Situation, when a newly purchased and connected one refrigerator does not turn off, it often causes panic among the owners. It seems that the equipment is faulty, money is wasted, and the food is about to spoil. However, in most cases, continuous operation of the compressor in the first hours or even days of operation is a normal situation provided for by the design of modern cooling systems.
Modern models, whether Indesit, Atlant or premium Liebherr, are equipped with smart electronics that should independently enter the operating mode. If you notice that the unit is humming without interruption, do not rush to look for a warranty card. First of all, it is necessary to analyze the operating conditions and the time that has passed since the moment of switching on.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physics of the processes occurring inside the camera during the first start-up and determine the limits of the norm. You will learn how to distinguish standard cooling from a real malfunction, and understand at what point you should contact a service center. We will also consider the influence of external factors on the operation of the compressor.
First start: features of the freezing mode
The most common reason for continuous operation is the primary cooling of the internal volume. When you first connect the device to the power supply, the temperature inside the chambers is equal to the ambient temperature, that is, room temperature. Sensors detect a significant excess of the specified parameters and give a command for intensive work.
During this period refrigerant circulates through the system without stopping, trying to cool a large volume of air and the walls of the chamber. This process can take from 6 to 24 hours, depending on the volume of the refrigerator and the room temperature. The electronics will not turn off the motor until the target temperature is reached.
⚠️ Attention: If you loaded the refrigerator with food immediately after turning it on, the time to enter the mode may double. The thermal inertia of the food will constantly heat the air inside, forcing the compressor to work without interruption.
There is also a quick freezing function, which is often activated automatically or manually upon first start-up. In this mode thermostat ignores standard rest cycles and works at maximum capacity to reduce the temperature in the freezer as quickly as possible.
The influence of ambient temperature
The operation of refrigeration equipment directly depends on the climate in the room where it is installed. If you place the equipment in the kitchen, where the air temperature exceeds +25...+30 degrees, or, even worse, next to a working stove or radiator, the cooling system will be overloaded.
In hot conditions, heat exchange in the condenser (grid at the back or on the sides) is difficult. Freon does not have time to cool down and turn into a liquid state with the required efficiency. As a result, the sensors constantly record the high temperature inside the chambers and do not give a command to stop the engine.
The situation is especially critical for models with one compressor, which are trying to maintain cold in two chambers at once. At high ambient temperatures, they can work almost without interruption, and this will be considered the norm for such extreme operating conditions.
- 🌡️ Make sure that the refrigerator is no closer than 10 cm from the wall for normal air circulation.
- 🔥 Do not install equipment near heat sources: ovens, radiators heating.
- ☀️ Direct sunlight falling on the body also heats the system and interferes with cooling.
If it is impossible to reduce the temperature in the room, the only way out is more frequent maintenance of the condenser from dust and checking the tightness of the doors. In some cases, it may be necessary to install additional ventilation in a niche.
Problems with seals and tightness
Even a new refrigerator may have assembly defects or transport damage that affect the tightness of the chambers. If the door does not fit tightly, warm air from the room constantly enters. Temperature sensors react to this increase and turn on the compressor again and again.
Often the problem lies in an incorrectly installed door or misalignment resulting from careless transportation. It is also worth checking whether something is preventing the door from closing tightly: the edge of the package, a bottle on the shelf, or simply an incorrectly placed product that prevents the door from closing until it clicks.
You can check the tightness using a simple test with a sheet of paper. Squeeze the sheet between the door and the body and try to pull it out. If the paper falls out too easily or is removed without resistance along the entire perimeter, it means seal it does not fit tightly enough.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door does not slam | Hinges are skewed | Adjusting the tilt of the body |
| The cold goes away | Crack in the rubber | Replacing the seal |
| Ice freezing at the door | Constant influx of moisture | Checking tightness |
New models often use magnetic seals of complex shapes. If you notice a gap, try heating the problem area with a hairdryer at a low temperature and straighten the rubber, pressing it tightly against the body.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
Although the likelihood of defects in new equipment is small, it is not excluded. One of the reasons for continuous operation may be a malfunction thermostat or electronic temperature sensor. If the device is stuck in the "on" position or transmits incorrect data to the control board, the compressor will run indefinitely.
In mechanical models, the thermostat is a simple device that opens the contacts when a certain temperature is reached. If the contacts are oxidized or the mechanism is jammed, the chain will not break. In modern models with No Frost and electronic control, a sensor that could fail is responsible for this.
⚠️ Attention: Independently replacing the thermostat in a new refrigerator can lead to loss of warranty. If you suspect an electronics failure, it is better to immediately contact an authorized service.
It is difficult to diagnose a problem with the sensor at home without special equipment. However, if you turn off the refrigerator from the network for several hours, let it warm up, and after turning it back on it works again without stopping and does not freeze (or freezes too much), this is a clear sign of a failure in the control system.
How to check a mechanical thermostat?
To check a mechanical thermostat, it must be removed. In a cold state (after the freezer), the contacts should be closed (ring when dialed). When it gets hot in your hands, the circuit should open. If this does not happen, the part is faulty.
Features of the No Frost system
Refrigerators with the system No Frost are more complex than models with a drip system. They constantly operate fans that circulate air through the evaporator. Users often confuse the operation of the fan with the operation of the compressor, believing that the refrigerator hums continuously.
In addition, in such models there are long evaporator defrost cycles, which can take considerable time. During a period of intense refrigeration, especially during the first start-up or after loading a large number of products, pauses between compressor starts may be minimal or absent altogether.
It is important to understand that the No Frost system is characterized by a more uniform, but constant background noise of the fans. If you hear the rhythmic hum of the motor, which does not stop for days, and at the same time the required temperature is not reached in the chambers, it is worth checking for freon leaks. evaporator for freon leaks.
- ❄️ The No Frost system requires more time for primary cooling due to the complexity of the air channels.
- 🌀 Constant noise can be made by a fan, not a compressor.
- 🧊 Ice on the back wall inside the chamber indicates problems with defrosting.
When it's time to call a technician: alarming symptoms
Despite the many reasons why Continuous operation is the norm; there are situations that require specialist intervention. If your new refrigerator does not turn off for more than 24-30 hours, and at the same time the temperature inside the chambers is above +5...+7 degrees, this is a signal of a serious problem.
Another alarming symptom is excessively hot side walls or the rear grille. If the metal is hot enough to be painful to touch, it may indicate a clog in the capillary tube or a compression problem. You should also be wary if the motor is running, but there is no cold at all.
☑️ Diagnostics before calling a technician
Do not ignore strange sounds. If clicks, gurgling or whistling are added to the continuous hum, this may indicate that the compressor is running dry due to a leak. Further operation in this mode will lead to the combustion of the motor. refrigerant. Continued operation in this mode will cause the motor to burn out.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should a new refrigerator get up to temperature?
Usually, initial cooling takes from 6 to 12 hours. In a hot room or when fully loaded with food, this process can take up to 24 hours. If after a day of operation the temperature inside has not dropped below +10 degrees, this is a cause for concern.
Can the refrigerator not turn off due to power surges?
Yes, unstable voltage in the network can disrupt the operation of the control board or compressor relay. In such cases, the technology may behave inappropriately. It is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer to protect expensive equipment.
Do you need to defrost a new refrigerator before turning it on?
Modern models do not require defrosting, since they are new. However, they must be allowed to settle after transportation (especially if they were carried lying down) so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase. Standing time is from 2 to 8 hours.
Why does the refrigerator turn off but not turn on again?
If the refrigerator has completed a cycle, turns off and does not turn on again, but it becomes warm inside, the thermostat, the start relay, or the compressor itself may have failed. Also, the cause may be a freon leak.