Purchasing a new household appliance is always a joyful event, which, however, requires a careful approach at the initial installation stage. Many owners make the common mistake of trying to start the equipment immediately after delivery to the apartment. Refrigeration equipment Atlant, like any other modern equipment, needs a period of adaptation to new environmental conditions. Sudden temperature changes during transportation and changes in the position of the housing can negatively affect the operation of the compressor and the circulation of the refrigerant.
It is important to understand that the process of preparing for the first start does not take much time, but ignoring simple rules can lead to serious breakdowns in the future. Technical data sheet, going on in included with the device, contains basic recommendations, but they are often written in complex technical language. Our task is to break down this process into clear steps so that your new refrigerator will serve for many years without failures and unnecessary noise.
In this article we will look at all the stages in detail: from unpacking to setting the optimal temperature. You will learn why you cannot plug the device into the network immediately after vertical or horizontal transportation, how to correctly set the parameters for various cameras, and what to pay attention to during the first hours of operation. A competent start is the key to stable operation of the compressor and maintaining the freshness of your products.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was delivered in winter at temperatures below -5°C, the acclimatization period in the room should be at least 4-6 hours before any manipulations with the power supply.
Initial inspection and preparation of the place installation
The first step after delivery of equipment is a thorough visual inspection. Even if the courier service has guaranteed careful transportation, it is necessary to ensure the integrity of the body, doors and handles. Inspect capacitor (the grille on the back wall) for dents or damage to the tubes. Any defects noticed before switching on must be recorded in the acceptance certificate, since after connecting to the network it will be almost impossible to prove the transport origin of the damage.
Choosing the right installation location plays a critical role in the energy efficiency and durability of the device. The refrigerator Atlant should not stand close to the wall or heating devices. The minimum distance to the back wall should be about 5-7 cm to ensure free air circulation. Also avoid direct sunlight on the housing, as this forces the compressor to work with increased load, trying to compensate for external heating.
Be sure to check the horizontal installation using a building level. An uneven floor can cause the doors to not close properly and, as a result, the seal of the chamber may be compromised. To make adjustments, use the screw supports located on the front bottom of the housing. By rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise, achieve a stable position in which the refrigerator does not wobble.
After installation in place, make sure that the outlet to which the device will be connected is working and has grounding. The use of various extension cords and tees is not recommended, as they can cause poor contact and overheating of the wiring. The ideal option is a separate outlet located in close proximity to the installation site of the equipment.
Compliance with the temporary regime before turning on
One of the most important questions that arises among buyers: how long should a new refrigerator wait before turning on for the first time? The answer depends on transportation conditions and time of year. During transportation, especially in the cold season, the oil in the compressor thickens, and the refrigerant may change its state of aggregation. Instant start of the compressor in such conditions will lead to dry operation or water hammer, which often becomes fatal to the motor.
If transportation was carried out in the warm season and the device was standing vertically, the minimum settling time is 2-3 hours. This time is enough for the pressure in the system to stabilize and possible moisture to evaporate. However, if the refrigerator was lying on its side during transportation, the waiting time increases to 4-6 hours. In this case, the oil takes longer to drain from the tubes evaporator back into the compressor crankcase.
In winter, when equipment is delivered at sub-zero temperatures, the situation requires special caution. When bringing a cold appliance into a warm room, do not immediately connect it to the network. Condensation formed on internal components and electrical contacts due to temperature differences can cause a short circuit. Leave the refrigerator turned off for at least 4-5 hours (or better yet overnight) at room temperature.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to try to speed up the process of warming up the compressor using heaters or hair dryers. Sudden heating can damage plastic parts and seals.
Compliance with these time intervals is not just a formality, but a technical necessity. The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and its service life directly depends on the conditions of the first start-up. Ignoring the acclimatization time may be grounds for refusal of warranty service, since service centers can easily identify signs of starting “cold” or with insufficient oil in the system.
Removing packaging and preparing the internal space
After the refrigerator has stood for the required time, you can begin to remove shipping materials. The interior is carefully packed to protect shelves and drawers. Remove all cardboard, foam and plastic wrap, not only from the main chamber, but also from hard-to-reach places, such as behind crisper drawers or the side shelves of the door. Pieces of packaging left behind may block the ventilation holes.
Pay special attention to removing the fixing elements. Some models Atlant may have additional tape or spacers to hold shelves or door mechanisms in place during transport. Carefully review the instructions for any indication of such items. It is also necessary to remove the protective film from the internal walls, if any, as it interferes with normal heat transfer and can emit an unpleasant odor during cooling.
Before loading products, it is recommended to sanitize the internal chambers. Even a new device may have a residual smell of plastic or factory grease. Prepare a weak solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or use a special refrigerator cleaner. Thoroughly wipe all surfaces, including door seals, and wipe them dry with a clean rag.
☑️ Preparation for the first start
After wet cleaning, leave the refrigerator doors open for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the odors of detergents and plastic to completely disappear. Only after complete drying and ventilation can you proceed to the next stage - connecting to the power supply.
First connection and setting the temperature mode
When all the preparatory steps are completed, you can plug in the refrigerator. At the moment of connection, you will hear a quiet click and, perhaps, a slight hum - this is the compressor starting. Modern models Atlant are equipped with a No Frost or drip defrosting system, so immediately after switching on, it may take some time (from 30 minutes to 2 hours) before cold starts to be produced.
Setting the temperature is a critical moment for the first cooling cycle. You should not immediately set minimum values. It is optimal to set the average parameters: +4°C for the refrigerator compartment and -18°C for the freezer. Adjustment is usually accomplished by turning a mechanical knob or via an electronic control panel. If your model has a function Super Freeze (super freezing), for the first start it is better not to activate it so as not to create excessive load on the system.
| Operating mode | Temperature in the refrigerator compartment | Temperature in the freezer camera | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco / Standard | +4°C ... +5°C | -18°C | Daily use |
| Maximum cooling | +2°C ... +3°C | -20°C ... -24°C | For quick freezing of large volumes |
| Energy saving | +6°C ... +7°C | -15°C | With a small load of products |
| Vacation | +10°C ... +15°C | Off | If you are away from home for a long time |
During the first hours of operation, do not open the doors unless absolutely necessary. The refrigerator needs time to cool the internal volume of air and the walls of the chambers to the specified parameters. Typically this process takes from 4 to 8 hours depending on the model and ambient temperature in the room. Indicators on the control panel will help you monitor the achievement of the set mode.
Why does the refrigerator work continuously in the first hours?
In the first 6-8 hours after switching on, the compressor can work without interruption. This is the normal mode for the initial cooling of the entire volume of chambers and walls. Do not panic and turn off the appliance.
Loading with products and test period
After the refrigerator has been empty for several hours and has reached the set temperature, you can begin loading with products. This should be done gradually. Do not fill the chambers completely and immediately with large amounts of warm food. This will create a sharp jump in temperature inside, and the compressor will be forced to work hard to restore the mode.
Spread the food evenly, leaving small gaps between them for air circulation. In refrigerators with a No Frost system, it is especially important not to block the ventilation holes on the rear wall with air flow. It is also better to load food into the freezer in small portions, using the quick freezing mode only if you need to freeze a large amount of fresh food at one time.
During the first 24 hours, carefully monitor the operation of the device. Assess the noise level, how often the compressor turns on, and the temperature inside the chambers. If you notice that the refrigerator is too loud, makes knocking noises, or does not turn off for more than 12 hours in a row, this may indicate a malfunction or incorrect installation.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store open food in the refrigerator with a strong odor (fish, spices) in the first days, since new plastic and seals can actively absorb foreign odors.
Typical mistakes when starting up for the first time
Despite the availability of instructions, users often make mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is installing a refrigerator next to a gas stove or radiator. Thermal radiation from these devices causes temperature sensors to record a false increase in heat inside the chamber, causing the compressor to work almost non-stop.
Another mistake is setting the minimum temperature immediately after purchase. Owners think that this will cool the food faster, but in reality this leads to freezing of the evaporator and increased load on the engine. Also, checking the installation level is often ignored: a skewed body means that the door does not fit tightly, and warm air constantly enters the chamber.
Some users neglect defrosting before turning it on for the first time if the refrigerator was in storage at low temperatures. Moisture inside the system can freeze and create ice plugs in the capillary tube, which will lead to failure of the entire refrigeration system. Following simple operating rules from the first minutes will allow you to avoid expensive repairs.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after purchase?
No, it is not possible. Even if transportation was vertical and in the warm season, it is necessary to let the device stand for at least 2-3 hours. This is necessary to allow oil to drain into the compressor and equalize pressure in the system. Ignoring this rule can lead to compressor failure.
How long does it take the refrigerator to get cold for the first time?
Primary cooling of empty chambers to the specified parameters usually takes from 4 to 8 hours. Complete stabilization of the temperature and entry into the operating cycle with normal rest intervals for the compressor occurs within 24 hours.
Do you need to wash a new refrigerator before turning it on?
Yes, definitely. Factory dust or the smell of plastic or packaging may remain inside. It is recommended to wipe all chambers with a weak solution of soda or a special product, and then wipe dry and ventilate.
What to do if the new refrigerator is very noisy?
Slight humming and gurgling is normal. If the noise is excessive, check that all shipping bolts (if any) have been removed, that the refrigerator is level, and that it is not touching cabinet walls or other objects. Vibration from an uneven floor is a common cause of noise.