Buying new household appliances is always a joyful event, but the joy can be overshadowed if the basic operating rules are not followed. Refrigerators Indesit are famous for their reliability and functionality, but their durability directly depends on how exactly you produce first start. Many users make the mistake of starting to use the device immediately after unpacking, which can lead to serious damage to the compressor.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparing the unit for operation, paying special attention to time intervals and temperature settings. Ignoring simple recommendations from the manufacturer often causes equipment to fail long before the end of the warranty period. Correct installation and initial activation is the key to stable operation of your refrigerator for many years.
Let's start with the most important point, which is often overlooked in a hurry. We are talking about the time that must pass between delivery of the device to the apartment and its connection to the electrical network. This nuance is critical for compressor safety and the circulation of refrigerant within the system.
Time interval after transportation
The most common question that arises among owners of new equipment: how long should the refrigerator sit before turning on? The fact is that during transportation, especially if the truck body was shaken or the device was tilted, compressor oil it could move from the crankcase to the cooling circuit. If you start the engine right away, it will run “dry”, which will lead to rapid wear or jamming of the piston group.
The settling time directly depends on the position in which your Indesitwas delivered. If the device was transported strictly vertically, without strong tilts, then it is enough to wait 2–3 hours. During this time, the oil will have time to drain back into the compressor, and the refrigerant will stabilize in the system. However, if transportation took place in a horizontal position or with a strong tilt, the waiting time increases.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported lying down, the minimum waiting time before turning on is 8–12 hours. An attempt to start the unit earlier may lead to water hammer in the system.
Do not rush to connect, even if it seems to you that the device looks absolutely intact. The internal processes of restoring the correct distribution of fluids are invisible to the eye, but critical to mechanics. It is better to spend an extra half a day waiting than to then deal with expensive repairs or replacement compressor.
Choosing a location and correct installation
Before moving on to the electrical connection, you need to make sure that the refrigerator is installed correctly. For effective operation, the cooling system requires free air circulation. Indesit, like most modern models, removes heat through the rear grille and side walls of the case. If you move the device close to the wall or place it in a niche without gaps, heat transfer it will be disrupted.
The optimal distance from the back wall of the refrigerator to the wall of the room should be at least 5–7 centimeters. It is also advisable to leave small gaps on the sides, at least 2-3 centimeters. This will allow the hot air to rise freely without reheating the condenser. Violation of this rule results in the motor running without interruption, trying to reach the set temperature.
In addition, it is critically important to position the housing strictly horizontally. For this purpose, adjustable supports are provided in the lower front part of the refrigerator. If the device is skewed, the doors may not close tightly, but compressor will experience vibration loads, which will shorten its service life. Use a building level to check.
- 📏 The distance from the wall should be at least 5 cm for free ventilation.
- ⚖️ Adjustment of the legs is required for a tight fit of the doors.
- ❄️ Not install the refrigerator next to the radiator or stove.
- 🔌 The socket must have grounding and a separate circuit breaker.
Preparing the internal chamber for work
After the device has settled and taken its place, it is necessary to prepare the internal volume. A new refrigerator may have a specific smell of plastic or factory grease, so it should be washed before loading food. Use a warm solution of water with a mild detergent or baking soda.
The use of abrasive powders, harsh chemicals or solvents is strictly not recommended. They can damage the internal coating of the cameras and the plastic fairing. After wet cleaning, all surfaces, including shelves, vegetable drawers and door shelves, should be wiped dry with a soft cloth. There should be no moisture inside.
Pay special attention to the system No Frostif it is provided in your model. Make sure that the air circulation channels are not blocked by packing materials. Sometimes manufacturers leave small pieces of foam or tape in hard-to-reach places that need to be removed before the first launch.
☑️ Check before launch
First connection to the power supply
When all the preparatory stages have been completed, you can proceed to the most important moment - connecting to the network. Make sure that the network voltage meets the requirements specified in the technical documentation (usually 220–240 Volts). Sudden voltage surges are dangerous for the control electronics Indesit.
Plug the power cord into a power outlet. Immediately after this, you will hear a quiet hum - this is the compressor starting up. In the first minutes of operation, the engine may sound a little louder than usual, this is normal: the system begins to fill with refrigerant, and the pressure in the circuit equalizes. After 10–15 minutes, the sound should become smooth and quiet.
At this moment, you should not open the doors often and for a long time. The launch occurs in “idle” mode, when the chambers are empty. The system’s task now is to cool the internal volume to the specified parameters. If you start to open the doors, warm air will get inside, and the temperature sensors will command the compressor to run longer.
⚠️ Attention: Do not connect the refrigerator through an extension cord or tee. For safe operation, a separate outlet with high-quality grounding is required, located in close proximity.
Many modern models Indesit are equipped with electronic controls. After power is applied, indicators may light up on the display or an audible alarm may sound to indicate that the temperature has risen. This is a normal situation, since it is still warm inside. The signal can be turned off by pressing the corresponding button, or it will disappear on its own after cooling begins.
Setting the temperature mode
After starting, the refrigerator takes time to reach operating mode. Typically this process takes from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the room. It is not recommended to load products at this time. Empty shelves will cool faster, and you can verify that the thermostat is working correctly.
In models with mechanical controls, adjustment is made by turning the thermostat knob. Typically the scale goes from 1 to 5 or from Min to Max. For the first run, it is optimal to set the average value. If you immediately set the maximum cold, the compressor will work hard, trying to quickly cool a large volume of warm air.
In electronically controlled devices temperature mode is set using the buttons on the panel. Recommended values for the main compartment are +4...+5°C, and for the freezer -18°C. These parameters provide the best conditions for storing most products and economical energy consumption.
What is super freezing?
The Super Freeze function allows the compressor to operate continuously for a long time, freezing a large volume of products. There is no need to use it in normal mode, as this increases energy consumption.
You can control the cooling process by placing a regular household thermometer inside a couple of hours after turning it on. If the readings diverge from the settings by more than 2-3 degrees, you may need to adjust or check the tightness of the doors.
Table: Standards for waiting and operating time
For convenience, we will systematize the data on the time required for different stages of the first start-up. These figures are relevant for most models Indesit with a classic or inverter compressor.
| Situation / Parameter | Recommended time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation vertically | 2–3 hours | Minimum time for oil drainage |
| Horizontal transportation | 8–12 hours | Necessary for complete stabilization of freon |
| First cooling cycle | 2–4 hours | Time to reach +5°C in an empty chamber |
| Loading with products | After 6–8 hours | After complete stabilization of the temperature |
Compliance with these time frames will avoid overloading the electrical network and mechanical components. Remember that cooling cycle is a physical process that cannot be accelerated artificially without risk to the equipment.
Typical errors when first starting
Despite the presence of instructions, users often make the same mistakes. One of the most common is loading warm food immediately after switching on. This creates a colossal load on the system. The refrigerator will work without stopping until it cools the contents, which can lead to overheating of the motor windings.
Another mistake is installing the device near heating appliances or in direct sunlight. In summer, the heating of the housing by the sun can be perceived by the sensors as a signal for active operation, which will lead to the constant switching on of the compressor. Also, do not forget about protective shipping filmwhich is sometimes forgotten to be removed from internal elements or seals.
Some users try to “speed up” the process by opening the door to “check if it’s already cold.” This is strictly forbidden. Each such gust of warm air resets the cooling progress by several minutes. Trust the indicators or thermometer, but do not open the chambers during the first hours of operation.
Checking the tightness and operation of the systems
After the refrigerator has been operating for several hours, it makes sense to conduct a visual and auditory inspection. Check the rubber seals around the door perimeter. They should fit snugly to the body along the entire contour. If a gap has formed somewhere, warm air will flow in, causing ice to freeze and increased electricity consumption.
Listen to the sounds of the unit running. A smooth hum of the compressor, a quiet gurgling or rustling of the refrigerant in the tubes (especially in models with No Frost) are considered acceptable. Extraneous sounds, such as metallic clanging, loud knocking or whistling, should alert you. In this case, it is better to immediately contact the service center while the warranty is valid.
It is also worth checking the operation of the defrost system (if it is automatic) and the drainage hole. Make sure there are no puddles or excessive ice inside the chambers. In models Indesit with a drip system, moisture should collect in the groove and evaporate without leaving marks on the products.
Why does the Indesit refrigerator hum loudly in the first hours?
In the first hours of operation, the compressor may work harder to cool the warm internal volume. Resonance of the cabinet is also possible if the refrigerator is not level or touches furniture. Check the adjustment of the legs and gaps.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator 1 hour after delivery?
It is highly not recommended. The oil in the compressor may not have had time to drain into the crankcase. Starting ahead of time threatens with hydraulic shock and failure of the piston group, which is not a warranty case.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before turning it on for the first time?
Yes, definitely. Factory dust, packaging particles, or plastic smell may remain inside. Wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth with a mild detergent and wipe dry.
What to do if the light does not light up after turning it on?
In some models, the light only lights up when the door is opened. If there is no light even when the door is open, check whether the switch button is pressed tightly (if it is mechanical) or whether the lamp itself is working. In modern LED models, the light may turn on with a delay.