Purchasing a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the beginning of comfortable operation on the kitchen. However, in order for expensive equipment to serve for many years without breakdowns, it is not enough to simply bring the box into the apartment and plug it into an outlet. There are a number of critical procedures that must be performed immediately after delivery, but before the compressor begins active operation.
Many owners make the mistake of starting the unit immediately, which can lead to failure compressor or disruption of refrigerant circulation. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from unpacking to the first loading of products, and also discuss the nuances that even experienced users often forget about.
Ignoring the rules of initial installation often becomes the reason for cancellation guarantees. Equipment manufacturers clearly state the requirements for transportation and installation, and violation of them may be grounds for refusal of free repairs. Therefore, treat the preparatory stage as carefully as possible.
Visual inspection and proper unpacking
The first thing to do immediately after the couriers have left is to carefully inspect the case for mechanical damage. Even if upon delivery it seemed to you that everything went smoothly, there may have been hidden dents or scratches on the surface that appeared after removing the protective film. Pay special attention to doors and handles, as they most often suffer from careless transportation.
Remove all packaging material, including cardboard, foam and tape. It is important not to use sharp objects such as knives or scissors in the immediate vicinity of the case to avoid damaging the enamel or plastic. Remove any shipping locks, if any, inside the camera. Manufacturers often secure shelves and drawers with tape or foam inserts so that they do not hit the walls during transportation.
⚠️ Attention: If you find serious dents on the case or chipped enamel, do not rush to sign the acceptance certificate (if delivery has just occurred) or immediately take photographs of the damage and contact the store. It may be unsafe to operate a damaged appliance.
After removing the outer packaging, proceed to the interior. Remove all instructions, warranty cards, and optional accessories. Check the equipment: the presence of grates, containers for vegetables and trays for eggs must correspond to the description in the model passport Indesit or Atlant. Make sure that all glass shelves are intact and free of cracks.
Wipe the interior surfaces thoroughly with a damp cloth. Even though the refrigerator is new, industrial dust or a slight plastic smell may remain inside. To clean, use a weak solution of baking soda or a special household appliance cleaner. Do not use abrasive powders that can scratch the inner coating of the chambers.
Adaptation of temperature conditions and time delay
One of the most important questions that buyers have: how long should the refrigerator sit after delivery? The answer depends on transportation conditions and time of year. If the unit was transported in winter at subzero temperatures, it needs to warm up to room temperature before turning on. A sudden start of the compressor can lead to moisture condensation inside the electrical circuits and a short circuit.
In the warm season, if the refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position, it also takes time for the oil to spread in the compressor. Oil could get into the refrigerant circuit, and if you start the engine right away, it may cause a problem. Typically, manufacturers recommend keeping equipment in an upright position for 2 to 4 hours, and in winter - up to 24 hours. water hammer. Typically, manufacturers recommend keeping equipment in an upright position for 2 to 4 hours, and in winter - up to 24 hours.
After the equipment has warmed up, you can turn it on. At this stage, the refrigerator should be running idle, without food. An empty unit takes time to reach the required temperature in the chambers. This process can take from 4 to 12 hours depending on the model and volume of the chambers.
Do not try to speed up the process by opening the doors every 10 minutes to check the cold. Each opening disrupts the temperature regime and forces the compressor to work with increased load. It is better to trust the temperature indicators, if there are any, or simply wait for the time specified in the instructions.
Choice of installation location and ventilation
Proper placement of the refrigerator is the key to its energy efficiency and durability. The basic rule is: equipment needs space to dissipate heat. The rear radiator grille should not be flush against the wall. The minimum distance to the back wall should be at least 5-7 cm, and on the sides - about 10 cm.
Do not install the refrigerator near heat sources such as gas stoves, ovens or radiators. The increased ambient temperature forces the compressor to work almost without interruption, trying to maintain the desired cold. This leads to rapid wear of parts and an increase in bills for electricity.
The surface on which the unit stands must be perfectly flat. If the floor is uneven, use the adjustable feet, which are usually located on the front bottom of the cabinet. Correct leveling is necessary so that the doors close independently under the influence of gravity and do not warp over time.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the wall | Minimum 5-7 cm | Compressor overheating |
| Distance from the stove | At least 15 cm | Increased energy consumption |
| Tilt housing | The door closes itself | Loose seal seal |
| Humidity in the room | Up to 80% | Corrosion of metal parts |
You should also avoid places exposed to direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light not only heats the case, but also causes the plastic and rubber seals to fade. If there is nowhere to rearrange the equipment, use thick curtains or blinds during the daytime.
Adjusting temperature modes
After the refrigerator has been idle for several hours and has gained cold, you need to adjust the temperature modes. In modern models with a system No Frost and electronic control, this is done through a panel on the door. Simpler mechanical models use a rotary regulator inside the chamber.
The optimal temperature for the refrigerator compartment is from +3 to +5 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, products remain fresh for as long as possible, and the risk of bacterial growth is minimal. For the freezer, the recommended value is -18 degrees. This is the standard at which most products can be stored for up to a year.
Do not immediately set extremely low values (for example, -24 or Super Freeze mode) unless necessary. Working at maximum capacity increases the load on the system. Super freezing mode should only be turned on when loading a large amount of fresh food that needs to be quickly frozen, and then be sure to return to standard settings.
☑️ Setting up the refrigerator
⚠️ Attention: If you are using a mechanical regulator (usually a scale from 1 to 5 or 7), remember that the number does not indicate degrees, but the cooling power. The number 1 is the minimum cold, the maximum number is the maximum. In winter and summer, the settings may require correction.
First loading of products
The refrigerator should be filled with food gradually. You should not load everything purchased at once into a warm or just turned on unit. A large volume of food at room temperature will sharply increase the temperature inside, and the compressor will be forced to work hard to cool the contents.
Distribute food according to storage areas. The upper shelves are for prepared foods, dairy products and deli items. The bottom shelves are the coldest place, ideal for raw meat and fish to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods. The door is the warmest zone, suitable for sauces, drinks and eggs, but not for milk.
Vegetables and fruits are best stored in special drawers at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. Optimal humidity is maintained there. Before storing, it is better not to wash the vegetables, but only wipe them with a dry cloth, since excess moisture promotes rotting.
Try not to place hot or even warm dishes inside. This is not only harmful to equipment, but also creates a favorable environment for bacteria in already cooled products nearby. Allow the food to cool to room temperature before putting it on the shelf.
Is it possible to put hot food in the refrigerator?
Modern compressors can handle a single load, but regular violation of this rule will lead to the formation of ice in the No Frost chambers and accelerated engine wear.
Care behind the seals and initial cleaning
The rubber seal on the door is the first barrier that keeps the cold inside. After unpacking, be sure to wipe it with a soft, damp cloth. Factory grease or dust could remain in the folds of the seal, which over time will turn into sticky dirt.
Check the tightness of the door around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet between the door and the body and try to pull it out. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force around the entire perimeter, the seal is working properly. If in some place the sheet slides freely, the door may be skewed or the seal is deformed.
To extend the life of the rubber, you can lubricate it with silicone grease or glycerin every six months. This will prevent the material from drying out and cracking, especially if the air in the room is dry. Do not use aggressive chemicals or animal oils to clean the seal.
Regularly check the cleanliness of the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment (if the model is not No Frost). It may become clogged with crumbs or mucus. You can clean it with a special flexible stick or a cotton swab. This will prevent a puddle of water from appearing under the vegetable drawers.
Frequently asked questions after purchase
Why does the refrigerator make strange sounds after first turning on?
Gurgling, clicking and humming are normal sounds for a new unit. The refrigerant circulating through the tubes gurgles, the thermostat clicks, and the hum is the work of the compressor. If the sounds are not accompanied by vibration of the case or a burning smell, there is no need to worry. Usually, after a couple of weeks of operation, the equipment “breaks in” and works more quietly.
Do you need to wash the inside of the refrigerator before first use?
Yes, definitely. Even a new device may contain production dust, plastic or packaging odors. Wipe all surfaces with a weak solution of soda (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or a special product. After this, wipe with a dry, clean cloth and leave the doors open for 1-2 hours for ventilation.
What to do if the door does not close completely?
First of all, check if there is anything in the way from the inside: an incorrectly installed shelf, a bag of groceries, or a drawer ledge. If everything is clean inside, check the adjustment of the legs - perhaps the refrigerator is tilted forward and the door opens on its own. Also check that the seal in the corners is not twisted.
Is it possible to transport the refrigerator lying down?
Manufacturers categorically do not recommend transporting equipment lying down, as oil from the compressor may leak into the cooling circuit. If horizontal transportation is unavoidable (unavoidable), the unit should only be laid on its side, opposite the side of the outlet of the compressor tubes, and after delivery, let it stand vertically for at least 4-6 hours before turning it on.
How can you tell that the refrigerator is getting cold?
Signs of normal operation are: cold side walls inside the chamber (for some models), working compressor (you can hear a humming noise), no warm air coming out of the grille at the back. After 2-3 hours of operation, the shelves should become noticeably cold to the touch. In models with a display, the temperature indicator will show a decrease in values.