Leaving a fridge or freezer to stand after being transported
Yes – a fridge or freezer should be left to stand before being plugged in after delivery or moving. Failing to do so can damage the appliance. However, how long it needs to stand depends on whether and how far it was laid over during transport.
If the appliance was transported upright in a large van and moved into the house on a sack barrow (kept near-vertical throughout), 10 minutes should be sufficient. In all other cases, follow the instruction manual – typically between 1 and 6 hours depending on the manufacturer.
When Is 10 Minutes Enough?
Two conditions must both be true for a short 10-minute standing period to be considered sufficient:
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The appliance was delivered in a large van and kept upright throughout the journey.
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It was moved from the van into the house on a sack barrow – meaning it would not have been tilted far from vertical at any point.
If both of these apply, 10 minutes should be enough – though following the instruction manual’s advice remains the safest course of action.
When Should You Wait Longer?
If the appliance is known to have been laid over during transport – or if it is not clear whether it was – allow the full standing time stated in the instruction manual. This is typically stated as up to 6 hours, though many manuals state shorter periods depending on the type of refrigerant system used.
If a fridge or freezer has been laid on its back, or on the incorrect side, it may suffer compressor or refrigerant circuit damage regardless of how long it is left to stand. This is covered in the companion guide below.
Why Does It Need to Stand at All?
The compressor in a fridge or freezer contains oil which lubricates its internal components. When the appliance is tilted or laid down, this oil can move into the refrigerant circuit. Plugging in the appliance before the oil has had time to drain back to the compressor can cause damage. The standing period allows the oil to return to where it belongs before the compressor is run.
Need to transport a fridge or freezer?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I leave a fridge or freezer to stand after delivery?
If it was kept upright throughout delivery and moved into the house on a sack barrow, 10 minutes is generally considered sufficient. If it was tilted significantly, or if this is not known, follow the standing time stated in the instruction manual – this is usually between 1 and 6 hours. When in doubt, waiting longer is never harmful.
Why do fridges and freezers need to stand before being switched on?
The compressor contains oil that can migrate into the refrigerant circuit when the appliance is tilted or laid flat. If the compressor is run before this oil has drained back to its correct position, it can cause damage. The standing period allows the oil to settle back into the compressor before the appliance is started.
What happens if a fridge or freezer is laid on its back or the wrong side?
This can cause more serious problems that may not be resolved simply by leaving the appliance to stand. The refrigerant circuit may be affected in ways that a standing period cannot remedy. See the full guide: can you lay a fridge or freezer on its side or back when moving it?