Refrigerator Moved Laying Down – How Long To Wait To Plug In?

Refrigerator moved laid down? How long should I let my refrigerator sit upright after moving it laying down? If you’ve recently relocated your refrigerator, it’s important to know how long the fridge should be standing upright before plugging it in. This is especially important if you’re transporting your refrigerator laying on its side in a truck or a trailer and the ride was quite bumpy. If you moved your fridge and now it will not cool, fix it here… Refrigerator Laid On Side And Now Will Not Cool?

Refrigerator Moved How
Long To Wait To Plug In?

ANSWER: General rule for refrigerators is 24 hours before it should be plugged in after being laid down for transport or moving.

Refrigerator laid on side – How to not damage fridge?

• Refrigerator moved on its side
• After moving, stand the refrigerator upright
• Let the refrigerator stand upright UNPLUGGED for at least 24 hours
• The 24 hours lets the oils settle back into place
• If you do not wait 24 hours, the fridge may show error codes or not cool
• Plug the refrigerator into power after 24 hours
• Connect the water line if the fridge has ice or water
• Wait a few hours for the refrigerator to fully cool
• Test that the fridge is cooling and working properly
• Check that the ice maker is making ice
• Make sure the water dispenser dispenses cold water
• If all checks good, put your items back in the fridge
• Check 24 hours later to be sure refrigerator is working as designed

TIP: After waiting the 24 hours and plugging the refrigerator into power, wait until the refrigerator has been properly cooling for 2-5 hours before placing food inside. This will ensure that your food is placed in the refrigerator at the correct temperature and will not spoil or go bad. Use a thermometer if in doubt.

After moving a refrigerator, it is an industry wide suggestion that your refrigerator sit upright in place for 24 hours before plugging it in. Let the refrigerator sit upright for the recommended 24 hours before plugging the refrigerator into power so the oils can settle into place and not cause any issues or error codes.

After moving a Refrigerator
Let sit upright in place for 24 hours
LET OILS AND COMPONENTS SETTLE
BEFORE PLUGGING IN THE REFRIGERATOR

Some newer refrigerators don’t need to have the oil settle when they are moved laid on its side, since the system and oil are new and clean. However, it doesn’t hurt to let a new refrigerator sit upright for 24 hours before plugging it in to err on the side of caution.

How to safely move a refrigerator?

• First remove all food and items from the refrigerator.
• Make sure all ice is removed and the water dispenser is fully empty.
• Be sure to disconnect the water line to the refrigerator and unplug it before removing it from the wall.
• Use a dolly with a blanket or cardboard to try not to scratch the floor or the refrigerator while moving.
• If possible, leave the refrigerator upright during the move or install.
• It is best to keep the refrigerator in the upright position to not let oils move into the wrong areas of the refrigerator.
• If you’re moving a fridge or freezer that is laid on its side, it’s important not to damage the coil or other components during transport.
• The less of a bumpy ride the better. Use blankets or carpet to cushion the refrigerator from a bumpy ride that could damage the internal parts.
• Also the door handles can be crushed if the fridge is laid down the wrong way so use caution.

More refrigerator moving tips

Moving a refrigerator is not an easy task. Detaching all cords, ice maker lines, and water supply hoses is essential before the moving process starts.

Once the refrigerator is in place open both doors to allow airflow for defrosting.

Blocking off a safe, dry area around your appliance is important for both safety and preventing long term damage to your floors. Use a towel or some other protective covering may also be prudent depending on the flooring type in your house.

If you have moved your refrigerator and had to lay it down for transport, and now the refrigerator is not working, let us know the model number and we can assist with getting your refrigerator working properly again.