Waiting allows the coolant to settle back into its correct position and ensures that there are no leaks or blockages.

What happens if you lay an air conditioner on its side?

If you lay your portable air conditioner on its side, there is a risk that the oil in the compressor will mix with the refrigerant, causing damage to the unit.

How long to wait for refrigerant to settle?

To keep your fridge or freezer working properly, it's recommended to wait a few hours, at least 4-6 hours, before plugging it in after it's been moved.

What happens if you don't let a freezer 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.

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