Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, but joy can give way to disappointment if you ignore the rules initial startup. Hotpoint Ariston refrigerators famous for their reliability and well-thought-out cooling system, however, they, like any complex equipment, require compliance with a certain algorithm of actions before being connected to the network.
Many users make the mistake of starting operation immediately after unpacking, which can lead to compressor failure or incorrect operation systems No Frost. In this article, we will analyze in detail each stage of preparation so that your unit will serve for years without complaints.
It is important to understand what The oil in the compressor must drain into the crankcase for at least 4 hours after transportation, especially if the equipment was transported in a lying position. Ignoring this physical law of thermodynamics is the most common reason for expensive repairs in the first month of use.
Initial unpacking and external preparation
The first thing that needs to be done after delivering the equipment to the apartment is to carefully remove the packaging materials. Shipping bolts and tape can be located not only outside, but also inside the cameras. Carefully inspect all shelves and drawers.
Manufacturers often hide instructions or warranty cards in niches above the door or in the bottom vegetable drawer. Remove all stickers from the exterior of the cabinet using a soft cloth and warm water. Do not use harsh solvents or abrasive pads as they may damage the glossy surface of the door. After removing the packaging, let the equipment “settle” in the room so that the temperature of the internal components is equal to room temperature.
Do not use harsh solvents or abrasive pads as they may damage antibacterial coating or glossy door surface. After removing the packaging, let the equipment “settle” in the room so that the temperature of the internal components becomes equal to room temperature.
Pay special attention to checking the integrity of the radiator (radiator) on the back wall, if it is open. Any dents on the tubes may indicate a violation of the tightness of the circuit, which will require calling a technician before switching on.
Removing transportation clamps
Special clamps ensure the safety of the mechanisms during transportation. In Hotpoint Ariston models, blocking of the compressor and internal shelves is most common. Look on the back wall or inside the camera for special bright stickers with the inscription “Remove before start” or their Russian-language equivalents.
Remove all the plastic brackets holding the shelves and door baskets. If you skip this step, vibration during compressor operation can lead to breakage of plastic fasteners or even damage to glass shelves.
- 🔧 Locate and remove the shipping bolts securing the compressor (usually there are 2 or 4 on the back panel).
- 📦 Remove all foam pads from inside the refrigerator and freezer cameras.
- 🚪 Remove the tape securing the doors in the closed position.
- 🧊 Make sure that the condensate tray (if removable) is installed correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Save the shipping bolts! When moving or contacting a service center, you will definitely need to secure the compressor again, otherwise it may come off the shock absorbers when shaking.
After removing all the limiters, check the door for free movement. It should open smoothly, without jerking or extraneous sounds. If the door is skewed, the legs may need to be adjusted, which will be discussed in the next section.
Installation and level adjustment
Correct installation of the refrigerator is the key to quiet operation and correct closing of the doors. The floor under the equipment must be level and durable. It is not recommended to place the unit close to a wall or furniture.
For effective heat transfer, clearances must be maintained. The minimum distance to the rear wall should be 5-7 cm, and on the sides - no less than 5 cm. The upper part also requires free space for air circulation.
Height adjustment is carried out using the front support legs. By rotating them clockwise, you raise the angle, counter-clockwise, you lower it. The rear legs, as a rule, have wheels or a fixed height.
The purpose of the adjustment is to achieve a slight tilt of the body back. This ensures that the door closes automatically if you leave it open less than 30 degrees. This mechanism prevents damage to products due to a forgotten door.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Consequence of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Gap at the back | 5-10 cm | Overheating of the compressor, rising electricity bills |
| Gap on the side | 5 cm | Inability to fully open the door, scratches |
| Leaning forward | Not allowed | Spontaneous opening of the door, violation of tightness |
| Vibration | Absent | Noise, movement of equipment, damage to the floor |
Stop time before switching on
This is perhaps the most critical stage, which is often ignored. The time that should stand Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator before turning on for the first time directly depends on the conditions of its transportation.
If the equipment was transported in an upright position and was not shaken excessively, 2-3 hours is enough. This time is necessary to stabilize the temperature indicators of the internal components and evaporate condensate that could form on the contacts due to temperature changes.
What will happen if you turn it on immediately after recumbent transportation?
Liquid oil from the compressor can enter the cooling circuit. Since the oil is not compressed, this can lead to water hammer, jamming of the piston group and expensive repair of the compressor.
If transported in a horizontal position (lying down), the settling time increases to 8-12 hours, and ideally to a day. The oil should completely drain back into the compressor crankcase under the influence of gravity.
⚠️ Attention: In winter, when transporting in cold weather, the settling time in a warm room should be at least 24 hours. Sudden heating of cold equipment can cause rupture of tubes and condensation inside the electronics.
Take your time. It is better to wait an extra few hours than to risk the serviceability of the new device. While the refrigerator is settling, you can start washing the internal chambers.
Hygiene and preparation of the internal space
New plastic always has a specific smell. To prevent food from absorbing it, the internal surfaces must be washed before loading. Use a mild solution of baking soda or a mild detergent.
Wipe down all shelves, drawers, and door pockets thoroughly. Pay special attention to the rubber seals on the doors - industrial dust may remain in the folds. After washing, wipe all surfaces dry with a soft absorbent cloth.
- 🧼 Use only neutral detergents without chlorine and abrasives.
- 💧 Rinse off the foam thoroughly so that chemical residues do not get on the food.
- 🌬 Leave the doors open for 1-2 hours for complete drying and ventilation.
- 🧊 Make sure that the air supply channels (in models No Frost) are free of packaging film.
While the cameras are drying, check the contents. Some Hotpoint Ariston models come with egg trays, ice cube trays or adjustment keys. Place them in their regular places.
First turn on and setting the temperature
After the refrigerator has stood and dried, you can turn it on. It is recommended to use a separate grounded outlet. The use of extension cords and tees is undesirable, as they can cause poor contact and heating.
When turned on for the first time, the compressor may not start working immediately. Electronics performs self-diagnosis of the system. After 1-2 minutes you should hear the characteristic sound of the engine starting. In models with an inverter compress, the start is almost silent.
☑️ First start
It is better to adjust the temperature mode with empty chambers. It is optimal to install +4°Cfor the refrigerator compartment, and -18°Cfor the freezer compartment. In models with electronic control, this is done through a panel on the door.
In mechanical models, adjustment is carried out by turning the thermostat inside the chamber. Typically the scale goes from 1 (warm) to 5 or 7 (cold). The golden mean is position 3 or 4.
Loading food and operating modes
You can load the refrigerator with food only after it has reached operating temperature conditions. This usually takes from 4 to 8 hours depending on the volume of the chambers and the temperature in the room.
Do not completely fill the chambers with products on the first day. Allow the equipment to run idle or at minimal load to stabilize the cooling cycle. Sharp loading with warm products will cause the compressor to wear out.
Distribute the products evenly. Do not place hot food inside - this will upset the temperature balance and force the motor to work in increased mode. Make sure that food does not block the ventilation openings.
Why does the Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator hum loudly when first started?
When first started, the compressor works at full power to cool the volume of the chambers. You may also hear the sound of refrigerant circulating in the pipes - this is normal. If the noise does not subside after a few days or is accompanied by vibration of the cabinet, check the installation of the legs.
How long should the refrigerator take to reach temperature?
On average, it takes 6-8 hours to achieve a stable temperature in empty chambers. Full stabilization of the mode with loaded products can take up to 24 hours.
Does it need to defrost the No Frost refrigerator before turning it on for the first time?
No, the system No Frost does not require manual defrosting. However, it is necessary to wash the cameras before use, since factory dust and the smell of plastic must be removed.
What to do if the light does not light up after turning it on?
Check whether the door is tightly closed. In many Hotpoint Ariston models, the light goes out when the door is open after a certain time or if the switch button is pressed (simulating closing). If the door is closed and there is no light, the lamp may have burned out or there is a problem with the wiring.
Following these simple but important rules will allow your new Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator to reach optimal operating mode and serve faithfully for many years. The right start is an investment in the durability of the equipment.