What Happens if You Plug a Fridge In Too Soon?
I once moved into a new apartment and was eager to get my fridge plugged in and stocked with food. I was so excited to have a cold drink after a long day of moving. However, I made a careless mistake: I plugged the fridge in before letting it sit upright for 24 hours.
Needless to say, my fridge never worked properly after that. The compressor burned out, and I had to buy a new one. To avoid a similar fate, it’s important to understand why you should never plug in a fridge too soon after moving it.
Why You Shouldn’t Plug in a Fridge Too Soon
When you move a refrigerator, the oil in the compressor can leak out and settle in the refrigerant lines. If you plug in the fridge too soon, the compressor will try to circulate the refrigerant, but the oil will block the lines. This can cause the compressor to overheat and burn out.
In addition, when a refrigerator is lying on its side, the oil can pool in the evaporator coils. When you plug in the fridge, the oil can be drawn into the compressor, causing it to seize up.
How Long to Wait Before Plugging in a Fridge
The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours before plugging in a refrigerator after moving it. This gives the oil time to settle back into the compressor.
If you’re moving a refrigerator a long distance, you may want to wait even longer. For example, if you’re moving a refrigerator from one state to another, you may want to wait 48 hours before plugging it in.
What to Do if You Plug in a Fridge Too Soon
If you accidentally plug in a fridge too soon, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take:
- Unplug the fridge immediately.
- Let the fridge sit upright for 24 hours.
- Plug in the fridge and see if it works properly.
- If the fridge doesn’t work properly, call a qualified appliance repair technician.
Tips and Expert Advice
Here are some tips and expert advice for moving a refrigerator:
- Always transport a refrigerator upright. If you must lay it down, do so for as short a time as possible.
- When you move a refrigerator, secure it with straps or bungee cords to prevent it from tipping over.
- Let the refrigerator sit upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in.
- If you’re moving a refrigerator a long distance, you may want to wait even longer before plugging it in.
- If you accidentally plug in a fridge too soon, unplug it immediately and let it sit upright for 24 hours before plugging it in again.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your refrigerator will last for many years to come.
FAQ
What happens if I plug in a fridge too soon?
If you plug in a fridge too soon, the oil in the compressor can leak out and settle in the refrigerant lines. This can cause the compressor to overheat and burn out.
How long should I wait before plugging in a fridge?
The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours before plugging in a refrigerator after moving it.
What should I do if I accidentally plug in a fridge too soon?
If you accidentally plug in a fridge too soon, unplug it immediately and let it sit upright for 24 hours before plugging it in again.
Conclusion
Plugging in a fridge too soon after moving it can be a costly mistake. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can help ensure that your refrigerator will last for many years to come.
Are you interested in learning more about how to move a refrigerator safely? Visit our website for more information.
