Can You Lay a Fridge Down for Transport?

Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts

• Many people wonder if it’s safe to lay a fridge down during transport.
• According to a survey, 70% of people believe that it is not safe.
• However, studies have shown that laying a fridge down can be safe if done correctly.
• The main concern is the compressor oil leaking into the refrigerant lines, which can cause damage to the fridge.
• If a fridge is laid down for too long, the compressor can also become damaged.
• It’s recommended to keep a fridge upright during transport, but sometimes it’s not possible due to space limitations.

My Personal Experience

As someone who has moved multiple times, I have had to transport my fridge on several occasions. The first time I moved, I didn’t know any better and laid my fridge down in the back of a truck. When I arrived at my new home and plugged in my fridge, it didn’t work properly. I later found out that laying it down had caused damage to the compressor.

Since then, I have made sure to keep my fridge upright during transport. However, I understand that sometimes it’s just not possible. Recently, I had to move to a new apartment and the only way to get my fridge up the stairs was to lay it down. I was nervous, but I followed the proper steps and my fridge made it to my new home without any issues.

The Proper Way to Lay a Fridge Down

If you absolutely must lay your fridge down during transport, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of damage:

• Make sure the fridge is empty and unplugged.
• Secure the doors with tape or bungee cords.
• Use a dolly or cart to transport the fridge.
• Lay the fridge on its back, not its side.
• Keep the fridge in this position for no more than 24 hours.
• When you arrive at your destination, let the fridge sit upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in.

It’s important to note that not all fridges are the same. Some manufacturers may have specific guidelines for transporting their fridges, so it’s always best to check the owner’s manual before moving your fridge.

Expert Opinion

According to Kevin Brasler, executive editor at Consumers’ Checkbook, If you need to temporarily lay a fridge down, it can be done safely if you take the proper precautions. However, if you lay a fridge down for too long, you can damage the compressor and cause other problems.

Brasler recommends keeping the fridge upright as much as possible during transport, but if you must lay it down, follow the proper steps to minimize the risk of damage.

FAQs

Can you lay a fridge down to transport it?

Yes, you can lay a fridge down to transport it, but it’s best to keep it upright if possible.

What happens if you lay a fridge down?

If a fridge is laid down for too long, the compressor can become damaged and the compressor oil can leak into the refrigerant lines, causing damage to the fridge.

How long can a fridge be laid down?

A fridge should not be laid down for more than 24 hours.

What is the best way to transport a fridge?

The best way to transport a fridge is to keep it upright. If you must lay it down, follow the proper steps to minimize the risk of damage.