Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the renewal of household appliances in your kitchen. However, the euphoria of the purchase can quickly give way to disappointment if the basic rules for the initial launch of the equipment are not followed. Many users make a critical mistake by plugging the unit into the network immediately after unpacking, which can lead to serious damage to the compressor and loss of warranty.
The installation process requires not only a physical connection to the electrical network, but also proper preparation of the site, leveling the case and setting temperature conditions. First switching on is a stress test for the entire system, and the durability depends on how it goes your refrigeration equipment. In this article we will analyze each stage in detail so that you can avoid common mistakes.
It is important to understand that modern models, such as LG or Boschmay have their own transportation and preparation for work. Ignoring the manufacturer's instructions often results in increased noise, vibration, or poor cooling of products in the future. Let's figure out how to do everything right the first time.
Choosing the right location for installation
The first and most important step is choosing a location. The refrigerator should not be placed close to a wall or furniture, since its radiator grille requires constant air circulation for effective heat removal. If you leave a gap of less than 5-10 centimeters, the compressor will work hard, trying to maintain the set temperature.
In addition, it is strictly not recommended to place the equipment next to heat sources, such as a gas stove, oven or heating radiators. Direct sunlight on the cabinet is also unacceptableas this leads to overheating of the external surface and increased energy consumption. The ideal option would be a flat floor in a cool corner of the kitchen.
Pay attention to the floor covering. If the floor is slippery or uneven, vibrations during compressor operation will increase, which can lead to the unit “traveling” around the kitchen. In such cases, it is recommended to use special anti-vibration pads under the legs.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the outlet to which the refrigerator will be connected is grounded. The use of extension cords and tees is highly undesirable, as they can cause overheating of the wiring.
Transportation and settling time
After delivering the equipment home, the most common question arises: how long before you can turn on the refrigerator? The answer depends on the position in which the transportation took place. During transportation in the back of a truck, oil from the compressor may have leaked into the system circuits, and it needs time to drain back into the crankcase.
If the unit was transported in a vertical position, it is enough to let it stand for 2-3 hours. However, if the equipment was lying on its side, the waiting time increases to 8-12 hours, and in the winter season - up to a day. This is necessary so that the condensate formed inside the system due to temperature changes completely evaporates.
Do not rush things. Early start of the compressor, when the oil has not yet returned to its place, can lead to water hammer and failure of the piston group. Compressor is the heart of your refrigerator, and its replacement is often comparable in cost to buying new equipment.
- ❄️ In summer, the settling time is minimal 2-3 hours.
- ❄️ In winter or after transportation in a horizontal position, wait 8-12 hours.
- ❄️ Make sure that the room temperature corresponds to the range specified in the instructions.
What will happen if you turn on the refrigerator immediately?
If you turn it on unit immediately after winter delivery, the refrigerant may not have time to warm up, and the oil may not become sufficiently liquid. This will cause the compressor to run dry, which will sharply reduce its service life or cause immediate valve failure.
Removing the transport fastenings
Before you begin setting up, you must remove all packaging materials and fixing elements. Manufacturers use plastic brackets, foam inserts, and tape to protect the chassis and internal components during shipping. Leaving fasteners can cause severe vibration and noise.
Carefully inspect the interior of the cameras. Often the compressor or condenser tubes are additionally fixed with bolts or rigid brackets that need to be removed. Also, do not forget to remove the protective film from the internal shelves and drawers, if any.
Check the integrity of the door seals. They should fit snugly around the entire perimeter. If you notice creases or deformation after removing the packaging, try gently straightening them with a hairdryer on low heat or leaving the door closed for a while.
☑️ Check before starting
Aligning the body and adjusting the legs
Correct level setting is critical for the correct operation of the self-closing door system and silent operation of the compressor. If the refrigerator is skewed, the door may open by itself or, conversely, not fully adhere to the body, breaking the seal.
Most models are equipped with adjustable support legs. Using a spirit level, check that the top panel is level in two directions: front to back and left to right. Tighten the legs with a key or manually until the ideal position is achieved.
An important nuance: the rear legs are usually fixed, and only the front ones are adjustable. To ensure the correct tilt of the door (so that it closes itself when opened by less than 30 degrees), the front part of the refrigerator should be raised 1-2 centimeters higher than the back.
| Parameter | Normative value | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Gap at walls | Minimum 5-10 cm | Overheating, rising electricity bills |
| Forward tilt | 1-2 degrees | The door will not close itself |
| Distance from the stove | Minimum 15 cm | Deformation of plastic, overheating |
| Gap at top | Minimum 10 cm | Poor ventilation radiator |
First turn on and setting the temperature
After the refrigerator has stood for the required time and has been leveled, you can connect it to the network. Insert the plug into the outlet and make sure that the lights on the control panel come on. Modern models with the system No Frost can make the first sound of the fan after a few minutes.
Do not load products right away! Allow empty compartments to idle for 4-6 hours (for a freezer compartment, the time can be extended to 12 hours). This will allow the system to reach normal temperature conditions and stabilize the compressor operating cycles.
Adjust the temperature conditions according to the instructions. The optimal temperature for the main compartment is +4°C, and for the freezer - -18°C. Do not immediately set the minimum values, this will create an extra load on the system during the first hours of operation.
⚠️ Attention: If after the first start you hear a loud hum or knock, check whether the refrigerator is touching the cabinet walls or other objects. Vibration can be transmitted to furniture, increasing the noise.
During the initial cooling process, the refrigerator body, especially the side walls, may become noticeably hot. This is a normal heat dissipation process, especially for models where the condenser is built into the side panels. However, if the heating becomes excessive, it is worth checking the ventilation.
Loading food and checking operation
When the set idle time has passed, you can begin loading. Do this gradually, without filling the chambers to capacity. A sharp change in the thermal balance can cause the compressor to work without stopping for a long time.
Place