The first turn on of Daewoo refrigeration equipment after purchase or transportation is a critical stage on which the durability of the entire cooling system depends. Many users make the mistake of connecting the unit to the network immediately after they brought it into the apartment, without taking into account the physical processes that occurred with the equipment during movement. Proper preparation avoids failure of an expensive compressor and ensures that refrigerant occupies the correct position in the circuit.
Modern models of the South Korean brand, whether Daewoo FNQ or classic two-chamber options, require careful attention to the initial startup procedure. In this article we will analyze in detail all the nuances, starting from the time delay after transportation and ending with setting temperature conditions via control panel. Compliance with these rules is the key to ensuring that your new refrigerator will serve for many years without failure.
Before moving on to the electrical connections, you must visually inspect the device for damage received during delivery. Make sure that the door seals fit tightly and that there are no dents on the body that could compromise the seal of the chambers. Only after this can you begin to prepare the equipment for the first start.
Preparing the refrigerator for the first start
If you have just brought a Daewoo refrigerator from the store, the most important thing is to let it settle. During transportation, especially if the equipment was tilted or shaken, oil from the compressor could get into the evaporator or condenser tubes. If you turn on the unit immediately, the compressor will run without lubrication, which will lead to rapid wear or seizure. The settling time directly depends on how exactly the device was transported.
In the case of vertical transportation without strong inclinations, it is enough to wait 2-3 hours. If the refrigerator was lying on its side or was shaking strongly, professionals recommend leaving the device alone for 8–12 hours at room temperature. This will allow the oil to completely drain back into the compressor crankcase, and condensate (if it has formed due to a temperature difference) to evaporate.
After the holding time has passed, it is necessary to remove all transport elements. Manufacturers carefully pack moving parts so that they are not damaged in transit, but forgetting to remove them before turning them on means risking the integrity of the equipment.
- 📦 Remove all pieces of tape securing doors and drawers, including protective film from internal shelves.
- 🔩 Remove shipping wedges or bolts if they are blocking movement of the compressor (found in some models).
- 🧼 Wipe the internal chambers with a damp cloth using a mild detergent to remove factory dust.
- 🌬️ Leave the doors open for 15-20 minutes to completely ventilate and eliminate the smell of new plastic.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn on the refrigerator if you smell a strong gas odor or see damage to the radiator tubes. Refrigerant circulates in the system, and a leak can be dangerous.
After making sure that the chambers are clean and dry, you can proceed to installing the device in a permanent location. The refrigerator must be placed on a flat, stable surface. Misalignment of the case can lead to a loose fit of the doors and, as a result, to incorrect operation of the system No Frost or the formation of ice.
Connecting to the electrical network and checking grounding
Safe operation of Daewoo household appliances begins with the correct organization of power supply. Refrigeration equipment is a high energy consumption appliance when started up, so the requirements for sockets and wiring are quite strict. The use of faulty wiring can cause electronic failure or even a fire.
It is strictly forbidden to connect the refrigerator through an extension cord or tee, especially if they are of poor quality or not designed for high loads. The wire must be intact, without twists or damage to the insulation. The outlet must have a grounding contact, as modern models are equipped with sensitive electronics that require stable voltage.
Insert the power cord plug into the outlet as far as it will go. Make sure the connection is tight and the plug does not wobble. After connecting to the network, some models may emit a short beep or blink indicators on the display - this is a normal reaction of the system to the supply of voltage.
Immediately after being connected to the network, the compressor may not start. This is a feature of the operation of the protective relay and control system: it conducts self-diagnosis and waits a few minutes before starting. Do not try to “help” the equipment by pulling the plug or pressing buttons - let the electronics complete the test cycle.
Initial startup and setting temperature conditions
After the Daewoo refrigerator is connected to the network, the most important stage begins - the initial entry into the mode. During this period, the cooling system must reach the required temperature in the chambers. Loading with food at this moment is prohibited, since the warm cargo will create excess load on the compressor, which is already working at its maximum capacity.
Temperature control in different models is carried out differently. Simpler versions use mechanical controls, while modern lines are equipped with electronic displays and touch panels. Let's look at the basic principles of setting.
For mechanical control, a rotary knob inside the refrigerator compartment is usually used, often marked with numbers from 1 to 5 or 7. It is important to understand: the higher the number, the lower the temperature (colder). The optimal value for starting work is the middle position, for example, “3” or “4”.
In models with electronic control, such as Daewoo FNR or FNQ, the setting is made through the panel on the door. You must press the Freezer or Fridgebutton, and then adjust the values using the arrow buttons. Recommended factory settings:
- ❄️ Refrigerator temperature: +3..+4°C.
- 🧊 Freezer temperature: -18..-20°C.
- 🔄 Eco mode or “Energy Saving” is best activated after the mode is fully activated to save electricity.
After setting the parameters, the refrigerator will begin active operation. The first cooling cycle can last from 4 to 12 hours depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature. At this time, the walls of the freezer may become covered with frost, and the side walls of the refrigerator may heat up - this is a normal physical process of heat removal.
☑️ First launch checklist
⚠️ Attention: If after 12 hours of operation the compressor does not turn off and the temperature in the chambers does not drop below +10°C, there may be a refrigerant leak or a thermostat malfunction.
Features of models with the No Frost system and display
Technology No Frost, widely used in refrigerators Daewoo, relieves the user of the need to defrost the unit manually. However, when turned on for the first time, such models may behave differently than old “crying” refrigerators. The system automatically adjusts the evaporator defrost, which requires time for initial calibration of the sensors.
In models with a display, for example, the Daewoo Royalseries, the user may encounter flashing indicators. Often this is not an error, but an indication of the temperature stabilization process. If the “F” icon is lit on the screen or the numbers are flashing, this may indicate the fast freezing mode (Super Freeze), which is sometimes activated by default when turned on for the first time.
To disable the fast freezing mode, if you do not need it right now, press the corresponding button on the control panel. Typically you need to hold the button Freeze for 3 seconds. An error code may also be displayed on the display if the system detects a malfunction at startup.
Common error codes at startup:
- 🔴 E1: Malfunction of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor.
- 🔴 E2: Problem with the freezer compartment sensor.
- 🔴 E5: Communication error between the main board and the display.
If you see the error code, try turning off the refrigerator from the network for 15 minutes and turning it on again. If the error recurs, you must contact a service center, since repairing the electronics yourself can lead to loss of warranty.
Why is a new refrigerator humming?
Modern compressors can make sounds similar to gurgling or liquid flowing. This is normal - the refrigerant moves through the pipes. A hum is also possible when you first enter the mode, when the compressor operates at 100% power.
Loading food and entering operating mode
One of the most common questions: when can you finally put food in the Daewoo refrigerator? There's no need to rush here. Loading warm or even room temperature products into chambers that have not yet cooled down will force the compressor to work without stopping, trying to compensate for the sudden influx of heat.
The optimal time for the first load is 12-24 hours after switching on, when the temperature in the chambers is stably kept at the set values. You can check this using an external thermometer or simply by assessing the coldness of the walls. You should load food gradually, in small portions, giving the equipment time to restore the temperature.
Do not fill the refrigerator to capacity with food on the first day. Air should circulate freely between products, especially in models with a system No Frostwhere fans distribute the cold flow. Impaired circulation will lead to the formation of “warm zones” and food spoilage.
| Product type | Recommended storage area | Adaptation time |
|---|---|---|
| Meat and fish | Lower shelf / Freshness zone | Immediately after cooling the chamber |
| Dairy products | Middle shelves | After 2-3 hours of empty refrigerator operation |
| Vegetables and fruit | Bottom drawers | After the humidity has stabilized |
| Hot dishes | Prohibited | Only after complete cooling to room temperature |
By placing a warm pot of soup inside, you actually defrost already cooled supplies and force the equipment to work in extreme mode. Always cool food to room temperature before putting it in the refrigerator.
Possible problems when you turn it on for the first time and their solutions
Even if you follow all the instructions, when you first turn it on When turning on a new Daewoo refrigerator, situations may arise that will frighten an inexperienced user. Most of them are not breakdowns, but represent features of the operation of modern technology.
For example, strong heating of the side walls. In modern models, thermal insulation is often built into the walls, and the condenser tubes (where cooling and heat transfer occurs) are built into the side panels. Therefore, heating to 40–50°C on the first day of operation is absolutely normal. This is how the refrigerator releases the heat extracted from the chambers.
Another common “problem” is the smell of plastic. A new unit always has a specific aroma of industrial materials. It should not be harsh or chemically aggressive. If the smell persists for more than 2-3 weeks or causes a headache, this is a reason to return the product.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after 24 hours?
- 🔍 Check that the doors are closed tightly.
- 🔌 Make sure the plug is firmly seated in outlet.
- 🌡️ Check the temperature settings (whether the holiday mode is on).
- 🧊 Make sure that the products do not block the outlet of cold air.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud knock, clank or smell a burning smell, immediately turn off the device from the network. Such symptoms indicate a mechanical failure or short circuit.
Condensation is also worth mentioning. During the first hours of operation, moisture may appear on the inner walls. This is due to the high humidity of the air that was in the chambers before switching on. Over time, when the temperature stabilizes, the moisture should disappear. If water continues to accumulate in puddles at the bottom, check the drainage hole (in drip models) or how tightly the door is closed.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator in winter from the street?
If the refrigerator was brought in from the cold, it should not be turned on for at least 24 hours. Condensation inside the electronics and frozen oil in the compressor are guaranteed to damage the equipment when you try to start it.
How long should a Daewoo refrigerator sit after transportation?
The settling time depends on the method of transportation. If the refrigerator was transported vertically, 2-3 hours is enough. If it was lying on its side or subjected to strong shaking, you must wait 8 to 12 hours for the oil to drain into the compressor.
Why does the temperature indicator flash after turning on?
A flashing indicator usually indicates that the temperature in the chamber has not yet reached the set value. This is normal for the first 12 hours of operation. If the blinking persists for more than a day, check the settings or any errors.
Do you need to wash a new refrigerator before using it for the first time?
Yes, definitely. Particles of industrial dust, packaging materials, or the smell of new plastic may remain inside. Wipe the cameras with a soft cloth with a solution of warm water and mild detergent, then wipe dry.
Is it possible to load products immediately after turning on?
No, you cannot. The refrigerator must run empty for at least 12 hours to reach operating mode and cool the internal walls. Loading warm products will immediately create a critical load on the compressor.
What to do if the side walls of the refrigerator get very hot?
This is normal for modern models. Heat exchange occurs through the side walls. In the first days of operation, when the refrigerator gains temperature, the heating may be noticeable. Over time, the intensity will decrease.