The brand's refrigeration equipment Don is deservedly popular due to its reliability, classic design and affordable price. However, like any complex household appliance, it requires proper initial setup for efficient and long-lasting operation. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply plug the device into a power outlet, but ignoring the basic installation and adjustment rules can lead to increased energy consumption or food damage.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the steps necessary to get your new or just defrosted unit into working mode. You will learn about the intricacies of adjusting thermostats, the operating features of the system No Frost (if it is provided by the model) and the rules for placing products for optimal air circulation. Proper setup is the key to ensuring that your equipment will serve you for many years without the need to call a technician.
Before you begin adjusting the internal parameters, you need to make sure that all the conditions for correct installation of the housing are met. Horizontal position is not just a recommendation, but a strict requirement of compressor manufacturers. If the device is positioned crookedly, the oil in the compressor may be distributed unevenly, which will lead to its overheating and noisy operation.
Initial installation and preparation for switching on
The first step, which is often ignored, is the time delay after transportation. If the refrigerator Don was transported in a horizontal position or tilted strongly, the compressor oil takes time to drain into the engine crankcase. Turning on the device immediately after delivery may lead to water hammer in the system.
Install the unit on a flat surface, away from direct sunlight and heating devices. The distance to the wall should be at least 5-7 centimeters to ensure normal ventilation of the condenser. Use a building level to check the position of the cabinet.
After installation, you must allow the device to settle. The waiting time depends on the transportation conditions:
- 🕒 If the transportation was vertical - 2-3 hours are enough.
- 🛌 If the device was lying on its side - it takes from 4 to 8 hours.
- ❄️ In winter, if the equipment was brought in from the cold, let it warm up to room temperature for 24 hours before turning on.
It is important to check the integrity of the seals on the doors. They should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice gaps, you can warm the door with a hairdryer or use the flipping method to straighten the deformed rubber profile.
⚠️ Attention: Do not load food into an empty refrigerator immediately after turning it on. Give the system 2-3 hours of idle operation so that a stable temperature regime is formed.
Temperature adjustment
Temperature adjustment in refrigerators Don depends on the type of control. Most budget and mid-range models use mechanical thermostat, which is a rotary switch with numbers or a scale from “Min” to “Max”. In more modern versions, it may be found electronic control with a display on the external panel.
In mechanical models, the numbers do not indicate degrees Celsius, but indicate the intensity of work compressor. Position “1” or “Min” means minimum cooling, and “Max” or “7” means maximum power. For everyday use, the position of the regulator in the middle of the scale is considered optimal.
If your model has two regulators (separately for the refrigerator and freezer compartments), the setting should be done as follows:
- ❄️ For the refrigerator compartment, set the value corresponding to +3...+5°C (usually the middle of the scale).
- 🧊 For the freezer, the optimal value is -18°C (also the middle position of the regulator).
- 🔄 Avoid setting maximum values for a long time, this leads to freezing of the evaporator and overload of the compressor.
For models with electronic control, the setting is made by pressing the buttons on the panel. Usually you need to hold down the setting button for 3-5 seconds, after which the temperature indicators start flashing. Use the “+” and “-” buttons to select the desired values.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of controls may vary depending on the specific modification. Always check the product data sheet, as manufacturers may make changes to the design without notice.
Door adjustment and re-hanging
One of the common tasks during installation is re-hanging the door if the kitchen configuration requires opening in the other direction. Refrigerators Don structurally allow this operation, but it requires accuracy and the availability of tools.
The process begins with removing the decorative plugs and unscrewing the top hinge. The door must be held so that it does not fall. Then the middle and lower hinges are removed, and the door leaf is moved to the opposite side. All holes on the old side are closed with plugs included in the kit.
It is important not to overtighten the hinge mounting bolts so as not to strip the threads in the metal case. After installation, check the tightness. If the door does not close tightly or, conversely, too tightly, it may be necessary to adjust the height of the support screws or the position of the hinges.
☑️ Checklist for re-hanging the door
After mechanical adjustment, make sure that the magnetic seal has no creases. If after rehanging a gap has formed, try warming the problem area of the seal with a hairdryer or tightening the hinge fixing screws.
Operating modes and special functions
Modern models of refrigerators Don can be equipped with additional modes that expand the functionality of the device. Understanding their purpose allows you to save energy and keep food fresh longer.
The “Super Freeze” mode is designed for quick freezing of a large volume of fresh food. When this function is activated, the compressor runs continuously, ignoring the thermostat readings. It is not recommended to use this mode for more than 24 hours to avoid damage.
What happens if you forget to turn off “Super Freeze”?
The compressor will work without stopping, which will lead to excessive cooling, icing of food in the refrigerator compartment and a significant increase in energy consumption, as well as a reduction in engine life.
In models with the system Full No Frost or Low Frost it is important not to block the ventilation holes inside the chambers. The circulation of cold air must be free. If you notice that the food at the back wall is freezing, but the food at the door is warm, the air exchange may be impaired due to too dense loading.
The table below shows the recommended temperature conditions for various types of products:
| Product type | Recommended temperature | Shelf life (approximate) | Placement zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat and fish (chilled) | 0...+2°C | 1-3 days | Zero zone / Bottom |
| Dairy products | +2...+4°C | 3-7 days | Middle shelf |
| Vegetables and fruits | +4...+8°C | 5-10 days | Boxes below |
| Ready dishes | +2...+5°C | 2-4 days | Top shelf |
Typical problems after setup
Even with proper configuration, users may encounter some phenomena that are often mistaken for malfunctions. For example, the appearance of condensation on the outer wall or slight noise during operation. In most cases, this is normal.
Noise may occur due to the circulation of refrigerant or fan operation in the systems No Frost. If the noise is not accompanied by chassis vibration and is not a loud knock, there is no need to worry. However, if you hear the relay clicks, this is also normal operation of the automation.
Ice formation in the refrigeration chamber of models with a drip system (“Crying evaporator”) occurs periodically. Water flows down the back wall into the drainage hole. If the water does not drain away and remains at the bottom, it is necessary to clean the drainage.
To clean the drainage hole, you can use a special brush-brush or soft wire. Carefully insert the tool into the hole on the back wall of the chamber (usually it is covered with a decorative cover) and make several forward movements.
Caring for the cooling system
In order for the temperature settings to remain effective, it is necessary to regularly service the heat exchanger. Dust and pet hair settling on the condenser (black grille at the back or built into the side walls) impair heat transfer.
The condenser should be cleaned at least once a year. To do this, unplug the refrigerator, move it away from the wall and carefully vacuum the back grille. Using a damp cloth is only permissible after thorough dry cleaning and complete drying.
It is also important to keep the seals clean. Fat and dirt adhering to the rubber destroy its structure and impair the seal. Wipe the seals with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water every 2-3 months.
How to check the door tightness?
Use a sheet of paper. Clamp it between the door and the body in different places. If the sheet is pulled out too easily without resistance, it means that the seal in this place does not fit tightly and requires replacement or adjustment.
Regular defrosting (for models without No Frost) should be carried out as an ice crust of 3-5 mm thick forms. Frequent defrosting “just in case” is not required and is even harmful for some components.
Why does the refrigerator Don do not turn off for a long time after setting?
This is a normal situation when you turn it on for the first time or after loading a large volume of products. The system requires time (up to 24 hours) to cool the entire internal volume to the specified parameters. If the operating mode does not change for more than a day when the chamber is empty, check that the door is closed tightly.
Is it possible to place the refrigerator Don close to the wall?
No, absolutely not. For effective cooling of the condenser, a gap of at least 5-7 cm is required. In the absence of a gap, the compressor will work with overheating, which will lead to increased energy consumption and reduced service life.
Which temperature should be set in the summer and which in the winter?
In the summer, when the ambient temperature is high, you can slightly increase the cooling (move the regulator towards higher numbers), but not set to maximum. In winter, if the room is cool (+16...+18°C), the power can be reduced so that the compressor does not run idle.
What to do if the temperature in the freezer is -24°C instead of -18°C?
It is necessary to reduce the cooling power by turning the regulator towards lower values. Long-term storage of products at extremely low temperatures does not make sense and leads to excessive energy consumption. Optimally -18°C.
Do you need to lubricate the door hinges after hanging?
Special lubrication is usually not required if the mechanism is working properly. However, if the door begins to creak, you can add one drop of machine oil or use silicone grease at the hinge joint. Avoid getting grease on food.