The most common moving mistakes and how to prevent them from damaging your fridge
Moving big, heavy appliances like refrigerators can be a pain. Many people simply choose to buy a new refrigerator and have it professionally delivered and installed in their newly purchased home. However, if you move frequently or simply can’t afford a brand new fridge, you will want to take your current refrigerator with you. Be sure to treat your refrigerator with care during the moving process, to avoid damaging it and incurring the need for refrigerator repair in Rancho Mirage CA later on! Here are a few of the top mistakes that movers make when transporting refrigerators.
Laying the Fridge Down
This is the number one cause of moving-related refrigerator repair in Rancho Mirage CA. Refrigerators aren’t meant to lay flat. When they do, the oil from the compressor can get into the cooling lines, and it may not drain back properly when the fridge is stood upright again. If this happens, obviously the refrigerator will not cool! Unfortunately, you won’t know for certain if you have fouled cooling lines until several days after your move. This is because a fridge (especially an empty one) can take up to 72 hours to cool fully after being unplugged for any amount of time. If after this lengthy period your fridge still isn’t cooling, it’s time to call in the pros and get the problem fixed.
Moving the Fridge When Full
This sounds silly, but people sometimes do try to move full refrigerators, especially on very short trips. This is a bad idea, not only because the contents can shift and cause the fridge to tip over, but also because they can put extra stress on the shelves and drawers and cause them to break. Shelves and drawers should be removed prior to transporting the fridge.
Misusing Straps
Moving straps are very useful, both to hold the doors shut and keep the fridge from shifting in the moving truck. However, straps must be placed and tightened carefully. Do not place them over door handles, as this can dent or damage them to such an extent that they need to be replaced. Drawing the moving straps too tight can also pose problems, such as damaging the refrigerator’s finish or even pulling the doors out of alignment.
If you have made any of these moving mistakes, don’t panic. You can get help. Simply call American Appliance Repair. Our technicians are fully trained in refrigerator repair for Rancho Mirage CA, and they can help your fridge make a quick recovery from any sort of moving trauma.
