Buying a new refrigerator is always an event that marks the updating of household appliances in the kitchen and increased comfort. However, the joy of purchasing a modern model Indesit, Atlant or LG can quickly give way to disappointment if you ignore the basic rules of the initial launch. Statistics from service centers show that a significant part of breakdowns in the first year of operation are not due to manufacturing defects, but due to violation of basic standards of transportation and preparation of the unit for operation.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply unpack the device, plug the plug into the socket and load the products. This approach is a gross mistake that can damage compressor or the refrigerant circulation system. The physics of the operation of refrigeration equipment dictates its own conditions: the oil in the motor must take the correct position, and the internal components must warm up to room temperature to avoid condensation on the electrical contacts.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of preparation, from the moment the box is brought into the apartment to the loading of the first products. You will learn why rushing in this matter is contraindicated, how to properly sanitize the cameras, and what settings need to be set for optimal energy consumption. A competent start is a guarantee that your refrigerator will operate silently and efficiently for many years.
Adaptation of equipment after transportation
Transporting a refrigerator is always stressful for its internal structure, especially for the compressor and the system of tubes through which freon circulates. Even when carefully transported in the back of a truck or the trunk of a car, the unit is subject to vibration and tilting. If the refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position or at a strong angle, compressor oil could flow from the crankcase into the refrigerant circuit.
An attempt to start the engine immediately after delivery will lead to dry operation or water hammer, which is critically dangerous for the piston group. Compressor This is the heart of the refrigerator, and replacing it is expensive, so you need to be patient. The time it takes for the oil to drain back into the crankcase depends on the angle of inclination during transportation and the ambient temperature.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported lying down, the minimum settling time before turning on should be at least 8-12 hours. For vertical transportation, 2–4 hours are enough.
In addition, a sharp temperature change when bringing equipment from the street into a warm room in winter causes the formation of condensation not only outside, but also inside the electronic boards and on the contacts. Moisture may cause a short circuit upon first start-up. Therefore, even if you brought the box in the summer, let the device stand unpacked so that the temperatures even out.
It is also important to consider that some modern models with inverter compressors have more sensitive electronics. For them, stabilizing the temperature conditions inside the case before applying voltage is a prerequisite for maintaining the warranty from the manufacturer.
Removing packaging and external elements
After the device has settled, you can begin to carefully remove the packaging materials. Cardboard boxes, foam plugs and protective film only serve their purpose upon delivery. You cannot leave them on the body, as they interfere with normal heat transfer and can become a source of an unpleasant odor or even a fire when the motor heats up.
Particular attention should be paid to the transport tape or tape that is often used to secure the doors. Before opening the refrigerator, it is necessary to cut off all fixing elements. If you try to open the door without removing the latches, you can damage sealing rubber or break the hinges, which will lead to the door being skewed and the seal of the chamber being compromised.
- 📦 Remove the top cardboard box and side walls, carefully cutting the tape with a utility knife, being careful not to scratch the surface.
- 🧱 Remove the foam pads from the bottom and top of the cabinet, as well as from the inside of the refrigerator compartment.
- 🎞️ Remove the protective polymer film from the doors and cabinet - it is only intended to protect against scratches during transportation.
- 🔩 Check for shipping bolts on the back wall (rare, but possible) and make sure all stoppers are removed.
There may also be additional fixing elements for shelves and drawers inside the chamber. Manufacturers often include bags with documentation, shelf fasteners, or ice cube trays inside. All foreign objects must be removed. Shelves made of glass or plastic can be secured with tape - it must be carefully removed to avoid sticky deposits in the future.
☑️ Check after unpacking
Do not use aggressive solvents such as acetone or gasoline to remove adhesive from tape. They may damage the plastic coating or paint on the housing. It is best to use warm soapy water or special adhesive removers that are safe for plastic.
Sanitizing and odor removal
A new refrigerator, like any household appliance, requires mandatory sanitization before first use. During production, storage in warehouses and transportation, industrial dust, microplastic particles and technical lubricants settle inside the chambers. In addition, new materials may emit a specific odor that can impart an unpleasant taste to products.
Abrasive powders, hard brushes or aggressive chemicals should not be used to clean internal surfaces. The plastic and coating of the internal tank are easily scratched, and bacteria will subsequently begin to multiply in microcracks. The optimal solution is to use a soft sponge and a warm solution of baking soda or a weak vinegar solution.
| Component | What to wash | What not to wash | Purpose of treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal walls | Soda solution (1 tbsp per liter) | Abrasives, chlorine | Removing dust and odor |
| Rubber seal | Warm water with soap | Alcohol, solvents | Preservation of elasticity |
| Glass shelves | Glass cleaner | Hot water (risk of cracks) | Hygiene and review |
| Plastic boxes | Soap solution | Boiling water | Disinfection |
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry clean soft cloth. Any remaining moisture may freeze upon first use, forming an icy crust, or cause mold to form in the corners. Pay special attention to recesses and joints where water can accumulate.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use hot water above +40°C to wash the refrigerator, as this can deform the thin plastic of the internal shelves and drawers.
If the smell of plastic persists even after washing, you can use traditional methods: place lemon slices, activated carbon or an open pack of soda inside. These substances are excellent absorbents and will help neutralize the “aroma” of novelty.
Installation and leveling
Proper installation of the refrigerator is the key to its quiet operation and durability. The device must be placed on a level, stable base. If the floor is uneven, the refrigerator will vibrate, which will lead to increased noise and accelerated wear of compressor parts. In addition, misalignment can disrupt the operation of the door's self-closing mechanism.
Most modern models are equipped with adjustable support legs. By rotating them, you can achieve the ideal horizontal position of the body. To check, use a building level, placing it on the shelves inside the chamber. It is important that the refrigerator does not wobble and stands firmly on all four supports.
There is an important installation nuance: the back wall of the refrigerator should be at least 5–10 cm from the wall. This is necessary for free air circulation around the condenser (grid at the back). If you break this rule, heat transfer it gets worse, the compressor will work non-stop, trying to gain temperature, which will lead to overheating and an increase in electricity bills.
It is also recommended to install the refrigerator with a slight tilt back (the front legs are slightly higher than the back ones). This will ensure that the door fits tightly when closed due to gravity. This is easy to check: if you release the door, which is open at 45 degrees, it should close smoothly on its own.
Do not place the refrigerator next to heat sources: gas stove, heating radiators, or in direct sunlight. Heating the housing from the outside forces the unit to work in enhanced mode. If it is impossible to avoid proximity to the stove, install a heat-insulating partition between them.
First switching on and setting modes
After completing all the preparatory work, the moment of truth comes - the first switching on. Plug the power cord into a separate grounded outlet. The use of extension cords and tees is not recommended, since the refrigerator is a powerful consumer with high inrush currents, which can lead to heating of the contacts and a fire hazard.
When starting the first time, turn on the refrigerator in an empty state. Loading with products will immediately create an excess heat load on the compressor, which will already have to work intensively, cooling the heated walls of the chamber. Allow the equipment to run “idle” for at least 2–4 hours so that it reaches the specified temperature.
What do the flashing indicators mean?
When turned on for the first time, some models may signal by flashing lamps that the temperature inside has not yet reached normal. This is not a malfunction, but normal operation until the climate inside the chambers stabilizes.
If your model is equipped with electronic control, adjust the temperature according to the instructions. For the refrigerator compartment, the optimal range is considered to be +2...+4°C, and for the freezer compartment - -18°C and below. You should not immediately set the minimum possible values, this will not speed up cooling, but will force the motor to work at its limit.
In models with the system No Frost in the first hours of operation, fan noise or crackling of plastic may be heard - this is normal. Plastic contracts and expands with temperature changes. However, a loud knock, clanging or humming should alert you: in this case, it is better to turn off the unit and contact service.
Loading with food: rules and terms
When the refrigerator has worked for several hours in empty mode and reached the required temperature, you can start loading it with food. This should be done gradually, without filling the chambers to capacity. A sudden large amount of warm food will force the compressor to work for a long time without interruption, which will reduce its service life.
It is important to distribute the products correctly. Prepared foods, dairy products and perishable items are placed on the middle shelves, where the temperature is most stable. It is better to store vegetables and fruits in special lower drawers (freshness zone), and meat and fish - in the freezer or on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator if you plan to cook them in the coming days.
- 🥛 Place dairy products closer to the back wall, but not near the air duct opening, so that they do not freeze.
- 🥩 Store raw meat separately from prepared foods, preferably in airtight containers to avoid cross-contamination.
- 🍺 Drinks are most conveniently kept on the door, but the temperature is higher there, so milk and eggs should not be placed there.
- 🥘 Do not place hot foods in the refrigerator - cool them to room temperature before placement.
Compliance with product proximity and storage rules will extend the shelf life of products and prevent mixing of odors. Use closed containers and bags, especially for foods with strong aroma such as fish, smoked meats or spices.
⚠️ Attention: Do not fill the refrigerator more than 50% with food in the first week of operation. Give the system time to adjust the freezing and thawing cycles.
Regularly check the expiration dates and condition of the products. An overcrowded refrigerator causes poorer air circulation, which leads to the formation of “warm zones” and food spoilage. Make sure that food does not block the ventilation holes inside the chamber.
Frequently asked questions when starting up (FAQ)
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after purchase?
The settling time depends on the transportation conditions. If the refrigerator was transported vertically, 2–4 hours is enough. If horizontal - at least 8-12 hours. In winter, the time increases to 24 hours to equalize the temperature inside the electronics.
Do you need to wash the inside of a new refrigerator?
Yes, definitely. Industrial dust and the smell of plastic and packaging remain inside. Wipe the chambers with a solution of soda or a mild soap, then wipe dry with a clean cloth before turning on.
Why does the refrigerator hum loudly when first started?
During the first hours of operation, the compressor may work harder than usual to cool the empty volume of the chamber. There may also be noise from the circulation of refrigerant and the operation of fans. If the loud hum does not subside after a day, check whether the unit is level.
Is it possible to place the refrigerator close to the wall?
No, the gap between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall should be at least 5-10 cm for free air circulation and cooling of the condenser. Violation of this rule leads to overheating and breakdown.
What to do if there is a plastic smell after switching on?
A slight smell in the first days is acceptable. If it is strong, wipe the chambers with a solution of vinegar or lemon water, place activated carbon or special odor absorbers inside. Ventilate the chamber.