Before the first start-up of new or defrosted refrigeration equipment, you must ensure that a number of critical conditions are met, ignoring which can lead to compressor breakdown. If the unit was transported horizontally or was simply in a cold room, it needs time to adapt to room temperature and allow the oil to spread in the system. The standard standing time is from 3 to 4 hours, but in case of severe frost outside, it is better to increase this interval to 8 hours.
After the equipment has acclimatized, you should carefully inspect the back wall and interior space for visible damage, dents or traces of oil. Make sure that the shipping bolts, if any, have been completely removed and the protective film has been removed from the interior shelves and drawers. Only after visual inspection can you begin to connect to the electrical network.
Insert the plug into a grounded socket that meets the power requirements and listen to the operation of the motor. In the first minutes of operation, increased noise or humming may be observed, which is normal for the initial stage of system startup. Do not rush to load products, let the device enter the operating cooling mode in an empty state.
Preparing the equipment for the first start
High-quality preparation of the refrigerator Don for operation is the key to its long and trouble-free service for many years. Many users make the mistake of loading food immediately after switching on, which puts extra stress on the compressor. The internal volume must cool to the specified parameters before warm objects get in.
Before connecting, be sure to wipe the internal chambers with a damp cloth using a weak soda solution or a special plastic care product. This will remove technical dust and possible odors that have accumulated in the warehouse or during transportation. Pay special attention to the door seals - they need to be cleaned and lightly greased with silicone to maintain elasticity.
It is important to check the horizontal installation of the housing using a building level. Incorrect installation on the legs can lead to skewed doors, loose seals and, as a result, to the formation of ice or constant operation of the motor. Height adjustment is carried out by turning the front support legs.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator near heat sources such as radiators, stoves or in direct sunlight. This disrupts heat exchange and causes the compressor to work overload.
- 🧼 Thoroughly wash all removable shelves, drawers and trays with warm water and a mild detergent.
- 📏 Check the distance to the walls: at least 5-10 cm at the back and sides for free air circulation.
- 🔌 Make sure that the electrical outlet is working and matches the load (preferably grounded).
- 🧊 Let the device stand turned off after transportation for at least 3-4 hours to stabilize the refrigerant.
Procedure for connecting to electrical network
Connecting the refrigerator Don to the AC network requires compliance with electrical safety rules and taking into account the technical characteristics of the wiring. Modern models are equipped with energy-efficient compressors that are sensitive to voltage changes. It is recommended to use a separate outlet, without connecting other powerful household appliances through an extension cord or tee.
If your area experiences frequent power surges, it is advisable to install a voltage stabilizer or relay to protect the control electronics. Sudden surges can cause breakdown control unit, the repair of which will cost much more than prevention. The plug should fit tightly into the socket, preventing sparking or heating of the contacts.
After being plugged in, the power indicator on the control panel may light up, and after a while - a high temperature alarm, which is normal for a warm, empty cabinet. The sound signal usually turns off automatically after the temperature inside the chambers drops or manually with a button.
In some models with electronic control, after turning on the power, you may need to reset the settings or select the interface language. Follow the instructions on the display, if available, or refer to the temperature settings section in this article.
Setting the temperature mode and functions
Correctly setting the temperature in the refrigerator Don directly affects the safety of food and energy consumption. In mechanical models, adjustment is carried out by turning the thermostat located inside the main chamber. The numbers on the scale usually do not indicate degrees, but the cooling intensity: the higher the number, the colder.
For models with an electronic control panel, settings are made through touch buttons or a display. The optimal temperature in the refrigerator compartment is considered to be from +2 to +5 °C, and in the freezer - -18 °C and below. You should not set minimum values unless necessary, as this increases energy consumption.
The function Super Freeze (super freezing), which allows you to quickly freeze a large amount of fresh food, deserves special attention. When this mode is activated, the compressor operates continuously, so after 24 hours the function must be turned off manually or wait for automatic return to normal mode.
| Operating mode | Temperature in the refrigerator compartment | Temperature in the freezer compartment | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | +5...+7 °C | -12...-15 °C | With a small amount of products or in the cold season |
| Standard | +3...+5 °C | -18 °C | Daily operation, storage of a mixed assortment |
| Max. cooling | +1...+2 °C | -24 °C | Quick freezing of fresh food or stockpiling |
| Vacation | +10...+15 °C | Off | Long absence of owners (only the freezer works) |
If you don’t know how to set the necessary parameters for your specific model, look for the technical data sticker inside the camera. There are often recommended factory settings for various operating conditions.
☑️ Setting the temperature
Features of models with the No Frost system
Refrigerators Donequipped with the system No Frostdo not require manual defrosting, since moisture is removed automatically through a system of evaporators and drainage. When you turn on such models for the first time, it is important to make sure that nothing interferes with the circulation of cold air inside the chambers. Products should not block the ventilation holes on the back wall.
Unlike the drip system, here cooling occurs due to forced air circulation, which ensures a more uniform temperature throughout the entire volume. However, this may cause uncovered products to dry out faster, so it is recommended to store them in containers or covered with film. Periodically, once every six months or a year, it is still recommended to defrost such devices for hygienic cleaning.
When the No Frost system is operating, you can hear periodic crackling of plastic or fan noise - these are normal operating sounds, indicating the process of defrosting the evaporator or air circulation. If the noise becomes too loud or vibration appears, check the stability of the legs and that they are not touching objects from behind.
⚠️ Attention: In No Frost models, you should absolutely not seal or block the ventilation holes inside the chamber, otherwise the system will no longer remove moisture correctly and the temperature will begin to rise.
Why in No Frost sometimes water appears at the bottom?
Water may appear when the drainage hole is clogged or if the door has been used for a long time in wet weather. Check the moisture removal channel.
Initial loading with food
Load the refrigerator Don products can only be used after it has been idle for 2-3 hours and reached the specified temperature. If you put warm food in at once, the compressor will work hard trying to cool a large volume, which can shorten its life. Thermal inertia of food can also temporarily increase the overall temperature in the chamber.
Distribute products rationally: place ready-made dishes and perishable items (meat, fish, dairy) on the lower shelves, where it is colder. It is better to store fruits and vegetables in special drawers at the bottom of the chamber, since there the temperature is slightly higher and there is protection from drafts. Door shelves are designed for bottles, sauces and products that do not require deep refrigeration.
Do not overcrowd the chambers on the first day - an air stream should circulate freely between products. Dense packing disrupts heat transfer and leads to uneven cooling. Over time, when the operating mode stabilizes, the filling can be increased, but always leave free space at the back wall.
- 🥩 Store raw meat and fish in airtight containers on the bottom shelf so that the juice does not drip onto other products.
- 🥛 It is better to place dairy products not on the door, but on deep shelves where the temperature more stable.
- 🍞 Bread and pastries should not be kept next to strong-smelling foods (fish, spices), as plastic absorbs odors.
- 🥤 Carbonated drinks are not recommended to be frozen in the freezer to avoid the container exploding.
Diagnostics of possible problems at start
When turning on the refrigerator for the first time Don users may encounter phenomena that seem to be malfunctions, but are not. For example, heating the side walls or the space between the chambers is a normal process of heat removal by the capacitor, which is often built into the sides of the case. The temperature of the walls can reach 40-50 °C.
If after switching on the compressor started working, but after a while it stopped and then started again, this is a normal operating cycle. However, if the motor hums but does not start, or clicks and immediately turns off, there may be insufficient voltage or there is a problem with the start relay. In such cases, it is better to contact a specialist.
The appearance of condensation or a small amount of ice in the first day may be due to high humidity in the room or frequent opening of doors with a warm chamber. If after 24 hours the situation does not return to normal, check the tightness of the door and the integrity of the seal.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell a persistent burning smell or see sparking in the plug/socket area, immediately unplug the device and call an electrician or a mechanic.
For more accurate diagnostics of faults, modern models can display error codes on the display. The decoding of the codes (for example, F1, E2) can be found in the user manual or on the official website of the manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after transportation in winter?
If the refrigerator was transported at sub-zero temperatures, it must be allowed to stand in a warm room for at least 4-6 hours, and it is better to leave it overnight (up to 12 hours). This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor warms up and the glass into the crankcase, otherwise water hammer and breakdown of the mechanism are possible.
Why does the Don refrigerator hum when it is first turned on?
The hum can be caused by several reasons: operation of the compressor under load, vibration of tubes, unadjusted legs (misalignment) or resonance with furniture. If the humming does not turn into a loud knock or squeal, but just a monotonous hum, this is the norm for the new unit.
Is it possible to place the Don refrigerator close to the wall?
No, you cannot place it close. For effective heat removal by a condenser (radiator), a gap of at least 5-10 cm is required from the back wall to the wall of the room. You also need small gaps on the sides for air circulation, otherwise the refrigerator will work longer and consume more electricity.
What to do if the light does not light up after turning it on?
In some models, the light may not light if the door is not open wide enough (the sensor has not worked) or if the demonstration/transport mode is turned on. Also check that the lampshade is not covered with shipping film. If the lamp does not light when the door is open and the compressor is running, the lamp itself may have burned out.
Do you need to wash the inside of a new refrigerator before turning it on?
Yes, definitely. There may be traces of factory grease, dust or foreign odors from the packaging inside. Wipe all surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a solution of water with a small amount of soda or vinegar, and wipe dry before the first start.