Sometimes you may need to move your freezer to a new location, either because you’re moving house, renovating your kitchen, or buying a new freezer. How can you transport your freezer safely and without damaging it? Can you transport a freezer on its side, or do you have to keep it upright? In this post, we’ll answer these questions and give you some tips on how to transport a freezer on its side.
The best way to transport a freezer is to keep it upright. This will prevent the refrigerant and the lubricating oil in the compressor from moving out of place and causing problems with the cooling system. However, if you have no choice but to transport a freezer on its side, you should lie the freezer on the side with the compressor, secure the door to prevent it from opening, and wait for at least the same amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in.
A freezer works by using a refrigerant, a fluid that circulates through the evaporator coils and absorbs heat from the inside of the freezer. The refrigerant then flows to the compressor, a pump that pressurizes the refrigerant and moves it to the condenser coils, where it releases heat to the outside of the freezer. The refrigerant then returns to the evaporator coils and repeats the cycle.
The compressor also contains lubricating oil that helps it run smoothly and quietly. The oil is held in place by gravity when the freezer is upright. However, when you transport a freezer on its side, the oil can leak out of the compressor and mix with the refrigerant. This can cause several problems, such as:
Therefore, it is always recommended that you transport a freezer upright to avoid these issues.
Sometimes, transporting a freezer upright may not be possible or practical. For example, you may have a small vehicle that cannot fit an upright freezer, or you may have to move your freezer through narrow stairs or doorways. In these cases, you may have no choice but to transport your freezer on its side. If so, here are some steps you should follow:
Q: How long can I transport a freezer on its side?
A: The shorter, the better. Ideally, you should transport your freezer on its side for no more than 30 minutes. However, if you have to transport it for longer than that, make sure you wait for at least an equal amount of time before plugging it in.
Q: What if I don’t know which side is the compressor side?
A: The compressor is usually located at the bottom rear of the freezer. You can identify it by looking for a large metal cylinder with tubes attached to it. You can also check your owner’s manual or contact your manufacturer for more information.
Q: Can I transport a chest or upright freezer on its side?
A: The same principles apply to both chest and upright freezers. You should avoid transporting them on their sides if possible, and if not, follow the same precautions as described above.
Transporting a freezer on its side can be risky and potentially damaging to your appliance. The best way to transport a freezer is to keep it upright. However, if you have no choice but to transport your freezer on its side, you can do so by following some precautions. You should lie the freezer on the side with the compressor, secure the door to prevent it from opening, and wait for at least the same amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in.
