Purchasing modern household appliances is always an event associated with joy and the expectation of comfort. However, in order for the unit to serve for many years without failures, it is necessary to strictly follow the initial start-up rules. Incorrect operation in the first hours of operation can lead to failure of an expensive compressor or a violation of the tightness of the circuit.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply plug the device into a power outlet and load products. In fact, the preparation process requires time and careful attention to the details specified in the manufacturer’s technical documentation. Ignoring the stages of settling and checking the level can reduce the service life of the equipment by half.
In this guide we will analyze in detail all the stages: from unpacking to setting temperature conditions. You will learn why you cannot turn on the device immediately after delivery and how to avoid typical mistakes that most owners make.
Initial transportation and unpacking
Delivery of equipment to the apartment is only half the journey. Before starting operation, all transport elements must be removed. Factory packaging, tape, foam blocks and securing tapes must be completely removed from the cabinet and internal shelves.
Particular attention should be paid to shipping bolts, if present on your model. They usually fix the compressor or moving parts inside the housing to avoid damage when shaking. Liebherr, Bosch Other brands often use fasteners that must be unscrewed before turning on for the first time.
If you skip this step, the vibration of the running motor will be transmitted to loose parts, which will cause loud noise and mechanical destruction of internal components. After removing the fasteners, check the integrity of the condenser on the back wall - it should not be dented or damaged.
☑️ Check after delivery
Make sure that the kit includes all the necessary accessories: egg trays, bottle racks, keys for adjusting the legs. The absence of even a small part can complicate further adjustment.
Installation and alignment rules
Choosing a location for installation is a critical step. The unit should be placed on a flat, hard surface away from direct sunlight and heating devices. The minimum distance from the wall to the rear grille should be at least 5-7 centimeters to ensure normal air circulation.
The next step is to adjust the support legs. This is necessary not only for stability, but also for the correct operation of the system self-closing doors. If the refrigerator is tilted backwards, the doors can open on their own, disturbing the temperature conditions.
Use a building level to make adjustments. Tighten the front legs until the body tilts slightly forward. You can check this in a simple way: if you release the open door at an angle of 45 degrees, it should close on its own.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the wall | 5-10 cm | Compressor overheating |
| Case tilt | Forward 1-2 degrees | Spontaneous opening |
| Removal from slabs | Minimum 30 cm | Damage to the sealant |
| Floor evenness | Ideal | Vibration and noise |
Standing time before turning on
One of the most frequently asked questions concerns the time that should pass between delivery and the first turn on. This requirement is due to the design features of the compressor and refrigerant circulation.
During transportation, especially if the refrigerator was tilted or placed on its side, oil from the compressor could flow into the evaporator pipe system. If you turn on the engine immediately, the oil, which has not had time to drain back into the crankcase, can create a hydraulic shock or clog thin capillaries.
⚠️ Attention: If the equipment was transported in a horizontal position, the settling time should be at least 8-12 hours. For vertical transportation, 2-4 hours are enough.
It is also necessary to allow the device to warm up to room temperature if delivery was carried out in winter. A sudden temperature change can cause condensation to form on electrical contacts, which will lead to a short circuit.
What happens if you turn on the refrigerator right away?
The risk of failure is about 30%. The compressor may be overloaded, trying to push through the oil plug, or the thermal protection relay will trip. In the worst case, the cooling system tubes will rupture.
First launch and operation check
After the device has settled, you can proceed to the first launch. Plug the power cord into a separate grounded outlet. The use of extension cords or tees is not recommended, as the compressor starting currents can be high.
Immediately after turning on, you will hear the sound of the motor starting. In modern models with an inverter motor, this sound can be very quiet, almost silent. Let the refrigerator run idle (without food) for 2-3 hours.
During this time, the unit should reach the required temperature. Check the thermostat operation: after a couple of hours, it should become noticeably colder inside. Also check to see if the side walls are overheating - slight heating is normal for modern heat dissipation systems.
Pay attention to the indicators on the control panel. If the high temperature alarm comes on, this is normal for the first minutes of operation, but it should go out after reaching the mode.
Setting temperature modes
Correct temperature setting is the key to long-term storage of food and saving energy. You should not immediately set the minimum values, this will force the compressor to work at its limit.
The optimal temperature in the main chamber is considered to be a range from +2 to +4 degrees Celsius. The temperature in the freezer should not exceed -18 degrees. It is these parameters that allow you to maintain the freshness of products and stop the growth of bacteria.
In models with electronic control, settings are made through the display. Mechanical regulators usually have a scale from 1 to 7, with the middle value (3 or 4) indicating optimal performance. It is not recommended to turn the knob to maximum unless necessary.
If your device has a zone zero temperature (Fresh Zone), use it to store meat, fish and dairy products that you plan to cook in the near future 1-2 days. This will preserve their structure and taste without freezing.
Loading with products and operating rules
After the refrigerator has reached operating mode, you can begin loading with products. You should not fill the chambers completely and tightly on the first day. Place food evenly so as not to block the ventilation holes.
It is strictly forbidden to place hot food inside. This will cause a sharp rise in temperature, the formation of ice on the evaporator and increased load on the motor. Allow the food to cool to room temperature before putting it on the shelf.
- 🥩 It is better to store meat and fish in the lower part of the main chamber or in the freshness zone, wrapped in film.
- 🥛 Place dairy products on the middle shelves, away from the door, where the temperature fluctuates most often.
- 🥬 Place vegetables and fruits in special drawers, after drying them from moisture.
- 🍞 Bakery products do not require strong cooling; it is better to keep them in a separate compartment or on the top shelf.
Regularly check the tightness of the doors. The seal must be clean and flexible. Once every six months, it is recommended to wipe the rubber circuit with warm water and a mild detergent to prevent drying out and cracking.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store open jars of pickles or strong-smelling foods (for example, durian or some types of cheese) in the refrigerator without airtight packaging. Odors can be absorbed into the plastic parts of the case and will be difficult to remove.
Frequent questions when starting up equipment
Why does a new refrigerator hum loudly in the first hours?
This is normal. The new compressor must go through a parts grinding process. In addition, sound may resonate more strongly in an empty refrigerator. After a few days of operation the noise usually decreases. If the humming is accompanied by vibration, check the adjustment of the legs.
Is it possible to place the refrigerator on a glazed balcony?
Most manufacturers do not recommend operation at temperatures below +10 or above +32 degrees. Temperature changes and moisture ingress are possible on the balcony, which can lead to corrosion and disruption of the electronics.
Is it necessary to defrost a No Frost refrigerator?
The No Frost system involves automatic removal of moisture, so regular defrosting is not required. However, once every year and a half, it is recommended to carry out a complete defrosting and washing for hygienic cleaning and removal of odors.
What to do if the door does not close completely?
Check whether anything is interfering with the seal (packaging, a piece of product). Make sure the refrigerator is tilted forward. If the problem is a skewed door leaf, the hinges may need to be adjusted.
How to quickly cool drinks in a new refrigerator?
Do not load warm bottles in large quantities. It is better to place them in the area of maximum cooling capacity (usually near the back wall, but not pressing against it). Using the “Super Freezing” or “Super Cooling” function will help lower the temperature faster.