How properly start the refrigerator after purchase

Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, promising fresh food and convenience in the kitchen. However, the euphoria of the purchase often forces owners to make critical mistakes in the first minutes of using the equipment. Many people immediately plug the plug into the socket and load the shelves with products, not suspecting that in this way they can significantly reduce the life of the compressor or damage the internal plastic.

Modern units, be it Indesit, LG or Bosch, are complex systems that require delicate handling during initial activation. Proper preparation devices for operation is not just a formality, but a necessary condition for maintaining the warranty and ensuring stable cooling in the future.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from the moment you bring the box into the apartment to the moment when you can put the first watermelon on the shelf. You will learn why rushing in this matter can cost you expensive repairs, and how to avoid common mistakes during installation.

Transportation and adaptation time: why you can’t rush

The most critical moment comes immediately after the equipment is delivered to the house. If the refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position, which loaders often do to save space in a gazelle, oil from the compressor could flow into the refrigerant circulation system. Oil water hammer This is a real threat that can damage the motor in the very first minutes of operation.

Even if the device was carried vertically, but strongly tilted (more than 40 degrees), the risk of mixing oil and freon remains. Therefore, the main rule is: after installing the future refrigerator in place, you need to give it time to settle. This will allow the oil to drain back into the compressor crankcase, and all internal components to warm up to room temperature, which is especially important in winter.

⚠️ Attention: If the equipment was delivered at negative air temperatures, the settling time should be at least 4-6 hours. A sudden switching on of a frozen unit will lead to the formation of condensation on the electrical contacts and a possible short circuit.

There is a common myth that modern models are ready to work immediately. This is a misconception. The mechanical parts need stabilization, and the plastic parts of the body need to be acclimatized. Ignoring this stage often leads to the fact that No Frost the system begins to work intermittently, and the compressor hums louder than usual.

The holding time directly depends on the transportation conditions. If you are sure that the device has been level all the time, a couple of hours is enough. In the case of horizontal transportation, experts recommend increasing this period to a day in order to be absolutely sure of the launch safety.

Initial inspection and removal of transportation elements

Before proceeding with installation, it is necessary to conduct a thorough external inspection. The box should be opened carefully so as not to damage the enamel with sharp cardboard edges or staples. Inside you will find many locking elements that hold the moving parts when shaking on the road.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the back wall and the interior space. Manufacturers often use tape, foam inserts and even wooden blocks to fix the compressor or door handles. Removing all stoppers - a mandatory procedure, without which the equipment may not work or may be damaged.

• 📦 Remove all packaging cardboard, plastic film and tape from the case.
• 🔩 Check the presence of transport bolts on the compressor (if your model has them) and remove them.
• 🚪 Remove the spacers between the doors and inside the chambers, and also remove the fixing tape from the handles.
• 💨 Remove all plastic bags from under shelves and drawers, leaving them open for ventilation.

Pay special attention to internal shelves and drawers. Sometimes manufacturers hide instructions or warranty cards inside vegetable containers. Do not throw away the packaging immediately - in case of defects and the need to return the goods to the store, original packaging is often a mandatory requirement.

What to do if you threw away the shipping bolts?

It is not necessary to save them specifically for a possible move. In case of repeated transportation, the compressor can be secured with dense pieces of foam rubber or polystyrene, the main thing is to prevent its strong vibration and impacts against the walls of the case. However, for a guaranteed return, it is better to keep all the original elements.

Choosing the ideal location and correct installation

Its energy efficiency and service life depend on where your refrigerator will be located. The compressor heats up during operation and requires free heat removal. If you place the unit in a niche where the walls are tightly pressed on all sides, or close to the battery, it will work for wear.

There are strict standards for distances to surrounding objects. For models with a traditional cooling system or No Frost a gap of at least 5-10 cm is required from the back wall to the wall of the room. It is also advisable to leave at least a couple of centimeters on the sides for air circulation.

The floor surface must be perfectly flat. If the refrigerator is placed crosswise, the doors may open on their own or, conversely, not close tightly, which will lead to ice freezing. Height adjustment is made using the front support legs, which can be twisted or unscrewed.

Hygienic treatment before first use

The inside of the new refrigerator smells like factory grease, plastic and glue. Before loading food into it, the chamber must be thoroughly washed. This will not only eliminate unpleasant odors, but also wash away any dust that may have gotten inside during unpacking.

For washing, use a soft sponge and a warm solution of baking soda or weakly concentrated soap. Aggressive chemistry, abrasive powders or solvents can irreversibly damage the coating of the internal walls, especially if it is inexpensive plastic.

After wet cleaning, all surfaces must be wiped dry with a clean cloth. Leave the doors open for 1-2 hours for complete drying and ventilation. Only after the smell disappears can you move on to the electrical part.

⚠️ Attention: Never use hot water to wash the interior. A sudden change in temperature can cause cracks in the plastic or damage glass shelves.

Electric start and performance check

When the device has stood, washed and installed, the moment of truth comes - connecting to the network. Make sure that the outlet is working, grounded and matches the power of the appliance. The use of extension cords or tees is not recommended, as they can cause a fire during a power surge.

Plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds, you may hear the characteristic sound of the compressor starting or the gurgling of refrigerant in the pipes - this is normal. Modern models with inverter motors Samsung or Whirlpool can start very quietly, so check the operation by indicating the display or cooling the walls.

After turning on, let the equipment run idle for at least 2-4 hours. During this time it will reach the required temperature. Only after making sure that it has become cold inside and the compressor has turned off (or slowed down) can you load food.

Setting temperature modes and loading food

Correct initial loading affects how quickly the refrigerator will enter the mode. Don't cram it full of hot pots or huge amounts of room temperature food all at once. This will create excess load on the motor.

The optimal temperature in the main chamber should be from +2 to +4 degrees Celsius. In the freezer - minus 18 degrees and below. For precise adjustment, use a mechanical control (usually from 1 to 5 or 7) or an electronic display.

• 🥩 Distribute food evenly, do not block the ventilation holes.
• ❄️ Place small portions in the freezer first for quick freezing.
• 🥛 Place dairy products and meat on the coldest shelves (usually the top or back).

If you notice that after a day of work too much ice forms on the walls or, conversely, the products are melting, you need to adjust the position of the thermostat. In models with Smart control these settings can be checked through the application on your smartphone.

Why does the refrigerator hum loudly after the first turn on?

In the first hours of operation, the equipment may make louder sounds than usual. This is due to the fact that the system is just reaching its nominal mode, the refrigerant is actively circulating, and the plastic parts are expanding due to temperature changes. If after a day the loud hum does not subside and is accompanied by vibration, check whether the shipping bolts have been removed and whether the unit is level.

Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after defrosting?

If you have just defrosted the refrigerator (or it was defrosted before sale), it can be turned on immediately, since the oil is already in the compressor. The rule about “settling” applies specifically to transportation when the device was lying down or tilted strongly. However, if there is water left in the chamber, it must be wiped dry before turning it on.

What to do if the refrigerator does not cool after 5 hours of operation?

If, after 5-6 hours of operation in an empty refrigerator, the walls do not become cool, and the compressor runs continuously, this may indicate a freon leak or a malfunction of the compressor. In this case, you must disconnect the device from the network and contact the service center using the warranty card. In this case, independent repairs are prohibited.