How to properly check a new refrigerator: 10 steps before first use

You have just purchased a new refrigerator - the most important appliance for your home, on which the safety of food and the comfort of your family depend. But before you load it with food and plug it into the network, you need to carefully check the functionality, integrity and correct installation. Even in the original packaging, transportation defects may be hidden, and incorrect first switching on can shorten the service life of the equipment by years.

This article will help you avoid common mistakes: from visual inspection of the case to testing the compressor and electronics. We will analyze in detail what to pay attention to during the first time you turn on the refrigeratorhow to identify hidden defects and what to do if something goes wrong. By following our recommendations, you can be sure that the equipment will serve for many years without breakdowns.

We will pay special attention to the nuances that are often silent in the instructions: checking the noise level, testing the tightness of seals, diagnosing the system No Frost and others subtleties. If you bought a model with an inverter compressor (LG Inverter Linear, Samsung Digital Inverter), then there are certain points for it, which we will also consider.

1. External inspection: checking the body and equipment

Start with a thorough inspection of the refrigerator before connecting to the network. Even minor scratches or dents on the body may warrant replacement under warranty—but only if you notice them right away. Carry out the inspection in good lighting, preferably during the day by the window.

The first thing you should pay attention to:

• 📦 Packaging and protection: check whether the box is damaged, whether there are any traces of impacts or moisture on it. If the packaging is wet, this is a sign of possible corrosion of the metal parts inside.
• 🔍 Refrigerator body: inspect all sides for enamel chips, dents, and scratches. Corners and handles are especially vulnerable.
• 🧲 Magnetic seals: they must be intact, without tears or deformations. Check whether the rubber fits tightly to the body along the entire perimeter.
• 🔌 Included items: check the contents of the box with the list in the instructions. Shelves, egg trays or keys for adjusting the legs are often lost.

If you notice defects, take a photo of them against the background of the packaging with the serial number of the refrigerator this will simplify the process of returning or replacing under warranty. Manufacturers (Atlant, Beko, Liebherr) usually require such evidence to confirm a manufacturing defect.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was delivered in a horizontal position (lying down), it should not be turned on at least 4–6 hours - oil from the compressor could get into the cooling circuit. This rule is relevant for all models, except those that have special transportation protection (check the instructions).

2. Checking the installation: level, ventilation and connection

Improper installation is one of the main reasons for premature compressor wear and increased noise. Even a slight misalignment can lead to uneven distribution of refrigerant and poor cooling.

Here is what you need to do before turning it on:

• 📏 Align the refrigerator: use a building level (can be applied to the top cover). Adjust the height of the legs until the equipment stands level. The permissible slope is no more than 1–2°.
• 🌀 Check the gaps: there should be a minimum 5–10 cm between the back wall and the wall for air circulation. For models with a system No Frost (Samsung RB30A3200SA, LG GC-B247SLUV) this is critical - without ventilation the fan breaks.
• 🔌 Socket and power cord: the refrigerator must be connected directly to the outlet, without extension cords. Check that the voltage in the network meets the requirements (usually 220–240 V).

If the refrigerator is installed in a niche, make sure that nothing is blocking the ventilation grilles. In models with ventilation system (for example, Liebherr CNef 4315) overheating of electronics due to poor ventilation leads to expensive repairs.

3. First switching on: what to do in the first 24 hours

When the refrigerator is installed and connected, the most crucial moment comes - the first switching on. Here, many make mistakes, which then lead to breakdowns:

1. Plug in the refrigerator, but do not open the door at least 1-2 hours. At this time, the compressor starts and the refrigerant is distributed.
2. Set the average temperature: for the refrigerator compartment +4°C, for the freezer -18°C. Do not set maximum cooling right away - this will load the system.
3. Check the indicators: the compressor operating icons should light up on the display (if any) In models without a screen (Atlant MXM 1705-80), listen to see if the motor is humming.
4. Wait for the first compressor shutdown (usually after 30–60 minutes). This means that the thermostat is working correctly.

During the first day, the refrigerator may work almost continuously - this is normal, as it gains temperature. However, if after 6-8 hours the compressor does not turn off for a minute, this is a cause for concern. Possible causes: faulty thermostat, freon leak, or incorrect installation.

4. Testing cooling: how to check the temperature

24 hours after turning on, you need to make sure that the refrigerator maintains the set temperature. thermometer for the refrigerator (you can use a regular outdoor one with an external one). sensor).

Check procedure:

1. Place the thermometer in the refrigerator compartment on the middle shelf (not near the walls!).
2. Close the door and wait 2-3 hours.
3. Compare the readings with the set temperature. Permissible deviation: ±1°C.
4. Repeat the procedure for the freezer (place the sensor between the products).

If the temperature is very different from the norm, the following problems are possible:

• 🔥 Refrigerator is too warm: thermostat is faulty, freon leakage, clogged capillary tube.
• ❄️ Too cold: incorrect settings, temperature sensor failure (relevant for models with electronic control, for example, Bosch KAN92VI30R).
• 🌡️ Uneven cooling: problems with the fan (No Frost) or door seal.

⚠️ Attention: If ice has not formed in the freezer after a day, and the compressor runs without stopping, this is a sign refrigerant leaks. Contact the service center immediately, as further operation will lead to failure of the compressor.

How to check the door seal?

Place a sheet of paper between seal and housing, close the door. If the sheet is easily pulled out, the seal is broken. Check around the entire perimeter. In case of a defect, the seal must be replaced (cost for Indesit BIAA 13 is about 1500–2000 rubles).

5. Diagnostics of noise and vibration

Modern refrigerators operate almost silently, but some sounds are normal, while others indicate a malfunction. Let's figure out what's what:

Normal sounds:

• 🔊 Light humming of the compressor (cyclical, with pauses).
• 💨 Fan noise in models with No Frost (similar to rustling).
• 💧 Gurgling or overflowing of liquid - this is the refrigerant circulating through the tubes.

Abnormal sounds (require intervention):

• 🛠️ Knocking or rattling: compressor or fan fastenings are loose.
• 🔥 Strong humming without pauses: compressor overload (possibly due to high room temperature).
• ⚡ Relay clicks more than once every 5-10 minutes: faulty start relay.

To accurately determine the source of the noise, turn off the refrigerator, wait 5 minutes and turn it on again. If the sound appears immediately, there is a problem in the electronics (control board). If after 10–15 minutes, the compressor or fan is at fault.

6. Checking additional functions

If your refrigerator is equipped with advanced options, they also need to be tested. Here's what you should do:

For models with a display (Samsung Family Hub, LG InstaView):

• 📱 Check the touch controls: all buttons should respond without delay.
• 🔄 Make sure that the displayed temperature matches the real one (check with a thermometer).
• 🔔 Test the sound signals (for example, an open door alert).

For systems No Frost:

• ❄️ Make sure that ice does not form in the freezer (if frost appears after a week, the defrost heater is faulty).
• 💨 Check that the fan is not blocked by food (in Atlant XM 4021-000 the blades often break due to improper loading).

For models with a freshness zone (Bosch VitaFresh, Liebherr BioFresh):

• 🥬 Set the temperature 0–1°C and check that there is no ice in the compartment (if there is, the sensor is faulty).
• 💧 Make sure that the drainage hole is not clogged (otherwise water will accumulate under the drawers).

If any function does not work correctly, do not try to fix it yourself - this may lead to loss of warranty. Contact an authorized service center (for example, for Beko this is “Beko Service”, for Atlant — "Atlant-Service").

7. What to do if defects are found

If during the inspection you identify defects, proceed according to the following algorithm:

1. Take a photo of the defect (for example, a scratch, a non-burning display or a puddle under refrigerator).
2. Check the warranty card: check whether the warranty covers this breakdown (for example, mechanical damage is usually not compensated).
3. Contact a store or service center:
   • If there is a factory defect (the compressor does not work, freon is leaking) - call the manufacturer's service.
   • If damage occurred during delivery (scratches, dents) - contact the store.

Do not use the refrigeratorif the defect affects safety (for example, the socket sparks or water flows).

Warranty repair periods according to the law:

• To replace components (seal, shelves) - up to 20 days.
• For complex repairs (compressor replacement) - up to 45 days.

If the repair is delayed, demand a replacement for the duration of the repair (this is your right under the PSA).

⚠️ Attention: If you tried to repair the refrigerator yourself (for example, soldered pipes or changed the thermostat), the warranty will be voided Even replacing the light bulb in Indesit DF 5200 may cause service failure if it results in a short circuit.

8. FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

How long should the refrigerator operate when first turned on?

In the first day, the compressor can work almost continuously (up to 20-22 hours a day), especially if the refrigerator is new or has been turned off for a long time. This is normal - it gains temperature. After 24-48 hours, the cycle should stabilize: work for 10-20 minutes, rest for 20-40 minutes.

Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after delivery in winter?

No. If the refrigerator was transported at a temperature below +5°C, it must be kept in a warm room for at least 12 hours before turning it on. Otherwise, condensation may form on the internal parts, which will lead to a short circuit.

How to check if the freezer is working if there is no thermometer?

Put ice in a bag or freeze a small glass of water. If after 6-8 hours the ice has not melted and the water has turned into ice, the camera is working properly. alcohol thermometer (immerse it in a glass of water and put in the freezer for 2 hours).

Why is the new refrigerator making a loud noise?

Possible reasons:

• The refrigerator is not level (check the level).
• The compressor is new and has not yet broken in (the noise should decrease in 1-2 weeks).
• The fan (No Frost) touches ice or food (check the freezer).
• High voltage in the network (use a stabilizer).

If the noise does not decrease or is accompanied by vibration, call a technician.

Do you need to wash the refrigerator before first use?

Yes, absolutely! Even a new refrigerator may have a plastic smell, dust or factory grease residues. Use a warm soda solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water) or a special product. for refrigerators. Do not use aggressive chemicals (bleach, acetone) - they will damage the seals and coating.