Moving a refrigerator is not an easy a task as it sounds. Care must be taken to protect the internal components, which are delicate and could easily get damaged. You must take note of how the fridge is moved and in what posture as this is a major determinant of how long you will have to wait later before you can plug it in and fire it up again.

So, how long should you wait after moving your fridge before you can put in on? Ideally, if you moved the fridge in a tilted position, or while lying on its side, which you should never do, you should wait for the same amount of time it spent on that position to lapse by before you can plug it in. this means if it was on transit for an hour, you give it one hour to settle. However, if you moved your appliance in the rightful position which is upright, you can give it an hour for the compressor oil to settle before powering it up.

In this article, we will explain why you need to give your refrigerator some time to rest before plugging it in, the right way to transport your fridge, and other related questions. Keep reading for a deeper insight.

Why Does A Fridge Need Time To Settle?

Now, if you moved your fridge in the right posture, which is the upright position, you do not have to worry about letting it rest for too long. You only need approximately an hour, and rightfully so because the compressor oil may have shaken during transit, and it needs to settle.

However, if you made the mistake of laying the refrigerator by side or in a tilted position, you will have to give it an equivalent amount of time to that when it stayed in that position.

The question is, why do you need to let it rest? What happened when it was lying on its side that changes the whole narrative of when to plug it in?

Well, simply put, the fridge’s compressor contains oil, which keeps it working by lubricating and cooling the fridge components. Without this compressor oil, there could be increased wearing of the parts needing regular replacement and repair.

Assuming you tilted your fridge, this oil spills into the refrigeration system. Already transporting your fridge in a tilted position is a big risk as the appliance may sustain immediate damage. However, assuming that the fridge is still okay, you will need to put it in the upright position to allow for the leaked compressor oil to flow back into the compressor before plugging it in.

Remember that it is not okay to move the fridge lying on its side with the notion that you will let it rest before powering it up. Some fridges may never even get back to normal functionality if transported in this position. So be on the safe side and keep your fridge upright throughout the journey.

For How Long Will You Need To Let the Fridge Rest?

As already mentioned, the answer to this question is relative. It all depends on the amount of time the fridge was tilted. Ideally, if the transportation was on for 24 hours, you will need to let it rest on an upright position for another 24 hours. If it happened for 3 hours, three hours is all you need.

If you are not sure of the timing, 24 hours is a good estimated time to be sure that all the oil is drained back where it belongs in the compressor.

What Will Happen If Your Plug In The Fridge Too Soon After Moving?

Assuming you moved your refrigerator in a tilted position or lying on the side for 5 hours, only to power it up after letting it rest for only two hours, what could be the consequences? Well, first, there will be too much stress on the compressor, and as a result it may be damaged.

The damage may not necessarily be immediate, but with the time you will start noticing that your appliance is not functioning as well as it used before you moved it. When the fridge’s compressor breaks down, it will need repair/replacement. Sometimes even the repair maybe just a temporary solution, and eventually you may have to get rid of the damaged refrigerator and purchase another one.

A refrigerator is a long-term investment, and you may want to take care of it to prolong its lifespan. Thus, be patient and give the appliance enough time to rest after transportation before you can attempt powering it up.

How to Tell That You Plugged In Your Refrigerator Too Early After the Move

If you pay close attention to the fridge after plugging it on, you will know that it was a premature plug-in judging from the noises that will be coming from the compressor. Usually, the compressor is meant for compressing refrigerant gas and not oil.

If there is some leaked oil left on the compressor lines, when powered up the compressor will produce a loud noise. At this point, you should switch it off immediately and to save your appliance from further damage. It may have incurred a little damage already, but you will be up right on time to prevent further damage.

Refrigerator Moving Best Practices

Having looked at how long to wait before plugging in the fridge and why, it’s important to know the best practices to observe in the first place when moving your fridge. This way, you will not have problems later, and your refrigerator will reaching its destination in its initial proper functionality state.

First, unplug the fridge the night before and allow it to defrost. This means you are going to have to remove any food stored I n it and look for alternative storage or preservation.

Next, it’s advisable to take out the shelves and drawers and then close the door and enforce using a tape. This way, the doors will not accidentally fling open while on the move.

When moving, ensure that the fridge stands on an upright position. If an upright position is not possible, you can have it tilted slightly, but once you get to the intended destination, let it rest for several hours equivalent to the time spent in the tilted position before you can plug it in and power it up.

If the fridge is new from the store, and you are going to use it for the first time, the same rule about plugging it in will apply. You must give it time for the compressor oil to settle before you can power it up.

Also, remember it’s new from the store, so you are going to give it a quick clean using some water warmer water and towel. Simply wipe it up before you can put it into use.

Positioning is very important. Choose the right spot, not so close to the wall where air won’t circulate properly.

When ready, you can now power up your refrigerator and you will be good to go. Overall, when handling a refrigerator, ensure to read the manual so that you know the specifics of your brand, so that you don’t void the warrant.

Related Questions

Can you power off a fridge and power it on after?

Yes, you can unplug your refrigerator when not in use and plug it back on when needed. This is a good way of saving up on energy costs.

Can you use a new fridge immediately after getting it home? 

Once you get your new fridge home, you can start using it immediately. However, you need to clean it up using some water and a towel. Additionally, let it rest for an hour for the compressor oil to settle before you put it into use. If it was moved in a tilted position, you may have to give it enough time, equivalent to the one it stayed tilted before you can safely put it into use.

See Also:
Will Rain Ruin A Refrigerator?
12 Ways To Remove Odor From Refrigerator
How Long Does A KitchenAid Refrigerator Last?