Buying a new household appliance is always a joyful event, which, however, requires careful attention to the first start-up procedure. Two-chamber models Indesit are known for their reliability, but for correct operation they need time to acclimatize after transportation. If you have just brought the unit home, do not rush to plug it into the socket, as the compressor oil needs time to drain into the crankcase.
Incorrect starting can lead to serious engine damage or incorrect cooling of the chambers. In this article we will look in detail at how to turn on a two-chamber refrigerator Indesit, taking into account all the nuances: from settling time to the initial setting of temperature conditions. Compliance with these simple rules will extend the life of your equipment.
Installation rules and settling time
The first and most critical stage is the correct installation of the device on a flat surface. If the floor in the kitchen is uneven, be sure to use the adjustable support legs, which are located in the front lower part of the body. Horizontal position necessary not only for stability, but also for the correct operation of the condensate drainage system.
Particular attention should be paid to the time that the equipment should stand without being turned on after transportation. For vertical transportation, 2-3 hours are enough, but if the unit was transported lying down, this period increases to 8-12 hours. The oil that entered the refrigerant circuits during tilting must be completely returned to the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: If you turn on a compressor filled with oil from the circuit, it may occur water hammerwhich can damage the motor or damage the valves.
It is also important to ensure sufficient clearance between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. The minimum distance should be at least 5-7 cm for free air circulation. This will ensure effective heat exchange and prevent engine overheating during operation.
Initial startup and checking the electrical network
After the device has settled, it is necessary to prepare the electrical network. Two-chamber models Indesit consume significant current when the engine starts, so connecting through ordinary household extension cords or tees is not recommended. Use a separate socket with grounding.
Check the integrity of the power cord and plug. If the cable has kinks or damage to the insulation, the device cannot be used - contact the service center for replacement. Insert the plug into the socket and make sure that the contact is tight and there is no sparking.
In some models, after connecting to the network, you may need to activate the operating mode. Usually the indicators light up immediately, but if there is a power button on the control panel, you need to press and hold it for several seconds. Light indication will confirm that voltage is supplied to the electronic control board.
Setting the temperature in the chambers
The next step after turning on the power is to set the optimal temperature. In two-chamber models Indesit this process may differ depending on the type of control: mechanical or electronic. Correct settings will ensure long-term storage of food and economical energy consumption.
If you have a mechanically controlled model, you will see a rotary control inside the refrigerator compartment, usually located on the top wall or in the corner. The numbers on it do not indicate degrees, but cooling intensity. The higher the number, the colder it will be in the chamber.
For electronic control, the setting is made through the panel on the outer door. Here you can set the exact values in degrees Celsius. The optimal value for the refrigerator compartment is considered to be from +2 to +4°C, and for the freezer - -18°C and below.
☑️ Primary temperature setting
Do not immediately set the minimum possible temperature. Start the device at medium values, let it get cold during the day, and only then, if necessary, adjust the settings. Rapid cooling of an empty chamber creates excess load on the compressor.
| Control type | Location of the regulator | Optimal setting | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Inside the chamber (ceiling) | Position 2 or 3 | No exact degrees |
| Electronic | Panel on the door | +4°C / -18°C | Precise calibration |
| Smart (Wi-Fi) | Application/Panel | Automatic mode | Remote control |
Super Freeze function and fast cooling
Many modern models Indesit equipped with an accelerated freezing function, which is often designated as Super Freeze or snowflake. This mode is useful when you need to freeze a large amount of fresh food at the same time, without defrosting existing stocks.
When this mode is activated, the compressor operates without interruption at maximum power. The temperature in the refrigerator compartment may also drop temporarily. It is not recommended to use this function constantly, as it increases the wear of the components. electricity consumption and wear of components.
The fast freezing mode should be turned on several hours before loading a large batch of products. After the food freezes (usually after 24 hours), the function must be turned off manually or wait for an automatic return to the standard mode, if such an option is provided by the model.
What happens if you forget to turn off Super Freeze?
If you leave the fast freezing mode on for a long time, products intended for storage at above-zero temperatures may freeze in the refrigerator compartment, and Ice formation on the walls is also possible.
Indication of operation and sound signals
After turning on, you may hear various sounds or see flashing indicators, which often causes concern among users. It is important to understand that a two-chamber refrigerator Indesit in the first hours of operation makes sounds of gurgling or liquid flowing - this is refrigerant is circulating in the system, which is an absolutely normal process.
A sound alarm (usually intermittent squeak) can be triggered if the door is left open too long or if the temperature inside the chambers rises above a critical level. In this case, the corresponding indicator on the control panel flashes frequently, attracting attention.
If you see a red indicator light or a flashing snowflake immediately after turning on, do not panic. This means that the unit has not yet reached the set temperature. As soon as it becomes cold enough inside, the indication will change to green or simply go out, signaling normal operation.
⚠️ Attention: If the sound signal does not stop after closing the door and cooling the chambers, check the tightness of the seals. There may be a foreign object stuck between the door and the body.
Frequent errors when first turned on
Even following the instructions, users often make mistakes that can cost the equipment its longevity. One of the most common is loading the chamber with warm products immediately after turning it on. This forces the compressor to work in continuous load hours, trying to cool a large volume of heat.
Another mistake is installing the refrigerator close to the wall or in a niche without gaps. Lack of ventilation leads to the fact that heat from the condenser is not removed, but returns back to the system. This reduces cooling efficiency and may cause an emergency shutdown.
Do not forget to check the transport locks if they were installed by the manufacturer. On some models, the compressor can be bolted down for transport. If they are not unscrewed before starting, the engine will operate with strong vibration and may come off the mounts.
Diagnostics of problems after starting
If after turning on the refrigerator Indesit hums, but does not cool, or cools weakly, it is necessary to carry out initial diagnostics. Check if the power indicator is on and you can hear the sound of the motor running. The lack of cold when the engine is running may indicate a freon leak or a thermostat malfunction.
Pay attention to the side walls of the housing. During operation, they may become hot - this is normal, since there are condenser tubes located there that remove heat. However, if only one local point is heated or a burning smell is felt, the device must be turned off immediately.
If error codes appear on the display (for example, F01, F02), refer to the user manual. These codes pinpoint the component that needs attention: the temperature sensor, defrost system, or control board. Repairing electronics on your own without experience can aggravate the situation.
How long does it take the refrigerator to gain temperature after the first turn on?
Complete cooling to the specified parameters in a two-chamber model Indesit usually takes from 6 to 12 hours. During the first 2-3 hours there is active cooling, but it takes more time to stabilize the temperature in all corners of the chambers and freeze the food. Do not load the chamber completely until the operating mode is reached.
Why does the refrigerator turn on and off too often?
Frequent on-off cycles may indicate a faulty thermostat that is not reading the temperature correctly, or problems with the compressor start relay. It may also be due to the regulator being set incorrectly to too little cooling. If the problem persists, you need to call a technician.
Is it possible to plug in the refrigerator via an extension cord?
The use of extension cords is not recommended by the manufacturer, as they can cause poor contact and heating, which creates a risk of fire. If the outlet is far away, it is better to move it or use a high-quality surge protector with a short cable and a current rating of at least 16A.
What to do if after switching on there is a smell of plastic?
A slight smell of plastic or new equipment in the first hours of operation is normal. Factory lubricants and coatings of heating elements burn out. However, if the smell is pungent, pungent or accompanied by smoke, immediately unplug the appliance and contact a service center.