A refrigerator is a large and heavy appliance that requires careful handling when moving it from one place to another. Whether you are moving to a new home or just rearranging your kitchen, you need to know how to move a refrigerator safely and correctly. One of the most common questions people have when moving a refrigerator is: can you plug in a refrigerator after moving it?
The answer is: it depends. It depends on how you moved your refrigerator, how long it was in transit, and what position it was in during the move. Plugging in a refrigerator too soon after moving it can cause damage to the compressor, the cooling system, and the electrical components. Therefore, you need to follow some guidelines and precautions before plugging in your refrigerator after moving it.
The general rule is: if you moved your refrigerator upright, you can plug it in after 2 to 3 hours. If you moved your refrigerator on its side, you should wait at least 24 hours before plugging it in.
Why do you need to wait before plugging in a refrigerator after moving it?
A refrigerator works by using a compressor to circulate refrigerant through a series of coils and tubes. The refrigerant absorbs heat from inside the fridge and releases it outside, creating a cooling effect. The compressor also contains oil that lubricates its parts and prevents overheating.
When you move a refrigerator, especially on its side, the oil and the refrigerant can mix and flow into different parts of the system. This can create air bubbles, clogs, leaks, or pressure imbalances that can affect the performance and efficiency of the refrigerator. It can also damage the compressor or cause it to overheat or burn out.
Therefore, you need to wait before plugging in a refrigerator after moving it to allow the oil and the refrigerant to settle back into their proper places. This will prevent any problems or malfunctions when you turn on your fridge.
How long do you need to wait before plugging in a refrigerator after moving it?
The length of time you need to wait before plugging in a refrigerator after moving it depends on how you moved your refrigerator and what position it was in during the move.
- If you moved your refrigerator upright, you can plug it in after 2 to 3 hours. This is because the oil and the refrigerant did not move much from their original positions and only need a short time to stabilize. However, if your refrigerator was in transit for a long time or exposed to extreme temperatures, you may want to wait longer before plugging it in.
- If you moved your refrigerator on its side, you should wait at least 24 hours before plugging it in. This is because the oil and the refrigerant moved significantly from their original positions and need more time to settle back into their proper places. The longer your refrigerator was on its side, the longer you should wait before plugging it in.
How do you move a refrigerator safely and correctly?
Moving a refrigerator is not an easy task and requires some planning and preparation. Here are some tips on how to move a refrigerator safely and correctly:
- Empty and defrost your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving it. Remove all food items and clean the interior of your fridge with warm water and soap. Leave the doors open to allow any moisture or ice to evaporate.
- Unplug your refrigerator and disconnect any water lines or filters. Wrap the power cord with tape or rubber bands and secure it to the back of the fridge. Drain any water from the lines or filters and store them separately.
- Measure your refrigerator and any doors or openings along the way. Make sure your fridge will fit through any doors or openings without scratching or damaging them. You may need to remove some doors or handles from your fridge or your home to make more room.
- Use an appliance dolly or hand truck to move your refrigerator. Wrap your fridge with blankets or pads to protect it from scratches or dents. Secure your fridge with straps or ropes to prevent it from sliding or falling off the dolly.
- Move your refrigerator upright as much as possible. Moving your fridge upright will prevent any oil or refrigerant from shifting or leaking inside the system. If you have no choice but to move your fridge on its side, make sure you lay it on the opposite side of where the compressor lines exit the compressor.
- Load your refrigerator carefully into the moving truck or vehicle. Place your fridge near the back of the truck or vehicle and secure it with straps or ropes to prevent any movement during transit. Avoid placing any heavy items on top of or near your fridge that could damage it.
- Unload your refrigerator carefully at your destination. Reverse the steps of loading your fridge and use an appliance dolly or hand truck to move it into your new home. Place your fridge in its desired location and level it with shims or feet if needed.
- Wait before plugging in your refrigerator after moving it. Follow the guidelines above and wait for the appropriate time before plugging in your fridge. Once you plug it in, check if it is working properly and adjust the temperature settings as needed.
Conclusion
Moving a refrigerator can be a challenging but rewarding task that can save you money and hassle. However, you need to know how to move a refrigerator safely and correctly and how long to wait before plugging it in after moving it. By following the tips and guidelines in this post, you can move your refrigerator without damaging it or causing any problems.
We hope this post has helped you learn how to move a refrigerator and how long to wait before plugging it in after moving it. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
