Why is it bad to lay a refrigerator on it's side?

Answer 1

(Improved Answer)WOW, I was looking for a simple answer and ended up finding folk lore, so I went to GE, the manufacturer of refrigerators for years. I do want to note that the original person to answer this was correct in most respects.

Through my research I found one important point... a refrigerator compressor has a motor suspended by springs. When moved on it's side, damage can occurred stretching or breaking a spring. (depending on how old the unit is and how rough the ride.

But we have all come into contact with someone in our life, when we moved a refrigerator, whose expertise will vary from city to city or web site to web site.

This is the answer we are all looking for.

Important: If it has been necessary to transport the refrigerator on its side, it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in. If on its side for more than a day, leave standing for 24 hours before running. (If laying on its side just briefly to service, clean or adjust, just a few minutes of stand time will be enough.)

GE simple does not recommend moving a unit on it's side, but if you must...

When moving other GE refrigerators to a new location, we recommend the following:

* Turn refrigerator to Off. This should be done a couple of hours before moving to allow the evaporator time to defrost.

* Disconnect power cord from wall.

* Remove all foods and clean the interior. If the refrigerator is going to be in transit for more than a day, you may want to place a small bag of activated charcoal(such as used in fish tanks) in the refrigerator to absorb odors.

* Secure loose items, such as the grille, shelves, storage pans, ice trays, ice storage bucket. Covers and removable parts should be protected with tape - this prevents their coming loose and causing damage.

* Secure the refrigerator. If your refrigerator is on rollers, be sure it is properly secured in the moving van to prevent rolling and damage.

* Handle with care. The exterior of your refrigerator should be protected with a blanket covering.

NOTE: GE does not recommend laying the refrigerator on its back.

When loading the refrigerator in a moving van, truck, etc., it is best to keep it standing upright. If laying the refrigerator on its side cannot be avoided, it is important to follow the above instructions on securing the components inside the refrigerator to prevent possible damage.

When using a dolly or hand truck, always truck from the side.Possible damage could occur if trucked from the front or rear. Should it be necessary to lay the unit down, lay it on its side

Lay it on the side opposite the hinges (on top and bottom freezer models) so the door will remain closed.

Side by side models should be placed on the freezer side. That door is less likely to come open.

Note: Exceptions are MonogramTM, bottom-mount and compact models* - these must always remain upright!

Below you will find my notes of correction based on my research. They will be bracketed and italics.

(Improved Answer)A fridge can be moved on it's side, but you run the risk of some of the oil coming out of the compressor and running up the lines to places where it can cause a restriction. Damage can occur to the fridge and the fridge may stop cooling :-([not true- the oil is part of the system, In small refrigeration systems, like home refrigerators, the oil is allowed to circulate throughout the whole circuit.]

[again a myth- the oil is part of the system, In small refrigeration systems, like home refrigerators, the oil is allowed to circulate throughout the whole circuit.]

If at all possible lay the fridge down on the opposite side of where these tubes come out of the compressor. Oil can run up the return line and discharge line (which is a rproblem) but oil in the process tube will not hurt the fridge or operation. The worst is having oil in the discharge line. Look at the back and lay the fridge down on the side of the process line and have the return line and morie importantly the discharge line pointing up where no oil can run into them.Companies_design_the_pipework_and_components_such_that_oil_can_drain_back_under_gravity_to_the_compressor]">[Companies design the pipework and components such that oil can drain back under gravity to the compressor]When you get the fridge to the location you want it....keep the fridge in the up-rite position for at least the same amount of time that the refrigerator was laying down to help any oil in the lines to drain back into the compressor before plugging it back in...after the few hours are over, then plug it in and have a cold drink :-)

(original answer)

Please see comments on the above. I would offer the following.

This answer is based entirely on hearsay, so I offer it with the qualifier of less than, "I believe", which may force an entire revision of my authority of information scale, but that is besides the point, however; I do feel it to be pertinent. I know that the whole principle of refrigeration is based on the evaporation and condensation of a fluid, somewhere, usually at the very bottom of the refrigerator there is a compressor. The evaporation of the fluid is what causes the cooling action, just like perspiration on your body is a cooling agent, it takes energy to split a molecule, therms are energy, removing therms, lowers the temperature, there is no unit of measure for chill, for there is nonesuch, refrigerators are really dethermifiers. Alright so I'll get to the point the compressor supposedly does not do well with gas bubbles in it, when you turn a refrigerator on its' side it allows gas bubbles into the compressor?? So that is what I've heard, however my own conjecture is based on having come in contact with freon once, I don't recommend it, but it feels quite oily, possibly when a refrigerator is on its' side all of the liquid freon drains into the evaporation tubing potentially either clogging the tubing or removing essential lubrication for the compressor causing damage at startup. I have also heard however that there is a certain critical angle of tilt that is harmful, further I've heard that it is no problem if the refrigerator is off, and is allowed to stand vertical for at least 24 hours prior to being started again. Take this for what it is worth, which in my opinion is very little, in that it is only my conjectural opinion, and I have no training in refrigeration, nor have I conducted any serious investigation into this issue.

Answer

It is possible damage will result. Your fridge's compressor motor may be suspended inside the compressor housing on three or four springs. These springs are designed to hold the motor load in a vertical position. Transporting a fridge on it's side can stretch or break these springs which can cause a shudder stop condition (the fridge makes a shuddering banging noise every time the compressor stops and sometimes when it starts).

It's considered to be a good idea to let a fridge sit for a bit anytime it is moved. I believe "overnight" is appropriate, to settle the refrigerant and any possible products of wear to their appropriate area in this closed system.

Make sure you remove the doors from your old fridge unless you are immediately getting rid of it or it is stored somewhere kids cannot get to it.