Buying new household appliances is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to such an important unit, how refrigerator. The brand Shivaki has established itself as a manufacturer of reliable and functional models that require competent initial setup for correct operation. Immediately after delivery and unpacking, you should not rush to connect the device to the network, since the compressor oil must settle.
The initial preparation process takes from 2 to 4 hours if transportation was carried out in a vertical position, and up to 12 hours for horizontal transportation. During this time, the coolant and oil flow to the bottom of the system, which prevents water hammer when the engine is first started. Ignoring this rule can lead to serious damage that will not be recognized as a warranty case.
After the equipment has settled, it is necessary to wipe the internal chambers with a soft cloth soaked in a weak solution of soda or a special product for household appliances. This will help remove factory dust and odors that are often present in new plastic. Only after thorough drying can you proceed to setting temperature conditions.
Primary installation and placement of equipment
Correct placement of the refrigerator Shivaki directly affects its operating efficiency and energy consumption. It is necessary to ensure free air flow to the heat exchanger, which is most often located on the rear wall or on the sides of the housing. The distance to the nearest walls, furniture or curtains should be at least 5-10 centimeters.
It is important to install the unit on a flat horizontal surface using adjustable support legs. If the refrigerator stands at an angle, this can lead to loose fitting of the doors and, as a result, permanent operation of the compressor. To check, use a building level. ice freezing or constant operation of the compressor. Use a building level to check.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to install the refrigerator near heating appliances, stoves or in direct sunlight. This creates an excess heat load on the cooling system.
In some models with the system No Frost ventilation requirements may be more stringent, since air circulation occurs inside the case, but heat must still be dissipated outside. It is not recommended to place equipment in unheated rooms or on a balcony, unless this is expressly stated in the passport of a specific model. Low temperatures can cause the oil in the compressor to solidify.
Temperature adjustment
The main task of the user after switching on is to set the optimal temperature for storing food. In refrigerators Shivaki the control can be mechanical (thermostat with numbers) or electronic (display). In mechanical models, the number on the regulator does not indicate degrees, but cooling intensity: the higher the number, the colder.
For the main refrigerator compartment, the range from +3°C to +5°C is considered optimal. If you set the temperature too low, the food in the walls may freeze and the compressor will run continuously. It is recommended to maintain a -18°C mode in the freezer for long-term storage of supplies.
Electronic control allows you to set parameters with an accuracy of a degree through the panel Control Panel. By pressing the button Temp or Fridge, you switch settings between cameras.
| Product group | Recommended zone | Optimal temperature | Term storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat and fish (chilled) | Lower shelf / Freshness zone | 0..+2°C | 1-3 days |
| Dairy products | Middle shelves | +2..+4°C | 3-5 days |
| Vegetables and fruits | Bottom drawers | +4..+6°C | Up to 2 weeks |
| Ready meals | Upper shelves | +3..+5°C | 1-2 days |
Activation of special functions
Modern models Shivaki are equipped with a number of additional functions that make operation easier. One of the most useful is the Super Freeze (Super Freeze) mode. It forces the compressor to work continuously, quickly freezing a large volume of fresh food to preserve their structure and vitamins.
The function Quick Cool or accelerated cooling is also often found. This is useful when you have just loaded an empty refrigerator with a lot of room temperature food. However, it is not recommended to use these modes constantly, as this leads to increased energy consumption and wear of parts.
What is a zero temperature zone?
This is a separate compartment (often a drawer), where the temperature is maintained at about 0°C and humidity 50%. In such conditions, meat, fish and herbs remain fresh 2-3 times longer than on a regular shelf, without freezing.
Models with a display may have an open door indicator or a Child Lock. Activating the lock prevents children from accidentally changing settings. Typically, this requires holding a certain combination of buttons for 3-5 seconds, which is indicated by an audible beep or a flashing lock icon on the screen.
Setting up the No Frost and defrosting system
If your refrigerator Shivaki works on the system No Frost, you do not need defrost it manually. Moisture is removed from products through a system of evaporators and drainage channels. However, once a year it is recommended to carry out preventative cleaning of the drainage hole to avoid blockages.
In models with a drip defrosting system (crying evaporator), ice periodically forms on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, which melts when the compressor is turned off. It is important to ensure that food does not fit tightly against the back wall, otherwise they may freeze or deteriorate from contact with water during the defrost cycle.
☑️ Checking the defrost system
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a fur coat freezes in the freezer, but in the refrigerator compartment, on the contrary, it is too warm. This may indicate a malfunction of the damper Air Damperwhich regulates the flow of cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment. In such cases, diagnostics by a specialist is required.
Deciphering error codes and indications
Refrigerator electronics Shivaki is capable of self-diagnosis and reporting problems through flashing indicators or alphanumeric codes on the display. For example, a flashing temperature indicator often indicates that the temperature inside the chambers has risen above the permissible limit.
Common codes may indicate problems with temperature sensors, a malfunctioning fan, or a refrigerant leak. If after a reboot (disconnect from the network for 15 minutes) the error does not disappear, you must contact a service center.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and error codes may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture of the model. Always check the instructions included with your device, as the control interface may be updated by the manufacturer.
Independent repair of electronics without the appropriate skills and equipment can lead to permanent failure of the unit. If you see an error code associated with the compressor or control board, it is better not to risk it.
Tips for energy-efficient operation
For the refrigerator Shivaki served for a long time and saved your money, it is important to follow the loading rules. Do not place hot food inside as this will force the compressor to work at its limit. It is also not recommended to fill the chamber completely to capacity, since air should circulate freely between products.
Regularly checking the rubber seals on the doors is a simple way to prevent cold loss. If the rubber does not fit tightly, warm, moist air enters the chamber, which leads to the formation of ice and increased frequency of engine start cycles. The test can be carried out using a sheet of paper: hold it with the door and try to pull it out - it should come out with force along the entire perimeter.
Cleaning the condenser (grid at the back or bottom) from dust and animal hair should be carried out at least once every six months. A heat exchanger clogged with dust does not transfer heat well, which reduces the efficiency of the entire system and increases electricity consumption.
Why does the refrigerator hum more than usual?
Increased noise can be caused by vibration from an uneven floor, touching the back wall of the cabinet, or loading the compressor due to a dirty condenser. A fan can also make noise if ice has frozen on its blades.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should a Shivaki refrigerator sit after transportation?
The settling time depends on the method of transportation. If the refrigerator was transported vertically, 2-4 hours is enough. If the equipment was lying horizontally, you need to wait from 8 to 12 hours so that the compressor oil flows into the crankcase and does not enter the cooling circuit during startup.
What does a flashing light or indicator on the panel mean?
Most often, flashing signals an increase in the temperature in the chamber. This can happen when loading food for the first time, after defrosting, or when the door is not tightly closed. If the indicator does not stop flashing after several hours of operation, the sensor may be faulty or there is a freon leak.
Is it possible to adjust the temperature in the refrigerator in winter?
Yes, you can adjust it, but there is a nuance. If the refrigerator is located in an unheated room (balcony, cottage), where the temperature drops below +10°C, the standard model may not turn on or work incorrectly. For such conditions, a model with climate class SN-T and a function to operate at low ambient temperatures is required.
How to enable the super-freeze mode?
On models with electronic control, you need to press the button Super Freeze or hold the freezer temperature setting button until the corresponding snowflake icon appears. In mechanical models, this function may not be present, or it can be implemented by turning the regulator to the maximum (but not more than 24 hours).