Purchasing new household appliances is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to large equipment such as Indesit refrigerator. However, the joy of the purchase can quickly give way to disappointment if you ignore the basic rules of transportation and initial installation. Incorrect installation often causes increased noise, vibration, or even failure of the compressor in the first month of operation.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply bring the unit into the kitchen, remove the packaging and plug the plug into an outlet. In fact engineering preparation installation locations and compliance with temporary intervals before switching on play a decisive role in the durability of the device. In this article, we will analyze each stage in detail so that your new refrigerator serves faithfully for many years.
Particular attention should be paid to the fact that Indesit models can have different cooling systems, be it classic Direct Cool or more modern No Frost. The type of system determines the time that must be waited before the first start after transportation. Ignoring this nuance is one of the most common reasons for contacting service centers.
Preparing the place and unpacking the equipment
The first step is choosing a suitable place in the kitchen. Indesit refrigerator requires free space for air circulation, since the heat removed from the products must go somewhere. If you install the unit close to a wall or in a niche without gaps, the compressor will work with overload, trying to compensate for poor heat transfer.
Inspect the room for heat sources. There should be no gas stoves, heating radiators or direct sunlight falling on the housing nearby. The minimum distance from the back of the appliance to the wall should be at least 5-7 centimeters, and it is advisable to leave at least 2-3 centimeters of free space on the sides for ventilation.
⚠️ Attention: Installing the refrigerator next to an oven or hob without a heat-insulating partition can lead to melting of the plastic elements and disruption of the thermostat.
The unpacking process requires care, but also physical strength. Do not attempt to move a heavy unit by holding only door handles or decorative elements - they are not designed to support the weight of the entire unit. Remove all packaging cardboard, foam pads, and be sure to remove all securing tapes that are often used to secure doors and drawers together.
- 📦 Remove all shipping fasteners from interior shelves and drawers.
- 🧼 Wipe interior surfaces with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
- 🌬️ Leave the doors open for 15-20 minutes to ventilate the smell of new equipment.
- 🔍 Check the contents: the presence of egg trays, grates and instructions.
Transportation and settling time
A critically important point is how the refrigerator was delivered to the installation site. If Indesit unit was transported in a horizontal position or at a strong inclination, oil from the compressor could flow into the refrigerant circuit. Turning on such a device without preliminary settling will lead to water hammer and costly repairs.
The time that must be waited before connecting to the power grid directly depends on the ambient temperature and the position during transportation. For vertical transportation in the warm season, 2-3 hours are enough, while after a horizontal position in winter this period increases to 24 hours.
Why can’t you turn on the refrigerator right away?
The oil must completely drain back into the compressor crankcase. If you start the engine with oil in the tubes, it will clog the capillary system and the refrigerator will stop cooling.
The condensation formed on the internal elements due to the temperature difference when brought in from the street must also dry out. Moisture on electrical contacts can cause a short circuit. Therefore, the rule of “dry and calm” waiting is relevant for all models, including the popular series Indesit EF i BIS.
| Conditions of transportation | Environment temperature | Minimum settling time |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical | Above 0°C | 2-3 hours |
| Vertical | Below 0°C | 4-6 hours |
| Horizontal | Any | 12-24 hours |
| Strong tilt | Any | 8-12 hours |
Alignment and adjustment of supports
Stable position of the body is the key to quiet operation. If Indesit refrigerator it is not level, the doors may open spontaneously or, conversely, not close completely, which will lead to ice freezing and food spoilage. Adjustment is carried out using the front supports, which are usually rotating legs.
Use a building level, placing it first on the top panel lengthwise and then across. Rotate the front legs clockwise or counterclockwise until the level bubbles are in the center position. Rear wheels, if any, are usually not adjustable in height, but serve only to facilitate movement.
After leveling, check the stability: lightly press on the upper corner of the unit. There should be no swaying. If the refrigerator wobbles, repeat the procedure for adjusting the supports. Also make sure that the door opens smoothly and closes on its own if it is tilted approximately 30-40 degrees from the closed position.
Connection to electricity and water supply
Most models of Indesit refrigerators do not require complicated connections - just insert the plug into the socket. However, it is important that this is a separate outlet with grounding. The use of extension cords and tees is highly undesirable, since compressor starting currents can cause heating of the contacts and a fire.
If your model is equipped with a water dispenser or an ice maker, a water supply connection will be required. To do this, use the flexible hose included in the kit. The connection must be made through a special tee with a shut-off valve in order to be able to turn off the water without shutting off the entire apartment.
⚠️ Attention: The pressure in the water supply must not exceed the parameters specified in the technical data sheet (usually up to 6 bar). At high pressure, be sure to use a reducer, otherwise leakage may occur.
Check the integrity of the power cord insulation. If you notice damage, do not under any circumstances try to wrap it with electrical tape - contact a service center to replace the cable. The power supply must correspond to the network parameters: 220-240 V, 50 Hz.
☑️ Check before turning on
First startup and temperature setting
After all the preparatory stages have been completed, you can carry out the first launch. Plug in the device. In models with electronic control, the indicators will light up on the display, and in mechanical models, you will hear a characteristic click of the thermostat. Do not load food during the first 2-4 hours of operation.
Allow the refrigerator to return to operating mode. An empty device will reach the required temperature faster. For the main chamber this is usually +4°C, and for the freezer - -18°C. If your model has a function Super Freeze or Super Cool, activate it to speed up the process, but do not forget to return the standard settings later.
Check the system operation No Frost. A few hours after switching on, you should not feel a flow of warm air or see frost freezing on the back wall (in models with a drip system, condensation is acceptable). If the door closes tightly and it’s cold inside, you can gradually load in the products.
Frequent installation errors
Even following the instructions, users often make common mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is installing the refrigerator on an uneven floor without adjusting the legs. This causes the compressor to vibrate, creating an annoying hum that gets worse over time.
Another mistake is ignoring the distance to the walls. In an attempt to save space in a small kitchen, the unit is moved closer. As a result, heat is not removed, the condenser overheats, and the refrigerator operates almost non-stop, consuming excess electricity.
- 🚫 Closing the ventilation grilles with decorative panels without gaps.
- 🚫 Installation near heat sources (batteries, stoves).
- 🚫 Using unstable extension cords for connection.
- 🚫 Loading with warm products during the first hours of operation.
It is also worth mentioning the error with transportation. Many people forget to secure the door with tape when moving it, and it opens, hitting the jambs or walls. This leads to damage to the seal or deformation of the hinges, which subsequently causes a loose fit.
What to do if the refrigerator is humming after installation?
Check that it is not touching walls or furniture. Make sure all shipping bolts and straps are removed. If the hum persists, the legs may need to be adjusted to change the angle.
Maintenance after installation
Proper installation is just the beginning. In order Indesit refrigerator to work effectively, it requires regular maintenance. Once every six months it is recommended to check the condition of the rubber seals on the doors. They must be flexible and clean. Dirt on the seal breaks the seal, causing the motor to work harder.
Do not forget to defrost the freezer if your model is not equipped with a full No Frostsystem. A thick layer of ice acts as a heat insulator, preventing food from cooling. Even in No Frost systems, it is recommended to completely defrost and wash the internal chambers once a year using special products.
⚠️ Attention: To clean the internal surfaces, use only soft sponges and neutral detergents. Abrasive powders and chlorine-containing substances can damage plastic and enamel.
Keep the condenser at the back of the refrigerator clean. If you have pets, fur can clog the radiator grille, reducing heat transfer. Carefully vacuum the back wall once a year, after unplugging the appliance.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after delivery?
The time depends on the conditions of transportation. If transported vertically - 2-4 hours. If horizontal - at least 8-12 hours, and preferably a day. This is necessary for the oil to drain into the compressor.
Is it possible to place an Indesit refrigerator in a niche?
Yes, it is possible, but it is necessary to provide ventilation. The gaps at the top, back and sides must meet the requirements of the instructions (usually at least 5 cm), otherwise the equipment will overheat.
Why does the refrigerator not get cold after the first turn on?
Perhaps too little time has passed. The refrigerator needs 2-6 hours to reach temperature. Also check that the door is tightly closed and that it is not loaded with warm food.
Do you need to remove the transport bolts?
Refrigerators usually do not have transport bolts, like washing machines. However, it is necessary to remove all adhesive tape, polystyrene foam and fixing tapes inside and outside the chambers.