Your fridge worked fine before the movers arrived. Now it runs constantly but the inside feels like room temperature. You're about to spend KSh 40,000 on a new refrigerator. Stop.

The Physics of Oil Migration That Moving Companies Don't Understand

Compressor oil is thick — about the consistency of honey. When you tilt a fridge beyond 30 degrees (inevitable during Nairobi moves, especially with stairs), oil flows out of the compressor sump and into the condenser lines and evaporator. The compressor runs dry. Without oil, it cannot create the pressure needed to pump refrigerant. The result: a running compressor that cools nothing.

The 24-Hour Rule Most Nairobi Homeowners Don't Know

A transported fridge must stand completely upright for 24 hours before plugging in. This allows oil to drain back to the compressor by gravity. If someone plugged it in immediately — or worse, laid it on its side during transport — the compressor may have run dry for hours.

Recovery Is Often Possible (85% Success Rate)

Even if plugged in too early, the compressor is often recoverable. Here's what we do instead of selling you a new fridge:

• Install a temporary start capacitor to give the dry compressor extra torque during startup
• Run the compressor for 30 minutes to circulate remaining oil
• Monitor oil return by listening for characteristic sounds
• Test cooling performance over 2 hours

When Oil Migration Becomes Permanent Damage

If the compressor ran dry for more than 6 hours, internal bearings may have scored. The compressor will run but make a metallic rattling sound. At this point, replacement is the only option — but we'll confirm with amp draw testing before recommending anything.

"I moved from Westlands to Thika Road. My Ramtons fridge worked before the move but not after. Repair Ready fixed it with a start capacitor for KSh 1,800. Still running perfectly six months later." — James, Thika Road

📞 Call 0707 790 099 before discarding a moved fridge. Mention 'oil migration' for same-day assessment.