Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the beginning of a new era in organizing the kitchen space. However, the joy of the purchase can be overshadowed if you ignore the basic operating rules in the first hours of use. Incorrect starting can shorten the life of the compressor, damage the cooling system or lead to incorrect operation of the thermostat.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparing the unit for the first start-up, so that you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy stable operation of the equipment for many years. First launch - this is a critical moment that determines the future fate of your equipment, so it needs to be approached with all due care responsibility.
Many users make the mistake of believing that it is enough to simply take the equipment out of the box and plug it into an outlet. In fact, the process requires compliance with time intervals, checking the installation level and correct setting of temperature conditions.
Preparing the refrigerator for the first use
Immediately after delivering household appliances to the apartment, do not rush to remove the packaging material and install the unit in a permanent place. Transportation always involves vibration and tilting, which may cause internal cooling system components to become dislodged. First of all, it is necessary to give the device time to acclimatize.
If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position, it is enough for it to stand in a warm room for about two hours. In the case of horizontal transportation, this interval increases to 4-6 hours. This is necessary in order to compressor oil glass back into the compressor crankcase, ensuring normal lubrication at start.
After the equipment has warmed up to room temperature, you can begin to remove the outer packaging. It is important to carefully remove all shipping tape, tape and protective film. Pay special attention to the interior space - fixing elements, foam inserts and cardboard spacers often remain there.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before use
The internal surface of a new refrigerator may have a specific smell of plastic or technical materials used in production. In addition, dust microparticles could have settled on the walls of the chambers during storage in a warehouse or transportation. That is why wet cleaning is a mandatory stage of preparation.
For washing, use warm water with the addition of a mild detergent or baking soda. It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive chemicals, abrasive powders or hard brushes, which can damage the coating of shelves and walls. After treatment, thoroughly wipe all surfaces with a dry soft cloth.
Remember to wash and dry all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic containers for vegetables, egg trays and door baskets. While the inner chamber is drying, you can check the completeness and availability of the operating instructions, which indicate the specific requirements for your model Indesit, Atlant or LG.
Installation and alignment refrigerator
Correct installation is the key to quiet operation and longevity of the compressor. The refrigerator should be placed on a flat, hard surface away from direct sunlight and heating devices. The distance to the back wall should be at least 5-10 cm to ensure normal air circulation around the capacitor.
It is critically important to align the housing strictly at level. If your kitchen floor is uneven, use adjustable support feet. To check the horizontal position, you can use a regular building level or even a glass of water placed on the lid of the unit. An incorrect angle of inclination can lead to the doors not closing tightly or opening spontaneously.
☑️ Checking the installation
Particular attention should be paid to ensuring that the equipment does not wobble. If you notice any play, tighten the front legs until the body is stable. This will prevent unnecessary vibration and noise when the motor is running.
Electrical connection diagram
Connecting to the electrical network is the final stage before starting. Make sure that the outlet you plan to plug your refrigerator into is working and meets the power requirements. The use of extension cords and tees is not recommended, as they can cause overheating of the wiring and voltage surges.
It is best if the outlet is grounded. This will provide additional safety when operating the electrical appliance. If your model has the ability to connect to the system Smart Home or control via Wi-Fi, now is the time to download the application to your smartphone and pair it.
After connecting to the network, do not download the products immediately. Let the refrigerator idle. This is necessary for the system to reach the desired temperature and turn off normally. The first idle run time usually ranges from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the volume of the chambers and the type of refrigerant.
⚠️ Attention: If after turning on you hear a loud knocking, buzzing or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately unplug the device from the mains. This may indicate damage during transportation or defects.
Setting the temperature mode
Modern models of refrigerators, such as Bosch or Samsung, are equipped with electronic controls that allow you to accurately regulate the temperature in each chamber. After the first turn on, set the average values recommended by the manufacturer. Usually this is +4°C for the refrigerator compartment and -18°C for the freezer.
You should not immediately set the minimum temperature values in the hope of cooling the food faster. This will create an excessive load on the compressor, which has not yet been run-in. Thermostat should operate in normal mode, cyclically turning the unit on and off.
If your model has a “Super Freeze” or “Quick Cool” function, use it with caution and only when fully loaded with food. In normal mode, this function will only increase energy consumption without significant benefit for an empty chamber.
Why can’t you immediately load products?
Loading warm products into an unfrozen chamber will force the compressor to work without stopping for hours, which can lead to its overheating and failure at an early stage of operation.
Table of recommended recommendations temperatures
To understand how to properly configure the equipment, familiarize yourself with the basic storage parameters of various groups of products. This data will help you optimize the operation of the refrigerator after it is started.
| Storage area | Recommended temperature | What to store | Shelf life (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezer compartment | -18°C and below | Meat, fish, semi-finished products | Up to 12 months |
| Bottom shelf of the refrigerator | +2...+4°C | Raw meat, fish, milk | 1-3 days |
| Middle shelves | +4...+6°C | Ready meals, sausages, cheese | 3-5 days |
| Door shelves | +8...+10°C | Sauces, drinks, eggs | Depends on the product |
| Freshness zone (zero) | 0...+2°C | Chilled meat, fish | Up to 7 days |
First load with products
When the refrigerator has been idle for the required time and has reached the required temperature, you can begin to fill the chambers. Do this gradually, without loading all the products at once. A sharp change in the thermal balance inside the chambers will force compressor to work in increased mode.
Distribute the products evenly, leaving gaps between them for the circulation of cold air. Do not pack the shelves to capacity - this will disrupt air exchange and lead to uneven cooling. It is especially important to follow this rule in the first day of operation.
Check whether the products are blocking the ventilation holes. In models with the system No Frost impaired air circulation can lead to the formation of ice in unintended places and malfunction of sensors.
⚠️ Attention: Never put hot or warm food in a new refrigerator. This will not only spoil the products, but can also deform the plastic elements of the inner chamber due to a sharp temperature change.
Possible problems during the first start-up
In the first hours of operation, you may encounter phenomena that at first seem like malfunctions, but are not. For example, the sides of a refrigerator may become hot. This is a normal process of heat removal through condenserwhich is often built into the side panels of modern models.
Gurgling or overflowing of liquid inside the system may also be observed. This is the sound of refrigerant circulating, which becomes audible in silence. If the noise is not accompanied by cabinet vibration or knocking, there is nothing to worry about.
However, if you notice that the refrigerator does not turn off after 10-12 hours of operation, or the temperature in the chambers does not drop to the specified values, it is worth checking the tightness of the door seals. A door that is not tightly closed is the most common cause of incorrect operation.
Why is a new refrigerator humming?
The humming can be caused by vibration being transmitted to the body or floor. Try changing the position of the legs slightly or moving the equipment away from the wall to eliminate resonance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should the refrigerator stand after delivery?
The standing time depends on the method of transportation. When transporting vertically, 2-3 hours are enough for acclimatization. If the refrigerator has been sitting, you need to wait at least 4-6 hours, but it is better to leave it overnight so that the oil in the compressor is completely returned to the crankcase.
Do you need to defrost a new refrigerator before turning it on?
There is no need to defrost a new refrigerator, since it has no ice. However, it must be washed with warm water and soda and wiped dry before the first use to remove the smell of production and dust.
Is it possible to connect the refrigerator to the network via an extension cord?
Manufacturers do not recommend using extension cords, especially cheap or old ones, as they may not withstand the starting current of the compressor. It is better to use a fixed outlet with grounding. If you cannot do without an extension cord, make sure that it is designed for a power of at least 2 kW.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after the first turn on?
When first started, the refrigerator takes more time to cool the entire volume of chambers and food to the set temperature. Continuous operation for 4-8 hours is considered normal. If the motor does not turn off for more than 12 hours, check the thermostat settings.
What temperature should be in the freezer of a new refrigerator?
The optimal temperature for long-term storage of food in the freezer is -18°C. This value ensures the preservation of taste and vitamins in frozen products for several months.