The short answer is: only if absolutely necessary. Laying your freezer down can seriously damage the sealed system, leading to expensive repairs or an inoperable appliance. When moving a freezer, keep it upright whenever possible. If you must lay it down, take steps to minimize risk.
As an avid home chef and meal prepper, having a reliable freezer is essential for storing fresh food. When my family moved across town last year, I learned the hard way how important it is to properly transport freezers! After tipping my 7-year-old chest freezer onto its back for the move, it failed to turn back on at the new house. Luckily, knowing what I know now, you can avoid my mistake…
Why Freezers Need to Stay Upright
Freezers contain a sealed refrigeration system that relies on the steady circulation of refrigerant and compressor oil. When tipped or laid down, that circulation is disrupted:
Refrigerant shifts – The fluid can settle in parts of the system instead of circulating normally. This can lead to reduced efficiency and cooling capacity.
Oil flows into cooling tubes – Normally oil stays in the compressor. But when tilted, it can leak into tubes meant for refrigerant flow. This blocks normal circulation.
Stress on components – Laying a heavy appliance on its side puts force on internal parts not designed to bear weight. This can warp or break key mechanisms.
The result is a freezer at risk of catastrophic failure. Compressors may seize up. Refrigerant lines get blocked. Seals crack under pressure changes. Prevent this type of damage by keeping freezers upright!
Exceptions: When It‘s OK to Lay a Freezer Down
While avoiding it is best, there are times you may have no choice but to briefly lay a freezer on its side or back:
- Narrow doorways or staircases during moving
- Fitting a large chest freezer into a small space
- Performing maintenance or repairs
In these cases, just take steps to minimize risk:
Lay Down for the Shortest Time Possible
The longer a freezer sits horizontally, the higher the likelihood of damage. Lay down only when you have to and get it standing back up quickly.
Put Chest Freezers on the Compressor Side
Don‘t place directly on the back! Lay a chest freezer onto its compressor side instead. This puts less direct pressure on internal components.
Allow Equal Settle Time Before Turning Back On
Once upright again, let the freezer sit powered off for a period of time equal to how long it was horizontal. This allows the oil and refrigerant to settle safely before circulating again. The settle time should be at least 4-24 hours. For older freezers with more wear, wait even longer.
What Could Happen If You Don‘t Follow Precautions
Placing a freezer down carelessly or powering it on too quickly can be disastrous. Here are just some of the expensive problems that can occur:
Failed compressor – Oil leaking into the compressor during transport can cause the motor to seize up and stop working entirely. Replacing the compressor often costs over $200 in parts alone.
Clogged refrigerant lines – Oil that migrates into the tubes blocks normal refrigerant circulation. Clearing blockages requires a professional repair costing $200 or more.
Refrigerant leaks – Jostling and pressure changes during transport can crack seals and hoses. Repairing leaks often means fully replacing all of the refrigerant – easily over $100.
Warped doors/shelves – Carrying the weight of the appliance can bend internal parts like shelves and door seals. These warped components then don‘t function or seal properly.
Frozen food spoilage – If any of the above issues prevent the freezer from cooling normally, hundreds of dollars worth of frozen goods may spoil!
Trust me, it‘s worth taking the time to move your freezer safely. Preventing even minor repairs will save you significant money and hassle.
How to Safely Transport Freezers in Vehicles
When moving freezers in trucks or cars, follow these tips to keep your appliance safe and avoid damage:
Use moving straps to keep upright freezers standing securely. For chest freezers, strap down firmly on the compressor side.
Pack freezer tightly with blankets to prevent shifting.
Drive slowly and steadily over bumps. Sudden jolts or acceleration can tip freezers.
Bring help to load and unload, don‘t attempt to carry alone. A dolly makes moving bulky freezers much easier.
Power off and prop doors open for transport to allow air circulation and prevent odors.
Never place heavy items on top of freezer during transport.
How Long Should You Leave a New Freezer Before Plugging In?
After bringing home and setting up a new freezer, you also need to take steps for safe operation:
Leave upright for 3-4 hours before first powering on.
Allow 24 hours for temperatures to fully stabilize and become cold enough for food.
Do not overfill right away – add food gradually over the first few days.
These guidelines give the refrigeration system time to settle into smooth operation in the new location before being loaded up.
Can You Transport a Freezer on Its Side?
This is not recommended, since all freezers are designed to operate upright. But if you must briefly lay a freezer down during moving, follow the precautions covered above:
- Minimize time horizontal
- Lay chest freezers on compressor side
- Secure freezer to prevent shifting
- Allow equal settle time before powering back on
Transporting on the side is risky, but can be done with proper care.
Are There Any Alternatives to Laying Down?
If possible, consider these other options before placing your freezer horizontally:
Use a furniture dolly designed for moving appliances. This allows slowly "walking" the freezer while remaining upright.
For stairs, remove freezer doors temporarily. This helps maneuver the narrower cabinet up or down steps while staying vertical.
Wait to move freezers last after other furniture and boxes are out of the way. This minimizes obstacles.
A little clever planning goes a long way to keeping your freezer safe and avoiding damage!
In Summary: Top Tips for Moving Freezers
To recap, follow these best practices when transporting your upright or chest freezer:
- Keep upright at all times if possible
- Only lay down when absolutely necessary
- Lay chest freezers on compressor side, not back
- Minimize time spent horizontal
- Allow equal settle time before turning back on – 4+ hours
- Power off and prop open doors during transport
- Secure freezer tightly to prevent shifting
- Move slowly and steadily
Taking a few simple precautions will ensure your freezer arrives safely at its new home ready to keep food frozen. Handling freezers properly while moving will prevent expensive repairs and keep you enjoying convenient frozen storage for years to come. Stay chill!
