How long can a freezer lay on its side?
Ava Arnold
Updated on February 23, 2026
Is it OK to lay a freezer on its side?
You should never lay your fridge freezer down. When on its back or side, oil will flow into the cooling tubes, and it may not drain from them when the fridge moves back to an upright position.How long can you transport a freezer on its side?
If it has been necessary to transport the freezer 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.Can you transport an upright freezer laying down?
But this isn't always possible, so you may need to lie it down, which requires some extra considerations at your destination. With a lot of padding underneath, lie your fridge or upright freezer down and secure it with straps so it can't move during transit.What happens if you lay a chest freezer on its side?
Setting the unit on its side displaces the refrigerant, and some of the liquid can seep into the evaporative coils, where only gas should be present. When you right the machine, the liquid drains out, but because the aperture is very small, this can take a long time.Can I lie a fridge on its side?
How long should a freezer stand after moving?
As aforementioned, you should leave the appliance to stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle. Once 4 hours have passed, you can plug your appliance in. When doing so, make sure that the thermostat control is set to on.Is it OK to transport a refrigerator laying down?
Though not preferable, you can move your refrigerator laying on its side. Remember, your fridge needs to stand still for hours after the move. If transported on its side, this wait time goes up to twice the time that the appliance has laid on its side.Which side is the compressor side of a freezer?
Depending on the design of the freezer, the compressor generally is located in the back of the unit near or on the floor. When the compressor is activated, an audible humming noise usually can be heard coming from the refrigerator, while there usually is silence when the compressor is not active.Can you lay a new upright freezer on its side?
Please follow the below instructions when purchasing a new upright or chest freezer and transporting it home: Keep the freezer in the upright position. If transporting it in an upright position is not possible, lay it down on the compressor side of the unit. Be careful to secure the door to prevent it from opening.How long can a refrigerator lay on its side?
After Transporting Your RefrigeratorIf it was on its side for more than a day, leave it standing upright for 24 hours before running the refrigerator. If laying on its side just briefly to service, clean or adjust, just a few minutes of stand time will be enough.
Can I lay a chest freezer on its side to transport?
Yes, you can transport a chest freezer on its side that has the compressor. But the proper and safe method is to transport your chest freezer in its normal upright position. For the best practice in transporting, follow the steps below: Unplug the electrical cable from the power-point.How do you transport an upright freezer?
When moving the freezer, wrap it in blankets or another form of padding. The padding will protect the exterior of the appliance from damage. Ideally, you should keep your freezer entirely upright the entire time during the move. If you do not have space to transport the freezer upright, place it on the compressor side.Does it hurt to lay a refrigerator on its side?
It's best to keep your refrigerator in an upright position for the entire move, no matter what its size. This is because putting a fridge down on its side can cause damage to the refrigerator compressor and keep it from doing its job. The compressor is filled with oil that is held in place by gravity.How do you transport a deep freezer?
Moving Large Appliances: How To Move A Deep Freezer
- Step one: have a safe plan for the food you will be removing from the deep freezer. ...
- Step two: unplug, defrost and clean the deep freezer before moving day. ...
- Step three: tie it up and pad it. ...
- Step four: when moving a freezer, keep it upright if you can.
Do you have to let a freezer sit before plugging it in?
Let it standIn transit, your appliance gets shaken around, so it's best to let everything settle before you plug it in. If it was transported upright, give it at least an hour before you plug it in. If it was transported on its side, turn it the right way up and leave it for at least four hours.
How long should I wait to plug in my fridge after laying it down?
If it's been on its side for 30 minutes during transit, wait 30 minutes once it's back upright. If it's been on its side for more than a day, you should wait 24 hours.Can you lay a Kenmore freezer on its side?
Moving On Its SideIt is possible to move a Kenmore upright freezer on its side when the proper precautions are taken. Still tape the doors closed and wrap the freezer in a heavy blanket. After arriving at your destination, immediately place the freezer upright, but wait at least 30 minutes before plugging it in.