Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the renewal of household appliances in the kitchen. However, the euphoria of the purchase often makes you forget about critical technical nuances, failure to comply with which can lead to breakdown of an expensive compressor. The question of how to properly turn on an LG refrigeratoris fundamental to the durability of the unit, since modern models of the Korean brand are equipped with a complex refrigerant circulation system.
Many users make the fatal mistake of connecting the device to the power supply immediately after delivery, without taking into account the time required to stabilize the oil in the compressor. This is especially true for models with an inverter motor Linear Inverter, which are highly sensitive to improper operation. Ignoring simple preparation rules can void the manufacturer's warranty and lead to expensive repairs.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from the moment the box is brought into the apartment to setting the optimal temperature conditions. You will learn why you shouldn’t rush into the first launch, how to check the integrity of the transportation fastenings and what settings to set in the digital menu for maximum energy efficiency.
Preparation for the first launch: transportation and unpacking
The first stage, preceding the actual switching on, is proper transportation and unpacking. If the refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position, which movers often do to save space, compressor oil it could leak into the cooling system. In this case, the unit needs to “stand” in a vertical position much longer than during vertical transportation.
After you have brought the LG refrigerator into the room and installed it in place, you need to give it time to acclimatize. This is necessary not only to drain the oil, but also to equalize the temperature of the internal components, especially if the device has been exposed to heat from the cold. A sharp temperature change can cause the formation of condensation on electrical circuit boards, which can lead to a short circuit during the first start-up.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported lying down, the minimum settling time before turning it on should be at least 4-6 hours, and it is better to leave it for a day. For vertical transportation, 2-3 hours are enough.
Next follows the stage of removing all packaging. Interior shelves, drawers, and trays are often secured with tape or foam inserts to protect against vibration. It is necessary to carefully inspect all corners and hard-to-reach places in order to remove shipping films. Packing material left inside can block the air flow of the system No Frostwhich will lead to overheating of the engine.
Installation and alignment of the case
The correct operation of the LG refrigerator directly depends on the quality of its installation. The device must be placed on a flat, hard surface. Misalignment of the housing can lead to improper closing of the doors, failure of the seals and, as a result, increased load on the compressor. To check the horizontal level, use a building level.
Height adjustment is carried out using the front support legs. By rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise, you can achieve the ideal position. It is important that the refrigerator does not wobble when lightly pressing on the corners. The back of the device must be removed from the wall at a distance of at least 10 cm to ensure normal air circulation around the condenser.
Particular attention should be paid to the doors. Once installed, they should close tightly and on their own when opened at an angle of about 30-45 degrees. If the door does not hold or slams, you may need to adjust the tilt of the entire body by tightening the front supports. This will ensure proper flow of water into the drainage system during defrosting.
Removing shipping bolts and fasteners
One of the most common reasons for failure of new refrigerators is forgotten shipping fasteners. Unlike washing machines, where bolts secure the tank, LG refrigerators may have clamps for the compressor or internal suspension elements. Although most modern models Door Cooling+ use special foam, checking for rigid fastenings is mandatory.
Carefully read the instructions included with your specific model. If you find bolts securing the compressor to the frame, they must be unscrewed before the first start. Operating the compressor with clamped shock absorbers will lead to instant destruction of the suspension and strong noise.
☑️ Check before turning on
Also check that the internal shelves and drawers are not secured with tape to the walls of the chamber. When it first cools, the plastic shrinks, and if the shelf is glued, it may crack. All removable elements must be installed freely in their seats.
First connection to the electrical network
After the refrigerator has stood for the required time and is freed from packaging, you can begin the electrical connection. The socket into which the device will be plugged in must be in working order, grounded and suitable for the current load. It is not recommended to use an extension cord or tee, as this can lead to heating of the contacts and a fire hazard.
When you connect the plug to the outlet, you may hear a quiet click or hum - this is the compressor starting to work. In modern LG models with an inverter motor, starting occurs smoothly, without sudden jerks. If you hear a loud knocking or clanging sound, you must immediately turn off the device and contact a service center.
| Parameter | Normal value | Alarm sign |
|---|---|---|
| Sound at startup | Quiet hum, hissing | Loud knocking, clanging, squealing |
| Heating of the side walls | Moderate (up to 40-50°C) | Very hot (>60°C) or cold |
| Case vibration | Barely noticeable | Strong shaking, beating |
| Indication | Display lights up | Blinking, no response |
It is important to note that in the first minutes of operation the side walls of the refrigerator may heat up. This is a normal process of removing heat from the working condenser, which is often built into the side panels of modern models. However, if the heating becomes excessive, you should check the ventilation behind the device.
Setting temperature modes and functions
Immediately after turning on, the LG refrigerator goes into standard operation mode, but for optimal food preservation it is recommended to manually adjust the temperature zones. Control is carried out via a panel on the door or a touch display, depending on the model. The standard recommended temperature for the refrigerator compartment is +3...+4°C, and for the freezer -18°C.
In the settings menu, you can activate useful functions such as Express Freeze (accelerated freezing) or Eco Friendly (economy mode). The quick freeze function is useful immediately after loading a large volume of food; it forces the compressor to work harder for several hours.
If your model is equipped with a system Smart Diagnosis, make sure it is active. This will allow you to quickly diagnose the problem via your smartphone in case of a malfunction. Also check the operation of the freshness zone Fresh Zone, if present, and make sure that the air duct dampers are not blocked by products.
Operation control and loading with products
Complete cooling of the internal volume of the refrigerator to the specified parameters takes time. Typically this process lasts from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the room. It is not recommended to load food immediately after turning it on, as warm food will increase the overall temperature inside, causing the compressor to work non-stop.
⚠️ Attention: Do not fill the refrigerator more than 50% with food in the first 12 hours of operation. This is necessary to stabilize the temperature and ensure proper circulation of cold air.
During the primary cooling cycle, periodically check the operation of the device. Make sure there is no ice inside the chambers (for No Frost models), the doors close tightly, and the seals fit around the entire perimeter. If you notice frost on the back wall in the first hours, this may be residual moisture, but it should disappear after several defrost cycles.
Why does the refrigerator hum after turning on?
A new refrigerator can make various sounds: gurgling of refrigerant, cracking of plastic when contracting/expanding, hum of the compressor. This is fine. The alarm should only be sounded when there is a metallic clang or a piercing squeak.
Only after the refrigerator has completed one full cycle and turns off (or slows down if it is an inverter model), you can gradually load it with food. Distribute the products evenly without closing the ventilation holes on the back wall of the chamber.
Common mistakes when starting up for the first time
Even following the instructions, users manage to make mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment. One of them is to install the refrigerator next to a heat source, such as a radiator or stove. This disrupts heat transfer and forces compressor to work for wear, trying to compensate for external heating.
Another mistake is ignoring the smell of plastic in the first hours of operation. The new appliance may emit a specific odor, so it is recommended that after the first warm-up (after 3-4 hours), wipe the internal chambers with a weak solution of soda or a special product for caring for refrigerators, and then ventilate them.
Don't forget, that technical specifications and interfaces may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series. Always check the user manual included in the package, especially in the sections regarding the specific functions of your model.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
How long can you not turn on the LG refrigerator after delivery?
If the refrigerator was transported vertically, it is enough to wait 2-3 hours. If it was lying on its side, the waiting time increases to 4-6 hours, and ideally to 12-24 hours, so that the compressor oil completely drains into the crankcase.
Why does the LG refrigerator hum loudly immediately after turning on?
The new compressor can work louder in the first hours, while it is running in and entering the mode. The refrigerant circulating through the pipes can also make noise. If the humming is accompanied by strong vibration, check whether the shipping bolts have been removed and whether the device is level.
Do you need to wash the inside of the refrigerator before first use?
Yes, this is necessary. Industrial dust and the smell of plastic and packaging may remain inside. Wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth with a mild detergent or soda solution, then wipe dry and ventilate.
Is it possible to immediately load food into a new refrigerator?
It is strictly not recommended. Let the refrigerator run empty for 2-4 hours until it reaches the set temperature. Loading warm products will disrupt the settings and cause the motor to overload.
What to do if the display does not light up after turning on?
Check whether the plug is firmly inserted into the socket. Make sure there is power to the outlet itself. If everything is in order with the electricity, but there is no indication, the control unit may be faulty - contact the service center.