You may find issues with your refrigerator after moving. But there are proven solutions for such issues, and we discuss them in this article.
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Refrigerator Not Working After Moving – What to Do
If you find that your refrigerator is not working after moving, it may be that the compressor is damaged. This may happen if you transported the refrigerator laying it down.
Typically, a refrigerator should be upright during transportation. Laying it down, either on its back or on its side, will cause oil to flow from the compressor into the cooling system. As a result, the refrigerator stops cooling or working.
Replacing the compressor may fix the issue. However, you have to determine whether or not the cost of replacing a compressor is better than buying a new refrigerator. If your refrigerator is a newer model, it may be best to replace the compressor. But an older model may require an investment in a new refrigerator.
If you must transport your refrigerator laying down due to convenience or space, you must leave it standing unplugged for not less than four hours. Do the same if the appliance was on its side or back for a long time, only leave it for about a day. That way, the refrigerator will go back to full functionality afterward.
Refrigerator Making Noise After Moving – Solved
It is likely that one or more components are loose inside the refrigerator. Follow the sound of the noise to see if you can locate its source. You may have had to move over rough terrains during movement, causing one or more components to get dislodged or damaged. The best bet is to hire a professional appliance technician to examine the refrigerator, determine the source of the noise, and permanently fix it.
Why Let a Fridge Settle After Moving?
It is crucial to let a fridge settle after moving it due to the oil in the compressor. Typically, a fridge is a pretty stationary appliance, and moving it can cause damages if you do not do it properly. Movement causes the oil in the compressor to flow out, and letting the fridge stand for a few hours will allow the oil to flow back to its place.
The operating mechanism or the piston will not work if the oil in the compressor is not enough to lubricate it. The fridge may get damaged beyond repair if you plug the fridge into electric power immediately after moving it. In other words, you cannot turn on your fridge after moving. Wait at least one hour after moving before plugging the fridge into a wall outlet to run it. The same applies to a freezer.
Refrigerator After Moving – What to Do
When you move a refrigerator from one location to another, it is vital to be cautious when unloading the appliance. You may need a partner to unload, depending on the size. Then, use a dolly to move it into its new home and position.
Once there, carefully unwrap the moving blankets and straps on the appliance if you used any. Ensure it is right where you want it before unloading it from the dolly. Next, slowly move it back and forth until it rolls into the space where you want it. Check for adequate space between the surrounding walls and the refrigerator, especially behind it. The space makes for proper ventilation.
Allow the refrigerator to stand in its place without connecting it to electric power for about an hour. Arrange the shelves, racks, and bins inside it while waiting, but do not load the appliance with food. When the waiting time is up, connect the refrigerator to a dedicated wall outlet and allow it to run for about four hours for the temperature to reach a food-safe level. Then, you can put the food and other items into it.
You may want to avoid positioning the refrigerator in the path of direct sunlight or other heat sources. The heat will reduce its cooling capacity and cause the compressor to work harder. Consequently, the refrigerator may burn out quicker than it should.
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What to Know When Moving a Fridge
You must empty the fridge and allow it to stand unplugged to defrost, especially if it has an ice buildup. Also, thoroughly clean it with warm soapy water or baking soda and water. Allow it to dry before packing it.
Using a measuring tape, measure the fridge’s dimensions and the doorways through which the fridge will pass. This will help you decide whether or not you need to remove the doors on the fridge and your home.
There are a few important things to keep in mind, apart from using a dolly and taking dimensions.
First, know that a fridge does not need a lot of movement. If you do move it, you must let it sit for a few hours before turning it on for use. That way, you do not damage it. And when you plug it in, allow it to cool considerably before loading it with food.
Second, you must not lay a fridge down when moving it. Laying it down will cause the compressor oil to flow out into the cooling system, and this may permanently damage it. At most, prop it at an upright angle. However, if you must lay it down, let the side with the compressor tube face up. That is, if the tube is on the left, lay the fridge on its right side.
Third, secure the doors so that they do not open during movement. This is especially true if you lay it down. You risk damaging the fridge if you leave the doors unsecured. If you can, prop other furniture around it to keep it from excessively moving during transit.
You may need someone to help you transport it, even if you are using a truck. If the fridge is heavy, you cannot carry it down from the truck yourself, even if it has a ramp. And if there are stairs, a partner comes in handy for moving the dolly up.
Quick Recap
You need to keep an eye on your refrigerator after moving to ensure everything is in order. Also, do not plug it into electric power immediately after moving to avoid damaging it beyond repair. If you are unsure about moving your refrigerator to another location yourself, hire professional movers to do the job. And get an appliance technician to check the appliance if it stops cooling after moving.
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