Purchasing a new household appliance is always a joyful event, but before you can enjoy the result, you need to perform the installation correctly. Correct installation of an Ariston refrigerator is a critical stage on which the durability of the compressor and the quality of product cooling directly depend. Mistakes made in the first minutes after unpacking can lead to serious damage that will not be considered a warranty case.
Modern models of the Italian brand, whether classic Ariston No Frost or simpler systems with drip defrosting, require compliance with clear technical regulations. It is important not only to choose a suitable location in the kitchen, but also to ensure a stable power supply, as well as proper air circulation around the cabinet. Ignoring these nuances often causes increased noise or excessive energy consumption.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparing and starting up the equipment. You will learn why you should not turn on the device immediately after delivery, how to ideally set the horizontal line and what gaps should be left at the walls. A competent approach to installation will allow your equipment to serve for many years without complaints.
Choosing the optimal location
The first step is to find a suitable location in your kitchen. Refrigeration equipment is sensitive to external heat sources, so it is strictly not recommended to place it in close proximity to a gas stove, oven or heating radiators. The minimum distance to heating devices should be at least 30-40 centimeters so that heat exchange heat transfer occurs correctly.
You should also avoid direct sunlight on the housing. Ultraviolet radiation not only heats the internal chamber, causing the compressor to wear out, but also contributes to the fading of plastic and enamel. If it is impossible to rearrange the furniture, use thick curtains or blinds to protect equipment.
An important aspect is the stability of the floor. The surface must be smooth and hard. If the floor creaks or has a pronounced slope, the vibrations from the running engine will increase, which will lead to rapid wear of the moving parts. In some cases, additional preparation of the base or the use of anti-vibration substrates may be required.
⚠️ Attention: Installing a refrigerator in niches without ensuring a flow of fresh air is strictly prohibited. The back wall of the appliance must “breathe”, otherwise the cooling system will overheat.
When planning the space, consider the direction in which the doors open. They must open freely, without touching furniture or walls, and have an opening angle of at least 90 degrees for easy removal of drawers. Many models Ariston allow the doors to be hung on the other side, which gives flexibility in the layout.
Transportation and unpacking of equipment
After delivering the equipment to the site, it cannot be immediately connected to the network. If the refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position, oil the compressor could leak into the cooling system circuit. It takes time to return it to the engine crankcase, usually from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the ambient temperature.
The unpacking process requires care. Remove the outer cardboard box and remove the foam clips and tape. Pay special attention to the internal fastenings: all shelves, drawers and trays are often secured with shipping tapes or tape, which must be removed before the first use.
- 📦 Check the completeness: make sure that all shelves, lattice guides and plastic containers are in place.
- 💧 Inspect the internal walls for cracks or dents that may have occurred during loading.
- 🔌 Make sure that the power cord and plug do not have insulation damage.
The external casing also needs to be inspected. The presence of chipped enamel can lead to metal corrosion in the future. If you find serious defects, it is better to draw up a report with the courier than to deal with complex case repairs later.
Aligning the horizon and adjusting the legs
One of the most common mistakes is simply installing the refrigerator on the floor without leveling it. For correct operation of the system automatic door closing and uniform distribution of the load on the compressor, the device must stand strictly horizontally. To check, use a building level, placing it on the top cover or inner shelf.
Height adjustment is carried out using the front support legs. They can be threaded (twisted with a wrench or by hand) or have a plastic adjusting washer. By rotating the supports, achieve a position in which the level bubbles are clearly in the center.
The rear wheels or supports are usually not height-adjustable; they are used for ease of movement. Make sure the refrigerator is stable and does not wobble when lightly pressed on a corner. If play is observed, tighten the corresponding front leg.
| Parameter | Standard value | Check tool |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt forward/backward | 2-3 degrees back | Building level |
| Tilt left/right | 0 degrees (strictly horizon) | Building level |
| Gap at the wall | Minimum 5-7 cm | Ruler or tape measure |
| Settling time | 4-8 hours | Timer |
Incorrect installation of the legs can lead to the door opening spontaneously or, on the contrary, it does not fully adhere to the seal, causing ice to freeze.
Organization of ventilation gaps
The efficiency of the refrigerator Ariston directly depends on the quality of heat removal. The condenser located on the rear panel (sometimes hidden in the side walls) must freely release heat to the environment. If the device is built into a niche or stands close to the wall, the temperature inside the system will rise and the compressor will work without interruption.
The minimum required distances are regulated by the manufacturer. There should be at least 5-7 centimeters from the back wall of the refrigerator to the kitchen wall. This space allows natural air convection. It is also advisable to leave small gaps on the sides, especially if there are other heating appliances on the sides.
⚠️ Attention: Building the refrigerator into a closed cabinet without ventilation grilles in the base and top part is strictly prohibited by the instructions. This will lead to overheating and failure.
For built-in models, there are special air ducts and ducts that direct the air flow. If you install a free-standing model in a niche, make sure that there is space at the top and bottom for the circulation of air masses.
Why do the side walls get hot?
Modern refrigerators often have hidden condensers in the side walls. Their heating to 40-50 degrees during operation is a normal physical process of heat removal, and not a malfunction.
Connecting to the electrical network
Refrigeration equipment is a device with a high energy consumption class at start-up, so the requirements for the electrical network must be strictly observed. The outlet must have a grounding contact and meet safety standards. The use of extension cords, tees and low-quality surge protectors is not recommended, as they can cause a fire or unstable operation of the electronics.
If voltage surges often occur in your wiring, it is advisable to use a voltage stabilizer. The electronic control unit of modern models Ariston is sensitive to changes in the network, and a surge can damage the control board.
- ⚡ The socket must be easily accessible so that, if necessary, you can quickly turn off the device.
- 🔌 Do not allow the power cord to overheat, it should not touch hot parts refrigerator in the back.
- 🛡️ Grounding is mandatory to remove static electricity and user safety.
After connecting to the network, do not rush to load products. Let the refrigerator run idle for 1-2 hours until it reaches the required temperature and turns off automatically. This is the first operating cycle, which confirms the serviceability of the system.
Initial startup and temperature setting
After the device has settled and been connected, it is necessary to adjust the temperature mode. In models with electronic control, this is done through the display on the door, in mechanical ones - by turning the regulator inside the chamber. The recommended temperature for the main chamber is +4...+5°C, and for the freezer - -18°C.
Do not load the chambers with food in full at once. Warm food will put extra strain on the compressor. It is better to fill the refrigerator gradually, in several stages, giving the system time to stabilize.
☑️ First start
Pay attention to the operation of the system No Frostif it is provided in your model. Some time after switching on, you may hear the sound of a fan running or the cracking of ice - this is normal. The system automatically removes moisture, preventing the formation of ice.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud knocking, gurgling or humming noise that does not stop, check that the refrigerator is not touching furniture or walls. Vibration can be transmitted to neighboring objects.
To accurately diagnose the operation, you can use a thermometer by placing it in a glass of water in the center of the chamber a day after startup. The readings must correspond to the established values. If the temperature differs significantly, it may be necessary to calibrate or check the seals.
Frequently asked questions during installation
Is it possible to install an Ariston refrigerator in an unheated country house?
Most refrigerators are designed for use in climate class SN-N (from +10 to +32°C). At temperatures below +10°C, the oil in the compressor thickens and the device may not start or may fail. For unheated rooms, special models are needed.
How to move the doors to the other side?
This will require a set of tools (usually hexagons are included). The process involves removing the top cover, dismantling the hinges, rearranging the handles and installing the hinges on the opposite side. A detailed diagram is in the instructions for the specific model Ariston.
Why does the refrigerator vibrate strongly after installation?
Most likely, the legs are not adjusted. Make sure all four supports are firmly in contact with the floor. Also check whether the device is too close to the wall or furniture, transmitting vibration to them.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before first use?
Yes, definitely. Wipe the inner chambers with a soft cloth and a solution of baking soda or mild soap to remove new plastic odors and factory dust. After this, wipe the surfaces dry.