The situation when the long-awaited refrigeration unit delivered to the doorstep of the apartment, always causes mixed feelings: joy from the acquisition and slight concern for the safety of the equipment. Logistics services do not always handle cargo with care, and hidden defects may only appear after a while, when returning the goods will be problematic. That is why initial inspection and testing are critical stages that cannot be ignored.
Modern household appliances, be it a budget model or a premium one Side-by-Siderequire careful attention immediately after unloading from the back of a truck. Improper transportation, shock, or severe shaking may have damaged the integrity of the internal components, even if the case appears intact on the outside. Your task is to conduct a thorough diagnosis to eliminate defects and future problems with cooling.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you protect yourself from low-quality goods. We will consider a visual inspection, checking the electrical part and features of the first start-up, so that you can confidently use the purchase for many years.
Visual inspection of the case and equipment
The first thing that needs to be done immediately after unloading the equipment into the room is to carefully examine its appearance. Do not rush to tear off the protective film or open the doors until you are sure there are no mechanical damages. Dents, deep scratches or chips of enamel may indicate a strong impact, which could damage the internal structure of the unit.
Particular attention should be paid to the corner elements and ends, since they are the ones most often damaged by inaccurate loading. If you find deformation of the metal, this is an alarming signal: thermal insulation the inside of the walls could be broken, which will lead to loss of cold and increased energy consumption. In this case, it is better to immediately record the defect in the photo and issue a damage report with the courier.
⚠️ Attention: If traces of rust or corrosion are visible on the body, this may indicate that the refrigerator was stored for a long time in conditions of high humidity or in the rain. Such equipment may fail in the first month of operation.
Also check the integrity of the door handles, hinges and rubber seals. The door should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. Make sure all shelves, vegetable trays and containers are in place and free of cracks. Often during transportation, glass shelves can move and break if they were not securely fixed with tape by the manufacturer.
☑️ Initial visual inspection
Checking the integrity of the transport system
The compressor is the heart of any refrigerator, and its condition directly depends on how the unit was transported. Most modern models are equipped with a suspension shock-absorbing system that dampens vibrations, but with sudden impacts or tilts of more than 40 degrees, the compressor can move from its seats or damage the discharge tubes.
If you have the opportunity and skills, carefully remove the back panel (usually it is secured with latches or several screws) and inspect the motor-compressor. It must be securely fastened to springs or rubber shock absorbers. The absence of mounting bolts or their severe weakening may indicate that the compressor is “walking,” which is unacceptable during operation.
Carefully inspect the copper tubes cooling systemcoming from the compressor. There should be no creases, flattening or, worst of all, traces of oil. Oil on the pipes or around the compressor is a sure sign of depressurization of the circuit. If the freon has evaporated, such a refrigerator will not work, and restoring the system will require expensive repairs from professionals.
Why can’t you tilt the refrigerator?
If the tilt is more than 40 degrees, oil from the compressor can flow into the refrigerant circuit. This creates an oil plug that interferes with the normal movement of freon and can lead to hydraulic shock when starting.
Also check the condition of the power cable. It should not have chafing, melting or signs of rodent bites (which sometimes happens in warehouses). The plug must be intact, without chips or melted contacts.
Rules for settling before turning on
One of the most important questions that owners of new equipment have: is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after delivery? The answer is clear: no. During transportation, especially if the unit was lying on its side or shaking strongly, the refrigerant and compressor oil could move to unintended areas of the system.
It is necessary to give the equipment time to stabilize internal processes. If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position, it is enough to wait 2–3 hours. If transportation was carried out lying down, the settling time increases to 4–6 hours, and in the winter season it is better to keep the unit warm for up to 8–10 hours.
⚠️ Attention: Abruptly turning on a cold device that has just been brought in from the cold can lead to moisture condensation inside the electrical circuits and a short circuit. Allow the equipment to warm up to room temperature.
During this time, the oil will have time to drain back into the compressor crankcase, and the refrigerant will be distributed evenly. Neglect of this rule often causes the compressor to fail in the first days of operation, and service centers may refuse warranty repairs, citing violation of operating conditions.
First launch and checking temperature conditions
After the refrigerator has settled, you can begin the first test run. Connect the unit to the network, but do not load it with food yet. An empty refrigerator will return to operating mode faster, which will allow you to evaluate its efficiency. Set the temperature controls to the middle position.
During the first hour of operation, listen to the sounds of the running motor. Quiet humming and periodic gurgling of the refrigerant in the tubes is allowed. However, a loud knock, clanging, grinding or high-pitched whistle indicates a malfunction. Noisy operation may be a sign that the compressor is touching the housing or tubes, or there are defects in the system.
Check the operation of additional equipment: turn on the mode No Frost (if it exists), check the operation of the freshness zone, evaluate the brightness of the internal lighting. The doors must fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. To check the tightness, you can use a sheet of paper: clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out too easily in different places, the seal is not working well.
Usually it takes from 1.5 to 3 hours to reach the set temperature in an empty chamber. After this, the compressor should turn off. If the motor runs continuously for more than 4-5 hours and does not turn off, and it does not get cold inside, then there is a problem with the thermostat or the tightness of the system.
Diagnostics of the No Frost and defrosting system
Modern refrigerators are most often equipped with a system No Frostthat prevents the formation of ice. Testing this system requires a little more time to ensure that the fans and defrost heaters are working. In models with full No Frost, air should circulate throughout all chambers, including the refrigerator compartment.
Place your hand on the air duct outlets inside the chamber. You should feel the cold air moving. If one part of the chamber is cold and the other is warm, the damper may be jammed or the fan may be faulty. Also pay attention to the absence of frost on the back wall during the first hours of operation - there should not be any. Multi Air Flow The fan is jammed or faulty. Also pay attention to the absence of frost on the back wall during the first hours of operation - there should not be any.
It is important to check the drainage system. Although the water usually evaporates during cooling mode, during the first defrost cycle (which may begin automatically after a few hours or days), the condensate should go into a special tray above the compressor. If you notice a puddle of water under the refrigerator or inside on the floor of the chamber, this is a signal that the drainage chute is clogged or displaced.
| Check parameter | Normal condition | Symptom of malfunction |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor sound | Uniform humming | Knocking, clanging, body vibration |
| Temperature after 2 hours | Perceptible cold, +5...+7°C | Temperature does not fall below +15°C |
| Door seal | Fits tightly, not lets air in | There are gaps, paper falls out |
| Vibration of the body | Minimal, barely noticeable | Strong shaking, "walking" on the floor |
Typical mistakes when accepting equipment
Many buyers make mistakes that can cost them money and nerves. The most common of them is signing the transfer and acceptance certificate without external inspection. Couriers are often in a hurry and may not notice hidden packaging defects that will only be revealed at home. Remember: until you have signed the receipt document, the seller or delivery service bears responsibility for the integrity of the cargo.
Another mistake is ignoring the operating instructions. It specifies specific requirements for distance from walls, network voltage and other parameters important for your specific model Indesit, Bosch or LG. Failure to comply with these standards may lead to overheating of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use adapters and extension cords to connect the refrigerator, especially at first. Direct connection to a grounded outlet is the only correct solution for diagnostics and safe operation.
Also, do not immediately load the refrigerator with the full amount of food. A sudden drop in temperature of a large amount of warm food will put extreme stress on the compressor, which is already running in break-in mode. Load products gradually, in small portions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately if it was only transported in a vertical position?
Yes, if the refrigerator was transported strictly vertically without strong shaking or tilting, it is enough to let it stand for 30-60 minutes to stabilize the refrigerant before turning it on.
What to do if the refrigerator hums loudly after installation?
Check whether the unit is level. Often the vibration is transmitted to the floor and intensifies. Try adjusting the adjustable feet to level the cabinet. If the noise remains, this may be a defect in the compressor.
Do you need to wash a new refrigerator before use?
Absolutely. Factory dust or the smell of plastic or packaging may remain inside. Wipe all internal surfaces with a soft cloth with a solution of warm water and a small amount of soda or a special product for household appliances.
How to check if the freezer is freezing without a thermometer?
Put a glass of water in the freezer for 2-3 hours. If the water turns into ice and the glass itself freezes to the shelf, it means that the temperature has dropped below 0°C and the system is working correctly.