If this dilemma wasn t confusing enough there is also what to do once you move the refrigerator to its new home.
Moving a fridge lying down.
Lie your fridge on its side and never on its back lie it on the side opposite the hinges so the door is not straining to open.
Some insist when moving your refrigerator to lay the refrigerator down while others swear you should only ever transport upright.
Tip it at an angle if possible as this will help to keep the oil from flowing out of the compressor.
Determine where the suction line runs up into the freezer.
If it was on its side for two hours leave it upright and unplugged for two hours.
Stand the unit upright at the new location and allow it to sit unplugged for the same amount of time that it was on its side to allow the oil to drain back down.
The answer is yes you can except for the monogram refrigerators that should always remain upright.
Refrigerator by laying it down even though it s not the preferred method of transport it s ok to lay a refrig down for moving even a r134a system if you pay close attention to the refrigerant lines.
Remove everything from inside including any trays or racks.
Also always move down stairs one step at a time.
If the coils are heavily frosted unplug the unit several hours or even a day before moving it.
A good rule of thumb is to leave the refrigerator upright and unplugged for the same amount of time that it was lying on its side.
Unplug the refrigerator at least two hours before you move it to give it time to defrost.
If it is unavoidable to transport a refrigerator upright lay the unit down on its side on the freezer side for side by side models or else opposite the hinges instead of the back.
Don t you have to leave the appliance standing for a few hours before switching it back on.
If you must lay the fridge down because of lack of transport space avoid laying it 100 flat.
If you have a side by side fridge freezer lie it down on the freezer side the side with the smaller door.
Be sure the cooling and discharge lines on the compressor are facing upward.
If laying the refrigerator down cannot be avoided here are some thing to consider depending on the type of refrigerator.
So can you transport a refrigerator laying down.
When loading the refrigerator in a moving van truck etc it is best to keep it standing upright to minimize possible damage to the sealed system or prevent damage to loose items.