Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking an update of household appliances and increased comfort in the kitchen. However, immediately after the loaders have installed the unit in a niche, a logical and most important question arises about when to turn on the refrigerator after delivery, so as not to damage the expensive equipment. Many owners make the mistake of connecting the device to the network instantly, without taking into account the physical processes that occurred with the equipment during transportation. Ignoring the initial start-up rules can lead to serious damage to the refrigerant circulation system. In this article, we will take a closer look at why it is necessary to maintain a technical pause, how weather conditions affect the wait time, and what steps need to be taken before pressing the power button for the first time. Proper preparation of the device is the key to its long and silent operation.
Ignoring the initial startup rules can lead to serious damage compressor or refrigerant circulation systems. In this article, we will take a closer look at why it is necessary to maintain a technical pause, how weather conditions affect the wait time, and what steps need to be taken before pressing the power button for the first time. Proper preparation of the device is the key to its long and silent operation.
Physical processes during transportation of equipment
During the movement of the refrigerator from a store or warehouse to the kitchen, the device is subject to shaking, tilting and vibration. The main element suffering from such influences is the compressor, inside of which there is compressor oil. In normal operation, this technical fluid provides lubrication of rubbing parts and is located in the lower part of the engine, in the so-called crankcase.
During strong shaking or prolonged tilting of the housing, oil can flow into the circuits of the cooling system, filling the evaporator or condenser tubes. If you start the engine at this moment, it will begin to run without proper lubrication, which will lead to overheating and rapid wear. In addition, liquid oil in the circuit can create a so-called oil sealthat interferes with the normal circulation of freon.
That is why there is a rule requiring the unit to settle. During the rest period, under the influence of gravity, the oil flows back into the compressor crankcase, freeing up the lines for refrigerant. Also during this period, the temperatures of the internal components are equalized if they were exposed to cold or heat during transportation.
- 🛑 Oil can get into the evaporator when the housing is sharply tilted.
- 🛠️ Vibration during transportation knocks the liquid from the workplace.
- ⏳ Gravity returns lubricant into the compressor only in a vertical position.
Why can’t the settling time be ignored?
If you turn on the refrigerator immediately, the compressor will run “dry”. This will lead to jamming of the piston group and expensive repairs or replacement of the motor, which is the most expensive component of the unit.
The influence of weather conditions on the waiting time
One of the most critical factors that determines when you can turn on the refrigerator after delivery is the ambient temperature. The viscosity of compressor oil directly depends on degrees Celsius: the colder it is, the thicker the liquid becomes, and the longer it takes to drain back into the tank.
In the summer, when the air temperature is high, the oil remains quite liquid even after shaking. However, even in warm weather, the need for a pause cannot be ignored, since microscopic droplets could get stuck in the bends of the tubes. In winter, the situation becomes more complicated: in the cold, the oil thickens, and the process of its drainage slows down significantly.
If the equipment was delivered in cold weather, it is important to take into account not only the drainage time of the oil, but also the risk of formation condensation on electrical contacts. A sharp temperature change when bringing the device from frost into a warm room causes moisture to fall out, which can lead to a short circuit when turned on.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was brought in from the street where the temperature is below -5°C, do not connect it to the network for at least 4-6 hours, even if the instructions are for your model. Indesit or Bosch indicates a shorter time. Allow the electronics and wiring to dry completely.
There is an average table of the dependence of settling time on transportation conditions, which should be followed to maintain the warranty:
| Transportation conditions | Transportation position | Recommended settling time |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (warm) | Vertical | 2-3 hours |
| Winter (cold) | Vertical | 4-6 hours |
| Any season | Horizontal (lying down) | 8-12 hours |
| Strong shaking | Vertical | 6-8 hours |
Installation rules before the first start
Before thinking about connecting to the electrical network, you must correctly install the unit in the kitchen. An uneven floor surface is a common cause of increased noise and vibrations, which can interfere with the operation of thermostats and sensors. Use a building level to check the horizontal position.
Adjusting the legs allows you to compensate for uneven floors. Typically, the front legs can be unscrewed, raising the corner of the door, which ensures that it closes tightly under its own weight. This is critical for chamber sealing and energy savings.
Adequate ventilation must also be ensured. The back wall of the refrigerator should not be adjacent to the wall or furniture. A minimum gap of 5-10 centimeters is necessary to remove heat from the condenser (grids on the back or sides). Overheating of the compressor area will lead to increased energy consumption.
- 📏 Leave a gap of at least 5 cm from the back wall to the furniture.
- 🔧 Adjust the support screws for stability of the case.
- ❄️ Do not place the refrigerator next to the radiator or stove.
Preparing the internal chambers for operation
After the device has settled and taken its place, you need to prepare the internal space. New plastic and seals may have a specific factory smell, which is better to get rid of before loading the products. Wipe all shelves and drawers with a soft cloth soaked in a weak solution of soda or vinegar.
It is important to remove all shipping elements: tape, foam inserts, protective films from internal surfaces. Pay special attention to the compressor mounts, if they were secured with shipping bolts (although in modern models LG or Samsung this is rare, it’s worth checking).
It is better to leave the doors of a new refrigerator open for a while while ventilating the room. This will help remove volatile compounds and the smell of new packaging. After wet cleaning, all surfaces must be completely dry.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals, abrasive sponges or solvents to wash the internal chambers. This can damage the plastic structure and break the tightness of the seals.
Check the contents: the presence of grilles, egg trays, ice molds. Install them in their places according to the instructions, but do not load the shelves with heavy objects until they are completely cooled.
☑️ Preparation for first use
Algorithm for first switching on and setting
The moment of truth comes: when you can turn on the refrigerator after delivery and preparation. Insert the plug into a separate grounded outlet. The use of extension cords or tees is not recommended as compressor starting currents may be high. When you turn it on, you may hear a characteristic rumbling or gurgling sound - this is normal, the refrigerant begins to move through the system.
Modern models with inverter compressors start smoothly, so there may not be a jump in sound. Once connected to the network, take your time to download products. Allow the cameras to reach operating temperature. An empty refrigerator will cool faster and more efficiently.
Adjust the temperature according to the manufacturer's recommendations. For the main chamber, the optimal range is considered to be +3...+5°C, and for the freezer -18°C and below. If the model has a function Super Freeze (super freezing), it can be activated in advance if you plan to load a large volume of fresh products.
Recommended sequence of actions:1. Connection to an outlet.
2. Setting the regulator to the average value.
3. Waiting for 2-3 hours of operation without load.
4. Checking the operation of the thermostat.
5. Loading products.
Common mistakes when operating new equipment
Even knowing the theory, users often make practical mistakes. One of the most common is loading warm or hot food into the refrigerator that has just been turned on. This creates excess load on the compressor, which is forced to work hard, trying to compensate for the heat.
Another mistake is frequent opening of the door during the first hours of operation. This disrupts the temperature stabilization process and increases the humidity inside the chamber, which can lead to the formation of ice in the future. Also, you should not densely fill the chamber with food during the first start - cold air should circulate freely.
Some users ignore the noise of new equipment, considering it a defect. However, modern refrigerants and compressors may produce different sounds than an older unit. It’s worth listening: if the hum is monotonous, this is the norm. If you hear knocking, grinding or whistling, you need to contact the service.
- 🔥 Do not place hot pots inside the chamber.
- 🚪 Do not slam the door and do not keep it open for a long time.
- 📦 Do not fill the refrigerator with food to capacity at first day.
Diagnostics of operation after start-up
After the refrigerator has been running for several hours, an initial diagnosis should be carried out. Check the tightness of the seals around the entire perimeter of the door. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold it with a door and try to pull it out. If the sheet is held tightly along its entire length, the tightness is in order.
Estimate the temperature inside the chambers. It must correspond to the established values. If after 4-5 hours of operation the food in the main chamber remains warm, the thermostat may be faulty or there is a freon leak (although the latter is unlikely in a new device).
Pay attention to the external surfaces. The side walls of some models may become warm - this is a normal process of heat dissipation. However, if the power cord plug or the socket itself gets hot, this is a sign of poor contact or faulty wiring, requiring immediate shutdown.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, the refrigerator makes loud knocks, clanging or the smell of burnt wiring, immediately unplug it from the network and call a technician. Operating such a device is dangerous.
Regularly check the operation of the No Frost system (if it has one). A day after switching on, there should be no frost or ice crust on the walls of the chamber. The presence of ice indicates a violation of air circulation or problems with defrosting.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze?
Check whether the door is tightly closed, whether the air outlet channel is not clogged with food, and whether the temperature is set correctly. If after 6-8 hours there is no cold, this is a warranty case.
How many hours exactly should you wait before turning on?
The minimum waiting time is 2 hours under ideal conditions (vertical transportation, summer). However, to fully guarantee the safety of the compressor and the oil drainage, it is recommended to maintain a pause of 4 to 8 hours. In winter or when transporting lying down, the time increases to 12-24 hours.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator lying down?
Manufacturers categorically do not recommend transporting refrigerators lying down due to the risk of oil getting into the circuit and damaging the tubes. If transportation lying down cannot be avoided, you can only lay the unit on the side opposite the outlet of the compressor tubes, and be sure to let it sit for at least 12-24 hours.
Why does a new refrigerator hum loudly?
New compressors often operate louder than old ones due to the lack of production in the mechanisms and the use of new types of refrigerants. Also, the noise level depends on the levelness of the installation. If the humming is not accompanied by vibration of the case and knocking, this is normal.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before first use?
Yes, definitely. Factory dust, packaging particles and plastic smell may remain inside. Wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth and a mild detergent and allow to dry before turning on.
What to do if the refrigerator was in an unheated room?
If the storage temperature was below +5°C, the oil could thicken. Bring the device into a warm place, without turning it on, and let it warm up to room temperature for at least 6-8 hours. Only after this can you connect to the network.