Purchasing premium refrigeration equipment is always an event, especially when it comes to German engineering classics such as Liebherr. However, the joy of the purchase can quickly give way to disappointment if you ignore the rules of initial installation. Correct installation of a Liebherr refrigerator is not just bringing the equipment into the kitchen and plugging it in, but a set of measures to ensure the durability of the compressor and the correct operation of the system NoFrost.
Many owners make the mistake of starting operation immediately after unpacking, forgetting about the importance of temperature adaptation and equalization. In this article we will analyze each stage in detail: from choosing a location to the final setting of climate zones. Following these recommendations will help you avoid common problems such as increased noise, vibration or insufficient cooling of products.
Selecting a location and preparing the room
The first step is to determine the ideal location for your new unit. Installation of a refrigerator should be done away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as stoves, radiators heating or ovens. If it is impossible to avoid proximity to, it is necessary to ensure a minimum distance of 30 centimeters or install a heat-insulating screen.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of not only the case itself, but also the necessary ones ventilation gaps. Liebherr models are characterized by an efficient but demanding heat exchange system. Air should circulate freely around the back wall and on the sides to remove heat from the condenser.
⚠️ Attention: Installing the refrigerator in a niche without maintaining the gaps will lead to overheating of the compressor and reduce the service life of the equipment by half.
It is also worth paying attention to the quality of the floor covering. It must be level and withstand the significant weight of a fully loaded device. If the floor is slippery, it is recommended to place special anti-vibration mats under the legs, although the Liebherr supports themselves usually have excellent grip.
Transporting and unpacking equipment
Delivery of the refrigerator to the installation site requires special care. When moving around the apartment, it is important not to tilt the body more than 40 degrees. Violation of this rule can lead to oil leaking from the compressor into the cooling circuit, which can lead to serious damage.
Once the equipment is in the kitchen, do not rush to remove the packaging. Let the box sit indoors for 2-3 hours if it was delivered during the cold season. Sudden changes in temperature can cause condensation inside electronic control units SmartDevice.
- 📦 Carefully remove the outer cardboard and tape, being careful not to damage the painted surfaces.
- 🛡️ Remove all shipping tape, foam inserts and protective film from door handles.
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the power cable and make sure that the plug matches the standard of your electrical network.
Inside the camera you will find accessories: shelves, egg trays, instructions and sometimes removable handles. All these elements must be removed before starting the main work. Inspect the internal walls for chips or dents that could have formed during delivery.
What to do if the refrigerator is tilted too much?
If the tilt angle exceeded 45 degrees or the refrigerator was lying on its side, be sure to wait 12-24 hours before turning it on. This time is necessary for the oil to flow back into the compressor crankcase.
Removing transportation fastenings
One of the most critical stages is removing the fixing elements. The manufacturer securely fastens the moving parts so that they are not damaged by shaking. In Liebherr models, the compressor itself is most often fixed on shock absorbers and sometimes doors.
Carefully read the instructions included in the kit. Typically the shipping bolts or brackets are located at the lower rear of the cabinet or inside the refrigerator compartment at the base. They must be unscrewed or removed, saving for possible re-transportation in the future.
| Element | Location | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor bolts | Back bottom panel | Unscrew and save | Key or screwdriver |
| Shelf clamps | Inside the chamber | Remove the tape/inserts | Scissors |
| Door stops | Top and bottom of the door | Cut the tapes | Clerical knife |
Do not forget to also remove the protective film from the heat exchanger, if any on the back wall (although this is rare in modern models). Leave only decorative elements if they are provided for by the design.
☑️ Check before turning on
Alignment of the body by level
Quality adjusting the Liebherr refrigerator is the key to silent operation. If the housing is skewed, the doors may not close tightly, which will lead to the formation of ice and excessive energy consumption. In addition, an incorrect angle can cause vibration of the compressor.
Use a building level, placing it on the top panel and doors. Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs. By rotating them clockwise, you raise the angle, counter-clockwise, you lower it. The rear legs are usually non-adjustable or require a special key.
It is important to achieve a slight tilt of the body back (about 2 degrees). This will ensure that the doors close automatically when they are released at an angle of less than 45 degrees. Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator in a position where one of the front legs is completely unscrewed and does not touch the floor. This creates a dangerous load on the housing.
Connecting to the power supply
For connection, use only an individual grounded outlet. Surge filter or an extension cord is not recommended, since the starting currents of the compressor can cause overheating of the contacts at the connection points. Make sure that the voltage in the network is stable and meets the requirements specified on the device nameplate.
If your model has a module SmartDeviceBox for control via Wi-Fi, now is the time to connect it. Usually it is inserted into a special slot inside the refrigerator compartment or attached with a magnet to the wall.
After connecting to the network, the indicators will light up on the display. Let the equipment run idle without loading food for at least 2-4 hours. This will allow you to create the correct temperature regime and ensure that there are no malfunctions in the electronics.
Initial setup and loading
Modern Liebherr refrigerators are equipped with intelligent control systems. After the first turn on, it is recommended to activate the SuperFrost or SuperCool mode for accelerated cooling of the chambers. This is especially true before loading a large volume of food for the first time.
Distribute the food evenly without blocking the ventilation openings inside the chambers. Air must circulate freely for temperature sensors to read correct data. Do not put hot dishes inside - this will create an extra load on the system.
- ❄️ Set the temperature in the refrigerator compartment to +4...+5°C.
- 🧊 For the freezer, the optimal value is -18°C.
- 🍷 If there is a zone BioFresh, adjust the humidity depending on the type of food (vegetables or meat/fish).
⚠️ Attention: Compressor operating parameters and defrosting algorithms may differ depending on the specific series and year of manufacture. Always check the user manual for your model.
During the first day of operation, the refrigerator may make various sounds: gurgling of refrigerant, clicking of relays, noise of fans. This is normal workflow. The alarm should be sounded only when a constant loud hum or knock appears.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should you wait before turning it on for the first time after delivery?
If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position, 2-3 hours are enough for acclimatization. If the device was lying on its side or tilted strongly, it is recommended to wait 12-24 hours before connecting to the network.
Why are the side walls of the Liebherr refrigerator hot?
In modern models, capacitors (heat exchangers) are often built into the side walls of the case. Heating to 40-50°C in the first hours of operation or during heavy load is the norm and indicates effective heat removal.
Do you need to defrost a Liebherr refrigerator manually?
Models with the system NoFrost or SmartFrost not require regular manual defrosting. However, it is recommended to carry out sanitary washing and cleaning of dirt 1-2 times a year.
What to do if the door does not close completely?
Check whether anything is interfering with the seal (packaging, products). Make sure that the refrigerator is level and slightly tilted back. If the problem persists, the hinges may need to be adjusted.