Correct start-up of refrigeration equipment is the foundation of its long and uninterrupted operation. Many owners who have purchased new equipment or moved an old unit to a new location make the mistake of turning on the power immediately after installation. This can lead to serious damage to the compressor and refrigerant leakage.
The brand's two-chamber models Biryusa are famous for their reliability and are adapted to unstable network voltage, but they require compliance with strict rules for transportation and first switching on. Ignoring the temporary intervals of oil settling or incorrectly setting the thermostat will negate all the advantages of a modern cooling system.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from preparing the installation site to checking temperature conditions. You will learn why you should not rush to connect to the power grid and how to configure the operation of the unit for maximum energy consumption.
Preparation of the site and check after transportation
The first step is choosing the right location for your two-chamber refrigerator. The unit should be placed on a flat, hard surface, away from heating devices and direct sunlight. The distance to the walls should be at least 5-10 cm to ensure free circulation of air around the condenser.
If the device has just been delivered from the store, it is necessary to conduct a thorough external inspection. Check the integrity of the housing, the absence of dents on the doors and the condition of the seals. Any mechanical damage received during delivery may compromise the seal of the chambers.
Particular attention should be paid to transportation elements. Manufacturers often secure moving parts, such as shelves, drawers and doors, with tape or foam inserts. Their removal is a mandatory procedure before the first start.
Here is a list of actions that must be performed before installation:
- 📦 Remove all shipping tapes, tape and protective film from external and internal surfaces.
- 🔧 Remove fixing bolts or bars from the compressor (if they are present in your model).
- 🧹 Wipe the internal chambers with a damp cloth and a mild detergent to eliminate the smell of new plastic.
- 🔌 Make sure that the connection socket is grounded and corresponds to the power parameters.
☑️ Preparation for the first start
After cleaning, let the internal allow the space to dry naturally. Wet surfaces can cause ice to form during first cooling.
Critical settling period before switching on
The most important technical detail that is often forgotten is the settling time. During transportation, especially in a horizontal position or with a strong tilt, compressor oil leaks from the engine crankcase into the cooling system circuit.
If you turn on the unit immediately, the compressor will run “dry”, which will lead to its rapid overheating and jamming. In addition, oil that gets into the thin tubes of the evaporator can create a plug that prevents the circulation of the refrigerant.
⚠️ Attention: The settling time directly depends on how exactly the equipment was transported. If vertical, 2-3 hours is enough. If horizontal - at least 8-12 hours, and in winter it is better to wait a full day to equalize the temperatures.
The ambient temperature also plays a role. If the refrigerator is brought in from the cold, you cannot turn it on immediately, even if it was standing upright. A sudden temperature change will cause condensation on the electrical contacts, which can lead to a short circuit.
Why does oil get into the system?
When the housing is tilted, oil from the compressor flows into the evaporator and condenser tubes. The compressor is not designed to compress liquid, so when starting up, a water hammer may occur that destroys the valves.
Allow the device to warm up to room temperature if it was in the cold. It will take about 3-4 hours. Only after this you can start connecting.
Connecting to the electrical network and first start
After the standstill time has expired, you can proceed to the electrical connection. Make sure the plug is firmly seated in the outlet. It is not recommended to use extension cords or tees, as they can cause poor contact and heat.
Locate thermostaton the control panel or inside the camera. In mechanical models this is a rotary knob, in electronic models it is a touch panel. Before turning on the power, it is better to set the knob to the middle position or to the off mode (0) to avoid a load surge.
Sequence of actions at start:
- ⚡ Set the thermostat knob to the "0" or "Off" position.
- 🔌 Insert the plug into the socket (you should hear a click or the indicator light up).
- 🎛️ Smoothly turn the temperature control knob to “2” or “3” (medium mode).
- 👂 Listen to the engine: it should start smoothly, without loud knocking and clanging.
The first minutes of operation may be accompanied by a quiet gurgling or hissing sound - this is normal, the refrigerant begins to circulate. However, if you hear a loud metallic knock or hum, immediately unplug the device.
Adjusting temperature modes in a two-chamber model
A two-chamber refrigerator Biryusa allows you to independently adjust the temperature in the freezer and refrigerator compartments (depending on the specific series). Correct setting ensures the safety of products and saves energy.
In mechanical models, adjustment is carried out with one handle. The “Max” position or numbers 4-5 make the compressor work almost non-stop. This is useful for quick freezing, but not for continuous operation.
| Knob position | Temperature in the refrigerator compartment | Operating mode | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Min) | +8...+10°C | Economical | For light loads or winter |
| 2-3 (Avg.) | +4...+6°C | Normal | Daily use |
| 4-5 (Max) | 0...+2°C | Intensive | For quick freezing or hot summer |
| 0 | - | Off | Compressor stop |
Optimal The mode for everyday use is considered to be the handle position between 2 and 3. In this range, products are stored the longest, and excessive ice does not form on the walls.
If you have loaded a lot of warm products, you can temporarily switch the regulator to maximum, but do not forget to return it back after 5-6 hours. Constant operation at maximum power reduces the service life of the motor.
Initial loading with products and control of operation
After switching on, the refrigerator requires time to reach operating temperature. Empty chambers cool faster, but to stabilize the mode, it is better to wait 2-3 hours before loading.
Do not fill the refrigerator with warm food immediately. This will create excess heat load, causing the compressor to run for hours without stopping. Moisture from the food will condense and turn into an ice crust on the back wall.
It is recommended to fill the volume gradually:
- 🥩 Load the freezer first if freezing is required.
- 🥛 Then place the food in the refrigerator compartment, leaving gaps for air.
- 🍲 Do not place hot pots or just cooked soups.
- 🌬️ Make sure that food does not block the air duct openings (if there is a No Frost or dynamic cooling system).
On the first day of operation, monitor the temperature inside the chambers using an external thermometer, placing it on the middle shelf. The readings should stabilize within +4...+5°C.
Diagnostics of problems: what to do if the refrigerator does not turn on
There are situations when, after connecting, the unit is silent, or, conversely, hums, but does not cool. Models Biryusa often have protection against restarting. If you turn off and immediately turn on the device, it may not start for 10-15 minutes.
This is not a malfunction, but the operation of a protective relay that protects the compressor from water hammer. Let the equipment stand with the plug turned off for about 20 minutes, then try again.
⚠️ Attention: If when you turn on you hear a quiet click, followed by a hum, but after 5-10 seconds a second click is heard and silence sets in, this is a sign of a faulty start relay or a jammed compressor. A call to the technician is required.
Also check the integrity of the power cord and the presence of voltage in the outlet. Sometimes the problem is trivial: the contact in the plug has come loose or the circuit breaker in the panel has tripped due to a network overload.
If the refrigerator turns on, but does not freeze after 2-3 hours of operation, and the back wall remains warm, there may be a freon leak. In this case, operation is impossible without refueling and searching for the leak.
Why do the side walls heat up?
Modern refrigerators often have a condenser built into the side walls of the case. Their heating to 40-50°C in the first hours of operation is a normal process of heat removal.
How long should the Biryusa refrigerator work before the first loading?
The optimal operating time of an empty refrigerator before loading is 2-3 hours. During this time, the walls and shelves will cool to the desired temperature, and the thermostat will turn off the compressor. Loading warm products into a chamber that has not cooled down will lead to the formation of a large amount of condensation and ice.
Is it possible to turn on the Biryusa refrigerator if it was standing on its side?
You can turn it on, but only after a long period of time. If the device was left on its side for more than 30 minutes, the oil could leak completely into the system. The minimum standing time in a vertical position in this case is 8-12 hours, preferably 24 hours.
What does the flashing indicator on the control panel mean?
In electronic models, a flashing indicator usually signals an increase in the temperature in the chamber above normal. This can happen when you turn it on for the first time (while cooling is in progress) or when the door is not tightly closed. If the indicator is constantly on after the temperature has been set, the sensor may be malfunctioning.
Is it necessary to defrost a two-chamber Biryusa before turning it on for the first time?
No, new refrigerators do not require defrosting. On the contrary, they need to be thoroughly washed and dried. Defrosting is required only during operation, when the thickness of the ice on the evaporator exceeds 5 mm (for a drip system) or according to the manufacturer's regulations.
Why does a refrigerator make gurgling sounds?
Gurgling, hissing and liquid pouring are normal sounds of refrigerant (freon) circulating through the system pipes. In modern models with a quiet compressor, these sounds can be heard even better than in older units, and are not a sign of breakdown.