Buying new household appliances always causes excitement, especially when it comes to such an important unit as refrigerator. Many owners, having delivered their long-awaited purchase home, strive to fill the chambers with products as soon as possible, forgetting about the critical rules for the initial launch. Indesit is a reliable brand, but even the highest quality equipment requires adherence to a strict algorithm of actions when first turned on.
Incorrect operation in the first hours of operation can lead to serious consequences, including failure compressor. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages: from unpacking to setting the temperature regime, so that your refrigerator will serve for many years without failures.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions is not just a formality, but a necessity to maintain the warranty and service life of the equipment. Let's look at the process in detail, eliminating common mistakes.
Preparing for the first launch after delivery
Before looking for the power button, you need to properly prepare the device for operation. Transporting a refrigerator is always stressful for internal systems, so rushing is unacceptable here. Immediately after bringing it into the kitchen, remove all packaging materials, including protective film and cardboard inserts inside the chambers.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported lying down or with a strong tilt, it should absolutely not be turned on immediately. Oil from the compressor could flow into the cooling system, and starting will lead to water hammer and breakdown.Carefully inspect the housing for mechanical damage that may have occurred during delivery. Pay special attention to the condenser at the back and the door seals. If you find dents on the tubes or a violation of the integrity of the circuit, it is prohibited to turn on the device - you need to call a specialist.
Internal shelves and drawers can be secured with tape or additional spacers for safe transportation. Remove all fastening elements. Plastic bags with documentation are usually located on the top panel or in the freezer - save them, as you may need a warranty card there.
📊 How did you deliver the refrigerator?Carried by the store crewCarried vertically by yourselfCarried lying down carWe used loadersSettling time: how long to wait before turning on
The most important stage, which is most often ignored, is the time of acclimatization and settling. Even if the unit was transported strictly vertically, refrigerant and the oil should be distributed throughout the system correctly. A sudden start of the compressor without preparation can be fatal.
There is a clear dependence of the waiting time on the method of transportation. If the equipment was carried vertically, without strong bends, it is enough to let it stand for 2–3 hours. This time is also necessary to equalize the temperature of the internal components with room temperature, especially if it is frosty outside.
If transported in a horizontal position, the waiting time increases significantly. The oil should drain completely back into the compressor crankcase. Typically, manufacturers recommend keeping such refrigerators for 8 to 12 hours, and in some cases up to a day.
Why can’t you turn it on right away?
If you start a compressor with little oil, it will run dry. This will lead to overheating, jamming of the piston group and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
Temperature conditions also play a role. If the refrigerator is brought in from frost, condensation formed on electronic boards and contacts can cause a short circuit. Therefore Indesit refrigerator you must stand in a warm room for at least 4-5 hours before any interaction with the electrical network.
Choice of installation location and ventilation
Correct placement is the key to effective operation. The refrigerator should not be placed close to a wall or furniture. For air circulation around the condenser (black grille at the back), you must leave a gap of at least 5–10 cm.
Avoid installation near heat sources: radiators, ovens or direct sunlight. This forces compressor to work in increased mode, trying to compensate for external heating, which leads to excessive energy consumption and wear.
The installation surface must be level and stable. If the floor is uneven, use the adjustable feet on the bottom of the cabinet. There should be no swaying - this creates vibration and noise when the engine is running.
Parameter Recommended value Consequences of violation Gap at the wall Minimum 10 cm Compressor overheating Distance from the stove At least 30 cm Deformation of seals Temperature in the room from +10°C to +32°C Incorrect operation of the thermostat Floor evenness Ideal Noise, vibration, door misalignment Connecting to the power supply
Refrigerators Indesit are equipped with a standard cable and plug. To connect, use a separate grounded outlet. The use of extension cords, tees and low-quality surge protectors is not recommended, as they can cause poor contact and fire.
Make sure that the mains voltage meets the requirements indicated on the technical sticker (usually 220-240 V). Voltage surges are detrimental to control electronics. If your area has unstable electricity, you should think about installing a stabilizer.
After plugging into the socket, you may hear a quiet hum or click - this is normal. However, if you hear a loud crackling sound or see sparks, immediately unplug the appliance and check the wiring.
Adjusting the temperature mode
After the refrigerator has settled and connected, you need to adjust the temperature. In models with mechanical control, this is done by a rotary knob inside the camera. Electronic models use a display or a button panel on the door.
The optimal temperature for the main chamber is +4°C... +5°C. For the freezer - -18°C. You should not immediately set the minimum values, this will create an excessive load on the system in the first hours of operation.
In models with the system No Frost or Low Frost, initial cooling may take longer. Let the unit run idle (without food) for 2-4 hours so that it gains the required cold.
☑️ Initial start-up
Done: 0 / 5If the refrigerator has the “Super Freeze” or “Vacation” function, study their purpose in the instructions. For everyday use, they are usually not needed and only increase energy consumption.
First loading with products
You should load products gradually. Do not fill an empty refrigerator with a large amount of warm food at once - this will upset the temperature balance. It is better to wait for the empty chambers to return to normal.
Distribute the products evenly without blocking the ventilation holes inside the chambers. In models with No Frost air circulation is critical: if you close the air ducts with bags, the cold will not flow to all products.
It is better to store meat and fish in the lower part of the main chamber or in the freshness zone (if provided), and dairy products on the middle shelves. The door is the warmest place; place sauces and drinks there, but not perishable foods.
⚠️ Attention: Do not place hot pots or warm dishes inside a working refrigerator. This causes the compressor to wear out and can lead to melting of food nearby.Frequent errors when starting up
Many users make typical mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is to turn it on immediately after defrosting or cleaning, when there is still moisture left inside. Water can get on the electrical contacts.
Another mistake is setting the maximum cooling power “just in case.” Modern refrigerators Indesit are smart and regulate power themselves. Forcibly operating at maximum capacity will not cool food faster, but it will reduce durability.
Ignoring noise levels is also dangerous. If after starting you hear gurgling noise, this is normal (freon movement). But if you hear a metallic clang or knock, the device needs to be turned off and diagnosed.
Gurgling and hissing
The sounds of working refrigerant in the evaporator tubes are a normal physical phenomenon, especially in modern models with environmentally friendly gases (R600a).
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze
If several hours have passed after turning it on and there is no cold, do not panic. In hot weather or when booting for the first time, it may take up to 12 hours to reach the mode. Check that the doors are tightly closed and that the operation indicator is on.
Check that the refrigerant supply hose is not pinched (rare, but can happen with careless installation). Make sure that the thermostat is not in the “0” or “Off” position.
If after a day the temperature has not dropped below +10°C, and the compressor either does not turn on or works without stopping, but does not cool, this is a sign of a malfunction. In this case, you must contact an authorized service center.
How long can you not open the refrigerator after turning it on for the first time?
It is advisable not to open the doors during the first 2-3 hours of operation. This will allow the system to quickly gain temperature without losing cold. If you constantly look inside, the process will drag on, and the compressor will work longer than necessary.
Can an Indesit refrigerator be connected to the network via an extension cord?
Manufacturers do not recommend using extension cords. If the outlet is far away, it is better to use a high-quality surge protector with grounding and a wire of sufficient cross-section. Long, thin extension cords can heat up and cause a voltage drop, which is harmful to the motor.
Do you need to wash a new refrigerator before use?
Yes, definitely. There may be factory dust or a plastic smell inside. Wipe the interior surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution or a special household appliance cleaner. Allow the chambers to dry before turning on.
Why does the Indesit refrigerator hum loudly after turning on?
The new compressor may work louder in the first hours while parts are being ground in. Also check that the refrigerator is not touching a wall or furniture. If the humming is accompanied by vibration, tighten the legs to level it.
What temperature should be in the freezer immediately after turning it on?
Immediately after turning it on, there will be no temperature. Within the first hour it should drop to 0°C... -5°C. Complete freezing to -18°C in an empty chamber is usually achieved within 3–5 hours of operation, depending on the model and room temperature.