Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the renewal of household appliances and increasing comfort in the kitchen. However, the joy of the purchase can be overshadowed if you ignore the correct initial processing of the unit before its first start-up. Many users make the mistake of believing that modern equipment is ready for use immediately after unpacking and connecting to the power supply, but this is not entirely true.
Factory packaging, shipping bolts, protective films and the specific smell of new plastic - all this requires attention and certain actions on the part of the owner. Improper preparation can lead to rapid compressor failure, the appearance of unpleasant odors in the chamber, or even damage to the floor covering. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages that need to be completed in order for your refrigerator to serve for many years without complaints. The preparation process includes not only external cleaning, but also compliance with the time intervals necessary to stabilize the internal systems. This is especially true for the refrigerant and oil in the compressor, which may have become dislodged during transportation. Ignoring these nuances often becomes the reason for expensive repairs, so the issue should be approached with all responsibility and attention to detail. fridge served for many years without complaints.
The preparation process includes not only external cleaning, but also maintaining the time intervals necessary to stabilize internal systems. This is especially true for the refrigerant and oil in the compressor, which may have become dislodged during transportation. Ignoring these nuances often becomes the cause of expensive repairs, so the issue should be approached with all responsibility and attention to detail.
Transportation and temperature adaptation
The most critical moment begins immediately after the equipment is delivered to the apartment. If the refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position or simply tilted strongly, the compressor oil needs time to drain back into the compressor crankcase. An attempt to start the unit immediately is fraught with water hammer, which can fatally damage the compressor.
The time required for the equipment to “rest” directly depends on the temperature outside and the method of transportation. In winter, when equipment comes from frost into a warm room, condensation forms on the internal elements. Moisture on the electrical contacts can cause a short circuit when you turn it on for the first time.
⚠️ Attention: If you brought the refrigerator in from the cold, do not plug it in for at least 3-4 hours, but rather leave it for a day. This time is necessary for complete evaporation of condensate and warming up the compressor lubricant to operating temperature.
In summer or when transported in a vertical position with a minimum slope, the settling time can be reduced to 2-4 hours. However, experts recommend taking your time and letting the equipment stand in an upright position for at least 8 hours. This ensures that all systems are in balance before operating under load.
Removing packaging and protective elements
After the refrigerator has stood for the required time, you must begin removing the packaging. The outer cardboard and foam end pieces are usually removed immediately, but additional protective materials are often left inside the chambers and on the body. Particular attention should be paid to transportation bolts, if any, although in modern models their role is often played by shelf clamps.
Inside the chambers you can find tape that secures shelves and drawers, as well as paper inserts between them. All this must be carefully removed. Also, protective polyethylene film often remains on the doors and side walls. It must be removed completely, since over time it can dry to the surface, and it will be extremely difficult to tear it off without damaging the coating.
Don't forget to check the space behind the refrigerator and in the lower part where the compressor is located. There is often a cardboard backing or additional pieces of foam to protect the condenser tubes from damage during transportation. Their removal is critical for proper air circulation and cooling condenser.
- 📦 Remove all outer cardboard and fastening straps.
- 🧊 Remove all internal shelf and drawer fasteners.
- 🎞️ Completely tear off the protective film from the body and doors.
- 🔧 Check the lower compartment for the presence of shipping substrates.
Primary washing and disinfection of chambers
The inside of a new refrigerator often has a specific technical smell, which is the result of the use of new plastics and sealants in production. To prevent future products from absorbing this aroma, the chamber must be thoroughly washed. Even if the inside is visually clean, wiping is required.
For washing, use warm water with the addition of a mild detergent or baking soda. Aggressive chemicals, abrasive powders and solvents are strictly prohibited, as they can damage the internal coating of the cameras and plastic cladding material. Soda not only cleans well, but also neutralizes foreign odors.
After wet cleaning, all surfaces should be wiped dry with a soft rag. Pay special attention to the rubber seals on the doors - factory dust or grease could remain in the folds. After washing, it is better to leave the doors open for some time for complete drying and ventilation.
| Medicine | Application | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|
| Soda solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water) | Removal of odors, disinfection | No |
| Soap solution (soap) | General cleaning of contaminants | Low |
| Vinegar water (1:3) | Grease removal, disinfection | No |
| Abrasive powders | Not recommended | High (scratches) |
⚠️ Attention: Never use hot water to clean the interior of the refrigerator. A sharp temperature change can lead to deformation of plastic elements and cracks in the evaporator.
Choice of installation location and ventilation
The correct location of the refrigerator is the key to its long and quiet operation. The unit should not be placed close to a wall or furniture. To effectively remove heat from the condenser grilles, which are usually located on the back wall or on the sides of the case, a gap is required.
The minimum distance from the back wall of the refrigerator to the wall should be at least 5-7 cm. If the model involves side ventilation, then the indentations on the sides must also be observed according to the instructions for the specific model Indesit, Atlant or Bosch. Failure to comply with these standards will lead to overheating of the compressor and increased energy consumption.
It is also important to install the refrigerator on a flat surface. Misalignment can cause improper operation of the self-closing door system and increased noise during compressor operation. The height is adjusted using the front support legs, which can be twisted or unscrewed.
☑️ Checking the installation
It is not recommended to place the refrigerator next to heat sources such as a radiator, oven or stove. If it is impossible to avoid such proximity, it is necessary to install a heat-insulating screen between the refrigerator and the refrigerator.
First start-up and operation check
After the refrigerator has been washed, installed and settled, you can proceed to the first start-up. Plug the power cord into a power outlet. Make sure the outlet is grounded and matches the power rating of the appliance. Do not use extension cords and tees unless absolutely necessary, as they can cause overheating of the contacts.
When you turn it on for the first time, let the refrigerator run idle, without food, for 2-4 hours. During this time, the unit must reach the set temperature, and the compressor must turn off (or go into low-speed mode, if used inverter motor). At this time, you can assess the level of noise and vibration.
Is the new refrigerator humming normally?
A new refrigerator may be louder than usual in the first hours of operation. This is due to pumping refrigerant through the system and grinding in parts. If the loud hum does not subside after a day, you should contact service.
Check the operation of all functions: whether the indicators light up, whether the lighting works correctly, whether the cameras are cooled. If the model is equipped with a display, set the desired temperature according to the instructions. Typically, the recommended temperature for the main compartment is +4°C, and for the freezer -18°C.
Loading food and final settings
You can load food into the refrigerator only after it has reached operating mode and stabilized the temperature. Sudden loading of a large volume of warm or room temperature products will cause the compressor to work overload, trying to cool the chamber.
It is recommended to fill the chambers gradually. Place foods that require deep chilling first in the freezer compartment, then in the main compartment. Do not place hot foods inside - this will upset the temperature balance and may spoil other products.
⚠️ Attention: Do not fill the refrigerator to capacity with food on the first day of work. Allow air to circulate freely between food items to ensure even cooling.
If after a few days you notice that food in different corners of the chamber is cooling differently, you may need to adjust the position of the shelves or check the settings of the cold air dampers. Proper air circulation is the key to maintaining freshness.
Frequently asked questions about preparing the refrigerator
Do I need to remove the film from the side walls if it does not interferes?
Yes, the protective film must be removed completely. Over time, under the influence of heat from a running compressor and the sun, it can crack, turn yellow and stick tightly to the body. It will be extremely difficult to clean such residues, and the appearance of the equipment will be ruined.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator if it was standing on its side?
You can turn it on, but only after a long period of standing in an upright position. The minimum time is 4 hours, but it is better to wait 8-12 hours. This is necessary so that the oil flows into the compressor and does not enter the cooling circuit, which would cause clogging of the capillary tube.
Why does a new refrigerator make clicking sounds?
Clicks when operating a new refrigerator are often caused by thermal expansion and contraction of the plastic of the internal housing and evaporator tubes when the temperature changes. This is a normal physical process that usually becomes less noticeable after a few days of use.
What is the best way to clean the inside of a new refrigerator?
The best solution is a baking soda solution or a mild soap solution. They are safe for plastic and rubber, do not leave a chemical odor and remove factory dust well. After washing, be sure to wipe the surfaces with a dry cloth.
How long does it take for the refrigerator to reach temperature for the first time?
The time it first enters the mode depends on the volume of the chambers, the room temperature and the model of the refrigerator. On average, the process takes from 2 to 6 hours. The freezer can freeze longer, up to 10-12 hours, especially in models with a system No Frost.