Secure the refrigerator. Jostling down the stairs and on a truck could weaken solder joints, producing a leak. Lack of oil in the compressor can also damage the compressor. Beer fridge. So, I live in college housing and my refrigerator sucks. We had to replace it a couple years ago when it died for unknown reasons but I suspect that since we aren't there all the time brown outs are the most likely reason. This pump runs very hot. First case On our home page we state that driving up a hill can damage your fridge. Modern-day refrigerators contain a number of different chemicals, including oil, refrigerant, lubricants, and more. Exception: Some Column models for 30" to 31" doorways before packing is removed, can be tilted back when placed on dolly to take into the home. How to Run a Refrigerator in a Hot Garage. Thats not to say the motor can't be damaged but it's repeated cycles of overheating and restarting that can cause eventual damage. I’m getting a fantastic deal on a refrigerator from a coworker. Another coworker has offered me free use of a cargo van to move it. We have a vacation home that we leave the refrigerator on. There is also risk in storing your food in the fridge for that long period. When tilted, these fluids may shift and move around to areas where they shouldn’t be.
But if you want to transport your fridge safely, then you should spend time to unpack the food and any item that’s in there. Try our refrigerator selector to choose right refrigerator by answering simple questions without reading any buying guide. For instance, the oil inside the compressor may drain and travel into the refrigerant lines. Shop fridge. If it has lied down flat for some time, then wait at least 24 hours with the refrigerator in the normal upright position before turning it on.

Whatever you call it, a refrigerator in the garage provides extra space and convenience. Breaker boxes, which can generally be found in older homes, help prevent permanent damage to a refrigerator and other electronics during a power surge. If we must lay the fridge down, it is better not to lay it 100% flat, but rather to keep an angle so gravity keeps the oil in the compressor. The refrigerator compressor uses oil to lubricate the pump. Plus, loose items can clog up hoses and filters. Keeping it on for 2-4 weeks can be manageable but for more than a month does not make any sense. Unfortunately, most people don’t see this as a big deal. I put a new carton of milk in my refrigerator and it curdles four days later. ating the refrigerator with insufficient power can damage the compressor. When you short cycle the compressor like that it's the worst thing an owner can do to shorten the lifespan of it's compressor. If the breaker box is working properly, when a power surge moves through the electrical line, the breaker for the refrigerator flips to the "Off" position. Snack fridge. Do You Need Good Luck or Knowledge to Stay out of Danger? In addition, if you frequently overfill the refrigerator, or you're always taking trips to the grocery store, the California Energy Commission advises that you may need to purchase a larger appliance. Over the years, this leak drips water down to the floor and wall beneath the fridge, causing slow but progressive refrigerator water damage. No, tilting the fridge (by itself) won't cause a gas leak. But … So, how can tilting can damage to a refrigerator? In contrast to the refrigerator, a freezer can be stuffed to capacity as long as the airflow is not restricted. If your refrigerator is on rollers; be sure it is properly secured in the moving van to prevent rolling and damage.
But your hand truck might damage tubing on the back or behind a fridge. Such items can get broken or damage the internal part of the refrigerator. It can block your freezer vents, causing your refrigerator motor and condenser to work harder than they need to, which can cause them to burn out. When using a dolly or hand truck, always truck from the side. Besides this, placing a refrigerator flat on its back is a major no-no: the weight of the fridge can damage its internal parts, even if they’re not exposed. Such damage is not covered under your warranty. A voltage surge can also damage the refrigerator’s ice maker. Hard items can damage the inside of washers and dryers, scratching off paint and leaving dings. I’m anxious to avoid spending money on a rental truck to get it home, but I’m worried that I will damage the fridge with a van move. When the inrush of current causes additional heat within the component, it can lead to a short in the ice maker’s electrical connections. Some manufacturers warn not to move any of their refrigerators, or certain models, on their side under any circumstances. Refrigerator water damage doesn’t always happen suddenly. Often times what ends up happening is the plastic water line behind the refrigerator will crack or weaken, causing a slow leak.