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Used Appliance Delivery and Installation Guide

How you move and install a secondhand appliance matters just as much as the condition it was in when you bought it. Follow these five points to avoid damaging it on move-in day.

  1. Avoid laying a refrigerator on its side

    Laying a refrigerator flat can let compressor oil flow into the refrigerant lines. If it had to be transported on its side, stand it upright and wait at least four hours before turning it on.

  2. Do not power it on immediately after installation

    Appliances that use refrigerant, like refrigerators and air conditioners, need time for the refrigerant to settle after being jostled in transit, so waiting a while after installation before turning the power on is the safer approach.

  3. Confirm installer costs up front

    Appliances that need a professional setup, such as a washing machine needing a faucet connection or an air conditioner needing new piping, should have installation costs clearly agreed between buyer and seller before the deal closes.

  4. Check the access route: elevator, stairs, and doorway width

    Large appliances can get stuck at an elevator opening or on a narrow staircase, so measure the actual access route in advance to confirm the unit can physically get inside.

  5. Level the unit using a spirit level

    Refrigerators and washing machines placed on an uneven floor tend to vibrate more, make more noise, and in the case of a fridge, may have doors that swing open on their own. Adjust the leveling feet until it sits level.

How you handle a used appliance during the move matters as much as its condition

A perfectly good used appliance can be damaged by careless handling during delivery, even if it worked fine when you tested it before buying. Taking a few extra precautions during transport and installation protects the investment you just made.

Give refrigerant-based appliances time to settle

Refrigerators and air conditioners rely on refrigerant circulating through sealed tubing, and any jostling during a move can temporarily disturb that flow. Waiting the recommended time before powering the unit back on is not just a cautious suggestion; skipping it can genuinely shorten the compressor's lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before turning on a refrigerator that was moved lying down?

Stand it upright as soon as possible and wait at least four hours, though many manufacturers recommend waiting longer, sometimes up to 24 hours, if it was transported flat for an extended period.

Who should pay for installation of a used appliance?

There is no universal rule; it depends entirely on what the buyer and seller agree to, so it is worth settling this clearly before the sale rather than assuming the seller will cover it.