After delivering a new refrigerator to the kitchen and unpacking it, the owner has a natural and important question about how to properly start the unit. Many people mistakenly believe that equipment can be connected to the network as soon as it is installed in the designated place. However, haste in this matter can lead to serious consequences for the compressor and the entire cooling system.
The main reason for the wait lies in transportation: during transportation, refrigerators are often tilted, which leads to oil flowing from the compressor into the system circuits. If you turn on the unit immediately, the compressor may run dry or push through the oil plug, which creates critical pressure. That is why there is a strict rule: let the equipment settle before the first start.
The time required for stabilization varies and depends on the model, type of refrigerant and transportation conditions. In this article, we will look in detail at how long your new refrigerator should last, why you can’t ignore this rest period, and how long after turning it on you can turn it off to check or load food.
Why you can’t turn on the refrigerator immediately after delivery
Transporting household appliances is always a risk for internal components, especially for refrigeration equipment. Compressor, which is the heart of the system, filled with special oil, which in a horizontal or inclined position inevitably flows into the heat exchangers. If you start the engine right away, the oil will not have time to drain back into the crankcase, which will lead to operation without lubrication and rapid wear of the piston group.
In addition, the so-called oil plugcan form in the circuits. When started abruptly, the compressor will try to push the refrigerant through this plug, creating excess pressure that can rupture the thin evaporator or condenser tubes. It is also worth considering temperature shock: if the equipment was delivered in winter, the condensation inside the electronics must dry completely.
Modern inverter models, such as Liebherr or Bosch, are equipped with complex electronics, which are also sensitive to temperature changes and humidity. Abruptly connecting a cold unit to a warm network can cause a short circuit or malfunction of the control board.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported lying down, the standing time should be increased by at least one and a half times compared to vertical transportation. Do not risk the warranty for the sake of saving a couple of hours of time.
Ignoring these rules often leads to the fact that the equipment breaks down in the first month of operation, and service centers refuse warranty repairs, citing violation of operating conditions.
How long the refrigerator should stand before turning on
The duration of the rest period directly depends on the position in which the equipment was transported and what the ambient temperature was. Manufacturers give clear recommendations, ignoring which can cost expensive repairs.
If your new unit, be it Samsung, LG or domestic Atlant, was transported in a vertical position, the minimum settling time is 2-3 hours. This time is enough for the oil to flow into the compressor, and the temperature of the internal components to equal room temperature.
In the case of horizontal transportation, the situation is different. The oil may have spread throughout the system and will take longer to fully return to the reservoir. The minimum waiting period in this case is 4 hours, but it is better to wait all 8 hours or even leave the equipment overnight.
Special attention should be paid to winter delivery. If the refrigerator is brought in from the cold, you cannot turn it on immediately, even if it has been turned off for the required time. The condensation formed on the control board and contacts should evaporate naturally.
Table of waiting time depending on conditions
To make it easier for you to navigate, we have prepared a summary table that will help determine the optimal waiting time before the first start of your device.
| Conditions of transportation | Environment temperature | Recommended settling time | Risks of early switching on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | Above 0°C | 2–3 hours | Minimum |
| Horizontal | Above 0°C | 4–8 hours | High (oil plug) |
| Vertical | Below 0°C (winter) | 3–4 hours + heating time | Condensation, electronics failure |
| Horizontal | Below 0°C (winter) | 8–12 hours + heating time | Critical (oil + moisture) |
Please note that the indicated time intervals are minimum. If you have the opportunity to leave the equipment alone for a longer period, this will only benefit the resource of the equipment.
First startup: the correct algorithm of actions
After the allotted time has expired, you can proceed to the first startup. It is important to do this correctly to avoid surges in the load on the electrical grid. First, make sure that the outlet is grounded and meets the power requirements.
Plug in the power cord. At this moment, you may hear a characteristic hum or gurgle - this is normal, the refrigerant begins to circulate through the system. Do not open the doors during the first 15–20 minutes of operation so that the camera returns to mode faster.
Modern models with the system No Frost can immediately start operating the fans. Let the refrigerator idle. During this period, you should not load food inside, especially warm ones. The unit must reach the required temperature inside the chambers.
When can you turn off the refrigerator after turning it on for the first time
This is a key question that worries many users. The answer to this depends on the goal you are pursuing. If we are talking about when you can turn off the appliance for moving or washing, then this can be done at any time, but not earlier than 5-10 minutes after turning it on, in order to equalize the pressure in the system.
However, if the question is “how long after can you turn off the refrigerator to load food,” then there are strict time limits. The refrigerator must run a full cooling cycle until the compressor automatically turns off.
First automatic shutdown The compressor is a signal that the set temperature has been reached in the chambers and the equipment is ready for work. Depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature, the first cycle can last from 2 to 6 hours.
Turning off the unit immediately after it has become cold does not make sense if you are not planning long-term transportation. Modern models (Indesit, Beko, Haier) are designed to work continuously. Frequent switching on and off is more harmful to the motor than constant work to maintain the temperature.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn off or turn on the refrigerator again earlier than 10-15 minutes after stopping the compressor. The pressure in the system must have time to equalize, otherwise the starting torque may damage the motor winding.
Features of operation of different types of cooling
Time to enter the mode and, accordingly, the moment when the refrigerator can be considered ready for operation, varies depending on the type of cooling system.
Models with drip system (Direct Cool) cool more slowly. In them, cold air is distributed by natural convection. The first cooling cycle can take up to 6-8 hours. It is not recommended to turn off such a refrigerator ahead of time, since in the far corners of the freezer the desired mode may not yet be established.
Units with a system No Frost ("without frost") are equipped with fans that force cold air. They reach operating mode faster – usually in 2–4 hours. However, due to active airflow, the products in them can weather faster, so it is better to load them after the temperature has stabilized.
There are also combined systems, where there is a drip evaporator in the refrigerator compartment, and No Frostin the freezer. In such cases, you should focus on the time required for freezing of the freezer compartment.
Why does the refrigerator take a long time to turn off for the first time?
When first started, the compressor can work continuously for up to 12 hours. This is normal if you have a lot of groceries or the room is hot. The system tries to cool the entire volume and the warm walls of the chambers. Do not panic and do not turn off the equipment forcibly.
Checklist: Is the refrigerator ready for operation
Before considering the first start-up process complete and calmly using the equipment, make sure that all conditions are met.
☑️ Checking the readiness of the refrigerator
Common mistakes during first use
Even knowing the rules, users often make mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is loading a large amount of warm food into the refrigerator that has just been turned on.
This forces the compressor to work hard, trying to cool not only the air, but also the food. As a result, the equipment may not turn off for days, and the quality of freezing will suffer. It is better to cool the food to room temperature in advance.
Another mistake is installing the refrigerator close to the wall. For effective heat exchange, air must circulate behind the rear grille. If this gap is violated (less than 5-7 cm), the refrigerator will work inefficiently and consume more electricity.
Don't forget that shelves and drawers should also be at room temperature. If you just washed a glass shelf with hot water and immediately inserted it into a working refrigerator, the glass may burst from thermal shock.
Is it possible to transport a working refrigerator?
Absolutely not. Transporting a working refrigerator is physically impossible, since it must be disconnected from the network. But even if we imagine a theoretical possibility, vibrations during movement will destroy the compressor mounts and break the tightness of the system.
What to do if the refrigerator hums after the first turn on?
A slight hum is the norm. However, if the sound resembles grinding, knocking or whistling, immediately unplug the appliance. This may indicate that the compressor is not secured correctly or a defect occurred during transportation.
Does it need to be washed before turning on the refrigerator for the first time?
Yes, definitely. Factory dust and the smell of plastic or packaging may remain inside the cameras. Wipe the internal surfaces with a soft cloth with a weak soda solution or a special household appliance product and let dry before starting.
Why doesn’t the freezer freeze in the first hours?
The refrigerant needs time to circulate throughout the entire circuit. In the first 1–2 hours there may be no cooling at all. If after 4-5 hours of operation of the compressor the freezer remains warm, you should contact the service.