Purchasing quality refrigeration equipment is always an investment in the durability and safety of the products, but the joy of the purchase can be overshadowed if you ignore the basic rules of the initial launch. Refrigerators Liebherr are famous for their sophisticated engineering, reliable compressors and advanced systems NoFrostthat require a special approach when first connected to the network. Improper preparation of the device can lead to failure of an expensive compressor or disruption of refrigerant circulation, so the installation process must be approached as responsibly and carefully as possible.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages, from unpacking and removing shipping fasteners to setting temperature conditions and checking the operation of fans. You will learn why you cannot turn on the equipment immediately after delivery, how long the unit should sit and what indicators on the control panel indicate readiness for work. A competent start is a guarantee that your Liebherr refrigerator will serve the period stated by the manufacturer without repairs or failures.
Before moving on to electricity, it is necessary to conduct a thorough visual inspection and preparation of the internal space of the device. This is a fundamental step that is often missed in the rush to load products faster. Remember that even a microscopic part left inside the mechanism can cause noise or vibration in the future.
Transportation and settling time before switching on
The most critical moment faced by owners of new equipment is a matter of time. After delivery, the refrigerator, especially if it was carried up stairs or tilted when loading in an elevator, requires a mandatory period of rest. This is due to the fact that compressor oil, during the shaking and tilting process, could get into the cooling system circuits where it should not be. If you turn on the unit immediately, the oil can create a water hammer or clog the capillary tube, which will lead to serious damage.
The time required for settling directly depends on how exactly the transportation was carried out. If the refrigerator was transported strictly vertically, without strong tilts, then the minimum rest time is 2-3 hours. However, if the device was lying on its side or was strongly tilted, this period increases to 12 and sometimes up to 24 hours. During this period freon and the oil flows back into the compressor, restoring normal circulation.
It is also important to take into account the temperature conditions outside. If delivery was made in winter at sub-zero temperatures, the refrigerator must warm up to room temperature before turning on, even if it was just standing upright. A sudden start of a cold compressor can lead to cracking of plastic parts and damage to the motor winding due to condensation.
⚠️ Attention: Never ignore the settling rule. Trying to speed up the process using a hair dryer or heater is strictly prohibited, since uneven heating can deform the plastic elements of the case and seals.
Removing shipping fasteners and packaging
Manufacturers carefully pack the equipment so that it reaches the buyer intact, but all these protective elements must be removed before use. Inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments there may be foam inserts, cardboard shelf clamps and protective film. Particular attention should be paid to the compressor compartment at the rear: shipping bolts or brackets are often installed there, which rigidly fix the engine.
If you do not remove the fixing bolts from the compressor, when you first start you will hear a strong metallic clang and hum, and vibration will be transmitted to the entire case. This can lead to broken tubes or destruction of fasteners. Also check that the protective film has been removed from the heat exchanger (black grille) at the back, if there is one, to ensure proper ventilation.
☑️ Check before turning on
Internal shelves and drawers in models Liebherr are often fixed with tape or additional spacers. Make sure that all shelf guides are installed correctly and that nothing is preventing them from moving freely. After removing the packaging, wipe the interior surfaces with a damp cloth and a mild detergent to eliminate the “new plastic” smell.
Level installation and ventilation
Correct installation geometry is the key to quiet operation and proper closing of doors. The refrigerator should stand strictly horizontally, but with a slight tilt back. This is necessary so that the doors close independently under the influence of gravity if they are released at an angle of up to 30-40 degrees. Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs, which can be twisted or unscrewed.
It is important to ensure sufficient clearance between the rear wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. System NoFrost and dynamic cooling require efficient heat removal from the condenser. The minimum distance to the wall should be at least 5-7 centimeters, and it is advisable to leave at least a couple of centimeters on the sides for air circulation.
| Installation parameter | Recommended value | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Gap at the back | min. 5-7 cm | Compressor overheating, increased energy consumption |
| Forward tilt | 2 degrees back | Spontaneous opening of doors |
| Distance to the stove | min. 30 cm | Damage to the side wall from heat |
| Floor evenness | Strictly horizontal | Vibration, noise, skewed doors |
Do not install the refrigerator near heating appliances, radiators or under direct sunlight. You should also avoid being near a gas or electric stove, as high temperatures can damage the side wall of the refrigerator, even if there is insulation there. If it is impossible to avoid proximity to a heat source, be sure to install a heat-insulating partition.
Connecting to the electrical network and starting the compressor
To connect the refrigerator Liebherr a separate socket with grounding is required. The use of extension cords, tees and surge protectors is not recommended as they may not withstand the compressor's inrush currents or cause poor contact and heating. The plug should sit tightly in the socket without loosening.
After you insert the plug into the outlet, the refrigerator does not immediately start to freeze. The control panel lights up first and the alarm indicators (usually a flashing red symbol) may come on, which is normal for the first time as it is still warm inside. The compressor will start in a few minutes or immediately, depending on the model and the current temperature in the chamber.
Why does the refrigerator hum when it first starts?
When turned on for the first time, the compressor operates at maximum power to cool the chamber volume to the specified parameters. You may also hear the sound of gurgling or liquid flowing - this is normally circulating refrigerant. The noise may be louder than usual for the first 2-3 hours of operation.
Pay attention to the behavior of the fans. In models with NoFrost they begin to work immediately, ensuring air circulation. If you hear unusual knocking or grinding noises in the first minutes, check whether food or packaging is touching the fan blades inside the chamber. Also make sure that the refrigerator does not touch the wall or furniture, transmitting vibration.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, the circuit breaker (plugs) in the panel is knocked out, immediately stop trying to start it. This may indicate a faulty wiring in the room or a defect in the refrigerator itself. You need to call an electrician or a technician.
Setting temperature modes and functions
Modern refrigerators Liebherr equipped with electronic controls that allow you to precisely adjust the climate inside the chambers. After turning on for the first time, it is recommended to set the standard factory settings so that the device enters the mode. For the refrigerator compartment, the optimal temperature is considered to be from +3 to +5 degrees Celsius, and for the freezer compartment - -18 degrees and below.
Control is carried out via a touch panel or mechanical regulators (depending on the series). The display shows the current values. If you see numbers flashing, it means the temperature has not yet reached the set value. Some models have a function SmartFrost or VarioZonethat can be activated for more flexible use of freezer space.
Don't forget to check the operation of additional options, such as the "Vacation" mode (if you are planning a long trip) or child lock. The open door indication should also work correctly - when the chamber is opened for a long time, a sound signal is heard, and the corresponding symbol lights up on the display.
First loading with food and operation control
You can load the refrigerator with food only after it has reached the temperature. Typically this process takes from 4 to 12 hours depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the room. An empty refrigerator cools faster, but if you load it with warm food at once, the compressor will work overload for a long time.
Distribute the food evenly, do not seal the ventilation holes inside the chamber. Cold air should circulate freely between the products. During the first day of operation, it is recommended to periodically check the temperature in different zones using an external thermometer to ensure that the electronic readings are correct.
Pay attention to the formation of condensation or ice. In a working refrigerator NoFrost there should be no ice or water droplets on the walls (with the exception of the drip area in some hybrid models). If you notice a lot of ice in the freezer or water on the floor, check the tightness of the doors and the integrity of the seals.
Typical mistakes when starting up for the first time
Many users make mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is to set the maximum cooling power immediately after switching on. This places excess load on the compressor. It is better to set average values and let the system stabilize.
Another mistake is ignoring the smell. New plastic may have a specific aroma that will be absorbed into food if you put it in right away. It is recommended to leave the refrigerator empty with the doors open for a couple of hours after unpacking (but before turning it on) for ventilation.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives to clean the interior surface before first use. This may damage the antibacterial coating and plastic elements.
It is also important not to place hot or warm foods inside. This will not only disrupt the temperature regime, but will also force the compressor to operate in emergency mode, which is especially critical in the first hours of operation. Allow the food to cool to room temperature before loading.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for a Liebherr refrigerator to get cold after first turning it on?
Usually it takes 4 to 8 hours for the initial operation, but complete temperature stabilization in all zones and on shelves may take up to 24 hours. The time depends on the temperature in the room and the volume of the refrigerator.
Is it normal that the side walls of the refrigerator are hot?
Yes, this is absolutely normal for modern models. The side walls often act as a condenser, removing heat from the refrigerant. They can heat up to 40-50 degrees, especially in the first days of operation or during active freezing.
Why does the red alarm indicator light up after switching on?
The red indicator (often with an exclamation point or temperature symbol) lights up when the temperature inside the chambers is above a safe threshold. When you turn it on for the first time, this is normal, since it is still warm inside. The indicator will go out when the temperature drops to the set temperature.
Can the refrigerator be connected to the network via an extension cord?
The manufacturer does not recommend using extension cords. If there is no other way out, the extension cord must be rated for a current of at least 10A, be grounded and be completely unwound so as not to overheat. It is better to use a surge protector with protection against power surges.
What to do if the refrigerator hums loudly in the first hours?
When first started, the compressor works more intensely than usual. The sound of freon flowing can also be heard. If the humming is not accompanied by knocking, metal clanging or floor vibration, this is normal. After 1-2 days of operation, the noise should become quieter.