Starting new refrigeration equipment or turning it on again after defrosting is not just a “plug it in and forget it” action. For brand equipment Ariston, as for any high-tech equipment, there are strict preparation regulations, ignoring which can lead to compressor failure or loss of system tightness. Correct initial activation is the key to long service life of the unit.
Many users make the fatal mistake of starting to operate the device immediately after delivery, without maintaining the required time interval for stabilizing the refrigerant. This is especially true if transportation was carried out in a horizontal position or at subzero temperatures. The oil in the compressor must drain into the crankcase for at least 4-8 hoursotherwise, water hammer is possible, which is fatal to the motor.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for models with electronic control and mechanical regulators. You'll learn how to set temperature settings, activate additional features, and test the system before loading with food. Compliance with these simple rules will ensure maximum energy efficiency and the safety of your products.
Preparatory stage before the first start
Before connecting the power cable to the power supply, it is necessary to conduct a visual inspection and preparation of the device itself. Make sure the refrigerator is placed on a level, hard surface. Misalignment of the housing can lead to incorrect operation of the door hinges and poor sealing of the seals. Use a building level to check the horizontal position.
It is important to remove all transport elements. Manufacturers often secure moving parts, such as shelves, drawers, and the doors themselves, with tape, foam inserts, and plastic ties. If these fasteners are not removed, the mechanism may be damaged when first opened or while the compressor is running.
- 🧹 Wipe the internal chambers thoroughly with a damp cloth using a mild detergent to remove factory dust and plastic odors.
- 🚚 Check the integrity of the condenser grille at the back of the device - it should not be wrinkled or damaged.
- 🔌 Make sure that the outlet is grounded and meets the power requirements specified in the technical data sheet.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly prohibited to use extension cords or tees to connect the refrigerator. Direct connection to a stationary outlet is the only safe option, preventing overheating of the contacts and the risk of fire.
☑️ Check before turning on
Settlement rules and waiting time
The most critical point is the holding time before turning on. The physics of operation of a refrigeration machine is such that compressor oil can migrate into the cooling system circuits, especially when transported “lying down”. If you start the engine when the oil is in the evaporator or condenser tubes, it will not have time to return to the crankcase, which will lead to dry operation or blockage of the capillary tube.
The waiting time directly depends on the transportation conditions. If the refrigerator was transported vertically and the temperature outside was above zero, 2–3 hours is enough. However, if the device was left in the back of a truck during the winter, the adaptation process will take significantly longer. Cold oil thickens, and it takes time for it to warm up to room temperature and become fluid.
What will happen if you turn it on right away?
If you start the compressor without allowing the oil to drain, water hammer may occur. The liquid is incompressible, and the piston group of the compressor will receive critical damage, which will require an expensive replacement of the motor or the entire system.
Recommended time intervals for models Ariston:
| Transportation conditions | Environment temperature | Time settling |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical | Above 0°C | 2–3 hours |
| Horizontal (lying) | Above 0°C | 8–12 hours |
| Horizontal (lying) | Below 0°C | 24 hours (after bringing into the heat) |
Switching algorithm for models with electronic control
Modern refrigerators Ariston often equipped with an electronic display and touch control panel. After you plug the power cord into the outlet, the device does not always start cooling immediately. Many models go into standby mode or display factory settings that require user confirmation.
The first step is usually to activate the panel. Find the power button, which may be indicated by a power icon or the word On/Off. In some modifications, you must press and hold this button for 3-5 seconds. The screen should light up, displaying the current temperature in the chambers.
Next, select the operating mode. By default, the standard cooling mode is often activated. If you plan to quickly freeze food, you can activate the function Super Freeze. To do this, press the corresponding button on the control panel or use the touch switch. The indicator will light up to confirm that the mode has been activated.
- ❄️ For the main chamber, select a temperature in the range from +3°C to +5°C.
- 🥩 For the freezer, the optimal value is -18°C.
- 🔊 Check if the mode is activated “Holiday”, which turns off cooling in the refrigerator compartment.
⚠️ Attention: Control interfaces may vary depending on the model year. If the button combinations do not work, check the sticker on the inside wall of the chamber or the official documentation, since the logic of the controller may be changed by the manufacturer.
Setting up mechanical temperature controllers
In classic refrigerator models Ariston control is carried out using a mechanical thermostat. This is a reliable and simple mechanism that does not require complex settings. Typically, the regulator is a rotary knob located inside the refrigerator compartment or on the top panel of the case.
The regulator scale can be marked with numbers from 1 to 5, from 1 to 7 or letters (Min/Max). It is important to understand that the numbers do not mean degrees Celsius, but indicate the intensity of the compressor. The higher the number, the colder it will be inside the chamber.
For initial start-up, it is recommended to set the knob to the middle position (usually number 3 or 4). This will allow the system to return to operating mode without overload. If after a few hours of operation the food in the refrigerator compartment is not sufficiently cooled, you can gradually increase the power by turning the knob one notch towards maximum.
Special attention should be paid to the mode switch, if present. Some models have a separate toggle switch to turn the refrigerator on/off. Make sure it is set to I or On. If the indicator light next to it lights up, it means that power is supplied correctly.
Operation monitoring and initial diagnostics
After starting, you need to make sure that all systems are functioning normally. Initial entry into the mode can take from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature. At this time, it is not recommended to open the doors unless absolutely necessary, so as not to disrupt heat exchange.
Pay attention to the sounds made by the unit. (normal operation) is accompanied by a quiet hum of the compressor and periodic gurgling of the refrigerant in the tubes. These sounds indicate the circulation of freon. However, an extraneous knock, grinding or loud metal clang should alert you.
Check the tightness of the doors. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet between the seal and the body, close the door and try to pull the sheet out. If it is removed with noticeable force along the entire length of the perimeter, then the seal is in order. If the sheet falls out freely, adjustment of the hinges is required.
- 👂 Listen: the compressor operation should be cyclical (turning on and off).
- 🌡️ Feel the side walls: they may heat up slightly, this is normal for heat dissipation by the condenser.
- 💡 Make sure that the interior lights come on when the door is opened and go off when the door is closed.
Common errors and how to fix them
Even when following the instructions, users may encounter situations where the refrigerator does not turn on or does not cool properly. Often the problem lies in trivial things that can be easily fixed on your own without calling a specialist.
One of the common mistakes is installing the refrigerator close to a wall or furniture. For effective heat exchange, the rear grille and side walls require air flow. If the gap is less than 5–10 cm, the cooling efficiency drops, and the compressor operates with overload, which can cause an emergency shutdown.
It is also worth checking the voltage in the network. The electronics of modern models Ariston are sensitive to voltage surges. If your network experiences frequent surges, it is recommended to use a stabilizer. Low voltage may prevent the compressor from starting, and it will only hum, trying to start.
The table below shows the main symptoms and possible causes:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm indicator is on | Temperature is above normal | Wait until the mode is reached |
| Strong vibration | Transport bolts are not unscrewed | Check and remove the fasteners |
| Ice on the back wall | Setting too low | Reduce cooling power |
| The light does not come on | The lamp is burnt out or there is no power | Replace the lamp or check the socket |
Why does the refrigerator make a loud click when turned on?
A loud click when the compressor starts or stops is the normal operation of the thermal relay or starting device. However, if the clicking sounds are frequent and the refrigerator does not start, this may indicate that a faulty compressor is trying to start. In this case, you need to disconnect the device from the network and contact the service.
Is it possible to turn on the Ariston refrigerator through a surge protector?
The use of a surge protector is permissible if it is designed for powerful household appliances (load current of at least 10–16 A). Cheap extension cords with thin wires should not be used as they may melt. The ideal option is a separate socket with grounding.
What to do if the display does not light up after turning it on?
Check whether the plug is firmly inserted into the socket. Make sure there is electricity in the room. If the outlet is working but the display does not respond, the electronics protection may have tripped or there has been a power surge. Try turning off the power to the device for 15 minutes and turning it on again.
How to quickly check whether the refrigerator has started to freeze?
You should not check the cooling with your hand right away. Leave the empty refrigerator running for 4-5 hours. Then put a glass of water inside. If after 2-3 hours the water begins to set with ice around the edges, it means that the system is working properly and is gaining cold.
Do you need to lubricate door hinges before turning them on for the first time?
Factory lubrication on refrigerator hinges Ariston is usually sufficient for the first years of operation. Additional lubrication is only required if you notice creaking or stiffness in the doors after a long period of use. Use special oil for refrigeration equipment.