Does fidge/freezer have to be transported upright ?

bloodnok · 19 August 2009 at 10:00AM

I have to move a fridge/freezer ( 1850mm high ), but unless I hire a large van, I will have to transport it lying on its side.
I've heard that it should be transported upright, but others have said it's OK to transport on its side as long as you leave it upright for a day or two before operating it again.
I'd appreciate some expert advice as I don't want to break the thing.
Thanks

Esqui · 19 August 2009 at 10:25AM

You can transport it on its side, but it should be left for a while before being switched on. About 12 hours should be enough, rather than two days

kwikbreaks · 19 August 2009 at 10:34AM

I'll second the transport flat and leave standing for 12 hours.

I think the reason is to avoid bubbles in the coolant accumulating in the compressor and damaging it somehow.

That said I've moved them lying down and not left them standing in the past with no known ill effects.

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Just had a search around and it seems that the problem isn't bubbles (which I'd guessed) but a lubricating oil which is mixed in with the freon - it needs to be left standing to allow that to drain back down into the compressor or it may overheat.