How much force is required to move the refrigerator?

Moving a refrigerator requires considerable force due to its large size and heavy weight. The exact amount of force needed depends on several factors, including the refrigerator’s dimensions, weight, contents, and the types of surfaces it will be moved across.

Determining the Refrigerator’s Weight

The first step in calculating the force required to move a refrigerator is determining its total weight. Most full-size refrigerators weigh between 200-300 lbs empty. When fully stocked with food and drinks, the weight can increase by 100 lbs or more. To find the exact weight of your refrigerator:

• Locate the product manual or specifications – The refrigerator’s weight may be listed here.
• Weigh yourself on a scale – Then step on while holding the refrigerator to see the change in weight. Subtract your weight to get the refrigerator’s weight.
• Use a freight scale – Place the refrigerator on a heavy-duty scale to get an accurate reading.

Once you know the total weight, you can use this number to estimate the amount of force needed to move it. The basic formula is:

Force (in lbs) = Mass (in lbs) x Acceleration (9.8 m/s^2)

So for example, if your refrigerator weighs 250 lbs, the force required to move it is:

Force = 250 lbs x 9.8 m/s^2 = 2,450 lbs of force

Coefficient of Friction

The coefficient of friction between the refrigerator and surface plays a big role in how much force is needed to move the appliance. Friction is resistance that occurs when one object rubs against another. The higher the coefficient of friction, the more force required to overcome this friction and move the object.

Here are some common coefficients of friction:

• Wood on wood – 0.25 to 0.5
• Wheels on wood – 0.04 to 0.08
• Wheels on concrete – 0.010 to 0.020
• Steel on steel – 0.05 to 0.20

To account for friction, the force formula becomes:

Force = Mass x Acceleration x Coefficient of Friction

Using the example above with a 250 lb refrigerator being slid across wood with a 0.4 coefficient, the force needed is:

Force = 250 lbs x 9.8 m/s^2 x 0.4 = 980 lbs of force

Using wheels and moving it on concrete drops the coefficient significantly, reducing the force needed to:

Force = 250 lbs x 9.8 m/s^2 x 0.015 = 367 lbs of force

Getting Over Obstacles

When moving a refrigerator, you often have to get over obstacles like thresholds, carpets, cords, and uneven surfaces. This requires extra force to lift the appliance over these obstructions. The amount of extra force depends on the height of the obstacle.

The formula to calculate the additional force needed is:

Force = Mass x Gravitational Acceleration x Height

Where gravitational acceleration is 9.8 m/s2 on Earth. Let’s say you need to lift the 250 lb refrigerator 2 inches (0.05 m) over a threshold. The extra force required is:

Force = 250 lbs x 9.8 m/s^2 x 0.05 m = 122 lbs of force

For a 4 inch obstacle, the extra force required doubles to 244 lbs. Lifting over obstacles takes considerable strength and good technique. A dolly, ramps, and helpers make this easier and safer.

Getting Through Doorways

Another tricky part of moving a refrigerator is maneuvering it through doorways and tight spaces. An average refrigerator is about 30-36 inches wide. Standard doorways are 30-32 inches wide. So you often have to angle the refrigerator diagonally at 45 degrees or more to fit through doors.

This angular movement takes extra applied force, because you are redirecting the weight instead of just sliding it straight. The narrower the opening, the more exaggerated the angle needed, and the greater the force required.

There is no formula for calculating the exact force needed for this angled movement. But expect at least 50% more force to move the refrigerator through a tight doorway compared to sliding it over an open floor. Wider doorways and refrigerator models make this easier.

Comparing Forces to Move a Refrigerator

Let’s compare some example force requirements to move a 250 lb refrigerator under different conditions:

Condition	Force Required
Sliding on wood floor	980 lbs
Rolling on wheels across concrete	367 lbs
Lifting 2 inches over threshold	122 lbs extra
Angling through 30-inch doorway	600+ lbs

This table demonstrates how surface friction and obstacles drastically increase the force needed to move refrigerators. Hard, smooth surfaces and wide openings make moving easier.

Choosing Appropriate Moving Equipment

To safely move a refrigerator without injury or damage, use the appropriate equipment based on the force calculated:

• Appliance hand truck (dolly) – The standard way to move refrigerators. Choose a dolly rated for at least double the refrigerator’s weight. Air-tired wheels make it easier to roll over uneven surfaces.
• Furniture sliders – Placed under the refrigerator’s feet, sliders minimize friction allowing you to slide the appliance on the floor. They reduce force needed by 50% or more.
• Shoulder straps – Allow you to lift the refrigerator a few inches to clear obstacles. Look for padded straps rated for over 500 lbs.
• Ramps – Minimize the force needed to lift the refrigerator over stairs and obstacles. Use ramps with a low slope rated for appliance weight.
• Movers straps – Special straps that allow 2+ people to share the load of lifting and tipping the refrigerator.

Using a combination of these tools is the safest approach for DIY refrigerator moving. Call professional movers if the refrigerator is exceptionally heavy or large.

Technique Matters as Much as Force

Proper technique is just as important as brute strength when moving a refrigerator. With good technique, you can move a refrigerator with far less applied force. Follow these tips:

• Always lift with legs, not back to avoid injury.
• Keep the refrigerator close to your body when lifting.
• Move slowly and carefully to avoid tipping.
• Plan the route in advance and clear obstacles.
• Open doors fully so you don’t have to angle refrigerator as much.
• Make sure helpers lift together and coordinate movements.

Special Considerations for Moving a Refigerator Downstairs

Moving a refrigerator down stairs takes extra precaution and preparation. The staircase angle will redirect much of the refrigerator’s weight from forward momentum into downward force. This makes it extremely difficult to control and stabilize the appliance.

To move a refrigerator downstairs safely:

• Only attempt with 3+ strong helpers.
• Use a stair skid or heavy duty slide mat.
• Tie straps around the fridge to hold and lower steadily.
• Position helpers on upper and lower stairs to guide.
• Move very slowly, taking one stair at a time.
• Have someone below ready to catch the refrigerator if needed.

Stair weight limits may restrict large appliance movement. An alternative is to use a chain hoist or engine lift on the upper floor to lower the refrigerator straight down the outside of the staircase. This complex task is best left to professional appliance movers.

Conclusion

Moving a refrigerator requires strategic planning and considerable applied force. While the exact force needed depends on specific conditions, you can expect to exert hundreds of pounds of force by hand for a standard refrigerator. Using tools like dollies and sliders reduces this significantly. But ample assistance, good technique, and safety precautions are still essential. Calculate the forces involved ahead of time and use appropriate equipment to avoid injury or damaging the refrigerator. Hire professional movers if you have any concerns about safely relocating heavy refrigerators.