My Refrigerator is Not Working After We Moved

Mom doesn't have to cook if the refrigerator is broken.

Damages to your appliances in transit can dampen your excitement about settling in to your new place. Rather than letting the inconvenience ruin the occasion, consider it an opportunity to try out the take out spots in your new neighborhood. If you wind up having to toss your fridge and get a new one, contact the local waste management center to find out the laws for disposing of appliances with refrigerants.

Proper Transport

If your fridge isn't working properly after being installed in your new place, think back to whether it was transported properly. Refrigerators should be moved in an upright position; otherwise, you run the risk of compressor oil running towards the cooling tubes, thus impairing the unit's ability to cool properly. If you must tilt your fridge to move it, angle it so that the top half is elevated over the bottom half. The appliance should also be kept as still as possible while in transport; you should either secure it to the wall of the moving van or make sure its firmly wedged against other appliances or furniture.

After the Move

If your fridge was tilted on its side during the move, you can prevent it from malfunctioning by keeping it unplugged for at least as long as it was in transit. This will allow any compressor oil that flowed toward the cooling tubes to drain back to where it belongs. Don't worry if your fridge seems warm after you've plugged it in; it can take up to 24 hours to return to its normal operating temperature.

Troubleshooting

Check to see if your fridge is plugged in properly or if you've blown a fuse. In some older homes, the circuit breaker panel may not be adequate to handle the power load from all the appliances in the kitchen. Go through the owner's manual for your fridge to locate the particular problem then follow the suggestions step-by-step to try and resolve the problem.

Explore Your Options

If you're unable to fix the problem yourself, explore your options for having the fridge repaired. If you hired a professional mover, review your contract and enforce your rights regarding appliances damaged during transit. Contact the manufacturer of your appliance or your retailer and ask about your warranty coverage. If you decide to have your fridge fixed, get at least three estimates to determine a fair service price.

References

• GE Appliances: Refrigerator Moving Instructions
• GE Appliances: Not Cold Enough