After completing the defrosting procedure and turning on the refrigerator Indesit to the network, many users are faced with an alarm: the compressor has been running for several hours, but there is still no click to turn off. This is a normal situation in most cases, but it is important to understand the physics of the cooling process in order to distinguish normal operation from failure. Immediately after turning on, an empty or half-empty chamber requires considerable time to bring the temperature up to the set values, especially if the room is hot.
The time of the first operating cycle can vary from 2 to 8 hours depending on the model and operating conditions. Modern units with No Frost or system Low Frost can work longer during initial startup, since they need to cool not only the air, but also the massive plastic elements and the evaporator. There is no need to panic if the temperature indicators have not yet gone out or turned green, and the engine continues to hum.
However, there are clear time frames, beyond which signals a problem. If your Indesit refrigerator does not turn off for more than 12-15 hours in a row after complete defrosting, this is a reason for diagnosis. Long-term continuous operation leads to overheating of the compressor, increased energy consumption and, ultimately, failure of expensive components. In this article we will analyze time standards, influencing factors and an algorithm of actions.
Standard operating time of the compressor after switching on
The standard cooling cycle in a working refrigerator Indesit usually takes a certain time, depending on the volume of the chambers and power compressor. In normal mode, when the products are already cooled, the unit operates for approximately 15–20 minutes, followed by a pause of 30–40 minutes. However, immediately after defrosting, the situation changes dramatically, since the internal volume is warmed up to room temperature.
For the initial temperature increase to +4...+5°C in the refrigerator compartment and -18°C in the freezer, it may take 3 to 6 hours of continuous operation. This time is necessary for the refrigerant to circulate through the system, freezing the heat from the walls and shelves. Unless otherwise indicated in the instructions for your model, it is this time interval that is considered technically justified for the first launch. Indesit unless otherwise indicated, this is the time interval that is considered technically justified for the first launch.
It is important to consider that the concept of “shutdown” in modern models may be conditional. In refrigerators with inverter compressor the motor may not stop completely, but only reduce the speed to a minimum, maintaining the temperature. In such cases, the hum may be barely audible, but technically the device continues to work in the background, which is the norm and not a defect.
There are a number of factors that directly affect the duration of this period. If you put a lot of warm food into the chambers or left the door open while connecting, the operating time will increase. It is also worth remembering that the thermostat or electronic control module gives a command to stop only after reaching the specified parameters at all points.
Factors influencing the duration of the first cycle
Why does one refrigerator Indesit turn off after 3 hours, while the other has been humming for 7 hours? The answer lies in the combination of external and internal conditions. Ambient temperature is a critical parameter. If you defrosted the unit in the summer in a kitchen where +28°C, heat exchange is difficult, and the compressor has to work with increased load to remove heat through the condenser.
The number of loaded products also plays a role. An empty refrigerator cools down faster, but is less stable. If you immediately after defrosting loaded the chambers with room temperature products, the heat capacity of the contents significantly increases the operating time. Products release accumulated heat gradually, causing cooling system to function longer.
Technical features of a specific models Indesit determine the operating algorithm. Older mechanical models with a single compressor may run longer due to less efficient heat exchangers. New models with two compressors or a system Full No Frost may demonstrate different behavior, since they have separate cooling circuits.
Do not forget about the condition of the sealing rubber bands. If the door does not fit tightly, warm air constantly flows inside, and the temperature sensor simply does not register that the required minimum has been reached. In this case, refrigerator will work endlessly until you fix the leak.
⚠️ Attention: If the room temperature is below +10°C or above +35°C, the operation of the refrigerator Indesit may not be correct. In such conditions, the manufacturer does not guarantee compliance with the stated time intervals for work and rest.
Differences between No Frost models and the drip system
Behavior after defrosting significantly depends on the type of defrosting installed in your Indesit. In models with a drip system (crying evaporator), moisture in the refrigerator compartment condenses on the back wall and periodically flows down. After manual defrosting, such a system needs time to restore the ice crust on the evaporator, which can take several hours.
Units with the system No Frost are designed differently. In them, moisture is removed from the chambers by fans and an evaporator located in a hidden compartment. After turning on, such a refrigerator needs not only to cool the volume, but also to start defrost cycles (if they have been reset) or stabilize air flows. Users often confuse the sound of a running fan or the flow of freon with the continuous operation of the compressor.
| Characteristics | Drip system (Indesit Classic) | No Frost (Indesit Total No Frost) |
|---|---|---|
| First start time | 3–6 hours | 4–8 hours |
| Operation sound | Quiet humming, gurgling | Fan noise, plastic crackling |
| Sensitivity to loading | High | Average |
| Risk of "non-switching off" | Medium (usually due to freon leakage) | Low (usually due to sensors) |
In models Indesit with two compressors, each compartment operates independently. This means that the freezer may already be on mode and “rest” while the refrigerator is still getting cold, or vice versa. If you have just such a model, listen: perhaps one motor has already turned off, and the second continues to work, creating the illusion of a continuous cycle.
Why does No Frost make noise when starting up?
In refrigerators with the No Frost system, air circulation fans may actively work immediately after switching on. This is necessary for rapid distribution of cold throughout the entire volume of the chambers. The noise may increase if food touches the back wall or if the unit is not level.
Diagnostics: when it's time to sound the alarm
There is a fine line between a prolonged rise in temperature and a malfunction. If Indesit refrigerator it does not turn off for more than 12 hours, while the inside does not get colder, and the temperature on the condenser body (side walls or grille at the back) remains warm or cold, this is a sign of a problem. A working unit should heat the heat exchanger during operation.
An alarming signal is also the absence of a characteristic click of the shutdown relay. In mechanical models this sound is clearly audible. If it hasn’t been there for half a day, the relay may have stuck or the thermostat has failed. In electronic models, a malfunction is often indicated by a flashing temperature indicator or an error code on the display.
- 🔥 The compressor is hot to the touch (burns your hand), but there is no cold in the chamber - there is likely a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube.
- ❄️ In the chamber the temperature is higher than +10°C after 10 hours of operation - leakage or refrigerant problem.
- 🔌 The unit turns off itself after 1-2 minutes of operation and turns on again - there is a malfunction of the starting relay or motor windings.
Particular attention should be paid to models that, after defrosting, began to work intermittently. If the cycle used to last 20 minutes, but now lasts 5 hours without a break, and this is repeated regularly, it means that the efficiency of heat transfer has decreased. This may be due to contamination of the condenser at the back or loss of seal properties.
The influence of the thermostat and sensors on shutdown
The main "brain" that decides when to turn off the compressor is a thermostat (thermostat) or an electronic sensor. Older models Indesit use a mechanical thermostat with a capillary tube that senses temperature. If, after defrosting, you turn the control knob to maximum (the most intense cold), the refrigerator will work until it reaches extremely low values, which can take a very long time or lead to freezing.
In modern models, air sensors monitor the process. If, after defrosting, the sensor is stuck or shows incorrect data due to condensation, the control module may not give a command to stop. Sometimes a simple reset helps: unplug the device for 15–20 minutes so that the electronics reboot.
A common mistake is incorrectly setting the position of the thermostat immediately after turning it on. It is recommended to set the regulator to the middle position (usually this is the number 3 or 4 out of 5, or mode Eco). An attempt to immediately freeze food at maximum (Max Cool) forces compressor to work for wear and tear without interruptions.
☑️ Check before calling a technician
Practical recommendations for the first start
To minimize the time it takes to enter the mode and extend the life of the equipment Indesit, follow the proven algorithm of actions. After defrosting and washing the chambers, do not rush to load them with food. Let the unit run idle for at least 2-3 hours. This will allow the system to stabilize without unnecessary heat load.
Check the position of the refrigerator. It should be strictly level, with a slight tilt back, so that the doors close themselves under the influence of gravity. If the door is slightly open, you can forget about continuous operation and normal shutdown - the cold will go out and warm air will come in.
If you notice that the refrigerator has been working for a long time, but the temperature inside has begun to drop (cold has appeared), then the process is going normally. At this point, do not open the door unless absolutely necessary. Each opening resets the progress and starts the timing anew for a portion of the air volume.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to speed up the cooling process by opening the freezer and directing a stream of cold air into the refrigerator compartment or using third-party cold sources. This can lead to damage to the dampers and sensors.
Frequent causes of malfunctions after defrosting
Sometimes after the defrosting procedure, hidden defects are revealed that were previously masked by an ice crust. Ice could temporarily compensate for a loose seal or clog small holes. After the ice melts, these problems become obvious and refrigerator stops turning off.
One of the common causes is a refrigerant leak. If you use sharp objects to chip ice during defrosting and accidentally puncture the evaporator, gas will escape. In this case, the compressor will hum for years, trying to gain temperature, but there will be no cold. The puncture site often turns black from oxidation.
It is also worth checking the integrity of the wiring and contacts of the sensors. Moisture from defrosting may have gotten onto the terminal blocks, causing short circuits or corrosion of the contacts. This leads to the fact that the signal about reaching the temperature simply does not reach the actuator.
What to do if, after defrosting, water appears at the bottom of the refrigerator?
If water appears inside or under the refrigerator, the drainage hole may be clogged. It must be carefully cleaned with a special brush or soft wire, trying not to damage the channel.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for the Indesit refrigerator to buzz for 10 hours without a break for the first time?
Yes, this is absolutely normal for the first start after defrosting or purchasing. The unit needs time to cool the entire internal volume and products. If after 12 hours the temperature inside has not reached normal, it is worth checking the tightness of the door and the position of the thermostat.
Is it possible to load food immediately after turning it on?
Technically it is possible, but it is not recommended to load the full volume of warm food. It is better to wait 2-3 hours for the refrigerator to return to normal and load food in small portions. This will reduce the load on the compressor and shorten the time of continuous operation.
Why does the refrigerator turn off but not freeze?
This is a sign of a malfunction. Possible reasons: freon leak, clogged capillary system or compressor breakdown (does not create the required pressure). In this case, the thermostat sees that the temperature has not dropped, but due to a timer or protection it gives a command to stop, after which the cycle repeats.
How to understand that the thermostat is faulty?
If the refrigerator works without stopping for days, freezes until a “fur coat” forms, but does not turn off - most likely, the thermostat contacts are stuck or its sensitive element has lost tightness. The part needs to be replaced.
Does hot weather affect the operating time?
Yes, at high room temperatures (above +25°C) heat transfer deteriorates. The refrigerator requires much more time to reach the set temperatures, and operating cycles may be longer and pauses may be shorter.