After completing the process of removing ice and washing the inner chamber, the most important stage begins - the first start-up of the equipment. Many owners make the mistake of turning on the power as soon as they wipe the shelves, without taking into account the physics of the compressor and refrigerant. Oilwhich circulates through the system during operation may have drained into the lower part of the circuit or the evaporator during idle time, and it takes time to return to its normal position.
If you ignore this stage, compressor it may start in oil starvation mode, which will significantly reduce its service life or lead to water hammer. This is especially true for models Bekothat use modern but sensitive inverter-type compressors. Before pressing the power button, you need to make sure that the device is completely ready for operation.
There is also a nuance associated with the temperature regime. A refrigerator that has been standing in a warm place has an ambient temperature, which for sensors may look like an emergency situation requiring maximum power so that all internal processes are stabilized and the contacts are dry. Only after this can you begin full operation. The optimal waiting time before turning on is from 2 to 4 hoursso that all internal processes are stabilized and the contacts are dry. Only after this can you begin full operation.
Why you can’t turn on the Beko refrigerator immediately after washing
Hurry when starting the equipment is the main cause of breakdowns in the first weeks after servicing. The main problem lies not in the electrics, but in the thermodynamics and mechanics of the refrigeration circuit. When you defrosted the unit, it was in a horizontal or inclined position, or simply did not work for a long time, which allowed the compressor oil to move. refrigerant and compressor oil to move.
If you start the motor immediately, it will begin to pump liquid instead of gas, which will cause an overload. In models Beko with the system No Frost water could get into the airflow channels, and instant start of the fans will lead to them being jammed with ice or a short circuit. In addition, wet electrical contacts can oxidize or pierce the body.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported lying down, the settling time before turning it on should be at least 8-12 hours, regardless of whether you defrosted it or not.
Another important aspect is the tightness of the seals. After washing with hot water, the rubber softens and expands. It needs time to take its original shape and ensure a tight fit of the door. An early start will cause the compressor to work without stopping, trying to cool the volume through a loosely closed door.
Checking the technical condition before starting
Before inserting the plug into the socket, conduct a visual and tactile inspection of the device. Make sure that there is no remaining water inside the chamber, especially in recesses and on shelves. Moisture should not get on electronic module controls, which in refrigerators Beko are often located in the upper part or behind the decorative panel.
Check the integrity of the power cord and the condition of the plug. If you used harsh cleaning chemicals, make sure they are completely rinsed off, as chemical vapors can damage plastic parts and evaporators. Inspect the rear radiator grille for dents that may have appeared during the process of moving equipment for defrosting.
☑️ Check before turning on
Pay special attention to the drainage hole. In models with a drip system or a mixed type of defrosting, it could become clogged with dirt that you washed off the walls. Clean it with a special flexible brush or soft wire to prevent condensation from flowing into the chamber after startup.
Step-by-step instructions for turning it on for the first time
The process of activating the refrigerator Beko after a long period of inactivity requires a sequence of actions. First, make sure the unit is level by using a spirit level or adjusting the legs. Misalignment can lead to improper operation of the doors and noise during operation compressor.
Next follow these steps:
- 🔌 Insert the plug into a working grounded outlet, avoiding the use of extension cords.
- ❄️ Press the power button on the control panel or in the upper part of the case.
- 🔊 Listen: you should hear a characteristic click of the relay and a quiet hum of the starting motor.
- 💡 Check whether the indication on the display or panel lights up.
Immediately after turning on, do not open the door for 2-3 hours. Allow the system to gain initial cold. At this time, the noise of gurgling refrigerant may be heard - this is a normal phenomenon for freon passing through the pipes of the evaporator.
If the model is equipped with a system No Frost, 15-20 minutes after startup you can hear the sound of the fan operating. This means that air began to circulate through the chambers, cooling the products evenly.
Features of launching models with the No Frost system
Refrigerators Beko with technology No Frost have a more complex air circulation system than their drip counterparts. It is important here that all air dampers and channels are free of moisture. During defrosting, water could flow into the air ducts, and when frozen, it will turn into an ice plug.
When first started, the system will perform a self-diagnosis. If the sensors detect an obstacle to airflow, the electronics may generate an error or go into emergency mode. Therefore, drying the internal channels after washing is critically important for such models.
⚠️ Attention: In No Frost systems, you cannot use a hair dryer to speed up the drying of the internal channels, since hot air can deform the plastic air ducts.
It is also worth noting the operation of the defrost heating element. During the first hours of operation, it may not turn on, since the system must first cool the evaporator. Do not be alarmed if in the first day you do not hear the characteristic crackling or hissing associated with defrost cycles.
Adjusting temperature conditions and diagnostics
After the refrigerator has been idle for about 4-6 hours, you can carry out diagnostics and adjustments. Load the chamber with products no more than 50% of the volume so as not to create a sharp temperature difference. Check whether the actual temperature corresponds to the set values.
Use the table for a rough check of the modes:
| Storage area | Recommended temperature | Stabilization time | Sign of normal operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main chamber | +3...+5 °C | 4-6 hours | No condensation on the walls |
| Freezer | -18...-24 °C | 8-12 hours | The products are solid, there is no ice |
| Freshness zone | 0...+2 °C | 6-8 hours | Vegetables do not wither or freeze |
| Door | +5...+8 °C | 4-5 hours | The milk is cooled, but not frozen |
If after 24 hours the temperature has not reached the specified values, check the tightness of the seal. Perhaps it did not snap back into place after defrosting. It is also worth checking that food is not blocking the ventilation holes.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Even if all the rules are followed, nuances may arise. If the refrigerator Beko hums louder than usual, check whether it is touching the back wall of furniture or pipes. Vibration compressor can be transmitted to the case and increase the noise.
If an error code lights up on the display or the temperature indicator blinks, try restarting the device. Unplug it for 15 minutes, then plug it back in. This often resets false sensor readings after defrosting.
What to do if an odor appears?
If an unpleasant odor appears after defrosting, wipe the internal surfaces with a solution of citric acid or use special odor absorbers. Do not use fragrances with strong chemical fragrances.
In the case when the compressor turns on and turns off immediately (cycling less than 1 minute), the thermal protection relay may be triggered. This is a signal of overheating or a problem with inrush current. Repeated long-term settling or calling a specialist is required.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning conductivity or see sparking, immediately disconnect the device from the network and do not try to turn it on again until a specialist arrives.
Frequent questions about operation after defrosting
How long does the refrigerator last? Does Beko gain temperature after defrosting?
Complete cooling of the chambers to the set parameters usually takes from 6 to 12 hours. The freezer compartment reaches -18°C faster than the main compartment stabilizes at +4°C. It is better to load products in small portions.
Why do the side walls get very hot after switching on?
This is a normal process of heat removal. In modern models Beko capacitors are often built into the side walls. When the compressor is first started and actively operating, they can heat up to 40-50 degrees.
Is it possible to speed up defrosting with a hairdryer in order to turn it on faster?
It is strictly not recommended. Sudden temperature changes can damage the plastic and evaporator tubes. In addition, water may leak into the insulation, causing corrosion of the housing. It is better to use the natural method or containers with warm water inside the chambers.
Is it necessary to lubricate the seal after washing?
Yes, after drying, it is recommended to wipe the rubber seal with a special silicone grease or glycerin. This will restore the elasticity of the rubber, prevent cracking and ensure that the door closes tightly.
What does the flashing Alarm indicator mean after turning on?
The alarm indicator signals an increase in the temperature in the chamber. Since you just turned on a warm refrigerator, this is an expected reaction. The indicator will stop flashing when the temperature inside drops to a safe level.