Fridges are really common appliances in every household. Plugging a fridge right after moving them is a common mistake as well. If you are not aware of it, it’s really easy to wreck the fridge. So, how long do you wait to plug in a fridge after moving it?
If you just moved your fridge, you should not plug it right away. You have to let the fridge stand for a while before you plug it in. But how long should you wait? Well, that depends on how you have transported the fridge.
If the fridge was moved in a standing position, then you should wait at least an hour before turning it on. But, if the fridge is moved on one of its sides, its manufacturer recommends leaving it standing for at least 4 hours. If you can wait more, there’s no harm in it.
Why Do You Have to Wait Before Plugging the Fridge?
Regardless of what the manufacturing company and what type of fridge it is, you have to let it stand before plugging it in. But why? Well, it’s because the refrigerant in the fridge needs to stabilize and get leveled before you run the fridge.
There are also a few things you should do before turning the fridge on. Check the section below to learn about them.
3 Things to Do Before Plugging in a Displaced Fridge
If you just moved your fridge, letting it stand before running is a mandatory thing. Other than that, there are a few things you should do before starting it up. Check the points below.
Clean the Interior and Exterior of the Fridge
Doing proper fridge cleaning is a no-brainer. And since you have just moved it, your fridge must be empty. So, it’s best to clean the interior of the fridge before you pack it with food and goods. You don’t need to use any chemicals. Just wipe the interior of the fridge with a damp towel.
Also, keeping the exterior of the fridge clean is also important. You can use the same damp towel to wipe the exterior of the fridge. Make sure the towel isn’t dripping wet. Also, be sure the fridge is dry before you turn it on.
Place the Fridge Correctly
The fridge should stand correctly before you flip the switch on. So, how should your fridge stand? What you should look out for when placing your fridge is there’s a gap between the fridge and the wall. To be specific at least 5 millimeters of a gap is necessary. Also, proper fridge leveling is necessary for the fridge to operate optimally.
Why should you keep the gap? If your fridge is leaning against the wall, the exterior of the fridge can get damaged. Since the fridge can vibrate and also this can cause electrical shocks. So, don’t push the fridge all the way back into the wall.
Turn the Fridge Switch On
Now that the compressor oil settling is done you can turn the fridge on. But, don’t pack the fridge with food already. The fridge needs to get to an operating temperature first. And an empty fridge can cool faster than a filled-up fridge.
If your fridge has indicator lights, the lights will turn green when it gets to the correct temperature. But if your fridge doesn’t have them, usually it takes a few hours for reaching the correct temperature.
How to Transport Fridge Correctly,
First of all, you should not be moving heavy appliances by yourself. Fridges are really heavy, so having another pair of hands is quite necessary. Also, be careful when you are moving the fridge up or down floors since the fridge can be quite heavy.
When you are moving your fridge, make sure you shut the doors. The doors can flip open if it’s not tied up. You can either use tape or rope to keep the doors opening while moving the fridge.
Also, using bubble wrap or cardboard around the fridge can keep the exterior safe from damage.
The best method of refrigerator transportation is in a standing position. Because that way the refrigerant can be in the right positions. But if it’s necessary you can lay the fridge on its side. But make sure to give it more time before turning it on.
Why Do Refrigerants Leak From Fridges?
The refrigerant fridges use is called Feron. And the main reason for it to leak is from puncture. But how can it get punctured? Well, in most cases, the refrigerant leaks from the fridge if it’s not moved properly.
rust and rodents can also cause leaks in refrigerant lines. Also, there can be a leak if you defrost or scrape ice off the freezer or try to repair the fridge without proper directions.
It’s better to do periodic Appliance maintenance to keep your fridge up to mark. Fridges have become a daily necessity. A wrecked fridge can ruin your whole weekend.
How to Stabilize the Temperature of the Fridge
In order to keep your food fresh, the fridge needs to maintain a stable temperature. Without proper temperature stabilization, there is a high chance that the goods inside the fridge will go bad.
To make sure your food doesn’t go bad, you need to do two things. Firstly, don’t pack the fridge full. A full fridge will struggle to circulate air around and it will take longer for the temperature to stabilize.
Secondly, limit fridge opening for the first 24 hours after turning it on. A fridge usually takes 24 hours to stabilize its temperature and the things inside it. If the door is open frequently, it will take longer for the fridge to reach a stable temperature.
Are Power Surges Bad for the Fridge
Power surges are bad for any appliances and electronics. Anything which runs on electricity needs a specific voltage to operate. Anything below or above that level can be reckoning.
So yes, power surges are bad for a fridge. But, what can you do about it? The most simple and easy solution is to use a surge protector or a voltage stabilizer. There are quite inexpensive, considering it can repairing afterward can be more expensive.
Thinking to buy a small fridge for personal use? click this link to get one below 100USD from Amazon, and also without any shipping cost
FAQs on How Long Do You Wait To Plug In a Fridge After Moving
How to Prevent Electrical Shocks When Opening the Fridge?
Electrical shocks can arise if any exposed wire is touching the frame of the fridge. In this case, seeking professionals is the best thing. But before that, unplug the fridge and also turn the circuit breaker off.
What to do When Fridge Has a Power Issue?
If your fridge is not getting power, make sure the fridge is plugged in properly and the switch is turned on. The problem can also be in the socket. So plug in another appliance and check if the socket is the problem. If it still doesn’t work, it’s better to contact the manufacturer.
What Would Happen if I Power the Fridge Just After Moving?
Plugging the fridge right after moving can cause blockage inside. When a fridge is moved the compressor oil can sip into the refrigeration system of the fridge. So, it needs to get back to the compressor before the fridge turns, or it will freeze and create a blockage.
Can I Move the Fridge Just After Unplugging it?
You can move a fridge just after unplugging it, but it’s not recommended. It’s better to turn the fridge off 24 hours in advance so it can defrost. You also should clean the fridge otherwise mold and mildew can grow inside the fridge.
Should I leave Foods In an Unplugged Fridge?
If the door remains unopened, the fridge can stay cold for up to 4 hours. And the freezer can stay cold for up to 24 hours if it’s half full. But it’s not recommended to keep anything inside in an unplugged fridge because microorganisms can grow and can be hazardous.
Verdict
So that’s everything you need to know about how long do you wait to plug in a fridge after moving it.
Fridges are really important appliances in every household. So, keeping it up to mark is also really important.
Best of luck with moving your fridge! Also read How to Remove Cat Hair from Clothes When Washing from our blog section.
Share the joy
Written By Gemma Wilson
Gemma is an expert at writing about how appliances are made and how to use them. She can tell you how to choose the best appliances for your needs and how to take care of them properly. She can also give helpful tips on how to fix and troubleshoot appliances and give advice on how to choose the most energy-efficient ones.
2 thoughts on “How Long Do You Wait To Plug In a Fridge After Moving It? 3 Easy Things to Do”