After purchasing new refrigeration equipment or reconnecting it after transportation, the owner is faced with the primary task of correctly activating all the functions of the device. Ariston refrigerators They are known for their reliability, but require compliance with a clear algorithm of actions to begin normal operation. Errors during the initial startup stage can lead to incorrect operation of the compressor or incorrect distribution of temperature conditions inside the chambers.
It is important to understand that the process of turning on the freezer compartment depends on the type of control system installed in your model. In some cases, it is enough to simply supply power, in others, manual activation is required through the control panel or mechanical regulators. Fine tuning cooling parameters from the very beginning will ensure a long service life of the equipment and proper storage of products.
This article will help you understand the nuances of operating various modifications of the brand. We will consider both classic mechanical models and modern electronically controlled devices. The correct sequence of actions will allow you to avoid common mistakes and quickly put the equipment into operating mode.
Preparing the equipment for the first start
Before wondering how to turn it on freezer, you need to make sure that the refrigerator is prepared for use. Transporting equipment often involves tilting or stacking it, which results in compressor oil flowing into the refrigerant circuit. If you turn on the unit immediately, the compressor may run dry, which critically reduces its service life.
After installing the refrigerator on a flat surface, be sure to let it settle. The waiting time depends on the transportation conditions: if the device was transported vertically, 2-3 hours are enough, if horizontally, at least 12 hours. Only after acclimatization can you begin connecting.
⚠️ Attention: Do not connect the refrigerator to the power supply if mechanical damage to the housing or power cord is visible. This may result in a short circuit or electric shock.
Make sure that the necessary clearances are left around the cabinet for ventilation. Heat transfer occurs through the rear grille and side walls, so a tight fit to the furniture is unacceptable. The minimum distance to the wall should be 5-7 centimeters.
☑️ Preparation for switching on
Mechanical control: adjusting the controls
In classic models Ariston temperature control is carried out using rotary regulators located inside the refrigerator compartment or on the front panel. Typically, such a regulator is a round disk with a digital designation from 1 to 5 or 7. To activate the freezer, you need to turn the knob to the position corresponding to the average values.
The numbers on the regulator do not mean degrees Celsius, they indicate cooling intensity. One is the minimum cold, and the maximum number is the super-freezing mode. For normal operation of the freezer, it is recommended to set the value to 3 or 4. Higher values cause the compressor to work without interruption, which leads to excessive energy consumption.
Some models with a two-chamber system and one compressor may have a separate switch for the freezer. It is often marked with a snowflake or a letter F. Moving this switch to the active position starts the freezing cycle regardless of the settings of the main compartment, but requires control to prevent icing.
What do the marks on the regulator mean?
The marks on a mechanical thermostat are symbols of compressor power. The middle position (usually 3) is optimal for everyday use, providing a freezer temperature of around -18°C for a standard load. The extreme positions are rarely used: minimum - to save energy when the chamber is empty, maximum - for quick freezing of fresh food.
If, after turning the knob, you do not hear the sound of the compressor starting (characteristic humming or rumbling), check for voltage in the socket. Mechanical thermostats can oxidize over time, and lightly tapping the control knob can sometimes help restore contact.
Electronic controls and display
Modern refrigerators Ariston are often equipped with an electronic control unit with a digital display. In such models, the freezer is turned on through the touch panel or buttons located on the door. The interface can be hidden until the first press, after which the indicator lights light up.
To activate the freezing mode, a button with a snowflake image or inscription is usually used Super Freeze. Pressing this button puts the freezer into intensive mode. The corresponding indicator may flash on the display, signaling that the temperature has dropped to extreme values for fast freezing.
| Function | Designation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Super Freeze | Snowflake / Freeze | Maximum cooling of the freezer |
| Eco Mode | Leaf / Eco | Economic mode |
| Alarm | Exclamation mark | Temperature increase alarm |
| Lock | Lock | Locking the control panel |
It is important not to leave the super freeze mode on for more than 24 hours. After the food has frozen, you must manually disable this function or wait for it to automatically return to normal mode, if such an option is provided by the model. Long-term operation at maximum capacity wears out the compressor compressor.
⚠️ Attention: In models with touch controls, after a power outage, the button lock is often activated. To unlock, you need to hold down the key combination (usually indicated by a lock icon) for 3-5 seconds.
Features of the No Frost system
If your Ariston refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, the process of turning it on has its own nuances. In such devices there is no need to manually defrost the freezer, since the moisture is removed automatically. However, when turned on for the first time, the system must go through a full cycle of testing and cooling.
After power is applied, the fan in the freezer compartment may not start immediately. This is normal: the electronics first check the evaporator temperature. Only after certain threshold values are reached, the airflow is turned on. Complete cooling of the chamber volume can take from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the ambient temperature in the room.
Models with complete No Frost often have a restart protection function. If you just turned off your refrigerator and immediately turned it back on, the compressor may not start for 10-15 minutes. This is protection that prevents engine damage due to high pressure in the system.
The operation of the air dampers should be checked regularly. If the freezer is turned on, but no cold comes out, the air supply ducts may be blocked by ice or food. In the No Frost system, air circulation is the only method of cooling, so the free flow of air masses is critical.
Fast freezing mode and its use
The Fast Freeze function is one of the most useful options in refrigerators Ariston. It allows you to quickly reduce the temperature in the freezer to -24...-26°C. This is necessary when you load a large volume of fresh products that require blast chilling to preserve the fiber structure and vitamins.
This mode should be activated in advance, 3-4 hours before the expected loading of products. In mechanical models, the regulator is moved to the maximum position; in electronic models, the corresponding button is pressed. The mode indicator usually turns red or starts flashing.
Using the Quick Freeze mode requires increased attention to energy consumption. In this mode electricity consumption increases by 1.5-2 times. It is not recommended to keep this mode active all the time, only during periods of active loading of the chamber.
After the food has frozen (usually after 12-24 hours), the mode must be deactivated. In older models, this is done manually; in newer models, the refrigerator itself will return to standard settings in 24-48 hours. Ignoring this rule will result in the compressor working to wear out.
Diagnostics: why the freezer does not turn on
The situation when the freezer does not start working after all the manipulations can be caused by several factors. The first step is to rule out trivial reasons: lack of electricity, a broken cord or a tripped circuit breaker in the panel.
If there is power, but the compressor is silent, the problem may lie in the thermostat. In mechanical models it could “stick”. Try turning the control knob quickly from minimum to maximum several times. If there is a clicking sound and a buzzing sound, the thermostat is working properly and the refrigerator has started working.
A more complex reason is a freon leak or a faulty start relay. In this case, the compressor may try to start (clicking, humming for 1-2 seconds), but immediately stall. In this case, independent repair is not recommended; you need to call a specialist.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burnt wiring or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately disconnect the device from the network. Further operation is prohibited to avoid fire.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should you wait before turning it on for the first time after delivery?
If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position, it is enough to wait 2-3 hours for the oil to stabilize. If the device was lying on its side, you need to wait at least 12 hours, or better yet, a day, so that the compressor oil completely drains into the crankcase.
What to do if the Alarm indicator is on?
The alarm indicator signals an increase in the temperature in the chamber. When you first turn it on, this is normal until the refrigerator gets cold. If the indicator lights up after 12 hours of operation, check that the door is tightly closed and the position of the temperature regulator.
Can the refrigerator be connected to the network via an extension cord?
Manufacturers do not recommend using extension cords, as they can cause a voltage drop or overheating of the contacts. If the use of an extension cord is unavoidable, make sure that it is designed for a current of at least 16 Amps and is grounded.
Why does the freezer work, but does not freeze?
This may occur due to a violation of the tightness of the circuit (freon leak), a breakdown of the compressor, or a violation of the refrigerant circulation. Also check if the ventilation holes inside the chamber are not clogged with food.