If it was delivered on its side or was sideways for more than a day then give it a full 24 hours before plugging it in.
Moving a fridge lying down.
If this dilemma wasn t confusing enough there is also what to do once you move the refrigerator to its new home.
When loading the refrigerator in a moving van truck etc it is best to keep it standing upright to minimize possible damage to the sealed system or prevent damage to loose items.
If it is unavoidable to transport a refrigerator upright lay the unit down on its side on the freezer side for side by side models or else opposite the hinges instead of the back.
Be sure the cooling and discharge lines on the compressor are facing upward.
So can you transport a refrigerator laying down.
Remove everything from inside including any trays or racks.
Upright or lying down.
Determine where the suction line runs up into the freezer.
Stand the unit upright at the new location and allow it to sit unplugged for the same amount of time that it was on its side to allow the oil to drain back down.
Also always move down stairs one step at a time.
A good rule of thumb is to leave the refrigerator upright and unplugged for the same amount of time that it was lying on its side.
If laying the refrigerator down cannot be avoided here are some thing to consider depending on the type of refrigerator.
Tip it at an angle if possible as this will help to keep the oil from flowing out of the compressor.
Some insist when moving your refrigerator to lay the refrigerator down while others swear you should only ever transport upright.
Refrigerator by laying it down even though it s not the preferred method of transport it s ok to lay a refrig down for moving even a r134a system if you pay close attention to the refrigerant lines.
The answer is yes you can except for the monogram refrigerators that should always remain upright.
If you have a side by side fridge freezer lie it down on the freezer side the side with the smaller door.
If it was on its side for two hours leave it upright and unplugged for two hours.
If the coils are heavily frosted unplug the unit several hours or even a day before moving it.
If you must lay the fridge down because of lack of transport space avoid laying it 100 flat.
Don t you have to leave the appliance standing for a few hours before switching it back on.