The new refrigerator does not turn off: 7 reasons and what to do on the first day

You have just installed a new refrigerator, but after a few hours you noticed: the compressor is running without interruption, the body is heated, and the temperature in the chambers is unusually low. Is this normal? In 80% of cases, continuous operation in the first 24 hours is not a breakdown, but a start-up feature, but the problem cannot be ignored. If the refrigerator does not turn off for more than a day, the risk of compressor overheating and food spoilage grows exponentially.

In this article we will look at real reasons —from the banal super freezing mode to a factory defect of the thermostat, and we will also give step-by-step algorithm of actionswhich will help avoid costly repairs. All recommendations are based on data from service centers LG, Samsung, Indesit and Atlant for 2023–2026. If your model is older than 2018, check the relevance of the settings in the instructions - some parameters may have changed.

Spoiler: in 3 out of 10 cases the problem is solved disabling one button on the control panel. But first you need to eliminate a critical malfunction - more on this in the first section.

1. First steps: how to distinguish normal from breakdown

New refrigerators No Frost i Low Frost often work without stopping for the first time 12–24 hours after switching on - this is due to automatic test cycle and a rise in temperature. However, there are red flags that indicate a malfunction:

• 🔥 The compressor is hot (case temperature above 60°C - checked with an infrared thermometer or hand)
• ❄️ A “snow cap” more than 3 cm thick forms in the freezer in 6 hours
• 📉 The temperature in the refrigerator compartment is below +2°C (measured with a separate thermometer)
• 🚨 An error flashes on the display (codes E1, F2, H1 different brands)

What to do right now:

1. Open the refrigerator door and leave it open for 2-3 minutes - if the compressor does not turn off, this is a sign of a thermostat malfunction.
2. Check if the mode is activated Super Cool or Fast Freeze (usually indicated by a snowflake ❄️ on the panel).
3. Listen to the sound of operation: a normal compressor makes a uniform hum, not clicking or grinding.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Indesit or Atlant release before 2020 does not turn off and ice forms on the back wall of the chamber, do not try to chop it off with a knife —this may damage the evaporator. It’s better to call a specialist right away.

2. Top 7 reasons for the continuous operation of a new refrigerator

Let's look at all possible reasons - from the simplest to the critical. Start checking from the first point and move down until you find your situation.

More details about each reason:

• 🧊 Mode super-freezing: Activated when first turned on or after defrosting. In models Bosch and Siemens it can work up to 72 hours (!), if you do not turn it off manually. Check the indicator on the panel - usually it is a blue snowflake.
• 📏 Incorrect installation: If the refrigerator is located close to the wall (less than 5 cm of clearance) or next to the radiator, the condenser overheats and the compressor cannot turn off. data-i="115">: In new refrigerators No Frost this also causes the fan to freeze.
• 🔧 Thermostat defect: In new refrigerators Atlant i Beko sometimes there is a defect in the temperature sensor. A sign is that the compressor does not respond to a manual increase in temperature in the settings.

3. Step-by-step diagnostics: what to check first

Before calling the service center, follow these 5 steps. In 60% of cases, the problem is solved without calling a technician.

Check. is the super freezing mode disabled (button ❄️ or Super Cool)

Measure the temperature in the chambers with a separate thermometer (should be +4°C in the refrigerator and −18°C in the freezer)

Make sure that the refrigerator is level (check with a level or leveling application)

See if something is blocking the ventilation grilles (in models No Frost)

Unplug the refrigerator for 15 minutes, then turn it on again (reset settings)

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If the refrigerator still does not turn off:

1. Check sealing rubber on the door - even a small gap leads to constant operation of the compressor. Carry out a test with a sheet of paper: if it falls out, the seal needs to be replaced.
2. Listen to how the fan works (in models No FrostIf you hear extraneous sounds). (crackling, grinding), perhaps ice is blocking the blades.
3. Look into the drainage hole drain hole

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung with a system Twin Cooling Plus (two separate cooling systems), continuous operation of one of the compressors may be the norm if one of the chambers is set to Vacation (vacation) mode!

4. When to call a specialist: 5 critical symptoms

If after self-diagnosis the problem is not solved, and the refrigerator continues to work without stopping, pay attention to these signs - they indicate a serious malfunction:

• 💥 The compressor turns off for 1-2 seconds and immediately turns on again - a sign of a faulty start relay.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the freezer does not drop below −10°C, the compressor works constantly - a freon leak is possible.
• 🔌 The refrigerator knocks out the machine in the panel —short circuit in the winding compressor.
• 📱 The display shows an error E5, F1 or H2 —control board failure.
• ❄️ Ice forms on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment (in models No Frost) - the defrost heater is faulty.

What to do in these cases:

1. Do not try to defrost the refrigerator forcibly (especially models No Frost) - this can aggravate breakdown.
2. Do not turn on the refrigerator after turning it off if it knocks out the socket - there is a risk of fire.
3. Take a photo of the error on the display and record the sound of the compressor (this will help the technician quickly determine the cause).

What will happen if you ignore the problem?

If the refrigerator is faulty thermostat or freon leak, it works without stopping for more than 3 days, this leads to:

- Overheating of the compressor and its failure (repair will cost 50–70% of the cost of a new refrigerator).

- Freezing of the evaporator and breakdown of the fan (in models No Frost).

- Spoilage of products due to unstable temperatures (especially dangerous for meat and dairy products).

Average cost of repairs for these faults (data for 2026):

• Replacement of the thermostat: 2,500–4,000 ₽
• Elimination of freon leakage + refilling: 5,000–8,000 ₽
• Repair of the control board: 3,000–6,000 ₽
• Replacement of the compressor: 8,000–15,000 ₽ (sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a new refrigerator)

5. Features of different brands: what to check first

Each manufacturer has “weak points” that most often lead to continuous operation of the compressor. Here is what you need to check depending on the brand:

For refrigerators with electronic control (LG, Samsung, Bosch):

Try resetting the settings to factory defaults. Menu path:

• LG: Settings → Support → Reset
• Samsung: Fridge Settings → General → Factory Reset
• Bosch: Settings → Service → Reset

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Atlant and Indesit with mechanical control (knob-regulator) continuous operation is most often associated with wrong installation of the knob. It should be at position 2–3 (out of 5 possible), and not at the maximum!

6. Warranty case or not How? act

If the refrigerator is new (purchased less than 14 days ago), you have the right to exchange or return under the law "On the Protection of Consumer Rights" (Article 18). However, there are nuances:

• 📄 Warranty card must be filled out correctly (with the store stamp and date). sales).
• 🔧 Seals on the compressor must not be damaged (otherwise the warranty will be denied).
• 📋 Inspection report from the service center - required for a refund.

Action algorithm:

1. Take a photo or make a video of the operation of the refrigerator (indicating the time of continuous operation).
2. Contact the store with an application for exchange/return: Example of wording: "Fridge model X, serial number Y, does not turn off for more than 24 hours, which does not meet the technical specifications (I am attaching a video). Please exchange for a working product or return the money."
3. If the store refuses to accept the application, send a claim by registered mail with notification.

The period for consideration of a claim is 10 days. If you are offered repairs instead of an exchange, remember: by law you have the right to demand replacement for a new refrigerator the same model or another with a recalculation of the price.

7. Prevention: how to avoid problems in the future

For the new refrigerator to work stably, follow these rules:

• 📌 First 24 hours: Do not load the chambers with food by more than 30%. The compressor needs time to reach the temperature.
• 🧹 Defrosting: Even in models No Frost once a year, turn off the refrigerator for 12 hours to dry (this prevents the fan from freezing).
• 🔌 Power supply: Use a surge protector - power surges often damage control boards.
• 🌡️ Temperature mode: Set +4°C in the refrigerator compartment and −18°C in the freezer. Lower values increase the load on the compressor.
• 🚪 Sealant: Once a month, wipe the door rubber with a weak solution of soda (1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water) so that it does not lose elasticity.

What NOT to do:

• 🚫 Place the refrigerator next to the stove or radiator (minimum distance - 50 cm).
• 🚫 Use sharp objects to remove ice (risk of damaging the evaporator).
• 🚫 Unplug the refrigerator more than once a month (this shortens the life of the compressor).

If you bought a refrigerator with inverter compressor (LG, Samsung series Digital Inverter, remember: it can work longer than usual, but it should periodically reduce speed (be quieter). If the sound does not change, this is a reason for diagnosis.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the continuous operation of the refrigerator

❓ Does the refrigerator run for 12 hours without stopping - is this normal?

For new refrigerators No Frost (especially LG i Samsung) this may be the norm in the first day. But if the temperature in the chambers is lower than the set one (for example, +1°C instead of +4°C), the compressor is overloaded - you need to check the thermostat or settings.

❓ Is it possible to replace the thermostat yourself?

In models with a mechanical one. control (Atlant, Indesit) - yes, if you have experience working with electrics. In refrigerators with an electronic unit (LG, Bosch) it is better not to take risks: incorrect connection of the sensor can damage the control board.

❓ Why does the refrigerator not turn off after defrosting?

Most likely, the mode Super Freeze (super freeze) is activated. It automatically turns on after defrosting and can work for up to 72 hours. Turn it off manually - usually the button with a snowflake ❄️ on the panel.

❓ What temperature should the refrigerator be for the compressor to work? turned off?

Optimal values:

• Refrigerator compartment: +3...+5°C (at +4°C the compressor turns on least often).
• Freezer compartment: −18°C (below −20°C the load on the compressor increases by 20–30%).

Measure the temperature with a separate thermometer - the built-in sensors can lie by 2-3 degrees.

❓ What to do if the refrigerator does not turn off and does not freeze?

This is a sign freon leaks or compressor breakdown. You cannot fix it yourself - you need a technician to diagnose it. Before he arrives, disconnect the refrigerator from the network to avoid overheating of the compressor.