Buying a new refrigerator is always an event that marks the renewal of the kitchen space and the improvement of food storage conditions. However, the joy of the purchase may be overshadowed if immediately after connecting the device does not start working as expected, or, even worse, fails due to errors during the first start. Modern models of the Slovenian brand Gorenje are distinguished by complex electronics that require a special approach to activation.
Many users make the fatal mistake of turning on the unit immediately after delivery home. This action can lead to serious damage to the compressor, since the oil in the system must return to its operating position after transport. The correct sequence of actions when turning it on for the first time is not just a formality, but a necessary condition for maintaining the warranty and ensuring many years of trouble-free operation of the equipment.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of preparation, from unpacking to setting temperature conditions. You will learn why it is important to wait a certain time, how to correctly set the parameters for different departments, and what to do if the control panel reacts non-standardly. A competent start of operation is the key to the freshness of your products.
Preparation for the first launch and unpacking
The first stage is always a visual inspection and removal of all transport packaging. The new refrigerator Gorenje is reliably protected by foam blocks, cardboard and plastic clips, which must be completely dismantled. Particular attention should be paid to the internal fastenings of the compressor, if they are provided for in the design of a particular model, although in most modern series they are absent.
Inside the chambers, it is necessary to remove all shelves, drawers and trays for bottles. This is necessary not only for ease of washing, but also to check the integrity of the internal surfaces for chips or cracks that may have formed during delivery. Wipe the interior thoroughly with a damp cloth and a mild detergent to remove manufacturing dust and new plastic odors.
⚠️ Attention: Never use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or chlorine-containing liquids to clean the interior. Aggressive chemicals can damage the antibacterial coating of the walls and plastic decor, which will lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the future.
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry and leave the doors open for 1-2 hours for complete drying and airing. Only after this can you install the previously removed shelves and drawers in their regular places according to the instructions. Make sure that all the guides fit into the grooves until they click.
The importance of the time pause after transportation
One of the most critical points in the question “how to turn on a new Burning refrigerator” is maintaining the time interval between delivery and the first connection to the power supply. During transportation, especially if the refrigerator was tilted or shaken, refrigerant and compressor oil move from normal areas to system circuits where they should not be.
If you turn on the unit immediately, the compressor will try to compress the refrigerant gas along with the oil that has entered the system. This creates excess pressure, which can lead to water hammer, rupture of pipes or jamming of the motor piston group. Repairs in this case will be expensive and often impractical.
What happens inside the compressor if it starts incorrectly?
During an instant start, the oil that gets into the heat exchanger creates a plug. The compressor works with overload, trying to push through this plug, which causes overheating of the windings and mechanical destruction of the valves.
The settling time depends on the transportation conditions and the ambient temperature. If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position and it is warm outside, 2-3 hours is enough. In winter or after horizontal transportation, the pause should be at least 12-24 hours. This will allow the oil to drain back into the crankcase, and the refrigerant to warm up to room temperature.
Choice of installation location and ventilation
Before inserting the plug plug, make sure the refrigerator is installed correctly. For effective heat removal, which generates condenser, it is necessary to maintain clearances. The back wall of the device should not be flush against the wall; the minimum distance to the obstacle should be 5-7 cm.
Side clearances are also important for air circulation, especially if the refrigerator is built into a niche or stands between cabinets. The lack of normal ventilation leads to the fact that the compressor works continuously, trying to gain temperature, which sharply increases energy consumption and wear of parts.
Use a building level to check the horizontal level of the installation. The legs of the refrigerator are equipped with adjusting screws to compensate for uneven floors. The correct tilt ensures that the doors will close automatically due to gravity, ensuring tightness.
| Installation parameter | Minimum value | Recommended value | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gap rear | 5 cm | 10 cm | Compressor overheating |
| Gap on the side | 2 cm | 5 cm | Condensation on the walls |
| Distance to the slab | 30 cm | 50 cm | Deformation of the seal |
| Forward tilt | 1-2 degrees | 2 degrees | Loose closure |
Do not install the refrigerator near heat sources such as radiators or gas stoves. If it is impossible to avoid proximity to the stove, be sure to install a heat-insulating screen between the devices.
First connection to the electrical network
After all the preparatory steps have been completed, you can proceed to the electrical connection. Refrigerators Gorenje require a separate grounded outlet. The use of extension cords, tees or low-quality surge protectors is not recommended, as compressor starting currents can lead to heating of the contacts and a fire hazard.
Insert the plug into the socket tightly until it stops. At this moment, you may hear a slight click or hum - this is normal, the system is starting to work. The indicators on the control panel may light up and the display (light up). Some models, when turned on for the first time, emit a beep, indicating that the door is open or the temperature has not yet been reached.
If the model is equipped with a system NoFrost, immediately after switching on the fan will start, which can create a characteristic air flow noise. Do not be alarmed by this sound - it indicates normal operation of the air circulation system. During the first hours of operation, the refrigerator will gain cold, and the on-off cycles of the compressor may be uneven.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, you hear a loud metallic knock, grinding sound, or smell burnt wiring, immediately unplug the appliance. Restarting before the technician arrives is prohibited.
Setting temperature conditions
Modern Gorenje refrigerators allow you to flexibly adjust the climate inside the chambers. After the first start-up, it is recommended to set the average values to allow the unit to reach operating mode without overload. For the refrigerator compartment, the optimal temperature is +4°C, and for the freezer compartment -18°C.
Control can be carried out by a mechanical regulator (wheel inside the chamber) or an electronic panel. On electronic models, use buttons Temp or touch snowflake symbols to change values. The digital display displays the current set temperature, and not the actual one inside the chamber in real time.
If your model has a function Super Freeze (super freezing) or Super Cool (super cooling), activate them when loading food for the first time. These modes force the compressor to work harder, quickly freezing fresh food and preventing those already in the freezer from defrosting.
☑️ Setting parameters
Remember that the exact settings depend on how full the cameras are. An empty refrigerator cools faster, but holds the temperature worse when the door is opened. Filled shelves (especially with products with a high water content) work as a cold accumulator, stabilizing the microclimate.
Operation control and loading with products
The refrigerator can be fully loaded with food only after it has reached operating temperature. Typically this process takes from 4 to 12 hours depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the room. Early loading with warm products will cause the compressor to work hard.
Start loading gradually. Place shelf-stable items first, then perishable items. Distribute food evenly without blocking the ventilation holes inside the chamber if the model requires air circulation. In NoFrost systems, blocking the air ducts will lead to the formation of ice in some areas and a lack of cold in others.
On the first day of operation, carefully monitor the cyclic operation. The compressor should turn on, work for a certain time, then turn off and rest. If the refrigerator hums continuously for more than 24 hours without stopping, this may indicate a freon leak, a malfunctioning thermostat, or problems with the door seal.
Also check the operation of the condensate drainage system. In refrigerators with a drip system, water should periodically appear in the drain hole on the back wall and go into the evaporator. If the water is in a puddle at the bottom, check the cleanliness of the drainage channel.
Possible problems during the first start
Even if all instructions are followed, users may encounter unusual behavior of the equipment. Often panic arises due to completely normal processes. For example, heating of the side walls of the case is normal for modern models, where the condenser is built into the sides to save space and improve aesthetics.
The appearance of a small amount of water under the refrigerator in the first days can also be normal if the room has high humidity and the evaporator is actively defrosting after factory tests. However, if a puddle forms regularly, drainage diagnostics are required.
⚠️ Attention: If an error code lights up on the display (for example, E1, F5 or a flashing temperature indicator), check the instructions. Often this is a signal that the door is not tightly closed, but it may also indicate a sensor malfunction.
Noise during operation is another common issue. In addition to the hum of the compressor, you may hear the sounds of freon gurgling, plastic cracking when the temperature changes, or relay clicks. All these sounds are signs of proper operation of a complex thermodynamic system.
Why can a refrigerator vibrate?
Vibration is often caused by the refrigerator body touching the wall, furniture, or internal elements (shelves, trays) against each other. Check to see if the bottles on the door are shaking and adjust the support legs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long can you turn on the refrigerator after delivery in winter?
If the delivery was carried out at subzero temperatures, the refrigerator should stand in a warm room in the off state for a minimum 12-24 hours. This is necessary to warm the oil and electronics to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the components and hardening of the lubricant.
Why does the new Gorenje refrigerator make a loud sound when first turned on?
A loud hum or gurgling in the first hours is a normal process of refrigerant circulation through the system. The NoFrost fan may also be loud. If the sound does not change to a quiet hum after a couple of hours and is accompanied by vibration of the case, check the installation of the legs.
Do you need to wash a new refrigerator before use?
Yes, definitely. Production dust, packaging particles and the smell of plastic remain inside. Wipe all surfaces with a baking soda solution or mild soap solution, then clean water and wipe dry. This will prevent the appearance of foreign odors in the products.
What to do if the refrigerator does not cool after 10 hours of operation?
If after 10-12 hours of operation at medium settings the temperature in the chamber does not drop, and the compressor runs constantly, there may be a freon leak during transportation or a manufacturing defect. In this case, you must turn off the device and contact an authorized service center.
Is it possible to place the refrigerator on a carpet or soft surface?
It is strictly not recommended. The soft covering interferes with ventilation from below (if any is provided) and makes it difficult to level the case. This leads to misalignment of the doors and overheating of the compressor. Use a hard, flat surface.