Purchasing large household appliances is always stressful and waiting, because you want the device to work for many years without failures. However, even the highest quality model can be damaged during transportation or turn out to be a defective unit, which requires careful inspection immediately after delivery. Many buyers make the mistake of signing the acceptance certificate without looking, and then are faced with the impossibility of proving that a scratch or dent appeared before use.
Checking a new refrigerator is not just a visual inspection, but a set of actions that includes assessing the integrity of the case, the tightness of the seals and the initial start-up of the equipment. It is important to understand that warranty case it can be easily confused with a transport defect if you do not record the condition of the equipment at the time it was received by the courier or in the store. Ignoring this stage can lead to financial losses and long-term disputes with service centers.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of acceptance of equipment, from the moment the box is brought into the apartment to the first connection to the network. You will learn what hidden defects to look for, how to properly test a compressor, and why even microscopic damage to the packaging cannot be ignored. A competent approach to acceptance will allow you to protect yourself and enjoy your purchase, rather than having to deal with returning the goods.
External inspection of the packaging and case
The first stage of inspection begins long before you remove the cardboard box. Carefully inspect the packaging for strong impacts, holes or signs of moisture. If water stains are visible on the box, this may indicate that refrigeration unit has been exposed to moisture, which is dangerous for electrical components. Any strong deformations of the cardboard on the end sides often indicate a dropped load, which could damage the compressor or thermal insulation.
After removing the packaging, proceed to a detailed inspection of the case. It is better to do this in good lighting, slowly walking around the device from all sides. Look for chipped paint or dents on the doors or sides that may have occurred during loading. Pay special attention to the corners: they are the ones that most often suffer from careless transportation. Even a small scratch in a visible place can be a reason for refusal of acceptance if you plan to return the goods to the store within 14 days under the consumer protection law.
⚠️ Attention: If you discover damage to the case after signing the act, it will be almost impossible to prove that they were received upon delivery. The store may claim that you yourself damaged the equipment during installation.
Don't forget to check the integrity of the handles and decorative elements. Plastic parts can crack due to temperature changes or mechanical stress. Also inspect the back wall of the device: there should be no dents on the condenser grille or damage to the tubes. Any violation of the geometry of the rear panel may indicate a strong impact that could dislodge the internal components.
Checking door hinges and seals
The tightness of the refrigeration chamber is the key to proper operation of the entire system and saving energy. The main element that provides insulation is magnetic seal (elastic band) around the perimeter of the door. When inspecting a new device, make sure that the elastic fits tightly to the body along the entire contour and has no creases, tears or traces of glue. A deformed seal will allow warm air to constantly enter inside, causing the compressor to work without stopping.
Door hinges must be tightened evenly, without play. Open and close the door several times: the movement should be smooth, without creaking or jamming. If the door opens too easily or, conversely, requires excessive force, this may indicate incorrect adjustment or defective fittings. In some models inverter refrigerators the hinges are equipped with closers, which should also work correctly and gently pull the door into the closed position.
There is a simple and effective way to check the tightness of the seal, known as the “paper test”. Take a regular sheet of paper or a banknote, clamp it with a sealant and try to pull it out. The sheet should be removed with noticeable effort. If the paper falls out freely or is removed without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit tightly in this place. Walk in this way around the entire perimeter of the door.
Inspection of the internal space and equipment
Having opened the doors, you find yourself in the internal space, which also requires careful study. First of all, assess the condition of the shelves and drawers. The glass of the shelves should be free of cracks and chips, and the plastic edging should be intact. Boxes for vegetables and fruits should not have cracks, especially in the places where the guides are attached. Check whether they extend freely and do not get stuck halfway.
Pay attention to the smell inside the chambers. A new refrigerator may have a slight plastic smell, but it should not be harsh or chemical. The presence of a strong unpleasant aroma may indicate the use of low-quality materials in production or violation of storage conditions in the warehouse. Also check that all the included components are included: egg trays, ice cube trays, instructions and warranty cards. The absence of even a small detail can create inconvenience in the future.
The interior lighting should light up immediately when the door is opened and go out when it is closed. This seems like a small thing, but a faulty switch or a burnt-out lamp (especially in LED models) is already a reason to contact service. Inspect the back wall of the refrigerator compartment: it should be smooth, without bulges or signs of corrosion. In models with the system No Frost check the air duct openings - they should be free of foreign objects.
| Check element | Normal condition | Signs of defective | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seal | Elastic, matte, dense | Creases, stickiness, gaps | Require replacement or return |
| Shelves | Smooth, without chips | Cracks, play | Request replacement of components |
| Doors | Smooth operation, clear closing | Warp, spontaneous opening | Hinge adjustment or return |
| Internal plastic | Uniform color, odorless | Cracks, strong chemical smell | Return of goods |
Rules transportation and storage time
One of the most critical moments when accepting a new refrigerator is compliance with the rules for its transportation and subsequent “rest” before turning it on. During delivery, the refrigerator could be transported lying down, which is categorically not recommended for a compressor, since oil from the motor could leak into the cooling system circuits. If the device was transported in a horizontal position, it needs time for the oil to flow back into the compressor crankcase.
The settling time depends on the transportation conditions and the ambient temperature. If the refrigerator was transported while standing and it was warm outside, 2-3 hours is enough. If transportation was carried out lying down or at sub-zero temperatures, the settling time increases to 12-24 hours. Turning on the device ahead of schedule can lead to hydraulic hammer in the compressor, which will disable the expensive unit instantly.
What will happen if you turn on the refrigerator right away?
If the oil does not have time to drain into the compressor, it can clog capillary tube. The compressor will begin to operate without lubrication, which will lead to overheating and jamming of the piston group. Repair in this case is often unprofitable.
Do not forget that the condensation formed inside the unit due to temperature changes must dry completely. Moisture on the electrical contacts may cause a short circuit during initial startup. Therefore, even if it seems to you that the equipment is dry, let it stand in a warm room with the doors open for the time recommended by the manufacturer.
⚠️ Attention: The exact standing time for your model may vary. Always check the official instructions of the manufacturer, since the design of compressors for different brands (for example, LG, Bosch, Indesit) has its own characteristics.
First launch and testing of operation
After the refrigerator has stood, you can begin the first launch. Connect your device to the network, but don't load it with products yet. Set the temperature regulator to the middle position (usually this 3-4°C for the refrigerator compartment). In the first minutes of operation, listen to the sounds: a quiet hum of the compressor and occasional gurgling of the refrigerant are allowed, but there should be no knocking, grinding or loud vibrations.
Check the operation of the defrosting system (if it is automatic). After a few hours of operation, a uniform layer of frost or condensation should appear on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, which will then disappear. Cold should also begin to form in the freezer. For an accurate check, you can use a thermometer by placing it in a glass of water in the center of the chamber. After 2-3 hours, the temperature should drop to the set values.
☑️ Checklist for the first start
It is important to check the operation of the fans in the models No Frost. They should turn on periodically and ensure air circulation. If you hear the fan running constantly or making a whistling noise, this may indicate a frozen evaporator or a defective motor. Also make sure that the body of the refrigerator does not heat up excessively: the side walls may be warm (this is normal for modern models), but they should not burn your hand.
Frequent questions when accepting equipment
Buyers often ask questions that are not always covered in the instructions. For example, what should you do if the refrigerator works but emits a strange burning smell in the first 15 minutes? This may cause the factory grease to burn out or dust on the heating elements, which is normal. However, if the smell does not go away after an hour, it is better to turn off the device and call a technician. Many are also concerned about the issue of noise: modern compressors can make sounds of liquid flowing, which beginners sometimes mistake for a malfunction.
Another important aspect is checking documents. Make sure that the warranty card contains the correct date of sale, the store seal and the seller’s signature. Errors in the date may create problems during future repairs, since the warranty period may be counted from the date of manufacture rather than purchase if the coupon is not completed. Keep the receipt and packaging materials for at least 14 days in case of return.
If during the inspection you find a discrepancy with the declared characteristics, for example, the refrigerator does not hold the temperature, do not rush to panic. Allow the equipment to return to normal within 24 hours. If the problem persists, record the thermometer readings and contact the store. Remember that a technically complex product of proper quality cannot be returned just like that, so all quality claims must be substantiated and documented.
Is it possible to return a refrigerator if you just don’t like the color?
According to the law, technically complex products of proper quality (which include refrigerators) cannot be returned or exchanged unless they have defects. Such a product can only be returned if it is found to be defective. The exception is online stores, where there is a 7-day return policy, but even here there may be nuances with the packaging.
Is it normal for a new refrigerator to click loudly?
Single clicks may be associated with the operation of a thermal relay or thermal expansion of the plastic, which is the norm. However, a series of frequent clicks or loud knocks may indicate problems with the compressor start relay or a malfunction of the motor itself. In this case, diagnostics are required.
Do you need to wash a new refrigerator before first use?
Yes, definitely. Industrial dust, packaging particles, or the smell of new plastic may remain inside the cameras. Wipe all surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution or a special product for household appliances, and let the cameras dry completely before turning them on.
What to do if the refrigerator was delivered in winter?
If the refrigerator was delivered in frosty conditions, you should not turn it on immediately after bringing it into a warm room. It is necessary to keep it in the package for at least 3-4 hours (or better yet, a day) to warm up to room temperature. This will prevent the formation of condensation on electronic boards and damage to plastic parts from sudden temperature changes.