There’s an easy-to-make mistake that could ruin your refrigerator. Whether you’re transporting a new model home from the store yourself, moving your appliances to a new home, or picking up a new fridge for the garage at a yard sale.
This mistake happens because a tall fridge can be unstable when a vehicle is moving. It might seem that laying it down is the safer option to prevent damage. However, putting a fridge in a horizontal position can permanently damage its ability to cool.
Even just tilting it at an angle for a short period of time runs the risk of introducing unwanted chemicals and oils into your cooling system. In fact, transporting a fridge horizontally may void your warranty.
There are some cases, like taking a unit upstairs, where it may have to be tilted briefly. Make sure to move very carefully and smoothly so as not to slosh the chemicals inside the unit around.
If you’ve had the unit tilted for any length of time, leave the refrigerator in an upright position for a day before turning it on. That may help save the unit, but it may not.
Your best bet to avoid this type of problem is to have professionals move your refrigerator. If you do insist on moving it yourself, make sure you have a vehicle with room to move the refrigerator in the upright position. You’ll also need a dolly with straps as well as a blanket and extra rope or straps to secure the unit once it is in your vehicle.
Appliance Center employs a well-trained delivery team that understands the best practices for protecting furniture, mattresses, and appliances during delivery. Ask our team members about your delivery options.