Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the beginning of comfortable operation of household appliances. However, joy can quickly give way to disappointment or even breakdown of an expensive unit if you ignore the preparatory stage. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply unpack the box and plug the cord into an outlet, but this is a gross misconception that ignores basic technical safety rules.
Modern models, whether Indesit, Atlant or premium LGrequire careful attention to the details of transportation protection. Manufacturers use special clamps, films and fasteners that protect the insides of the device from vibration and shock during delivery to the store and to your home. If these elements are not removed, the compressor may burn out in the very first hours of operation, and the internal mechanisms may suffer critical damage.
In this article we will analyze in detail which elements must be dismantled, why you should not rush to connect and how to properly prepare the equipment for the first start-up. Carefully studying the instructions and following simple steps will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure the long service of your refrigeration equipment. Remember that the correct start of operation is 90% of success in the further operation of the device.
Removal of external packaging containers and protective films
The first thing that catches your eye upon delivery is a massive cardboard box, often reinforced with wooden or plastic elements edges. Complete emptying of the housing from the outer packaging is a prerequisite for visual inspection for chips and dents. However, many people forget that under the cardboard there is often an additional layer of protection in the form of foam pads on top and bottom, which also need to be carefully removed.
Particular attention should be paid to the protective polyethylene film, which tightly covers the doors and side walls. This film prevents scratches and abrasions on glossy surfaces during loading and unloading operations. It is strictly forbidden to leave it on the case after installation, as it disrupts heat transfer and can lead to overheating of the side walls, where condenser grilles are often located capacitor grids.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects, such as knives or scissors, to cut the film directly at the surface of the case. There is a high probability of damaging the paintwork or scratching the metal, which will subsequently lead to corrosion.
Once the cardboard and base film are removed, decorative stickers with brand logos or energy efficiency labels are often left behind. Their removal may be difficult due to glue residues. To safely remove such elements, it is recommended to use special glass cleaning products or mild solvents that do not contain abrasives that will not damage the surface stainless steel.
Critical stage: removing the shipping bolts
The most important element that needs to be removed from a new refrigerator is the shipping bolts. These heavy-duty fasteners are designed to firmly secure the compressor and shock absorbers inside the housing, preventing them from becoming loose or breaking due to shaking during transportation. If you forget to unscrew these bolts before turning them on, the vibration of the running motor will not be dampened, which will lead to rapid failure of the suspension.
Usually such bolts are located on the rear wall of the unit in the amount of two to four pieces, depending on the model and manufacturer. In some cases, for example, for certain models Bosch or Siemens, they may be hidden behind a decorative panel, which must first be dismantled. To remove them, you will need a wrench, which often comes with documentation, or a standard set of tools.
The removal process is as follows: you need to carefully unscrew the bolts counterclockwise, holding the body so that it does not swing. After removing the fasteners, it is recommended to close the holes with plastic plugs, which are also supplied in the kit, to maintain an aesthetic appearance and prevent dust from getting inside the mechanism.
☑️ Check before turning on
Ignoring this step is the most common reason for noisy operation and vibration in new refrigerators. If you turn on the appliance and it makes a jackhammer-like noise, turn it off immediately and check the back wall. Most likely, shock absorption system the transport bolts are still blocked, and the motor is running in extreme mode.
Internal clamps and fasteners
After the outer part is freed, it is time to look inside the cameras. Manufacturers often use various types of tape, foam inserts and plastic spacers to secure shelves, drawers and door modules. These elements prevent glass from breaking against glass and plastic from scratching during transportation, but during operation they only interfere.
Particular attention should be paid to the doors. They are often secured in the closed position using wide bands or special plastic clips on the sides. Removal of these clamps must be done carefully so as not to damage the sealing rubber. In some models Samsung or LG with system No Frost internal air ducts can also be secured with temporary clips that need to be removed.
| Type of fixation | Location | Tool | Consequences of ignoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport tape | Shelves, drawers, doors | Scissors | Inability to close the door, deformation shelves |
| Foam inserts | Between walls and shelves | No | Impaired air circulation, foreign odor |
| Plastic clips | Attaching door modules | Flat screwdriver | Breaking the opening mechanism |
| Protective film inside | Touch panels, plastic | No | Overheating of electronics, loss of warranty |
Do not forget about small details, such as bags of silica gel or instructions that can be placed on shelves. Although they will not affect the mechanical operation, their accidental entry into the ventilation or drainage system can cause problems. A thorough inspection of the interior space is the key to ensuring that you don’t find surprises in the form of pieces of foam plastic in your products a week later.
What to do if the tape left sticky marks?
If, after removing the shipping tape, sticky marks remain on the shelves or walls, do not try to wipe them off with aggressive chemicals right away. Use vegetable oil or a special adhesive remover on a soft cloth. Let the product sit for a few minutes, then carefully remove any remaining residue. For glass shelves, you can use a blade, holding it at a sharp angle so as not to scratch the surface.
Preparing the cooling and drainage system
The internal system of the refrigerator also requires attention before the first start. In models with a drip defrost system or combined cooling, it is important to check the condition of the drainage hole. During factory packaging, small particles of packaging material or dust can sometimes get there, which must be removed using a brush or soft wire.
It is also worth checking whether the ventilation ducts inside the chambers are not blocked. In some cases, especially when packed tightly, the factory seals can block cold air from reaching certain areas. This is critical for equipment with a system Multi Air Flow or similar technologies for uniform temperature distribution. Blocked channels will lead to uneven cooling and increased load on the compressor.
If your refrigerator has a freshness zone or a zero chamber, make sure that the partitions and dampers in this compartment move freely and are not sealed with latches. A mechanical obstruction to the operation of the damper can burn out the motor that controls the air flow, which is an expensive repair.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of drainage systems may vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture. Always check the official manufacturer's instructions for your device, as designs may change.
Electrical safety and preparation for switching on
After the physical removal of all unnecessary elements, the stage of preparation for electrical connection begins. Here it is important not only to remove the protection, but also to properly prepare the device itself. First of all, inspect the power cord and plug for damage that could have occurred due to careless removal of the packaging. The presence of even microcracks in the insulation is unacceptable.
A critically important point is the exposure time. If the refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position or was simply tilted strongly, compressor oil could leak into the system circuits. To return the oil to the compressor crankcase, the unit must stand in a vertical position for 2 to 4 hours, and in winter - up to 8 hours to warm up to room temperature.
Plugging a cold appliance into the network immediately after being brought in from the cold is fraught with condensation on the electrical contacts and thickening of the oil, which creates a huge load on the engine at start-up. Thermoregulator and the starting relay must also warm up to room temperature for correct operation.
Initial start-up and checking functionality
When all the protective elements have been removed and the device has stood, you can proceed to the first start-up. Connect the refrigerator to a separate grounded outlet, avoiding the use of extension cords and tees, which can cause a fire if the load is high. After switching on, listen to the operation: in the first minutes there may be noise from the refrigerant, but it should be uniform.
During the first 2-3 hours of operation, do not load the chambers with products. Allow the device to reach the set temperature regime and stabilize the compressor operating cycles. Check the tightness of the doors and the operation of the seals - they should fit tightly to the body along the entire perimeter, without allowing warm air to pass through.
Evaluate the operation of additional functions: backlighting, displays, ice makers (if any). If you find that a feature is not working or is not working correctly, it may be because you have not removed some kind of internal lock or protective cap on the sensor. In this case, re-checking the internal space is mandatory.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What happens if I forget to remove the shipping elements bolts?
If you forget to remove the transport bolts, the compressor will operate with strong vibration, which will be transmitted to the entire housing. This will lead to rapid wear of the shock absorbers, cracks in the cooling system pipes and, ultimately, to compressor failure. In addition, the refrigerator will make a deafening noise.
Is it necessary to remove the film from the inside of the shelves?
Yes, definitely. The protective film on glass shelves and plastic interior elements must be completely removed. It not only interferes with normal visibility and hygiene, but can also prevent the proper distribution of cold, as well as release harmful substances upon contact with food.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after unpacking in winter?
No, it is not possible. If the refrigerator is brought in from the cold, it must be kept in a warm room, turned off, for at least 3-4 hours (preferably more). This is necessary so that the condensate on the contacts evaporates, and the oil in the compressor warms up and becomes fluid. Turning on a cold unit threatens to break the compressor.
Where are the shipping bolts usually located?
In most models, the shipping bolts are located on the back wall of the refrigerator, symmetrically on the sides of the compressor. There are usually 2 or 4 of them. In some models they may be hidden behind a decorative cover, which must be carefully removed. The exact location is always indicated in the "Installation" section of the user manual.
Do I need to remove energy efficiency stickers on the door?
Yes, color stickers with energy efficiency class and logos are for advertising and shipping purposes. They are not part of the design and should be removed. There is no point in leaving them, since over time they will fade, become covered with grease and look sloppy, and it will be more difficult to wash them later.