Purchasing a new household appliance or restarting it after a long period of inactivity is always accompanied by excitement. Equipment owners Ariston often face the need to strictly follow the algorithm of actions in order to avoid compressor breakdowns. Incorrect activation can lead to serious malfunctions in the operation of the cooling system, which is especially important after transportation.
Modern models, whether built-in or free-standing, require an individual approach. It is important not only to connect the device to the power supply, but also to ensure the integrity of all components before applying voltage. In this article we will analyze the launch process in detail, taking into account the technical nuances of different series of the Italian brand.
Why is it so important to follow the sequence of actions? The answer lies in the design of the compressor and the circulation of the refrigerant. Oil, located in the system, must take its normal position, and the tubes must straighten out. Ignoring these rules often becomes the cause of costly repairs in the future.
Preparation for the first start after delivery
Before looking for the power button, it is necessary to conduct a thorough external inspection. Transportation is stressful for any equipment, and even careful loaders could inadvertently touch important components. Make sure that there are no dents on the body, and that the doors close tightly and without distortions.
If the refrigerator was delivered in winter, do not rush to unpack it in a warm room. A sudden change in temperature can cause condensation to form inside electronic components, which can result in a short circuit. Let the unit stand in the package at room temperature for several hours.
- 📦 Check the contents: grates, egg trays and instructions.
- 🔌 Inspect the power cord for damage to the insulation.
- 🚚 Make sure that the device was not placed on its side for more than 15 minutes during transportation minutes.
Pay special attention transportation bolts if we are talking about a built-in model or a combined device. Although they are less common in refrigerators than in washing machines, locking elements may be present on the compressor. Their removal is a mandatory step before operation.
Settling time: why you can’t rush
The most critical point is the waiting time before turning on. Many users make the mistake of connecting the device immediately after installation in the kitchen. Refrigerant And the oil in the compressor must completely drain into the crankcase for the system to work correctly.
The duration of settling directly depends on the transportation conditions. If the device was transported vertically, 2-3 hours of rest is sufficient. However, if the equipment was tilted or transported lying down, the time increases to 8-12 hours, and in some cases up to a day.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to turn on the refrigerator ahead of time can lead to water hammer in the compressor, which will cause the expensive unit to fail instantly.
The table below shows the recommended time intervals for various situations:
| Method of transportation | Time of year | Recommended settling time |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical | Summer | 2-3 hours |
| Vertical | Winter | 4-5 hours (after acclimatization) |
| On the side/at an angle | Summer | 8-12 hours |
| On the side/at an angle | Winter | 12-24 hours |
Search for controls and switching on
After the device has stood for the required time, you can proceed to switching on directly. The location of the controls depends on the series Ariston. In most modern models, the power button is located on the front panel, often combined with a temperature indicator.
In older or budget models, the switch may be hidden inside the camera, usually in the upper corner or behind a decorative cover. Locate the power cord and insert the plug into a grounded outlet. Make sure that the mains voltage meets the requirements specified on the technical sticker.
To activate, press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds. You should hear a characteristic click or see the display light up. If a mechanical regulator is used, turn the thermostat knob from position 0 or OFF to operating mode.
☑️ Check before turning on
Sometimes users confuse the power button with activating the fast freezing mode. Be careful: the snowflake symbol usually means Super Freezeand not the general start of the system. The main operating mode is indicated by a standard power icon or simply a digital indicator.
Setting the temperature mode
Immediately after turning on, the refrigerator starts working at maximum speed to reach the set temperature. During this period, it is not recommended to load the chamber with food. Let the unit run idle for at least 2-3 hours.
The optimal temperature in the main chamber should be from +3 to +5 degrees Celsius. In the freezer, the standard value is -18 degrees. Adjustment is carried out through the control panel or by turning the mechanical knob.
- ❄️ For models with Display: use the "+" and "-" buttons to select a value.
- 🎚️ For mechanics: turning clockwise increases the cold, counter-clockwise weakens it.
- 🌡️ Do not set the minimum values unless necessary, this increases energy consumption.
If your model has a zone Zero Zone or "Zero Camera", make sure it is activated correctly. This area is intended for storing meat and fish without freezing, and the temperature there should be close to 0 degrees.
⚠️ Attention: Control interfaces may vary depending on the year of manufacture. If you do not find the described buttons, check the instructions for the specific model on the manufacturer's official website.
What is Eco Mode?
The energy saving mode automatically regulates the operation of the compressor, slightly increasing the temperature in the chambers to a safe maximum, which reduces energy consumption by up to 30%.
Diagnostics of indicators and error codes
Modern refrigerators Ariston equipped with a self-diagnosis system. When turned on for the first time, all indicators may flash - this is a normal process for checking the sensors. However, if the blinking continues for more than 10 minutes or is accompanied by a sound signal, you should pay attention.
Frequent signals may indicate a door that is not tightly closed or a lack of tightness. Check the seals: they should be clean and elastic. Sometimes the door may have moved during transportation, and simply adjusting the hinges will be enough.
If a red indicator lights up on the display or an error code appears (for example, E1, F5), this indicates a malfunction of the temperature sensor or a problem with defrosting. In this case, you need to unplug the device from the network for 15 minutes and turn it on again.
It is important to distinguish between normal operation and failure. The noise of the compressor, gurgling of the refrigerant and slight heating of the side walls are normal phenomena. You should only worry if there is a burning smell, sparking or complete absence of cold after 5-6 hours of operation.
Frequent problems during the first start
Even if you follow all the instructions, unforeseen situations may arise. One of the most common is that the refrigerator hums, but does not cool. This may be due to a freon leak during careless transportation or a manufacturing defect.
Another problem is the formation of ice in the refrigerator compartment immediately after switching on. This is a sign that air or moisture has entered the system, or that the defrost sensor is faulty. In new models with the system No Frost there should be no ice at all.
- 🔊 Loud knocking: check whether the compressor tubes are touching the housing.
- 💡 The light does not come on: the lamp may have burned out or the fuse has tripped.
- 🌡️ Slight cold: check that the ventilation holes are not blocked by products.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell chemicals or plastic during the first hours of operation, this is normal (factory coatings fade). If the smell is pungent and does not go away for a day, contact service.
Why do the sides get hot?
The side walls of the refrigerator act as a condenser. Their heating to 40-50 degrees in the first hours of operation is a sign of a working refrigerant circulation system.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after defrosting?
No, after manual defrosting, you must carefully wipe off the moisture and let the device stand with the doors open for 1-2 hours so that the condensation evaporates. Turning on a wet appliance is dangerous for electricians.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn on after a long period of inactivity?
Check the socket, the integrity of the cord and the position of the thermostat. If mechanical reasons are excluded, the contacts may have oxidized or the compressor start relay has failed.
Does it need to set the temperature again after each shutdown?
In models with electronic control, the settings are saved in memory. In mechanical refrigerators, it is advisable to return the handle to position "0" before turning it off, and then set it again when turning it on.
Why is the Super Freeze indicator flashing?
This means that the fast freezing mode is activated manually or automatically when loading a large volume of warm products. After 24-48 hours, it will turn off on its own, or you need to turn it off with a button.
Is it safe to use an extension cord for an Ariston refrigerator?
Manufacturers do not recommend using extension cords. If you cannot do without them, make sure that the cross-section of the wire corresponds to the power of the device, and that the extension cord itself is grounded and is not wound on a reel.