Buying new household appliances always causes pleasant excitement, especially when it comes to such an important unit as Indesit. However, immediately after delivery, a logical question arises: can the device be launched immediately or does it require time to adapt? Correct start of operation directly affects the service life of the compressor and the quality of cooling products in the future.
Many users make the mistake of plugging the device into the network as soon as they unpack it. This can lead to serious mechanical damage to the system. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that guarantees the safe and correct operation of your new refrigerator.
The first thing to do is to carefully inspect the packaging and the case itself for external damage during transportation. If there are no visual defects, you can begin preparing the installation site and the unit itself for the first start.
Preparation for the first start
Before looking for the power button, you need to provide the device with the correct conditions for operation. Indesit refrigerator requires installation on a flat, hard surface away from direct sunlight and heating devices. Violation of this rule may lead to overheating of the motor.
It is important to ensure free air circulation around the back wall where the condenser is located. The gap between the body and the wall should be at least 5-7 centimeters. This will allow the system to effectively remove heat.
If you have just brought the equipment from the store, be sure to remove all transport fasteners. They can be located inside the chambers, on the doors or on the base. Also remove all protective films from the internal shelves and drawers.
Check the integrity of the electrical cable and plug. Do not use extension cords or tees if the outlet is far away. It is better to move the unit closer to the power source, since Indesit it is sensitive to the quality of the connection.
Rules for transportation and settling
The most critical point in the question “how to turn on the refrigerator” is the waiting time. During transportation, the unit may have been in an inclined or horizontal position, which causes oil to flow from the compressor into the refrigerant circulation system.
If you turn on the engine immediately, oil entering the circuit may create a hydraulic shock or clog the capillary tube. This will lead to expensive repairs. The settling time depends on how exactly the equipment was transported:
- 🕒 If transported in a vertical position, 2-3 hours are enough.
- 🛌 If transported lying down, it takes from 8 to 12 hours.
- ❄️ If transportation was carried out in winter at sub-zero temperatures, the time increases to 24 hours.
Don't rush things. Allow the oil to calmly drain back into the compressor crankcase and allow the condensation on the inner walls to completely evaporate. Only after this you can start connecting.
First connection to the power supply
After the device has settled, you can connect it to the network. Make sure that the outlet is grounded and meets the required voltage parameters (usually 220-240 Volts). Electrical network Must be in good working order, without power surges.
Insert the plug into the outlet. On some models Indesit with electronic control, the display or indicators will light up to indicate that power is supplied. In mechanical models, you may hear a quiet click or hum of the compressor starting.
Pay attention to the control panel. If you have a model with mechanical controls, the thermostat knob should be set to the middle position (usually number 2 or 3). Do not unscrew the regulator to the maximum immediately.
☑️ Check before turning on
At the moment switch on, do not load food inside. The chambers must be empty so that the system can reach the initial temperature without unnecessary load.
Setting the temperature mode
Correctly setting the temperature is the key to a long life of products and saving energy. In refrigerators Indesit the control can be mechanical (rotary knob) or electronic (display and buttons).
For mechanical models, the scale usually varies from 1 to 5 or from Min to Max. The optimal value for everyday work is position 2 or 3. The position 5 or Max means the maximum freezing mode, which is not intended for continuous operation.
In electronic models, the setting is more precise. Recommended parameters:
- 🌡️ For the refrigerator compartment: from +3°C to +5°C.
- ❄️ For the freezer compartment: from -18°C to -20°C.
- ⚡ Turn on Super Freeze mode only when loading a large volume of fresh products.
What is No Frost?
The No Frost system prevents the formation of ice due to air circulation. In such refrigerators, the temperature is distributed more evenly, but food can air out faster, so use containers.
After setting the parameters, let the equipment run idle for at least 2-4 hours. During this time, the compressor should turn off when it reaches the set temperature. If it works without a break for more than 6 hours, the seal may be broken or there is not enough refrigerant.
Loading food and checking operation
When the refrigerator has reached the temperature, you can start loading. Do this gradually, don't fill all the shelves at once. A sudden change in thermal balance will cause the compressor to work overload.
Place products according to zone: meat and fish - in the coldest zone (usually the top shelf or freshness zone), dairy products - on the middle shelves, vegetables and fruits - in the lower drawers. The door is intended for sauces, drinks and eggs.
Check the operation of the system a day after it is fully loaded. Pay attention to the following signs of normal operation:
- 🔇 The compressor operates cyclically (turns on and off).
- 💧 There is no water in the drainage hole, it goes into the evaporator.
- 🧊 There is no thick layer of ice on the walls of the freezer (for systems No Frost).
If you notice that the food on the top shelf is freezing, but the food on the bottom is too warm, the ventilation holes inside the chamber may be closed. Check if they are pressed by the packages.
| Parameter | Normal value | Symptom of problem |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature in the refrigerator compartment | +3...+5 °C | Above +7 °C or below 0 °C |
| Temperature in the freezer | -18...-20 °C | Above -14 °C |
| Compressor operating time | 30-40% of the cycle | Works constantly or very rarely |
| Noise level | Up to 40 dB (quiet hum) | Knocking, whistling, loud humming |
Frequent startup errors
Despite the simplicity of the instructions, users often ignore basic safety rules. One of the most common mistakes is installing the refrigerator close to the wall or in a niche without gaps. This leads to overheating and premature failure.
Another mistake is the use of unstable power supplies. If the voltage in your network frequently fluctuates, be sure to use a stabilizer or voltage control relay. Indesit compressor may burn out during a sudden surge.
⚠️ Attention: Never wash the internal chambers with hot water or aggressive chemicals immediately after switching on. A sudden temperature change can damage the plastic and seals.
Also, do not turn on the fast freezing mode for a long time unless necessary. This is an extreme mode for the engine, designed for short periods of time (usually up to 24 hours).
If after turning on you hear gurgling or fluid pouring, do not be alarmed. This is where the refrigerant circulates normally freon through the pipe system. Sounds can be heard even when the compressor is turned off.
Diagnosis of problems after switching on
If after all the manipulations the refrigerator does not cool, check whether the doors fit tightly. A door that is not closed tightly is the most common reason for lack of cold. Make sure that nothing is preventing it from closing.
If the compressor hums but does not start, or clicks and goes silent, there may be a problem with the start relay or the motor itself. In this case, independent repair is prohibited, you will need to call a technician.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell a burning smell or see sparking in the area of the plug or back wall, immediately unplug the device from the mains and contact a service center.
For models with electronics, diagnostic error codes may be displayed on the display in the form of flashing indicators. The decoding of the codes (for example, F01, F05) can be found in the instructions for the specific model. Indesit.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after transportation?
The time depends on the position during transportation. If they were transported standing - 2-3 hours. If lying down - at least 8 hours, 12 is better. In winter, the time increases to a day to equalize the oil temperature.
Why does the refrigerator hum immediately after turning on?
The hum is the sound of the compressor. If it is monotonous and not too loud, this is normal. A metallic clanging, knocking or intermittent hum should alert you.
Do you need to wash a new refrigerator before turning it on?
Yes, definitely. Wipe the internal surfaces with a damp cloth with a weak solution of soda or a special product to remove the smell of new plastic and dust.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn off?
In the first hours of operation after turning on, the compressor may work without stopping, gaining temperature. If it does not turn off for more than 6-8 hours when the chamber is empty, check how tightly the door is closed and the position of the thermostat.