You bought a new refrigerator, connected it to the network - and it started working without stopping. 5 hours have passed, 10, and the compressor still does not turn off. Is this normal? How long can a new refrigerator run continuously on first startup before it becomes a cause for concern?
The answer depends on the model, type of cooling system and external conditions. In this article, we will look at why a refrigerator No Frost, drip or with a linear compressor may not turn off for days, when this is normal, and when it is a sign of a manufacturing defect or installation error. You will also learn how to independently diagnose the problem and what to do if the compressor “freezes” in continuous operation.
Spoiler: in 90% of cases long work when first turned on is normal, but there are 3 critical signs in which you need to urgently call the service center. About them - in the section about malfunctions.
Why a new refrigerator works without stopping: the physics of the process
When starting for the first time, the refrigerator is faced with the task of cooling the entire internal chamber - from room temperature (usually +20...+25°C) to working (from +2°C in the fresh zone to −18°C in the freezer). This process takes time, especially if:
- 🔹 The volume of the chamber is large (refrigerators Side-by-Side or with a volume of >300 liters take longer to cool than compact models).
- 🔹 The room temperature is high (in summer when +30°C the compressor works more intensively than in winter at +18°C).
- 🔹 System No Frost —fans actively circulate air, which creates additional load.
- 🔹 Inverter compressor —it does not turn off completely, but gradually reduces the power (it may seem like it is working continuously).
On average the first cooling takes from 4 to 12 hours. But there are nuances:
- 🔹 Drip refrigerators (for example, Atlant or Biryusa) can turn off after 6–8 hours.
- 🔹 No Frost (Samsung, LG, Beko) - up to 12–15 hours due to forced circulation air.
- 🔹 Models with linear compressor (Samsung Digital Inverter) operate almost silently, but may not turn off for up to 24 hours.
If the refrigerator is does not turn off for more than a day, this is already a reason to check. But first, exclude external factors - more on this in the next section.
5 reasons why the refrigerator does not turn off longer than normal
If more than 24 hours have passed and the compressor is still working, check these points before calling the master:
- Incorrect installation. The refrigerator is too close to the wall (less than 5 cm), the radiator, or in direct sunlight. This disrupts heat exchange, and the compressor is forced to work without stopping, trying to compensate for overheating.
- The door is not tightly closed. Even a small gap (due to an uneven floor or a skewed hinge) leads to a constant flow of warm air. Check the seal - it should fit evenly around the entire perimeter.
- The thermostat or temperature sensor has gone astray. In new models (Indesit, Bosch), sometimes “first-time protection” is triggered - the refrigerator cools the chamber to −20°C before switching to normal mode.
- Filled with excess freon. The factory may have overused the refrigerant, causing the compressor to operate under increased load. This is a defect that requires service intervention.
- Super Freeze or Quick Cooling mode. In some models (Liebherr, Electrolux), these functions are activated by default and can only be disabled manually.
If all items are excluded, but the refrigerator continues to work without stopping, perhaps the problem is compressor malfunction, freon leak or control board failure. More information about diagnostics is in the section about malfunctions.
The door is not tightly closed|The refrigerator is located next to the heat source|Super freezing mode is activated|The room temperature is above +30°C|Power supply is unstable (surges voltage)-->
Continuous operation standards for different types of refrigerators
Manufacturers rarely indicate the exact time frame for the first switch-on, but there are average data for types of cooling systems. Below is a table with approximate standards for popular models:
| Refrigerator type | Max. continuous operation time when first turned on | Examples of models | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip (manual defrosting) | 6–10 hours | Atlant MXM-1708, Biryusa 110 | The compressor turns off after reaching −18°C in the freezer. |
| No Frost (full or partial) | 12–18 hours | Samsung RB30A3200SA, LG GA-B409SLGL | Fans create additional load, so cooling longer. |
| Inverter compressor | Up to 24 hours (but with reduced power) | Samsung RT38K6030S9, Hitachi R-BG410PUC6 | It may seem to work continuously, but in fact it is just quiet. |
| Two-compressor | 8–12 hours (each compressor in turn) | Liebherr CBNes 4855, Bosch KAN90VI20R | The freezer cools faster than the refrigerator compartment. |
| Low Frost (semi-automatic defrosting) | 8–14 hours | Beko GNE114620X, Gorenje NRK6191MH | The system is less energy-consuming than No Frost, but longer than the drip system. |
Critical sign of a malfunction: if the refrigerator does not turn off for more than 36 hours, and the temperature in the chambers does not drop below +10°C, this is a warranty case. Contact the service center immediately without trying to repair it yourself.
How to speed up the first cooling: 4 working methods
If the refrigerator has been running for 10+ hours and the temperature is still far from normal, you can help it a little. But do not overdo it - sudden cooling can harm the system.
- 🔹 Disable the “Super Freeze” modeif it is enabled. In most models (Indesit, Ariston) it is indicated by a snowflake ❄️ on the control panel.
- 🔹 Reduce the temperature in the room. Close the windows, turn on the air conditioner or fan, directed not at the refrigerator, but towards the general airflow of the room.
- 🔹 Do not load food immediately. An empty refrigerator will cool faster. If you urgently need to put something in the freezer, use the “Quick Freeze” mode only after reaching −10°C.
- 🔹 Check the ventilation grilles. In models No Frost they may be covered with shipping tape (remove it!).
Some “tips” from the Internet may harm. For example:
⚠️ Attention! Never put containers of hot water or ice in a new refrigerator to “accelerate” cooling. A sharp temperature change can damage the plastic parts of the chamber and cause freon leakage.
When continuous operation is a sign of breakdown: symptoms and diagnostics
If the refrigerator does not turn off for more than a day and in this case:
- 🔹 The compressor is hot to the touch (norm: warm, but not scalding).
- 🔹 In the freezer the temperature is above −10°C (check with a household thermometer).
- 🔹 Uncharacteristic sounds are heard (knocking, humming, relay clicks more than once every 5 minutes).
- 🔹 There is no condensation on the back wall (in drip models it should appear during cooling).
- these are signs of a possible malfunction. Let's look at the most common ones:
| Symptom | Probable cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor works, but does not cool | Freon leak or capillary blockage tubes | Call a technician for refilling or cleaning |
| The compressor turns off for 1-2 seconds and turns on again | Malfunction of the starting relay | Replacement of the relay (the part costs ~500–1500 ₽) |
| The refrigerator freezes too much (food is covered with ice) | Failure of the thermostat or temperature sensor | Diagnostics and replacement of the sensor (~2000–4000 ₽) |
| The fan is humming, but there is no cooling | Icing of the evaporator (in No Frost) | Defrost for 12-24 hours, then check the operation |
If the refrigerator is under warranty, do not disassemble it yourself. In 90% of cases, service centers such defects are eliminated free of charge if they are not caused by improper operation.
What does the technician check during diagnostics?
1. Pressure in the system (with a pressure gauge) - if it is below normal, there is a freon leak.
2. Resistance of the compressor windings (tester) - an open circuit or short circuit indicates a motor malfunction.
3. Thermostat operation - when you turn the adjustment knob, a relay click should be heard.
4. The condition of the capillary tube - the blockage is determined by the temperature difference at the inlet and outlet.
5. Electronics - checking the control board for burnt elements.
Frequent user errors when turning on for the first time
Many problems with the continuous operation of the refrigerator arise due to wrong actions. installationThis is cannot be done:
- 🔹 Turn on the refrigerator immediately after delivery in winter. If it was transported at −10°C, the oil in the compressor thickens. You need to wait 4-6 hours at room temperature.
- 🔹 Connect via an extension cord. thermostat settings. Use only a grounded socket.
- 🔹 Load food before cooling. Each kilogram of food increases the time of the first cycle by 10-15 minutes.
- 🔹 Install the refrigerator on an uneven floor.. may lead to freon leakage.
- 🔹 Ignore the instructions for the first start.. Some models (Miele, Smeg) have a special “First Start” mode, which must be activated manually.
If you made one of these mistakes, unplug the refrigerator for 30 minutesthen turn it on again. In most cases, the system will reset and start working correctly.
⚠️ Attention! If the refrigerator was delivered in a horizontal position (lying down), you need to turn it on before turning it on. withstand vertically for at least 12 hours. Otherwise, oil from the compressor may enter the cooling circuit and cause blockage.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the first start-up
How long should the refrigerator run No Frost when first turned on?
On average 12–18 hours, but some models (Samsung with an inverter compressor) may not turn off for up to 24 hours. The main thing is to check that the temperature is at the correct temperature. the freezer drops to −18°C. If yes, everything is fine.
The new refrigerator works for 3 days without stopping - is this normal?
No, it is unique malfunction. Possible reasons: freon leak, breakdown. thermostat or compressor. Contact the service center immediately before the warranty period expires.
Is it possible to turn off the refrigerator forcibly if it has been running for a long time?
It is possible, but no earlier than 12 hours after the first turn on. Turn it off for 30-60 minutes, then turn it on again. If the problem persists, diagnostics are needed.
Why does the refrigerator Atlant not turn off and the freezer does not freeze?
Rather. just freon leak or a blockage in the capillary tube. In models Atlant this is a common problem if transported incorrectly. Warranty case - call the service.
How to understand that the refrigerator has finally cooled down and is working. normal?
Symptoms:
- 🔹 The compressor switches off periodically (work/rest cycle ~ 20–30 minutes).
- 🔹 Temperature in the refrigerator compartment +2...+5°C, in the freezer −18…−20°C.
- 🔹 There is no excess condensation on the back wall (in drip models).
- 🔹 The fan No Frost works with pauses, and not constantly.