Purchasing new household appliances is always an event that requires a careful approach to the installation process. Modern models with the system No Frost are distinguished by a complex design and require adherence to a strict algorithm of actions before the first launch. Ignoring the basic rules of transportation and preparation can lead to serious compressor damage or refrigerant leaks.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply plug the plug into the socket, but the system No Frost implies the presence of fans and sensors that are sensitive to the position of the device. Incorrect switching on often causes loud noise, insufficient cooling or complete failure of the unit in the first weeks of operation.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of preparation, from the moment the equipment is delivered to the moment when you can load the first products. You will learn about settling time intervals, setting temperature conditions and checking the tightness of the circuit.
Transportation and settling time
The first and most critical stage is compliance with transportation rules. If the refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position or at a strong tilt, oil from the compressor could flow into the cooling circuit. An attempt to start the engine immediately after delivery will result in water hammer and costly repairs.
The time that must be waited before starting directly depends on the transportation conditions and the ambient temperature. In winter, when equipment is delivered in cold weather, this period increases, since the oil takes more time to warm up and flow back into the crankcase.
Why does oil get into the cooling system?
When tilted or shaking during transportation, liquid oil from the compressor can flow into the evaporator or condenser tubes. If you start the compressor right away, it will try to compress the liquid, which will lead to damage to the valves.
There are generally accepted settling time standards that should be followed to maintain the guarantee:
- 🕒 If the transportation was vertical, 2-3 hours is enough.
- 🚚 For horizontal transportation, 6 to 12 are required hours.
- ❄️ In winter (at sub-zero temperatures) the period increases to 24 hours.
⚠️ Attention: Even if the seller claims that modern inverter-type compressors are not afraid of tilting, it is better to be safe. The instructions for a specific model LG or Bosch may contain unique requirements.
Take your time connecting, let the equipment fully adapt to room temperature. Condensation formed on the internal elements of the electronics should dry naturally.
Initial inspection and removal packaging
After the refrigerator has settled, it is necessary to conduct a thorough visual inspection. External damage could have occurred during the delivery process, and it is better to record them before signing the acts or immediately upon receipt of the goods. Pay special attention to the rear radiator and pipes.
Remove all shipping materials, including tape, foam and cardboard inserts. Inside the camera there are often latches for shelves and drawers, which must be removed before starting. Forgotten packaging material may block the operation of the air circulation system air circulation.
Wipe the internal surfaces with a soft damp cloth using a weak solution of soda or a special household appliance cleaner. This will remove production dust and the smell of new plastic, which can be absorbed into the products.
☑️ Check before starting
Make sure the doors close tightly and evenly. A misaligned door can compromise the seal, which will force the compressor to work harder, trying to maintain the set temperature.
Installation and alignment of the cabinet
The correct location of the refrigerator affects the efficiency of the system No Frost. The device should not be placed close to a wall or furniture. The gap between the rear wall of the case and the wall must be at least 5–7 cm for free circulation of warm air from the condenser.
Alignment is done using adjustable support legs. This is done not only for aesthetics, but also for the correct operation of the self-closing door mechanism. If the body is tilted back, the door will open on its own; if forward, it may not fully adhere to the seal.
| Parameter | Required value | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Gap at the back | minimum 5 cm | Compressor overheating |
| Gap on the sides | minimum 2 cm | Vibration, noise |
| Forward tilt | 1-2 degrees | Loose closure |
| Removal from the slab | minimum 30 cm | Deformation of the plastic |
Use a building level to check the horizontal position. Vibration during compressor operation can gradually displace an incorrectly installed refrigerator, which will damage the floor or connecting pipes.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator in a niche without ensuring air inflow and outflow. Built-in models require special ventilation, and free-standing models in a confined space will quickly fail.
Make sure there are no heat sources nearby, such as radiators or gas stoves. Increased ambient temperature forces the cooling system to work at its limit.
Connecting to the power supply
For connection, use only an individual grounded outlet. The use of extension cords, tees and adapters is strictly not recommended, since compressor starting currents can cause heating of the contacts and fire.
Modern models are equipped with electronic controls that are sensitive to voltage drops. If your network experiences frequent surges, it is advisable to install a voltage stabilizer or voltage control relay.
After being plugged into the network, the refrigerator No Frost does not immediately begin to freeze. Electronics performs self-diagnosis of systems. In the first minutes, you may hear the sound of a running fan or the flow of refrigerant - this is a normal operating process.
Do not load products into the chambers immediately. Let the device run idle so that it reaches operating mode and stabilizes the temperature inside the chambers.
Setting temperature modes
After the initial startup, you need to set up temperature modes. For the refrigerator compartment, the optimal value is considered to be from +3°C to +5°C. In the freezer compartment, the system No Frost usually maintains a temperature of -18°C.
In models with electronic control, the setting is made through a panel on the door. Mechanical models use a rotary control inside the chamber. Do not set the minimum values right away - this will create extra load on the compressor.
The time to reach the mode can take from 2 to 12 hours, depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the room. Only after achieving stable indicators can you start loading products.
If your model has a “zero temperature” or “fresh” zone, set it separately for storing meat, fish or vegetables. This will extend the shelf life of the products without freezing them.
Checking operation and the first hours of operation
Listen carefully to the refrigerator during the first hours of operation. Quiet hum of the compressor and fan noise are allowed. However, knocking, clanging or a high-pitched whistle indicate a malfunction or incorrect installation.
Check the heating of the side walls. In modern models, the capacitor is often built into the side walls of the case, so they can become noticeably hot (up to 40–50°C). This is a normal process of heat removal.
⚠️ Attention: If the side walls are so hot that they cannot be touched, or if one side is hot and the other is icy, the refrigerant circulation may be disrupted or there are problems with the heat removal system.
Make sure that no ice crust or frost forms inside the chambers during the first day of operation. The system No Frost assumes that there is no ice on the products and walls. The appearance of ice indicates a malfunction of the defrost sensors or a loose door seal.
After 24 hours, check the temperature of the food. If it meets the specified parameters, you can fully load the refrigerator. Try not to fill the chamber with products to capacity, leave space for cold air circulation.
What is cyclical operation?
The compressor does not work constantly. It turns on, cools the chambers to the set temperature, then turns off. In the No Frost mode, the defrost heating element is also periodically turned on to remove condensate from the evaporator.
How long does it take the refrigerator to gain temperature after the first turn on?
Usually the process of reaching the mode takes from 4 to 12 hours. The exact time depends on the volume of the chambers, the room temperature and the number of loaded products. Complete stabilization of the temperature in all points of the chambers can take up to 24 hours.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after defrosting?
Yes, if defrosting was planned and took no more than 2-3 hours. If the refrigerator has been turned off for a long time (more than a day), it is advisable to let it stand turned off for 2-4 hours before restarting it, so that the oil flows into the compressor.
Why does the No Frost refrigerator make noise when first turned on?
The noise can be caused by the operation of the No Frost system fan, the flow of freon, or the vibration of unadjusted legs. If the noise does not subside after a few hours or is accompanied by knocking, diagnostics are required.
Does it need to be washed before turning on a new refrigerator?
Absolutely. Industrial dust, grease or plastic smell may remain inside. Wipe the chambers with a solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter of water) and wipe dry with a clean cloth.