Would a fall damage a refrigerator?

Question

We just bought a side by side refrigerator. We carried it upright per the recommendations. On the highway it fell flat on its face in the cab of the truck. It has a small dent and some scratches. We went ahead and transported it on its face. They say to leave it 24hrs before we can plug it in.

My question is, do you think the fall may have damaged the refrigerator functions in any way. I have to wait 24 hrs to plug it in, but I want to know so I can start shopping for another one. Thanks.

Answer 1

The 24 hr. delay is NOT for the refrigerant to settle, but rather that the refrigerant oil contained in the freon not be abnormally dispersed throughout the system.

As long as you follow the instructions for temp. setting and then wait another 24 hrs before ascertaining the freezer and refrigerator temperature, you shouldn't have any problems.
If you don't have a freezer thermometer already, obtain one from the grocery or hardware store.
[freezer = zero or less; refrig.= at least 38 degrees]

here's a helpful info sheet :
http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/ciq-fridge-freezer-thermometer.shtml

EDIT
It's not likely that the "motor" would have come loose; it's securely bolted in position
If after 24 hrs., the unit is obtaining temp. [ always allowing for another 24 hr. if an adjustment of the dials is needed]
then you can be certain that the defrost cycle and sensors have not been affected. Would be an extremely small chance some component became dislodged.

Answer 2

Well, you almost made it.

They should always be up right. Has something to do with the refrigerant.

Because it was face down I don't know what to tell you. Don't know how long it was face down.

Did you ask a profession about the 24 hour thing? If you didn't and asked a friend, call refrigeration people and ask them.

Wait the 24 hrs. plug it in and see what happens.

With a little luck, maybe there's someone waiting right now to answer your question so you can get a "for sure" answer.

Answer 3

Most of the time a fall will not damage things other than the body. Just check it to see if compressor might have jarred loose. If nothing is loose...let it set for the 24 hour time period. What happens when you lay a refrigerator down is the oil inside compressor flows out into condenser lines. If there is no oil or low oil in the compressor....it can cause that motor to lock up. The oil should settle back into compressor overnight and will be OK to plug in. If it runs quiet when you plug it in and turn it on...things are OK. If it makes a lot of noise...check to see if motor came loose.

Answer 4

You want to make sure it sits for the 24 hrs so the freon can settle. It should still work, but it's best to wait the 24 hrs to see. Plug it in any sooner and it may damage it when it would have worked perfectly.

Answer 5

If it fell on its face it's probably ok

Answer 6

if ypou didint use it at night