After delivery of new household appliances the owner of the kitchen can’t wait to quickly fill the shelves with products. However, haste in this matter can be fatal to the durability of the unit. The correct first switching on of the refrigerator is not just a click of a switch, but a whole set of preparatory measures, ignoring which leads to the failure of an expensive compressor.
Modern models, whether Liebherr, Bosch or more affordable brands, require careful attention to the transport condition. The oil in the system could shift, the refrigerant could change its consistency due to temperature changes during transportation. If you start the engine right away, you can provoke a water hammer or dry operation, which will shorten the service life of the equipment significantly.
In this article we will analyze all the stages of preparation, from unpacking to entering operating mode, so that your new assistant will serve faithfully for many years. You will learn why you can’t rush things and how to understand that the unit is really ready for work.
Why you can’t turn on the refrigerator immediately after delivery
The main reason for the need for a pause before starting lies in the design of the compressor. Inside this unit there is compressor oil, which provides lubrication of rubbing parts and sealing of gaps. During transportation, especially if the unit has been tilted or shaken, oil leaks from the compressor crankcase into the refrigerant circuit.
If you turn on the equipment immediately, the compressor will begin to work without proper lubrication, which will lead to rapid wear and overheating. In addition, oil that gets into the cooling system can clog the capillary tube, creating a plug that is extremely difficult to remove without professional repairs.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to start the unit immediately after transportation in a horizontal position without settling in 90% of cases leads to serious damage that is not recognized as a warranty case.
The temperature factor is also important. If you brought the refrigerator from the cold in winter, you cannot turn it on until it has completely warmed up to room temperature. A sudden start of a cold motor will cause moisture condensation inside the electrical circuits, which can lead to a short circuit.
How long you need to leave the refrigerator before turning it on
The time required for the equipment to “rest” directly depends on the position in which it was transported and what the ambient temperature was. Manufacturers usually indicate this data in the instructions for a specific model, but there are generally accepted standards that should be followed.
For vertical transportation, when the tilt angle did not exceed 40 degrees, it is enough to wait 2-3 hours. This time is enough for the oil to flow back into the crankcase and the coolant to stabilize. If the unit was transported lying down, the waiting time increases to 6–8 hours, and in some cases up to a day.
In winter the situation becomes more complicated. Even if the refrigerator was transported carefully and vertically, but it was minus 15°C outside, it needs to be given time to acclimatize in a warm room. The minimum holding time in such conditions is 4-5 hours to avoid the formation of condensation on electronic boards.
What will happen if you do not wait time?
If you start the compressor while the oil is in the pipe system, it can freeze in narrow places or create an air lock. The compressor will work with overload, trying to push through this mass, which will lead to its combustion or depressurization of the system. Repair in this case will cost up to 70% of the price of a new device.
Preparation of the site and removal of shipping materials
Before connecting the cable to the outlet, it is necessary to properly prepare the installation site. The refrigerator must be placed on a flat, hard surface. The legs of the unit should be adjusted so that the doors close independently at a slight angle of inclination back. This will ensure the seals work properly.
Be sure to remove all shipping tape, tape, and foam inserts. Pay special attention to the internal shelves and drawers - sometimes manufacturers fix them with tape so that they do not hit the walls when shaking. If you forget to remove these fasteners, the plastic may become deformed or burst during the first cooling.
It is important to ensure sufficient clearance between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. For normal air circulation that removes heat from the condenser, it is necessary to leave at least 5–7 cm of free space. Failure to comply with this rule will lead to overheating of the motor and increased energy consumption.
☑️ Check before turning on
Primary washing and disinfection of the chambers
A new refrigerator, no matter how expensive it is no matter what, it has a specific smell of factory grease and plastic. Before loading food, the interior must be thoroughly washed. Use a weak solution of baking soda or a mild detergent that does not contain abrasive particles.
Pay special attention to the rubber seal on the door. It needs to be wiped especially carefully, removing any remaining factory grease, which is often sticky and collects dust. A clean seal will ensure the chamber is sealed, which is critical for proper operation of the thermostat.
After wet cleaning, the refrigerator doors should be left open for 1-2 hours. This will allow any remaining moisture to completely evaporate and any foreign odors to dissipate. Only after the inner chamber is dry and clean can you proceed to the electric start.
Algorithm for the first start and temperature settings
When all preparatory The stages have been completed, you can connect the unit to the network. Insert the plug into a separate grounded outlet. Do not use extension cords or tees as compressor inrush currents may be high. After connecting, you will hear a quiet hum - this is the compressor working.
Modern electronically controlled models may require language selection and time settings. Mechanical regulators are usually already set to average values, but it is better to check them. Don't download products right away! An empty refrigerator must operate for several hours to reach the required temperature.
The time it takes to reach operating mode depends on the volume of the chambers and the type of refrigerant. Typically the process takes from 2 to 4 hours. During this period, it is better not to open the doors unless absolutely necessary, so as not to disrupt the formation of a cold flow.
| Parameter | Normal value | Permissible deviation | Stabilization time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature in refrigerator compartment | +4°C ... +5°C | ±2°C | 2-3 hours |
| Temperature in the freezer compartment | -18°C | ±2°C | 4-6 hours |
| Compressor operating cycle | Works 20 minutes, rest 40 min | Depends on the load | Constantly |
| Noise level | up to 40 dB | up to 45 dB | Immediately after switching on |
Compressor operating standards and possible sounds
When turned on for the first time, the compressor can work longer than usual - up to 8-10 hours without stopping. This is normal, since the system must cool a large volume of air and chamber walls. However, if the engine hums for more than 12 hours in a row and does not turn off, this may indicate a malfunction of the thermostat or a freon leak.
Beginners are often frightened by extraneous sounds: gurgling, liquid overflows, clicks. Gurgling is the movement of refrigerant through the tubes, clicks are the operation of thermal relays or expansion/contraction of plastic. These sounds are absolutely normal for a working unit.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud metallic clanging, knocking or whistling sound, immediately unplug the device. Such sounds are not typical for normal operation and indicate a mechanical malfunction.
You should also pay attention to the heating of the side walls. In modern models, the condenser is often built into the side panels, so they can heat up to 50–60°C. This is not a defect, but a design feature that ensures effective heat exchange.
Common mistakes during first use
One of the most common mistakes is loading a large amount of warm food immediately after switching on. This forces the compressor to work at its limit, trying to cool the entire volume at once, which can lead to its overheating and emergency shutdown.
Another mistake is installing the refrigerator close to the wall or in a niche without ventilation. In such conditions, heat is not removed, cooling efficiency decreases, and energy consumption increases. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for minimum margins.
You should also not ignore the defrosting instructions if you have a model with manual defrosting. Although the first start-up takes place without ice, failure to follow the operating rules in the future will lead to the formation of a “fur coat” that will interfere with the operation of the temperature sensors.
The myth about “accelerating” the compressor
There is a myth that a new refrigerator needs to be “accelerated” by turning it on and off several times. This is absolutely false. Modern compressors do not require such a procedure, and repeated switching on can only damage the start relay.
How long does it take the refrigerator to reach temperature for the first time?
On average, the primary cooling process takes from 2 to 4 hours for the refrigerator compartment and up to 6-8 hours for the freezer. Complete stabilization of the temperature at all points in the chambers occurs during the first 24 hours of operation.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator if it has been standing in the cold?
It is strictly forbidden to turn on the unit immediately after frost. It needs to stand in a warm room for at least 4-5 hours (or better yet, a day) to warm up to room temperature and evaporate the condensation inside the electrical circuit.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after the first turn on?
When first started, the compressor works longer than usual to cool the warm air and the walls of the chambers. Continuous operation of up to 8–10 hours is considered normal. If the motor does not stop for more than a day, the seal may be broken or the thermostat is faulty.
Do you need to wash a new refrigerator before turning it on?
Yes, definitely. Remnants of factory lubricant, dust from packaging and the smell of plastic may remain inside. Washing with a weak solution of soda will remove these contaminants and prevent the appearance of foreign odors in the products.
What to do if, after turning on, the refrigerator makes loud sounds?
Humming, gurgling and light clicks are the norm. If you hear a loud knock, metal clanging or whistling, you need to immediately unplug the appliance from the outlet and call a technician, as these are signs of mechanical failure.