Purchasing new household appliances is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to large equipment such as Indesit refrigerator. However, the joy of the acquisition can be overshadowed if the basic rules of the initial launch are not followed. Many owners make the mistake of plugging the device into the network immediately after unpacking, which can lead to serious damage to the compressor.
Correct operation begins long before you plug the plug into the socket. The preparation process includes not only removing the shipping packaging, but also observing the time intervals necessary to stabilize the refrigerant. Ignoring these nuances often becomes the reason for refusal of warranty service.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages, from unpacking to full loading of products. You will learn why inverter compressor or a classic motor requires special attention in the first hours of operation, and how to avoid typical mistakes of beginners.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was delivered at a temperature below +5°C, it is strictly forbidden to plug it into the network in a warm room for at least 4-6 hours. A sudden change in temperature can damage electronic boards.
Place preparation and unpacking equipment
The first step is choosing the right location. Refrigeration equipment Indesit requires free space around the case for effective air circulation. The back wall should be at least 5-7 cm away from the wall, and the side gaps should be at least 3 cm.
The unpacking process requires care. All shipping materials, including foam stands, tape, and protective film, must be removed. Pay special attention to the internal space: often shelves and drawers are fixed with foam or with tape that need to be completely removed.
- 📦 Remove all external packaging materials and protective film from the case.
- 🧹 Wipe interior shelves and walls with a soft damp cloth and a neutral detergent.
- 🚪 Check the free movement of the door and make sure that the seal is not deformed.
After external treatment, deal with the insides of the unit. It is best to wash all removable elements, such as glass shelves and plastic containers, separately with warm water. This will remove the smell of new plastic and factory dust that may have settled during transportation.
Transport bolts and stabilization
One of the most critical points is the removal of the compressor fixing elements. During transportation, the motor-compressor is rigidly fixed to the frame using special bolts or brackets to prevent damage from impacts. If you forget to remove them, a strong rumble will occur during startup, and the unit itself may fail. Vibration vibration and noise, and the unit itself may fail.
Usually the fixing elements are located at the back, in the lower part of the case. Depending on the model Indesit, these may be turnkey bolts or special transport brackets. They must be unscrewed or removed and stored in case of repeated transportation.
☑️ Check before turning on
After dismantling the fasteners, be sure to check the installation level. The legs of the refrigerator are equipped with adjusting screws. If the device is not level, the door may not close tightly, which will lead to ice freezing and increased load on the cooling system.
Standing time before first use
The most common question concerns the waiting time. Why can't you turn on the refrigerator right away? During transportation, especially if the unit was tilted, oil from the compressor could leak into the refrigerant circulation system. If you start the engine at this moment, a hydraulic shockoccurs that can pierce tubes or break valves.
The settling time directly depends on the transportation conditions. If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position and not tilted more than 40 degrees, 2-3 hours is enough. In the case of horizontal transportation or strong tilts, the time increases to 8-12 hours.
In winter, the situation is aggravated by low temperatures. The condensation formed inside the electronics when bringing the equipment from cold to warm must completely evaporate. Turning on a wet control unit can lead to a short circuit.
Initial start-up and operation check
When the settling time has expired, you can proceed with the electrical connection. It is recommended to use a separate one socket with grounding. The use of extension cords or tees is undesirable, since the starting currents of the compressor can be high.
After connecting to the network, the refrigerator should not be immediately loaded with food. Let it run idle for at least 2-3 hours. During this time, the unit will reach the required temperature, and the automation will check all systems. You should hear the compressor turn on and off.
- 🔌 Plug the plug into a separate grounded outlet.
- ⏱️ Let the device operate without load for 3-4 hours.
- 🌡️ Make sure that the low temperature inside is set temperature.
- ❄️ Check the operation of the No Frost mode (if any) - there should be no ice.
During the first cycle of operation, listen to the sounds. Let's assume a slight gurgling of the refrigerant and a quiet hum of the engine. Creaks, knocking or loud clicks indicate improper installation or the presence of transportation fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: If after the first start the refrigerator hums louder than usual, check whether the condenser tubes are touching the back of the cabinet wall or other objects. Vibration can be transmitted to furniture.
Setting temperature modes
Modern models Indesit are equipped with electronic or mechanical controls. In mechanical models, the regulator is a round knob inside the chamber, usually with a scale from 1 to 5 or 1 to 7. For the first start, it is optimal to set the average value, for example 3 or 4.
In models with electronic control, the setting is made through the panel on the door. Here you can set the exact temperature in degrees. Standard recommendations for the main compartment are +4°C...+5°C, and for the freezer compartment -18°C.
What is super freezing?
The Super Freeze mode allows you to quickly freeze a large amount of fresh food, preventing defrosting of stocks already in the chamber. It is not recommended to keep this mode turned on continuously for more than 24 hours.
It is important to correctly distribute the products after loading. Do not place hot food - this will cause the compressor to work harder. Also, do not overcrowd the chamber at once; cold air should circulate freely between the products.
Table of typical temperature conditions
For optimal storage of different types of products, you need to understand what temperature is required in different zones of the refrigerator. Below is reference information for setting up your device.
| Storage area | Recommended temperature | What to store | Storage period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezer compartment | -18°C and below | Meat, fish, semi-finished products | up to 12 months |
| Top shelf | +5°C ... +7°C | Ready food, drinks | 2-3 days |
| Middle shelf | +3°C ... +5°C | Dairy products, sausages | 3-5 days |
| Bottom shelf / Box | +2°C ... +4°C | Raw meat, fish | 1-2 days |
| Door | +7°C ... +10°C | Sauces, eggs, drinks | by expiration date |
Use this data as a basic guide. If you notice that food in a certain area freezes or, conversely, quickly deteriorates, adjust the thermostat settings.
Frequent errors and their consequences
Many users ignore the instructions, relying on experience in operating old equipment. However, modern ones refrigeration units are more sensitive to operating conditions. One of the common mistakes is installing the refrigerator next to a heating radiator or in direct sunlight.
This leads to the compressor working almost non-stop, trying to compensate for external heating. The engine life in such conditions is reduced significantly. It is also a mistake to densely load food with food during the first hours of operation.
Another problem is the use of aggressive chemicals for washing internal surfaces. Abrasive agents can damage the antibacterial coating of the plastic, after which bacteria will multiply faster in the refrigerator.
Maintenance in the first month of operation
The first month of operation is considered a break-in period. At this time, it is recommended to carefully monitor the behavior of the equipment. Periodically check the rubber seals on the doors - they should fit snugly around the entire perimeter.
If you notice that too much ice is forming on the back wall inside the chamber (in models without No Frost), you may be opening the door too often or there is high humidity in the room. In No Frost systems, an ice crust should not form at all.
- 🧼 Wipe the seal with a damp cloth once a week.
- 🔍 Check that the ventilation holes are not clogged.
- 📉 Monitor the frequency of switching on compressor.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and control interfaces may vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture. Always check the official instructions included with your device.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
How long should the refrigerator operate Indesit before loading products?
The optimal idle time is from 3 to 4 hours. During this period, the unit will completely cool the internal volume to the specified parameters, and the thermostat will turn off the compressor. Loading warm food before this time will cause the motor to work in increased mode.
Why does the refrigerator make strange sounds after the first turn on?
In the first hours of operation, the sounds of gurgling, hissing or a slight cracking of plastic may be heard. These are normal processes: refrigerant circulates, housing materials expand or contract due to temperature changes. If the sound resembles a metallic grinding or loud knock, immediately turn off the device.
Do you need to defrost a new refrigerator before use?
Modern Indesit models, especially with the No Frost system, do not require defrosting before first use. It is enough to thoroughly wash the internal surfaces with warm water and a mild detergent and wipe dry.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after turning on?
If after 5-6 hours of operation the temperature inside does not decrease, check the tightness of the door and the position of the temperature regulator. Make sure that the device is not placed close to a wall. If the problem persists, contact an authorized service center without attempting to repair it yourself.