The appearance of a new refrigerator in the kitchen is always a joyful event, promising order and freshness of food. However, the joy of the purchase can quickly give way to disappointment if you ignore the basic operating rules laid down by the manufacturer. Many owners make the mistake of turning on the device immediately after unpacking, not realizing that the internal mechanisms require time to adapt to room temperature.
The correct start of the unit is the foundation of its long and silent service. Ignoring simple steps such as conditioning compressor oil or calibrating temperature conditions can lead to premature wear of expensive equipment. In this article, we will look in detail at how to prepare equipment for work so that it will please you for years.
Transport exposure and acclimatization
The first thing the buyer faces after delivery is the physical movement of the device to the installation site. During transportation, the refrigerator is often tilted or placed on its side, which causes flow compressor oil from the crankcase into the refrigerant circulation system. If you turn on the engine immediately, it will work without proper lubrication, which is guaranteed to lead to jamming of the piston group and expensive repairs.
The time required for the oil to drain back into the crankcase depends on the ambient temperature and the angle of inclination of the device during transportation. In winter, when the device was transported in an unheated body, this process can take up to 24 hours. In summer, 4–6 hours in a horizontal position is enough.
⚠️ Attention: If you transported the refrigerator at a temperature below +5°C, do not turn it on until it is completely warmed to room temperature. A sudden start of a cold compressor can cause thermal shock and destruction of the rubber seals.
What will happen if you do not wait for the time?
If you turn on the refrigerator immediately after a jolting transportation, the oil that gets into the circuit will create a plug. The compressor will start to hum, but there will be no cooling. In the worst case, the motor winding will burn out due to overheating, since the coolant will not be able to effectively remove heat.
In addition, it is important to allow the device to acclimatize. A sharp temperature change causes moisture condensation on electronic control boards, which can cause a short circuit when first turned on.
Choosing the ideal installation location
The operating efficiency of refrigeration equipment directly depends on the conditions of its placement. Modern models, especially systems No Frostrequire a constant flow of air to remove heat from the condenser. Installing the device in a niche without gaps or close to the wall disrupts natural convection, causing the compressor to work harder.
It is necessary to strictly maintain a distance from walls and furniture. The minimum gap at the back is usually 5 cm, and at the sides - at least 2 cm. The floor must be level and hard; on a soft carpet, vibrations will increase, and the legs can push through the material, violating the horizontality.
| Placement parameter | Minimum distance | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| To the rear wall | 5–7 cm | Overheating of the compressor, increased energy consumption |
| To the side wall | 2–3 cm | Heating of the side panels, risk of deformation of the case |
| To the heat source (stove, battery) | 50 cm | Insufficient cooling, food spoilage |
| Top (up to the cabinet) | 10 cm | Impaired air circulation (for built-in - ventilation facade) |
It is also critical to avoid direct sunlight on the body. Ultraviolet radiation destroys plastic and rubber seals, and heating the outer wall causes temperature sensors to give false readings, increasing the operating time of the motor.
Primary washing and preparation of chambers
After the device has taken its place and has settled, it is necessary to sanitize the internal surfaces. During production, technical lubricants are used, and when stored in warehouses, dust or a specific smell of new plastic may accumulate inside.
For washing, use a weak solution of baking soda or a mild detergent. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive powders, chlorine-containing substances or aggressive chemicals, as they can damage the antibacterial coating and cause corrosion of metal parts.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator for the first start
Pay special attention sealing rubber bands to the doors. They also need to be wiped down to remove the factory grease, which can become sticky over time. Cleanliness at the start is the key to the absence of foreign odors in the future.
First start-up and setting the temperature
After completing the preparatory stages, you can move on to the most important point - turning on the power supply. Make sure the outlet is grounded and meets the wattage requirements (usually 220-240V). It is not recommended to use an extension cord or tee, as the refrigerator is a long-cycle appliance, and poor contact at the connection can cause heat and fire.
After turning on, allow the refrigerator to run empty for 2-3 hours. During this time, the unit will reach the required temperature, and the automation will turn off the compressor. Only after achieving stable cold can you start loading products.
⚠️ Attention: Do not fill the chamber with products immediately. A sudden increase in internal temperature due to a warm load will force the compressor to run continuously for several hours, which is an extreme load for a new engine.
The temperature setting depends on the model. In mechanical controls, the regulator is usually set to the average value (2 or 3 out of 5). In electronic models with a display Smart Control it is recommended to set +4°C for the refrigerator compartment and -18°C for the freezer.
Rules for rational loading of products
Correct distribution of products is an art that affects their shelf life and energy efficiency. Cold air is heavier than warm air, so it sinks. Based on this, it is better to place the most perishable foods (meat, fish, ready-made dishes) on the lower shelves, where the temperature is most stable and low.
The door is the warmest place in the refrigerator, subject to constant temperature changes when opening. It is worth storing sauces, drinks, canned goods and foods with a long shelf life there. It is better to put dairy products deep in the middle shelf, away from the door.
It is important not to overload the chambers. Air must circulate freely between products, especially in systems No Frost. If the shelves are filled to capacity, the cold will not be evenly distributed, and food will begin to spoil in some areas and freeze in others.
Regular maintenance and care
For a new refrigerator to remain “new” for as long as possible, it needs to be looked after. Once every 3–6 months, it is recommended to defrost the freezer (if not No Frost) and carry out general cleaning. Even in automatic defrosting systems, it is advisable to turn off the device once a year for washing and drying.
Keep the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment clean. It drains condensate to the evaporator. If it becomes clogged with crumbs or mold, water will begin to accumulate at the bottom and flow out. You can clean it with a special flexible brush or a cotton swab.
Also check the tightness of the door. The test with a sheet of paper helps to identify weak points: press the sheet between the door and the body around the perimeter. If it comes out too easily, it means that the seal has worn out or the door is warped, and the cold will go to waste.
Is it possible to place a new refrigerator next to a gas stove?
Technically it is possible if you maintain a distance of at least 50 cm. However, the constant heat from the stove will heat the side wall of the refrigerator, causing it to consume more electricity. It is better to use a heat-insulating screen or rearrange the furniture.
Why does a new refrigerator make strange sounds (gurgling, clicking)?
This is normal in the first days of operation. Gurgling is the movement of refrigerant through the pipes, and clicks are the operation of the thermostat or thermal expansion of the plastic. If the noise does not turn into a loud knock or hum, there is no need to worry.
Do I need to remove the protective film from the external panels?
Yes, definitely. The film is intended only for protection during transportation. If you leave it on the body, under the influence of heat it can dry out, turn yellow and crack, after which it will be extremely difficult to remove it without leaving a trace.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn off for a long time on the first day?
When first started, the compressor can work continuously for up to 12 hours, gaining temperature. This is the normal mode. If after a day it does not turn off and it is not cold inside, check the tightness of the doors and the presence of gaps for ventilation.