How long does it take for the refrigerator to start: the norm, reasons for the delay and solutions

Have you turned on the refrigerator, but it doesn’t start working right away? Or, on the contrary, the engine hums, but cooling does not occur? The startup time of a refrigerator is an important indicator of its health. In this article, we will look at how long it should take for a refrigerator to start up normally, why the process can be delayed, and when to sound the alarm. Modern models can behave differently: some begin to cool after 5–10 minutes, others take up to an hour. It all depends on the type of compressor, control system and even room temperature. We collected data on popular brands, explained the physics of the process and prepared a checklist for diagnosing faults.

Modern models Samsung, LG, Indesit or Atlant can behave differently: some begin to cool after 5–10 minutes, others take up to an hour. It all depends on the type of compressor, control system and even room temperature. We collected data on popular brands, explained the physics of the process and prepared a checklist for diagnosing faults.

If your refrigerator takes too long to start or does not turn on at all, do not rush to call a technician. In 60% of cases, the problem is solved on its own, and we will show how to do this without risk to the equipment.

Normal startup time for a refrigerator: data by model

The time for the first startup of the refrigerator after connecting to the network or defrosting depends on several factors: the type of compressor, system No Frost, load of the chambers and room temperature. Below are approximate values for popular brands.

Please note: inverter compressors start faster (3-20 minutes), while conventional piston ones can “think” for up to 40 minutes. This is due to the fact that inverter models smoothly pick up speed, while piston models start jerkily, waiting for the optimal refrigerant pressure.

The speed is also affected by:

• 🔹 Temperature in the room: if the room is hot (above +30°C), the compressor will need more time to create the required pressure drop.
• 🔹 Call load: an empty refrigerator will cool faster than one full of food.
• 🔹 Previous operating mode: After defrosting or transporting, the refrigerator may require up to 6-8 hours to stabilize.

Why the refrigerator takes a long time to start: 7 possible reasons

If your refrigerator does not start longer 1–2 hours (for inverter models) or 3–4 hours (for ordinary people), this is a reason to check the system. Here are the main reasons for the delay:

• ⚡ Power supply problems: low voltage in the network (less than 190 V) or surges can block the compressor from starting. Check the voltage with a tester.
• ❄️ Frozen evaporator: if the refrigerator has not been defrosted for years, ice on the evaporator interferes with air circulation and increases the load on the compressor.
• 🔧 Malfunction of the start-up relay: if the relay is stuck or burned out, the compressor will not receive a signal to start.
• 💨 Refrigerant leak: if there is a lack of freon, the pressure in the system does not reach the required level, and the compressor is silent.
• 🔋 Compressor wear: old models (10+ years) may become “dull” due to loss of winding power.
• 📡 Failure of the control board: in electronically controlled refrigerators (Samsung, LG) a module malfunction can block starting.
• 🌡️ Incorrect settings: if mode is set Super Freeze or Vacation, the compressor may start with a delay.

If the refrigerator makes noise hummingbut does not start, most likely the problem is in the start relay or compressor. If it is silent, the control board or lack of power is to blame.

⚠️ Attention: If after a power outage the refrigerator does not start within 12 hours, do not try to “overclock” it by repeatedly turning it on/off. This may burn out the compressor windings. It’s better to call a technician to check the relay and capacitor.

What to do if the refrigerator does not start: step-by-step instructions

Before calling the service center, follow these steps:

1. Check the power supply: make sure that the plug is firmly inserted into socket, no power outages. Try connecting the refrigerator to a different outlet.
2. Give time for stabilization: after transportation or defrosting, wait 4–6 hours (for models with No Frost - up to 12 hours).
3. Listen to the compressor:
   • 🔊 Humming without starting → problem with the relay or compressor.
   • 🔇 Silence → board fault or missing power supply.
   • 💥 Clicks every 5-10 seconds → protection is triggered (possibly overheating or short circuit).

Check the settings: disable modes Eco, Vacation or Super Coolwhich may block startup.

Defrost the refrigerator: if there is ice more than 5 mm thick on the back wall, turn off the power and let the ice melt naturally (do not use a hair dryer!).

If after these steps the refrigerator does not work, proceed to in-depth diagnostics:

How to check the start relay at home?

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network. Remove the relay cover (usually located near the compressor). Inspect the contacts for melting or rust. Check the resistance of the relay coil with a multimeter - it should be between 10-50 ohms. If the device shows "open" or "0", the relay is faulty.

For models with electronic control (Samsung RL-series, LG InstaView), a reset may be required. To do this:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 1 minute.
2. Hold the button Power Cool (or Freezer) for 10-15 seconds.
3. Connect the power back - the refrigerator should reboot.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to disassemble the compressor yourself! It contains refrigerant under high pressure. If the tubes are damaged, the gas can cause frostbite or poisoning. To repair the compressor or refill freon, be sure to contact certified specialists.

How long does it take for the refrigerator to get cold after starting?

Starting the compressor is only the first stage. Next, the refrigerator takes time to cool the chambers to the set temperature. Normal values:

• 🍦 Freezer compartment: from −5°C to −18°C for 2–6 hours (depending on the load).
• 🧀 Refrigerator compartment: from +20°C to +5°C for 1–3 hours.
• ❄️ Mode Super Freeze: cooling to −24°C in 1–2 hours (consumes maximum energy).

If after 6-8 hours the temperature in the chambers is not close to normal, check:

• 🔄 Air circulation: whether the products are blocking the ventilation holes.
• 🔥 Fan operation (in models No Frost): if it does not spin, the cold is not distributed.
• 📉 Refrigerant leak: if the compressor runs without stopping, but does not cool, a leak is possible.

In refrigerators with Multi Air Flow system (for example, Samsung RB37J5230SS), the air is distributed evenly, so cooling occurs 20-30% faster. But in models with drip system (Indesit, Atlant) the back wall can remain warm for up to 12 hours - this is normal.

Frequent user errors when first starting

Many problems with starting a refrigerator arise due to incorrect actions by the owners. Here are the most common mistakes:

• 🔌 Connecting to the network immediately after transportation: the compressor oil must drain into the crankcase (4-6 hours of waiting is required).
• ❄️ Loading warm products: if you put a pan of hot soup in the refrigerator, the compressor will work for wear.
• 🚪 Frequent opening of the door in the first hours of operation: this disrupts the temperature regime.
• 🧊 Ignoring defrosting: ice on the evaporator increases the startup time by 2-3 times.
• 🔧 Independent repair without diagnostics: replacing a relay or thermostat "by eye" often leads to compressor breakdown.

You need to be especially careful with refrigerators Liebert i Haier, which have sensitive control boards. For example, in models Haier C2F636CWG settings can fail even from a voltage surge of 5 V.

Another typical mistake is using extension cords. The refrigerator must be connected directly to a grounded outlet. Extension cords can cause voltage sags, due to which the compressor does not start.

When to call a technician: signs of serious malfunctions

Not all problems can be solved on your own. Contact the service center if:

• 🔥 The compressor heats up, but does not start (sign of an interturn short circuit).
• 💦 There is a puddle of oil on the floor (leakage from the compressor).
• ⚡ Sparks or burning smell when turned on.
• ❄️ The freezer does not cool, and the refrigerator is working (freon leak in the freezing circuit).
• 📵 The display shows an error (for example, E1, F2 — see the instructions for decoding).

The cost of repair depends on the malfunction:

Problem	Cost of repair (rub.)	Repair period
Replacement of the start relay	1 500–3 000	1 day
Refilling with freon	3 500–6 000	1–2 days
Repair of the control board	4 000–10 000	2–5 days
Replacement of the compressor	8 000–15 000	3–7 days

For refrigerators with a warranty (usually 1–3 years), repairs can be free, but only if the breakdown is not caused by improper operation. Before the technician’s visit, prepare:

• 📄 Product passport (with the date of purchase).
• 📋 Warranty card.
• 📸 Photo or video of the malfunction (if there is an error on the display).

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator is under warranty, not Open the back panel and do not try to repair it yourself. This will void the warranty. In case of disputes, request a diagnostic report with a seal from the service center.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about starting the refrigerator

How long should it take to start a new refrigerator after purchase?

A new refrigerator should start in flow 5–40 minutes after the first connection (depending on the type of compressor). However, before turning it on, it must be kept in a vertical position 4–6 hoursso that the oil flows into the compressor crankcase. If after this the refrigerator does not start, check the voltage in the socket and the tightness of the door.

Why does the refrigerator hum but does not start?

Humming without starting usually indicates:

1. Malfunction start-protection relay (clicks, but the compressor does not start).
2. Interturn short circuit in compressor windings (needs replacement).
3. Jagging compressor rotor (needs repair or replacement).

You can check the relay yourself (call with a multimeter) or try to start the compressor manually, briefly closing the relay contacts with a screwdriver (beware of electric shock!).

How long can the refrigerator not turn on after defrosting?

After defrosting, the refrigerator may take up to 1–2 hours to start (inverter models) or up to 3–4 hours (regular compressors). This is due to:

• Equalizing the refrigerant pressure in the system.
• Cooling the compressor (if defrosting was carried out in a hot room).
• Activation of protection against frequent startup (in models with electronic control).

If after 4 hours the refrigerator does not start, check the thermostat or control board.

What to do if the refrigerator starts and immediately turns off?

Short-term turning on and off of the compressor (1–2 seconds) indicates:

• Protection activation (overheating, short circuit).
• Thermostat malfunctions (false signal that the temperature has been reached).
• Low voltage in the network (less than 190 V).

Try connecting the refrigerator through a voltage stabilizer. If the problem remains, call a technician to check the thermostat and relay.

Is it possible to speed up the startup of the refrigerator?

Yes, but with caution:

• 🔌 Connect the refrigerator to voltage stabilizer (if there is a drawdown in the network).
• 🧊 Place ice or frozen cold storage batteries in the freezer span>🚪 Do not open the door the firstafter starting.2–3 hours🌡️ Set the temperature tofor 1 hour, then return to normal.maximumDo not use a hairdryer or heater to "overclock" - this may cause damage seals and control board.Is the wall of the refrigerator heating up: normal or broken?Why is the side wall of the refrigerator heating up? Let's look at the reasons for heating when the compressor is running, the differenceEverything in the refrigerator is wet: 7 reasons and how to fix the problemWhy does water accumulate in the refrigerator, condensation forms, or the walls sweat? Let's look at the reasons why ice freezes on the wall of the refrigerator: reasons and solutionsWe figure out why ice freezes in the refrigerator compartment. Causes of frost on the back wall, malfunctionsThe refrigerator does not freeze on top, but the freezer works: reasons and repairsWe analyze the 7 main reasons why the upper chamber does not cool in a two-chamber refrigerator, but freezesWhy a Bosch refrigerator beeps: all the reasons and solutionsIs your Bosch refrigerator beeping? Let's look at the reasons: from an open door to broken sensors.Why does the refrigerator click when turned on: reasons and repairDoes the refrigerator click, but does not start? We analyze the reasons for the knocking of the relay, starting device and compressor❄️ Refrigerator InfoNavigation🔍 Search...Find out how long the refrigerator should start after turning on, why the process can delay and what to do in case of malfunctions. Expert recommendations and a table of startup times for different models.How long does it take for a refrigerator to start: normal, reasons for the delay, tipsFind out how long the refrigerator should start after turning on, why the process may be delayed and what to do in case of malfunctions. Expert recommendations and startup time table for different models..
• 🚪 Do not open the door the first 2–3 hours after starting.
• 🌡️ Set the temperature to maximum for 1 hour, then return to normal.

Do not use a hairdryer or heater to "overclock" - this may cause damage seals and control board.