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.
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.
If you start filling a freezer before it's had a chance to properly cool the walls down, the food is exposed to an effective temperature that is far higher than the freezer's setpoint: heat gets transferred from the walls to the food, warming it up to unsafe levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. That wait time gets even longer in hot weather.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get a hair dryer and play hot air over the front of the cooling element to quickly melt the ice that has formed there. Let the cooling element cool to about room temperature and then close the door and switch the freezer back on.
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.
It's best to wait at least 4-6 hours for the oil in the compressor to settle after transport. However, for your peace of mind, it's a good idea to let it sit for 24 hours to be on the safe side.
Installing a new air conditioner is exciting, but you must allow it to settle before turning it on. Although an air conditioner can be set in as little as 30 minutes, this is not always the case. The freon in an AC can settle in 22 minutes on average, but it can take up to 24 hours in some cases.
After the Move
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.
Reasons to Let a Fridge Freezer Settle After Moving
The oil in the fridge freezer compression system can leak into the refrigeration unit and cause blockages that mean your food won't cool properly, and you can experience defrosting.
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.
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.
Before placing food into the appliance, allow your fridge some time to cool down to temperatures safe for food storage. This may take up to 12 hours.