Many owners household appliances mistakenly believe that to start the unit you just need to bring it into the kitchen, remove the packaging and plug it into an outlet. However, ignoring the leveling step often leads to increased noise, vibration and even breakdown of the compressor in a short time. Correct leveling of the refrigerator This is not just an aesthetic whim, but a technical necessity that extends the service life of the device.
During operation, the housing can be invisible to the eye deviate from the vertical, which will disrupt the operation of the door hinges and the condensate drainage system. Water will begin to accumulate under the drawers and the doors will no longer fit tightly, causing the compressor to work harder. In this article, we will look in detail at how to quickly and independently correct distortions using a minimal set of tools.
Modern models, be it Bosch, LG or Indesit, are equipped with adjustable support legs that allow you to compensate for uneven floors. Even if the floor in your apartment seems perfectly flat, microscopic deviations of the screed can play a cruel joke on the sensitive mechanics of the unit. Therefore, checking the horizontal is a mandatory point in the initial setup.
Why do we need ideal horizontal and vertical
The main reason why it is necessary to strictly observe the geometry of the installation lies in the design of the compressor and the refrigerant circulation system. If the unit is skewed, the oil in the compressor is distributed unevenly, which can lead to insufficient return and, as a consequence, to hydraulic shock or jamming of the piston group. This is an expensive repair that can easily be avoided.
The second important aspect is the tightness of the doors. When the refrigerator is skewed, gravity begins to pull one of the doors down, breaking the tightness of the seal. Warm air enters the chamber, sensors record the temperature increase, and the motor starts working without stopping. This leads to excessive consumption of electricity and the formation of ice.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the door opens on its own or, conversely, does not close completely without your participation, in 90% of cases the problem is a violation of the installation level, and not a breakdown of the magnets.
The third factor is vibration and noise. A unit standing crookedly transmits vibration from the running motor to the floor and adjacent cabinets much more strongly. This creates discomfort for residents and can lead to loosening of the internal fastenings of shelves and drawers. The permissible deviation from the vertical should not exceed 2 degrees, which is visually almost invisible, but critical for equipment.
Necessary tools for checking and adjusting
Before you begin manipulations with legs, it is necessary to prepare a working tool. The basic device is a construction bubble level. It is advisable that its length be at least 40-50 cm, since short models can cause errors over a large area of the refrigerator lid.
To adjust the height of the supports, you will need an adjustable wrench or a set of open-end wrenches. The size of the key depends on the model of equipment, but the most commonly used sizes are from 10 to 14 mm. In some cases, especially for built-in models, you may need a hexagon, which often comes complete with the device itself.
It will also not be amiss to prepare:
- 🧹 A brush or vacuum cleaner to clean the space under the unit from dust before starting work.
- 📏 A tape measure for measuring the distance to the walls and furniture.
- 🔦 Flashlight, since the adjustment zone is often located in a darkened space under the bottom.
It is important to use a working level. You can check it by placing the device on a flat surface, remembering the position of the bubble, and then turning it 180 degrees. The readings must match. If the bubbles “run away” in different directions, the tool requires calibration or replacement.
Place preparation and checking the floor covering
Installation begins from surface assessment. Linoleum, tile or laminate may not lie perfectly flat. It often happens that the legs fall into soft linoleum or slide on glossy tiles. In such cases, it is recommended to place special anti-vibration pads made of dense rubber under the supports.
Before placing horizontalmake sure that the floor under the refrigerator is dry and clean. The presence of moisture or small debris can distort the level readings or cause corrosion of the metal elements of the supports. If the floor has a clear slope to the side, which cannot be compensated for by legs, it may be necessary to level the floor section.
Particular attention should be paid to the distance to the walls. For high-quality ventilation of the condenser, it is necessary to leave a gap of at least 5-7 cm at the back and sides. If the refrigerator is located close to the wall, it will have to be moved, which may disrupt the already set level. Therefore, the initial rough installation is carried out in place, and the final one after moving away.
Step-by-step instructions: adjusting the support legs
The alignment process requires a sequence of actions. First, a rough height adjustment is made, then a fine horizontal adjustment is made, and finally a stability check is made. Do not try to rotate all the legs at the same time, this will cause confusion.
To begin, move the unit away from the wall, providing access to the front. Locate the adjustment screws. They can be located at the front under the decorative panel of the plinth or on the front of the case. In some models Samsung and Haier the front legs have a threaded connection that rotates together with the support body.
☑️ Adjustment algorithm
Rotate the adjusting adjustment with a key or hand (if there is a stop) screw, ensure that the level bubbles are strictly between the marks. First, align the unit along the left-right axis, then along the front-rear axis.
After mechanical adjustment, be sure to check the stability. Try shaking the refrigerator slightly. He shouldn't wobble. If there is swinging, it means that one of the legs does not reach the floor or, conversely, hangs in the air, taking on all the weight.
The secret of stability
If the floor is very slippery and the legs are plastic, you can drop a drop of superglue on the end of the leg and quickly press it to the floor (method for advanced), but it is better to use double-sided tape or rubber gaskets.
Adjustment of door tilt and self-closing mechanism
Many users do not know that a slight tilt of the body back is a standard feature for many refrigerators. Manufacturers specifically provide the opportunity to make the front legs slightly higher than the rear ones. This creates a tilt angle of 2-3 degrees back, causing the doors to close on their own under the influence of gravity.
If your refrigerator doors do not have a magnetic closer, but must close on their own when opened less than 45 degrees, you will need to unscrew the front supports a few millimeters higher than the rear ones. This is easy to check: open the door 30 degrees and release. If it remains hanging or opens wider, the tilt is insufficient.
However, it is important not to overdo it. Too much tilt back will result in:
- 🚪 The door will slam too sharply, which can damage the products on the shelves.
- ⚖️ The center of gravity will shift and the refrigerator will become less stable when loading.
- 🔊 The load on the top hinge will increase, accelerating its wear.
Adjustment is made with the same key. It is enough to make a half turn or turn of the front legs to change the angle. After each change, check the operation of the self-closing mechanism. If you have a model with a system No Frost, make sure that when tilted the drawers do not warp and slide out smoothly.
Table problems and methods for eliminating them
Even if you follow the instructions, nuances may arise. Below is a table to help diagnose installation problems and how to solve them.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Strong vibration and humming | The refrigerator touches the wall or furniture | Pull the body aside, increase the gap to 5 cm |
| The door opens itself | Tilting forward or sideways | Unscrew the front legs to create a tilt back |
| Water under the drawers | Condensate drainage is impaired due to tilting forward | Align the case strictly level or tilted back |
| The refrigerator is wobbly | One of the legs is not touching floor | Tighten the support screw part all the way |
If after all the manipulations the problem persists, it may not be a problem with the level, but with a malfunction of internal components, such as compressor shock absorbers or fans. In this case, it is recommended to contact a service center.
⚠️ Attention: When rotating the adjusting screws, apply moderate force. A sharp jerk or the use of excessive force can break the threads of the plastic bushings, after which the entire support panel will need to be replaced.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to place the refrigerator on carpet or soft linoleum?
You can place it, but it is not recommended without additional measures Over time, the soft coating will be pressed under the weight of the unit, which will disrupt the level. It is better to use a hard substrate (plywood, hardboard) or special plastic platforms for the legs, which will increase the support area.
Do you need to remove the products before adjusting?
It is advisable, but not necessary. An empty refrigerator is easier to move and it wobbles less when the legs rotate. However, if you work carefully and do not shake the unit sharply, you can carry out adjustments with a minimum load to keep the cold in the chamber.
What to do if you lose the adjustment key?
Instead of a special key, you can use a regular adjustable wrench ("wiring") or a small gas wrench. The main thing is to firmly grasp the edges of the adjusting nut so as not to lick them off. Pliers with wide jaws are also suitable if you act carefully.
Does the level affect electricity consumption?
Yes, it does indirectly. If the refrigerator is skewed, the door does not fit tightly, warm air gets inside, and the compressor turns on more often and runs longer to maintain the set temperature. This leads to an increase in electricity bills.