Moving or buying new equipment is always stressful, but the most critical moment is the correct switching on of the equipment after delivery. Refrigerator is a complex unit where refrigerant and special compressor oil circulate. If you violate the first start-up technology, you can easily damage compressorwhich will lead to expensive repairs or complete replacement of the unit.
Many owners make the fatal mistake of connecting the device to the power supply immediately after the movers brought it to the kitchen. Oil the system could shift into the cooling circuits, and the refrigerant itself could stratify. Ignoring the rest period is fraught with hydraulic shock, which will disable the equipment in a matter of minutes.
In this article we will look at why waiting time plays a key role, how it is affected by the ambient temperature and in what position your equipment was transported. Following simple rules will help extend the life of your unit for many years.
Why you can’t turn on the equipment right away
The main reason for the ban on instant start lies in the device compressor. Inside this unit there is oil, which provides lubrication of the rubbing parts. During transportation, especially if the refrigerator was lying on its side or tilted strongly, oil could flow from the compressor crankcase into the cooling system. The compressor pipes. This will lead to rapid wear of the piston group and possible jamming of the mechanism. In addition, oil that gets into the circuit will create pipelines cooling systems.
If you turn on the unit immediately, the compressor will start to run dry. This will lead to rapid wear of the piston group and possible jamming of the mechanism. In addition, oil entering the circuit will create oil pluginterfering with the normal circulation of freon, which will cause overheating and failure.
⚠️ Attention: Trying to start the refrigerator immediately after shaking in the back of a truck is a high-risk lottery losing. Even if the equipment works, the life of the compressor may be reduced several times due to operation in extreme conditions.
Temperature conditions are also important. If transportation was carried out in winter, then condensationcould form inside the unit. Moisture on electrical contacts can cause a short circuit when switched on suddenly. Therefore acclimatization is necessary not only for oil, but also to equalize the temperatures of internal components.
Temperature factor: winter and summer transportation
The air temperature during delivery directly affects how long it should sit refrigerator before turning on. Physical processes, such as oil viscosity and the rate of moisture evaporation, depend on degrees Celsius.
In the summer, when the temperature is above +10°C, recovery processes occur faster. The oil remains liquid enough to drain back into the crankcase more quickly under the influence of gravity. However, even in warm weather, exposurecannot be neglected, since vibration during transportation still upsets the balance of the system.
Winter transportation requires special care. At subzero temperatures, the oil thickens and the time it takes to drain into the compressor reservoir increases. In addition, cold metal, when suddenly heated, can be deformed, and condensate can freeze in the nodes. Acclimatization in this case it should be longer.
| Transportation conditions | Minimum settling time | Optimal waiting time | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (above +10°C) | 2-3 hours | 4-6 hours | Minimum, if not lay |
| Winter (below 0°C) | 4 hours | 8-12 hours | Condensation, thick oil |
| Off-season | 3 hours | 5-6 hours | Average |
There is a widespread belief that if equipment was transported in cold weather, it should be heated with a hairdryer or placed near a radiator. Do this absolutely not. Sudden heating can damage plastic elements and seals. Allow the refrigerator to warm up to room temperature naturally.
The influence of the position during transportation
The position of the refrigerator in the car body is perhaps the most important factor determining the waiting time. Manufacturers always recommend transporting equipment strictly vertical. In this position, the risk of oil getting into the cooling circuit is minimal.
However, realities often dictate their own conditions, and refrigerators are often transported lying down. In this case, oil is almost guaranteed to flow into the tubes evaporator and the condenser. The longer the unit was in a horizontal position, the more time it will take for the reverse outflow of liquid.
If the refrigerator was transported lying down, the minimum settling time should be at least 8-10 hours, or better yet, a full day. During this time, gravity will have time to return the lubricant to compressor crankcase. Ignoring this rule during horizontal transportation is the main cause of breakdowns of new equipment.
☑️ Check after delivery
Specifics of models with the No Frost system
Modern refrigerators equipped with the system No Frost (or “Full No Frost”) have a more complex design. Air circulation in them is ensured by additional fans and a complex system of channels. Although the principle of operation of the compressor remains the same, the requirements for the first start may be stricter.
In such models, the oil can be distributed over a more extensive network of tubes. In addition, electronics No Frost are sensitive to voltage changes and humidity. Therefore, for such units it is recommended to increase the standard settling time by 1-2 hours.
It is also important to check whether all transport locks have been removed, if they are provided for in the design. Some models require the removal of special foam inserts inside the chambers before turning them on, so as not to disturb air circulation.
⚠️ Attention: In No Frost models, improper transportation could damage the condensate drainage system. Before turning on, make sure that the drainage hole is not clogged with packaging debris or dislodged parts.
Step-by-step instructions for the first start-up
The first start-up process should be methodical and calm. Do not rush to insert the retail plug until you have completed all the preparatory steps. The durability of the unit.
First you need to unpack the refrigerator, remove all protective films, tape and shipping materials. Inspect the case for any mechanical damage that may have occurred during delivery. Then wipe the internal chambers with a damp cloth using a mild detergent.
After cleaning, leave the doors open for a while so that the smell of new plastic disappears and the moisture finally evaporates. Only after this you can start connecting.
What should you do if the refrigerator makes a strange sound when you first start it up?
When you turn it on for the first time, the compressor may operate louder than usual, and sounds of gurgling or liquid flowing can also be heard. This is normal: oil begins to circulate through the system. However, if you hear metallic knocking or grinding noises, turn off the device immediately.
Insert the plug into a grounded outlet. Make sure the mains voltage is stable. Do not load food into the chambers immediately. Let the refrigerator run idle for at least 1-2 hours so that it reaches the required temperature temperature and turns off automatically.
What absolutely cannot be done when starting up
There are a number of actions that can instantly disable the equipment. Firstly, you cannot load the cameras with products immediately after turning them on. The compressor will work non-stop, trying to cool warm objects, which will lead to it overheating.
Secondly, it is forbidden to use an extension cord or tee if the outlet is far away. The refrigerator requires a direct connection to the network with reliable grounding. The use of low-quality adapters can cause a fire or damage to the electronics.
Thirdly, you should not open the doors during the first hours of operation. This will disrupt the process of forming the cold circuit and force compressor to work with increased load.
Checking performance after settling
After the required time has passed, you need to make sure that the refrigerator is functioning correctly. The initial cooling cycle may take up to 24 hours, but the first signs of operation should be noticeable sooner.
Touch the side walls or the grille at the back (depending on model). They should warm up slightly - this is a normal process of heat removal. Cold should appear inside the chambers, and after a while the system will start working No Frost (if it has one).
Pay attention to the noise level. The new refrigerator may hum a little louder than the old one, but the sounds should be even, without creaks, knocks or whistles. If the equipment works quietly and evenly cools the space, then the transportation was successful.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator if it has just been brought in from the cold?
No, it is not possible. You need to let it stand in a warm room for at least 4-6 hours (or better yet, a day) so that the oil warms up and the condensation dries. Turning on a cold unit is dangerous for the compressor.
How long should the refrigerator stand if it was transported for only 10 minutes in a passenger car?
Even during short-term transportation, the oil could mix with the refrigerant. The minimum settling time is 2-3 hours in a vertical position. It’s not worth risking expensive equipment for a couple of hours.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before turning it on for the first time?
Yes, definitely. Factory dust, foam particles, or packaging odors may remain inside. Wipe the chambers with warm water and mild soap and let them dry completely.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after turning it on?
If more than 12 hours have passed and there is no cold, check that the doors are tightly closed and that the power indicator is on. If everything is in order, but the temperature does not drop, freon may have occurred during transportation. A technician is required.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator with the compressor running?
Absolutely not. Transportation is only possible when switched off. A running compressor when shaking and tilting is guaranteed to fail.