Transporting the refrigerator while lying down is not recommended. Despite the apparent reliability, this technique is quite fragile. Horizontal transportation can cause negative consequences.
If a new refrigerator of a good brand does not freeze badly or the old one starts to junk after moving, then in 9 cases out of 10 the reason is a breakdown caused by improper transportation. In order not to spoil the expensive equipment, it is necessary to carry it in a certain position, observing safety measures.
Possible problems
With improper transportation, the compressor most often suffers. It is attached to the frame using springs. When the refrigerator is in an upright position, a uniform load is applied to the springs. When tilted or lying down, this balance is violated. With strong shaking, the springs often break, which leads to serious damage, and the unit ceases to function normally.
Depending on the model, oil plugs may appear in the tubes. In horizontal position, oil from the compressor flows freely through the system. Once in the tubes, it clogs them, like a cork. As a result, the refrigerant stops circulating normally in the system. It is also possible overflow of freon, which entails the formation of air jams and leads to rapid overheating of the compressor.
Tip
Before transportation, the used refrigerator must be thawed, thoroughly washed and dried.Remove all shelves, containers and removable items located on the doors.
Ways of transportation
Vertically. This is the most reliable and safe way to transport the refrigerator. In the case of the new unit, it is carefully transferred to the cargo taxi in the package and securely fastened. If the refrigerator is used and without packaging, you need to fix all the elements located on the back wall. Do the same with the doors. For them you can use belts or wide tape. On the floor you need to lay a protective material: dense fabric, polystyrene foam, sheets of cardboard. They will serve as shock absorbers.
At an angle. A refrigerator of any size will easily become a special cargo taxi. If you can’t use such a car, you can resort to tricks. The device in the cabin is installed in an inclined position, while the angle should not exceed 40 degrees. The unit is also carefully fixed. Additionally, it is surrounded on all sides by soft fabric rollers in order to level the vibration. You need to transport the refrigerator in this position at low speed and only on a level road.
In extreme cases, you can transport the refrigerator while lying down. In this case, you must follow the recommendations:
- It is best to transport refrigeration equipment in the "native" packaging. If it is not, it is necessary to wrap the unit with sheets of cardboard and cloth, fixing them with straps or ropes.
- Lay a fabric in the body to protect the equipment from shocks and vibrations.
- Put the refrigerator on its side. Ideally, the top should be the side on which the compression tubes go.The unit must not be placed on the front or rear wall.
- Additionally, the device should be firmly fixed in the body so that it does not “hang out” when moving.
Important
Categorically it is forbidden to transport old Soviet refrigerators in horizontal position, as well as modern models with NoFrost system.
If you need to transport a refrigerator, it is better to use the services of professional movers. They have transport of appropriate dimensions and the skills of transporting household appliances. In any case, a cargo taxi will be cheaper than buying a new unit.