Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the renewal of household appliances in the kitchen. However, the euphoria of the purchase often makes one forget about the critical rules of transportation and installation, ignoring which can lead to the failure of expensive equipment in the very first hours of operation.
Refrigerators Gorenje are known for their reliability and thoughtful design, but they, like any complex equipment, require adherence to a strict algorithm of actions before the first connection to the power grid. Improper preparation can cause serious damage to the compressor, which the warranty service does not recognize as a warranty case.
In this article we will analyze in detail the entire process: from unpacking to setting temperature conditions. You will learn why you shouldn’t rush to turn it on, how to position the legs correctly, and what mistakes inexperienced users most often make when starting up for the first time.
The importance of standing time after transportation
The most critical point that many buyers forget about is the settling time. During delivery, the refrigerator was subjected to tilting, shaking and vibration, which led to the movement of oil from the compressor into the refrigerant circulation system. Oil Must drain completely back into the compressor crankcase, otherwise water hammer or blockage of the capillary tube may occur during startup.
The holding time directly depends on how exactly the unit was transported. If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position and not tilted more than 40 degrees, it is enough to wait 2-3 hours. However, if the equipment was lying in the back of a truck or was strongly tilted, the waiting time increases.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported lying down, the minimum settling time is 12 hours, and in the winter it is better to increase this period to 24 hours to completely warm up the refrigerant.Ignoring this rules - the most common reason for compressor failure in the first month of use. Even if visually it seems that “nothing bad happened,” microscopic oil particles in the system can cause a critical increase in pressure.
Installation and alignment of the housing
Before thinking about connecting to an outlet, it is necessary to ensure the correct installation geometry. The refrigerator must stand strictly horizontally, which is checked by the building level. For adjustment, the front support legs are used, which can be rotated.
Correct installation affects not only the appearance, but also the operation of the system NoFrost and the correct closing of the doors. If the case is skewed, the door may open spontaneously or, conversely, not fully adhere to the seal, violating the tightness.
The back wall of the device should be at a distance of at least 5-10 cm from the wall. This is necessary for free air circulation around the condenser, which is usually located on the back panel or on the sides of the case.
There is a common misconception that the refrigerator must be tilted backwards for the doors to close themselves. In models Gorenje a magnetic seal and hinge mechanism are responsible for this process, therefore tilting the entire body is not required and is even harmful for the compressor.
📊 How did you transport the refrigerator?Vertical in a vanLying in a car carVertical in the elevatorIt was brought and installed by the mastersPreparation for the first launch
After the equipment has settled and been installed, it is necessary to carry out final preparation. First of all, you should remove all shipping elements: tape, foam inserts and, most importantly, protective film.
Pay special attention to the inside: remove all shelves, drawers and trays to wash them with warm water and a mild detergent. Factory dust and the smell of new plastic must be eliminated before placing products inside.
Check the integrity of the power cord and make sure that the outlet to which the device will be connected is grounded. The use of extension cords and tees is not recommended, since the refrigerator is a device with a high starting load on the network.
☑️ Check before turning on
Completed: 0 / 4First connection and setting the temperature
Now you can move on to the most important stage. Insert the plug into the outlet. In modern models Gorenje with electronic control, a sound signal sounds and an indication lights up on the display. In mechanical models, the light inside the chamber lights up.
For the first 2-3 hours, the refrigerator will work in enhanced mode, trying to reach the set temperature. During this period, do not open the doors or load food. The compressor should run a full cycle and automatically turn off.
The temperature setting depends on the model. Mechanical refrigerators use a rotary control inside the chamber (usually 1 to 5 or Min to Max). The optimal value to start with is the middle position or number
3.In models with electronic control, the setting is made through the panel on the door. The recommended temperature for the refrigerator compartment is
+4°C, and for the freezer --18°C. You should not set lower temperatures unless necessary, this will only increase energy consumption.⚠️ Attention: Do not immediately set the minimum possible temperature ("Super Cool" or "Max" mode) unless necessary. This will create an excessive load on the compressor at the first start.What does the flashing indicator mean?
If after switching on the temperature indicator flashes or an intermittent signal is heard, this is normal. The system signals that the set temperature has not yet been reached. After entering the mode (usually after 2-4 hours), the signal will stop automatically.
Features of the NoFrost system
Many users mistakenly believe that the refrigerator NoFrost does not require defrosting at all. Although the system prevents the formation of an ice crust on the evaporator, condensation still forms during operation.
Water is discharged through special channels into the evaporator, usually located in the lower part of the unit, where it evaporates. It is important to keep the drainage hole clean so that it does not become clogged with crumbs or debris.
Complete defrosting of the system NoFrost is still required, but much less frequently - about 1-2 times a year. This is necessary for hygiene, removing odors and checking the operation of the moisture removal system.
The difference from the drip system (Cool Plus or Static) is the presence of a fan that circulates cold air. This ensures uniform temperature throughout the entire volume, but can lead to faster drying of products if they are not packaged.
Loading products and operating modes
After the refrigerator has been idle for 2-3 hours and the compressor has turned off (or gone into temperature maintenance mode), you can begin loading. This should be done gradually, without filling the entire volume at once.
Warm products will upset the temperature balance and force the compressor to work continuously, which is harmful during break-in. Arrange food so that air circulates between them, it is especially important not to block the ventilation holes on the back wall.
The table below shows the recommended storage zones for different types of food in the refrigerator compartment:
Storage area Temperature What store Top shelf +5...+7°C Ready food, drinks, confectionery Middle shelves +3...+5°C Dairy products, sausages, cheese Lower shelf +2...+4°C Raw meat, fish, semi-finished products Door shelves +7...+10°C Sauces, drinks, medicines, eggs Compliance with product proximity and temperature zones will keep products fresh longer and ensure proper operation of temperature sensors inside cameras.
Typical mistakes when turning it on for the first time
Even after studying the instructions, users often make mistakes that can shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is installing the refrigerator close to the wall or in a niche without gaps for ventilation.
Another mistake is connecting the device to a network with an unstable voltage without using a stabilizer. Voltage surges can damage the electronic control board, the repair of which is expensive.
You should also not ignore extraneous sounds during the first hours of operation. A slight gurgling of the refrigerant is normal, but a strong knock, grinding or humming may indicate contact with the housing tubes or a compressor defect.
⚠️ Attention: If, after the first start, the refrigerator operates continuously for more than 6-8 hours without a break and does not gain temperature, immediately turn it off and contact a service center.Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long can you not turn on the Gorenje refrigerator after delivery in winter?
In winter, especially if the temperature outside was below -5°C, the refrigerator should be heated indoors in the package for at least 24 hours. This is necessary so that the condensation formed inside the electronics and on the parts completely evaporates, and the oil in the compressor restores its viscosity.
Why are the side walls of the refrigerator hot?
In modern models Gorenje the capacitor (heat exchanger) is often built into the side walls of the case. Heating the sides to 40-50°C during the first hours of operation or during active loading of food is an absolutely normal process of heat removal.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before turning it on for the first time?
Yes, definitely. Factory dust and the smell of plastic and packaging remain inside. Wipe the interior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap and dry. This will prevent the appearance of foreign odors in the products.
What to do if the Gorenje refrigerator is very noisy?
Check that all shipping bolts and gaskets have been removed. Make sure the refrigerator is level and not touching furniture or walls. If the noise resembles a metallic clanging or buzzing persists after 24 hours of operation, diagnostics by a technician is required.
Is it possible to load many products at once?
No, this is an error. For the first time, load food in small portions, giving the compressor time to restore temperature conditions. A sudden loading of a large volume of warm products can lead to an overload of the system.