How Long to Wait Before Using Your Refrigerator After Laying It on Its Side
Wait at least 4 hours before plugging in a refrigerator that has been on its side
When a refrigerator lies on its side during transport or moving, the oil in the compressor can flow into the cooling lines. If you plug it in immediately, that oil circulates through the system and can damage the compressor or block the flow of refrigerant. Waiting gives the oil time to drain back where it belongs.
The exact wait time depends on how long the refrigerator was horizontal. If it was on its side for less than a day, 4 hours of upright rest is usually enough. If it stayed sideways for several days or longer, wait 8 to 12 hours before turning it on. During this time, keep the refrigerator unplugged and standing upright in its final location.
Some manufacturers recommend waiting even longer—check your manual for the specific model. The manual will list the exact hours required, which can range from 4 to 24 hours depending on the design. When in doubt, waiting longer is safer than plugging it in too soon.
Key Takeaways
- A refrigerator that has been on its side needs at least 4 hours upright before you plug it in, to allow oil to drain back into the compressor.
- If the refrigerator was horizontal for more than one day, wait 8 to 12 hours instead of 4 to reduce the risk of compressor damage.
- Keep the refrigerator unplugged and standing upright in its final location during the entire waiting period.
- Check your refrigerator's manual for the manufacturer's specific waiting time, as some models require longer than others.
- Running the refrigerator too soon after it has been on its side can cause permanent damage to the compressor and cooling system.
Why the oil matters
Refrigerators use oil to lubricate the compressor, which is the motor that pumps refrigerant through the cooling system. When the refrigerator is upright, gravity keeps the oil in the compressor's crankcase where it belongs. When the unit tips sideways, oil flows out of the crankcase and into the copper tubing that carries refrigerant.
If you turn on the compressor while oil is still in the lines, the oil gets pushed through the system along with the refrigerant. This can coat the inside of the cooling tubes and block refrigerant flow, which stops the refrigerator from cooling. In some cases, the oil can damage the compressor motor itself when it tries to pump a thick mixture of oil and refrigerant instead of just refrigerant.
The waiting period allows gravity to pull the oil back down into the compressor where it can drain back into the crankcase. Once the oil is back in place, the system is safe to run.
How position during transport affects wait time
A refrigerator that was tilted at an angle during moving needs less waiting time than one that was completely flat on its side. If the unit was tilted back at 45 degrees or more (common when moving on a dolly), 4 hours is usually sufficient. If it was completely horizontal, aim for 8 hours minimum.
The length of time the refrigerator stayed on its side also matters. A unit that was sideways for 30 minutes during loading needs less recovery time than one that sat on its side for 8 hours in a moving truck. For short periods, 4 hours is often enough. For longer periods, extend the wait to 8 to 12 hours.
If you are unsure how long the refrigerator was on its side or at what angle, treat it as if it was completely horizontal for several hours. This means waiting 8 to 12 hours before plugging it in. This conservative approach protects your compressor.
What to do during the waiting period
Place the refrigerator in its final location before the waiting period begins. Moving it again after it has been resting upright can shift the oil back into the lines, which means you have to wait all over again. Make sure the floor is level and the unit is not tilted in any direction.
Leave the refrigerator unplugged during the entire waiting time. Do not open the doors or try to turn it on to check if it works. The compressor needs complete rest for the oil to settle properly. If you open the doors, warm air enters and the unit will have to work harder once it is plugged in, which can stress a system that is not yet ready.
If the refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, make sure the water supply line is connected and the valve is turned on before you plug it in. This prevents air from getting trapped in the lines when the system first runs.
Signs the refrigerator is ready to use
After the waiting period is over, plug in the refrigerator and listen for the compressor to start. You should hear a quiet humming sound within a few minutes. This is normal. The compressor may cycle on and off several times as the system reaches the correct temperature.
The refrigerator will take 2 to 4 hours to reach its normal operating temperature after you plug it in. Do not put food inside during this time. Let the empty unit run and stabilize first. You can check the temperature with a thermometer—the fridge section should reach 40°F (4°C) and the freezer should reach 0°F (-18°C).
If the refrigerator does not start after 10 minutes, or if it starts but makes loud grinding or rattling sounds, unplug it immediately. These are signs that oil may still be in the cooling lines or the compressor may have been damaged. Contact the manufacturer or a repair technician before trying again.
What happens if you plug it in too soon
Plugging in a refrigerator before the oil has drained back can cause immediate or delayed damage. In the best case, the system simply will not cool properly and you will notice it right away. In worse cases, the compressor can fail silently over the next few weeks or months, which means you will not know there is a problem until the food starts to warm up.
Compressor damage from premature startup is usually not covered by the manufacturer's warranty because it results from improper handling, not a defect. Replacing a compressor costs several hundred dollars and often requires professional service. Waiting a few extra hours is a small price compared to that repair bill.
If you have already plugged in the refrigerator too soon and it is running, there is no harm in unplugging it now and waiting the full recommended time. The longer you let it rest, the better the chance that any oil in the lines will drain back to where it belongs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug in the refrigerator after 2 hours if I am in a hurry?
No. Two hours is not enough time for the oil to drain back into the compressor, especially if the refrigerator was on its side for more than a few minutes. Waiting the full 4 to 12 hours is worth the delay to avoid compressor damage that could cost hundreds of dollars to repair.
Does it matter which side the refrigerator was on?
No. Oil will flow out of the compressor regardless of which side the unit tips toward. The waiting time is the same no matter the direction. Just make sure the refrigerator is standing fully upright before you start the waiting period.
What if the refrigerator was on its side in the store before I bought it?
Ask the store staff how long it was horizontal and whether it was allowed to rest upright before delivery. If it was on its side for more than a few hours and was not given time to rest, ask them to deliver it and let it rest at your home for 8 to 12 hours before plugging it in. Most stores are familiar with this requirement and will not object.
Can I speed up the waiting time by standing the refrigerator at an angle?
No. Tilting the refrigerator does not help the oil drain faster. The only thing that works is keeping it fully upright and waiting. Tilting it can actually slow the process because the oil may not drain as completely.
Is it safe to leave the refrigerator unplugged for 12 hours in warm weather?
Yes, as long as there is no food inside. An empty refrigerator will not spoil anything during the waiting period. Once you plug it in and it reaches the correct temperature, you can add food. If you are concerned about the room temperature, keep the doors closed to help the unit cool down faster once it is running.