Restoring the operation of refrigeration equipment after scheduled or emergency defrosting requires strict adherence to time intervals and technical recommendations. Brand units Biryusa, produced by the Krasnoyarsk plant, are distinguished by the reliability of their compressors, but are sensitive to water hammer that occurs when liquid refrigerant is introduced into the system. That is why haste in this process can lead to serious breakdowns, the cost of repairing which often exceeds the price of a new device.
The main problem that users face is ignorance of the physical processes occurring inside the circuit during idle time. At low temperatures or prolonged inactivity, the oil in the compressor flows into the evaporator and condenser. If you start the engine right away, it will not have time to return to the crankcase, which will lead to dry operation and overheating of the rubbing parts. You need to ensure that the lubricant flows naturally back into the compressor.
There is also a risk of condensation forming on electrical components, especially if defrosting was carried out using fan heaters or a hair dryer. Moisture on the start relay or thermostat contacts can cause a short circuit when voltage is applied. The correct algorithm of actions will allow you to avoid these risks and extend the life of your equipment.
Critical waiting time before starting
The first and most important step is to maintain the time interval between the end of defrosting and connecting to the power grid. For refrigerators Biryusa the minimum waiting time is 2 hours, but a period of 4 to 6 hours is considered optimal. This time is necessary for the refrigerant to completely transform into a gaseous state, and for the compressor oil to flow into the crankcase.
If you ignore this stage, liquid freon will enter the compressor cylinder. Since fluids are not compressed, water hammer will occur, which can destroy the valve group or piston system. Water hammer is an irreversible damage process that often leads to complete replacement of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to speed up the oil drainage process by tilting or shaking of the refrigerator. This can lead to oil getting into hard-to-reach areas of the system, from where it cannot return by gravity, which will cause constant overheating of the unit.
The waiting period also depends on the ambient temperature. In a cold room, the oil becomes more viscous and it takes longer to return to the compressor. In the summer, when the room is warm, the circulation of substances occurs faster, but the risk of overheating during startup still remains without a proper pause.
Visual inspection and preparation of equipment
Before inserting the plug into the socket, it is necessary to conduct a thorough visual inspection of the internal and external space of the unit. Make sure all shelves, drawers and vegetable trays are completely dry. Residual moisture in hard-to-reach places can become a source of increased humidity and unpleasant odor during the first hours of operation.
Check the integrity of the rubber seals on the doors. During defrosting, they may have been subjected to mechanical stress or thermal expansion. If the rubber band Turquish does not fit tightly, the compressor will work continuously, trying to gain temperature, which will lead to rapid wear.
Pay special attention to the rear grille of the condenser. Make sure it is clean and free of dust or pet hair. A clogged condenser impairs heat transfer, which is critical in the first hours of operation after inactivity, when the system comes into operation.
Check whether the refrigerator is level on the floor. Uneven installation causes vibration, which is transmitted to the pipelines. Over time, this can lead to microcracks in solder joints and freon leakage. Use a building level to adjust the support legs.
Checking the electrical part and connection
The connection to the network must be made directly into a separate grounded outlet. The use of various extension cords, tees and low-quality surge protectors is not recommended, since the compressor starting currents can be high. Poor contact at the junction of the plug and socket will cause the plastic to heat up and melt. Turk may be high. Poor contact at the junction of the plug and socket will cause the plastic to heat up and melt.
Before turning on, inspect the power cord for damage, abrasions, or signs of rodents. If the insulation is broken, operation of the device is prohibited until the cable is replaced. Safety in this case takes priority over functionality.
☑️ Check before turning on
When you turn it on, listen to the startup sound. A smooth hum of a running engine is considered normal. If you hear clicking, buzzing without starting, or metallic knocking, the device must be disconnected from power immediately. Such sounds may indicate a faulty start relay or a jammed compressor.
Modern models may have electronic control, which requires time for self-diagnosis. After power is applied, the display may not light up immediately - this is normal for the logic of the controller. Give the equipment 1-2 minutes to initialize the systems.
Initial startup and setting temperature conditions
After connecting, do not rush to load the refrigerator with food. Empty chambers allow the unit to quickly reach the set temperature without unnecessary load. For refrigerators Biryusa with mechanical control, it is recommended to set the temperature regulator to the middle position.
If your model is equipped with a system No Frost or electronic control, select the standard cooling mode. Do not immediately set the minimum temperature (maximum cooling), as this will force the compressor to work at its limit at a time when the oil has not yet warmed up enough and distributed throughout the system.
| Setting parameter | Recommended value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature in the refrigerator compartment | +3...+5 °C | Optimal for storing most products |
| Temperature in the freezer | -18 °C | Standard for long-term storage |
| Mode "Super Freeze" | Disable | Enable only when fully loaded with fresh products |
| Thermostat position (mechanical) | Average (2-3 out of 5) | Not set to maximum immediately |
The first cycle of work may last longer than usual. This is due to the fact that the system needs to cool not only the air, but also the walls of the chambers, shelves and drawers, which are at room temperature. Do not open the doors during the first hour of operation, so as not to disturb the heat exchange.
Operation control during the first hours of operation
During the first 3-4 hours after switching on, it is necessary to periodically check the operation of the unit. This does not mean that you need to constantly open the door and look inside. It is enough to put your hand on the side walls (for models with a foamed condenser) or the rear grille.
The side walls should warm up evenly. If you find that one part of the wall is hot and another is cold, or there is no heat at all, this may indicate a problem with refrigerant circulation. However, in the first 30 minutes, uneven heating is acceptable.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor operates continuously for more than 5-6 hours without shutting down (or without switching to quiet mode), and the temperature inside does not drop, there may be a freon leak in the system or the thermostat is faulty.
Pay attention to the noise level. New refrigerators Biryusa work quite quietly. Extraneous sounds, such as gurgling, hissing or clinking of metal, should alert you. Gurgling is often normal for freon circulation, but metallic knocking is a sign of mechanical failure.
Check for condensation formation. Moisture should not accumulate under vegetable drawers or on the floor under the refrigerator. The appearance of puddles may indicate a clogged drainage hole, which is often clogged after defrosting with food or ice residue.
Loading food and entering mode
You can load the refrigerator with food only after it has been idle for at least 2-3 hours and has reached the required temperature. A sudden load with warm products immediately after switching on will create a critical load on the compressor, which has not yet reached its operating rhythm.
Distribute the products evenly, without blocking the ventilation openings (in models with air circulation). There should be a gap between the food and the back wall for free circulation of air flow. This is especially important for equipment with a system No Frost.
Why can’t you load the refrigerator completely at once?
A sharp increase in temperature inside the chambers will force the thermostat to keep the compressor on constantly. This will lead to overheating of the motor windings and a reduction in oil life, since it will not have time to cool down during idle cycles.
If you have defrosted the freezer completely, loading frozen foods should be done in small portions. Enabling the fast freezing mode at this moment is not recommended; it is better to let the system return to normal mode.
Monitor the behavior of the equipment on the first day. If you notice that the refrigerator begins to turn on and off too often (short cycles), this may be a sign of incorrect settings of the thermostat or problems with the sealing of the chambers.
Typical errors and ways to eliminate them
One of the most common errors is turning on the refrigerator in a horizontal position or immediately after transportation without settling. Although the topic of the article concerns defrosting, the principle is the same: violation of verticality during defrosting (if you tilted the unit for washing) also requires time to return the oil.
Another mistake is the use of chemicals to speed up defrosting or cleaning, the vapors of which could be absorbed into the plastic. When turned on, these odors may be activated. Ventilating the chambers before turning on helps to avoid this.
⚠️ Attention: Design details and operating requirements may vary slightly depending on the specific series of refrigerators Biryusa. Always check the product data sheet that comes with the kit, especially if you have a model with an inverter compressor.
Users often forget to check the drainage hole after defrosting. If it is clogged, moisture from melting ice will remain inside the system or will leak out, damaging the floor. Cleaning with a soft wire or a brush before switching on is mandatory.
Ignoring the first signs of a malfunction in the hope that it will “accelerate on its own” leads to expensive repairs. If you doubt the correct operation of the unit after switching on, it is better to call a technician for diagnostics before the warranty or safety of the components is jeopardized.
What to do if the refrigerator hums, but does not cool after switching on?
If you hear the hum of the compressor, but there is no cold, there may be a break in the refrigerant chain or a jammed compressor. A faulty start relay may also be the cause. It is necessary to turn off the device from the network and let it stand for at least 30 minutes, then try to turn it on again. If the situation repeats, call a specialist.
Is it possible to turn on the Biryusa refrigerator in winter after defrosting?
It is not recommended to turn on the refrigerator at an ambient temperature below +10°C. The oil in the compressor thickens, and the start-up may be “dry”, even after settling. In addition, sensors may not read temperature correctly. If defrosting took place in a cold room, let the unit warm up to room temperature before connecting.
How long does it take the refrigerator to reach temperature after defrosting?
Usually it takes 2 to 4 hours to reach operating mode. During this time, the compressor can operate almost without interruption. This is a normal process. You should load food only after the temperature inside has stabilized at the set values.
Do you need to wash the inside of the refrigerator before turning it on for the first time?
Yes, this is a mandatory procedure. After defrosting, dust, ice particles or dirt may remain inside. Wipe the cameras with a soft cloth and neutral detergent and dry thoroughly. Moisture inside can lead to the formation of ice immediately after starting.