Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, but the process of its first launch requires strict adherence to certain rules. The model range Hotpoint Ariston is famous for its reliability and functionality, however, in order for the equipment to last for many years, it is important not just to plug the cord into a socket. Improper transportation or haste to turn on can lead to serious damage to the compressor, which is the heart of the entire cooling system.
Before activating the power supply, it is necessary to give the unit time to adapt to the temperature conditions of the room. This is especially critical if delivery was carried out during the cold season. The oil in the compressor should spread throughout the system, and the condensate formed inside the components should completely evaporate. Ignoring this stage is the most common mistake leading to expensive repairs.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of preparation, from unpacking to setting temperature conditions on digital and mechanical control panels. You will learn how to distinguish normal operating sounds from signs of malfunction and what to look for in the first hours of operation of your refrigeration equipment refrigeration equipment.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported at temperatures below +5°C, do not plug it in immediately. Leave the device in a warm room for at least 4-6 hours (or better yet, a day) to equalize the temperatures and evaporate condensation from the electrical contacts.
Preparation for the first start and unpacking
The preparation process begins long before you press the power button. The first step is to free the device from its transport packaging. Remove the cardboard box, protective film and foam elements. Pay special attention to the interior: all shelves, drawers and trays should be removed to check for chips, and then thoroughly washed with warm water and a mild detergent.
It is important to remove all fastening elements that prevent the compressor and doors from moving during transport. Some models Ariston may use shipping bolts or tape to secure the internal mechanisms. They must be carefully removed so as not to damage the paintwork or plastic parts of the case.
After washing, the internal surfaces should be wiped dry with a soft cloth. Leave the refrigerator and freezer doors open for several hours. This will completely remove the smell of new plastic and completely dry the internal cavities before loading products.
- 📦 Remove the outer cardboard and protective film from the case.
- 💧 Rinse the internal shelves and drawers with warm water.
- 🔩 Remove all shipping fasteners and tape.
- 🌬️ Leave the doors open for ventilation for 2-3 hours.
☑️ Ready to turn on
Requirements for installation and ventilation
Correct operation refrigeration unit directly depends on the conditions of its placement. Heat exchange in Hotpoint Ariston models occurs through the side walls and rear grille. If the device is installed close to a wall or furniture, the heat flow will be disrupted, which will lead to overheating of the compressor and increased energy consumption.
Choose a place away from heat sources such as radiators, ovens or direct sunlight. The floor must be level and stable. Uneven installation can cause vibration, noise and improper operation of the door self-closing system. To adjust, use the front support legs, rotating them until they fully adhere to the floor.
Make sure that the outlet into which the device will be plugged in is grounded and meets the power requirements. The use of extension cords or tees is not recommended, as this may cause overheating of the wiring and a fire hazard.
| Installation parameter | Recommended value | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Rear gap | 5-7 cm | Condenser overheating |
| Gap on the side | min. 5 cm | Heat transfer deterioration |
| Gap at top | min. 10 cm | Compressor load |
| Floor level | Strictly horizontal | Noise, door misalignment |
Procedure for turning on the power supply
After that Once the device has stood for the required time (from 2 to 24 hours depending on transportation conditions), you can begin supplying electricity. Insert the plug into the prepared socket. In most modern models Hotpoint with electronic control, the start occurs automatically, and the indicators on the display will light up.
If you have a model with mechanical control, after connecting to the network, you need to turn the temperature regulator from position "0" or "Off" to the operating range. Usually these are values from 2 to 4. At this moment you can hear a quiet click - this means the compressor start relay has activated.
In the first minutes after turning on, the refrigerator will work in enhanced mode. Don't be alarmed if the side walls start to heat up - this is a normal process of heat dissipation. The system must reach the required temperature inside the chambers, which can take from 4 to 12 hours depending on the volume of the chamber and the temperature in the room.
Why do the side walls heat up?
In modern Hotpoint Ariston refrigerators, the heating circuit is built into the side walls. This prevents condensation ("dew") from forming on the external surface and helps remove heat from the refrigerant more efficiently. Heating to 40-50 degrees in the first hours of operation is a normal situation.
Setting temperature modes
Temperature control in refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston can be carried out mechanically or electronically. Mechanical models use a rotary control with numbers from 1 to 5 (or Min-Max). It is important to understand: the higher the number, the lower the temperature (colder). The optimal value for everyday work is position "3".
In models with an electronic display, settings are made by touching the touch buttons. Here you can set the exact temperature in degrees Celsius. For the refrigerator compartment, the recommended range is from +3°C to +5°C, and for the freezer compartment - -18°C and below. The function Super Freeze (super freezing) allows you to quickly cool a large chamber of fresh food, but you should not keep this mode on all the time.
Do not load the refrigerator with food immediately after turning it on. Let it run idle for 2-3 hours until it reaches the set temperature. Sharp loading with warm products will force the compressor to work without interruption, which will shorten its service life.
- ❄️ For mechanics: set the regulator to the middle value (3).
- 🌡️ For electronics: set +4°C in the main chamber.
- 🚫 Not use the super-freeze mode unnecessarily.
- ⏳ Load food only after the cold has stabilized.
⚠️ Attention: In models with the system No Frost setting the temperature in the refrigerator compartment too low (below +2°C) can lead to freezing of vegetables and herbs, even if frost is not visually visible is formed.
Diagnostics of operation after switching on
You can understand that the refrigerator has turned on and is working correctly by several signs. The initial startup of the compressor is accompanied by a characteristic hum, which can last from 10 to 40 minutes. After reaching the set temperature, the engine should turn off and there will be a pause.
Modern refrigerants used in Aristoncan make sounds similar to gurgling or flowing liquid. This is absolutely normal and indicates the circulation of freon through the tube system. Also, in models with a drip defrosting system, you can hear the sound of water dripping into a special tray at the back of the unit during the defrost cycle.
Check the tightness of the doors. If the magnetic seal is not sealed properly, warm air will flow in and the compressor will run continuously, trying to compensate for heat loss. This can be easily checked with a sheet of paper: hold it with the door and try to pull it out - it should come out with noticeable force.
Frequent problems when starting up for the first time
Sometimes users encounter situations that are mistaken for a breakdown. For example, the refrigerator hums, but does not freeze. Often the reason lies in the fact that the device simply did not have time to enter the mode. Complete cooling of a large volume of air and the walls of the chamber is a slow process.
Another common situation is the appearance of an unpleasant odor. If you have thoroughly washed the unit, but the smell remains, it may be coming from factory lubricant or packaging materials that have gotten into hard-to-reach places. In this case, activated carbon left inside for a day or a special odor-absorbing tablet will help.
If an error code lights up on the display (for example, flashing temperature indicators), refer to the instructions. This may indicate a door that is not tightly closed or a sensor malfunction. In some cases, a simple restart helps: unplug the device for 10-15 minutes and turn it on again.
- 🔊 A loud knocking or clanging sound is a sign of a compressor malfunction.
- 💡 A flashing light may indicate power surges.
- 🌡️ Lack of cold after 10 hours is a reason to call a technician.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after delivery in winter?
If the temperature outside was below -5°C, the waiting time before turning it on should be at least 4-6 hours, or better yet, a full day. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor warms up and the glass enters the crankcase, and the condensation on the contacts completely evaporates. Turning on a cold unit can lead to water hammer in the compressor.
What to do if the refrigerator is humming too loudly?
Check whether the condenser tubes are touching the back of the cabinet wall or adjacent objects. Make sure that the refrigerator is level and does not wobble - adjust the legs. If the humming is accompanied by vibration of the case, check whether the shipping bolts have been removed from the compressor (if they are provided for in the design of your model).
Is it necessary to defrost a new No Frost refrigerator?
The No Frost system (no frost) automatically removes moisture, so it does not need regular defrosting to remove ice. However, it is recommended to carry out sanitary washing 1-2 times a year to maintain hygiene. Just turn off the device, wash it and turn it on again.