Refrigerator Anatomy

• Your refrigerator stays cool through a network of pipes that run through its walls and behind its back. A chemical gas coolant circulates inside these pipes, where it absorbs heat from the inside of the refrigerator. As a result, the coolant becomes warmer and the inside of the fridge becomes colder. The warm coolant then flows in a reverse direction through the pipes until it reaches the compressor at the bottom of your fridge. As the warm coolant enters the compressor, it is pressurized and heated, resulting in its liquefaction, before being sent through the thin coils along the back of your refrigerator. After passing through a small valve, the warm liquid is converted into an extremely cold gas that moves into the freezer pipes. By the time the gas reaches the pipes in the fridge, it has cooled enough to chill the refrigerator's contents again.
  
  

Why You Shouldn't Tip

• Without a functioning compressor, the refrigerator cannot work. In fact, the compressor serves as the motor for the refrigerator's cooling system. Just like any other motor, the compressor uses oil to fuel its processes. When you tip a refrigerator and lay it on its side or back, this oil can easily flow into the pipes or lines that connect with the compressor. Once the refrigerator is turned upright, this oil might not drain back into the compressor. If oil remains in the discharge lines or return lines, the refrigerator's compressor will not function properly and your fridge will not cool.
  
  

If You Must Tip

• Due to its bulky size and awkward shape, moving a refrigerator in an upright position can be difficult if you are not a professional. If you must tip the refrigerator, avoid laying it completely on its back. Instead, use a sturdy box to prop up the top portion of the fridge. Ideally, the top of the fridge should remain higher than its bottom. If you need to lay the refrigerator on its side, make sure that the return and discharge lines remain in an upright position. If a small amount of oil escapes into the process tube, it should not affect the refrigerator's operation. Once you reach the new location, leave the refrigerator upright for several hours before plugging it in. This allows time for the oil to flow back into the compressor.
  
  

Transportation Tips

• Be sure to completely empty the refrigerator and freezer before attempting to move it. Whether you plan to lay the fridge on its back or side or move it upright, objects inside will certainly shift during the process. Removing the shelving units and drawers is often necessary. To avoid injury to the movers and damage to the fridge, tape the doors shut before the move. A refrigerator is heavy and awkward to move; be sure you have plenty of assistance before attempting to move it.