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How Long Do You Wait to Plug in a Fridge After Moving It?

Written by Edwin Jones / Fact checked by Andrew Wright

how long do you wait to plug in a fridge after moving it

You may have heard that you should rest your fridge before plugging it after moving it into another place. This statement may cause you to wonder, “How long do you wait to plug in a fridge after moving it?”

In most cases, it may only require four hours of rest. However, the waiting time may change depending on how you transport your fridge. Patience is essential to prevent damage to the unit and ensure its optimal performance.

How Long to Wait to Plug in the Fridge After Moving It from Another Place?

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It is essential to know that whether you purchase a new fridge or just transport it to a new home, you should not plug it in immediately after moving. A fridge need to settle for after delivery use to prevent significant damage and costly repair.

Before we get into the topic of how long does a fridge need to be upright before plugging in, it is essential first to understand one of the most important parts of a refrigerator, the compressor.

A compressor is the motor and pump responsible for a fridge’s cooling function. At the same time, it contains an oil that can potentially leak into other parts of the fridge system during transport. As a result, it needs time to return to where it should be.

Moving fridge short distance may not cause any trouble to the compressor, especially if the task is done properly. However, plugging it in after traveling from another place is not a good idea, since it can cause a lot of trouble to the fridge.

So, how long before you can plug in a fridge after moving it?

The waiting period primarily depends on how you position the fridge during travel. If you transport a fridge upright for a short distance, an hour may be enough for the oil to settle.

On the other hand, the scenario may change if you transport a fridge sideways. After laying it down during transport, it may need at least four hours of rest, allowing the oil to flow back to where it should be.

Additionally, you may want to ensure the discharge line is upright when relocating a fridge. This discharge line is the smallest tube that is connected to the compressor. If the compressor oil enters this line, you may need to wait 24 hours for the oil to settle.

Why Do You Have to Wait?

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You must wait before plugging in a fridge after moving it to allow time for its fluids to settle. These fluids are a critical component in the cooling process of the appliance, which can be disturbed during transportation.

Similarly, compressor oil may have leaked elsewhere. If you don’t wait after laying a refrigerator down in your new home, the oil may stay in the cooling lines, preventing the appliance from preserving your food.

By waiting for the recommended time before plugging in the refrigerator after moving, you can ensure that the fridge is in proper working condition.

What Happens If You Plug in a Fridge After Moving It?

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If you wonder what happens if you plug a fridge in too soon, you may not like the answer.

Plugging in a freezer after moving may cause blockage in some parts of the unit due to the oil moving, leading to an inefficient appliance that doesn’t cool well or make noise.

As a result, you may need to pay for repair or parts replacement which is costly, depending on the extent of the damage.

Tips to Move a Fridge and Keep It Safe When Moving

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With its size, moving a fridge can be a challenging task. However, with proper planning and technique, you can relocate it safely without damaging it. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

  • Prepare the fridge by defrosting it and removing all the remaining foods inside.
  • Remove all the detachable parts inside the fridge to prevent any damage to them.
  • Clean its interior to prevent the build-up of bad smell.
  • Carefully pack the appliance with its packaging or a blanket and secure the fridge on the transport truck.
  • It is advisable to keep the fridge upright while traveling to reduce the risk of internal and external damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Things to consider before plugging in a fridge

After transferring a fridge, it is essential to know that there are several things to consider to ensure safe and efficient operation. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Leave refrigerator unplugged after moving as advised above. An LG fridge often requires one hour of waiting time. Bosch typically demands two to four hours, while a Hisense fridge needs at least four.
  • Clean the interior before plugging the fridge, since later, you will store food in it.
  • Properly place the fridge where it can have good air circulation, about one to three inches from the wall or whatever your manual recommends.
  • Don’t put food in after plugging in and turning on the fridge. Wait at least two to four hours before putting anything inside a fridge for a more efficient cooling function.

What if I plugged my fridge in too soon before I realized it needed time to settle?

Whether it’s a Whirlpool fridge or any other brand, if you plug it in too soon but immediately unplug after realizing it needs time to settle, no problem may occur.

However, you should avoid this situation, since the compressor may have started and incurred damage.

Can I lay a fridge sideway for 30 minutes?

A fridge on its side for 30 minutes is allowed, especially if it is huge. However, you may need to consider some important things when doing this to your fridge.

First, you want to ensure it is safe and secure. The second is to make sure that the discharge line is upright. Lastly, wait at least a few hours before plugging the fridge in.

Conclusion

Knowing how long do you wait to plug in a fridge after moving it can keep your unit in good shape for a long time. Furthermore, understanding this settling time is also helpful for the fridge to keep it working efficiently.

Having some patience in using appliances can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. Therefore, it is best to exercise caution and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the proper functioning of the fridge.

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