vintage refrigerators..can they lay down for moving?
- Thread starter surfertee
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I have done this more than once with no ill effect but you MUST let the unit stand upright for some time before you plug it in, even for a moment. I'm not sure what the recommended time is but I'd let it sit at least a day and preferably longer.
The reason is that the refrigerant (almost always a freon variant except on some really old stuff) changes state from a liquid to a gas as part of the normal refrigeration cycle. This is true of all compressor-type refrigerators and air conditioners and is the reason they can move heat from one location (the evaporator) to another (the condenser). However, liquid cannot be compressed so if some liquid refrigerant gets into the compressor the latter will be damaged. When upright the cooling system is designed to keep any liquid out of the part of the compressor that compresses gaseous refrigerant but once laid sideways all bets are off. When the unit sits upright the liquid will gradually return to where it is supposed to be.
The reason is that the refrigerant (almost always a freon variant except on some really old stuff) changes state from a liquid to a gas as part of the normal refrigeration cycle. This is true of all compressor-type refrigerators and air conditioners and is the reason they can move heat from one location (the evaporator) to another (the condenser). However, liquid cannot be compressed so if some liquid refrigerant gets into the compressor the latter will be damaged. When upright the cooling system is designed to keep any liquid out of the part of the compressor that compresses gaseous refrigerant but once laid sideways all bets are off. When the unit sits upright the liquid will gradually return to where it is supposed to be.
My personal experience is that Ive laid down every fridge Ive brought home and never had a problem after ward. I make sure to lay it down so the suction line side of the compressor is down as opposed to the discharge side. This is to make sure that if any oil does run out of the compressor into the line it will be sucked back into the compressor when started. After standing upright I leave that way 24 hrs before turning on.
Hydralique
From what I have been told by 4 different refrigerator repairmen is this, the reason you never start up a fridge right after it has been transported on its side/back is because when the machine is not upright oil can leak out of the compressor and into the coolant lines in the fridge and clog the one way valves in the coolant lines that let the coolant flow in one continuous direction. If you then plug in the unit and turn it on right away the compressor will blow and you will now have a nice boat anchor. That is why the say to give at least 24 hours for the oil to settle back into the compressor after standing the fridge upright again. I am told this also goes for freezers too……PAT COFFEY
From what I have been told by 4 different refrigerator repairmen is this, the reason you never start up a fridge right after it has been transported on its side/back is because when the machine is not upright oil can leak out of the compressor and into the coolant lines in the fridge and clog the one way valves in the coolant lines that let the coolant flow in one continuous direction. If you then plug in the unit and turn it on right away the compressor will blow and you will now have a nice boat anchor. That is why the say to give at least 24 hours for the oil to settle back into the compressor after standing the fridge upright again. I am told this also goes for freezers too……PAT COFFEY
polkanut
Well-known member
I've followed the 24 hour rule and had no problems when it was then plugged in. Good Luck!
I would not, but that's me.
epixstar128
New member
As a refrigeration and hvac guy i can it should not matter to much. If you can plug it in with the thermostat turned to off That is best. I whould wait a few hours overnight is a bit excessive
