Purchasing a new refrigerator or moving to another apartment is always an exciting process associated with the expectation of comfort and fresh food. However, when large-sized appliances are finally installed in the kitchen, one critical question arises, on which the service life of the unit depends: how long should you wait before plugging it in for the first time? Many users, wanting to cool food faster, make the fatal mistake of ignoring the technical requirements of manufacturers. Ignoring the settling period can lead to failure of the heart of any refrigeration unit. The oil that circulates in the system along with the refrigerant must take its regular place in the engine crankcase. If you start the engine when the oil is in the circuit pipes, it will run dry, which is guaranteed to lead to expensive repairs or a complete replacement of the unit.
Ignoring the settling period may lead to failure compressor — the heart of any refrigeration unit. The oil that circulates in the system along with the refrigerant must take its regular place in the engine crankcase. If you start the engine when the oil is in the circuit pipes, it will run dry, which is guaranteed to lead to expensive repairs or a complete replacement of the unit.
In this article we will look in detail at what the waiting times depend on, how winter transportation affects equipment and why rush in this matter is absolutely inappropriate. Proper preparation for the first launch is the guarantee that your Indesit, Bosch or Liebherr will last for decades without failures.
Physics of the process: why the compressor needs time
To understand the need for a pause, you need to look inside the device. Not only gaseous or liquid refrigerant (freon), but also special compressor oil circulates in the closed circuit of the refrigerator. It is necessary to lubricate the rubbing parts of the engine and prevent overheating. During normal operation, the oil is located in the lower part of the compressor (crankcase).
During transportation, especially if the refrigerator was tilted at an angle of more than 40 degrees or placed on its side, oil flows through the system into the evaporator or condenser. This is a natural physical process under the influence of gravity. If you turn on the unit at this moment, the oil will not have time to drain back, and the engine will begin to operate with a critical lack of lubrication.
In addition, during a sudden start, the formation of the so-called hydraulic shockis possible. If there is liquid (oil or liquid freon) in the combustion chamber of the compressor, the piston, which is supposed to compress the gas, will encounter insurmountable resistance. This can lead to valve failure or even destruction of the motor housing. That is why manufacturers insist on observing time intervals.
⚠️ Attention: Even if the refrigerator was transported in a strictly vertical position, vibrations when the truck moved could stir up the oil. A short-term downtime of 1-2 hours is mandatory in this case.
Dependence of the downtime on the method of transportation
The duration of the pause before the first turn on directly depends on the position in which the equipment was transported. This is a key factor in determining how deep the oil has penetrated into the cooling system. There is a clear gradation of recommendations for different delivery scenarios.
If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position, without strong tilts and shaking, then the process of returning the oil to the crankcase occurs faster. In this case, it is enough to let the equipment stand still so that the internal pressure stabilizes and the remaining lubricant drains from the walls of the tubes. Usually this process takes minimal time.
The situation changes dramatically if the unit was transported lying on its side or back. In this position, the oil is guaranteed to flow into the evaporator circuit, which is located quite high relative to the compressor. It takes a long time for the thick liquid to drain back, especially if the tubes have complex geometry with bends. Hurry is unacceptable here.
The table below shows the approximate times that most service engineers recommend for various transportation conditions:
| Mode of transportation | Recommended settling time | Risk breakdowns when ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical, without shaking | 1–3 hours | Low |
| Tilt more than 40 degrees | 4–8 hours | Medium |
| Horizontal (on the side) | 8–24 hours | High |
| Winter transportation (any) | 24 hours + warming up | Critical |
Specifics of turning on the refrigerator in winter
The winter period makes its own adjustments to the process of installing household appliances. The main problem is condensation and changes in oil viscosity at low temperatures. When you bring a cold refrigerator from outside (or from an unheated truck) into a warm apartment, moisture forms on the internal parts and electrical contacts.
Water conducts electricity and can cause a short circuit in the control circuit or compressor terminals. In addition, oil thickens in the cold, turning into a jelly-like mass. Cold, thick oil takes much longer to spread and return to the crankcase, even if the refrigerator has not been tilted.
If you bought equipment in winter, you must observe a double standby mode. First, the refrigerator should simply sit in its packaging or unpacked at room temperature to warm up to room temperature. Only after this does the countdown start for the oil to drain.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to turn on a frozen refrigerator immediately after bringing it into the room. Let it warm up for at least 4-6 hours so that the condensation evaporates, and only then count the time for the oil.
What to do if you need to turn on the refrigerator urgently?
In emergency cases (for example, you need to save food), you can try to turn on the unit after a minimum standstill, but only in idle mode (without food) and under constant supervision. If you hear any unusual knocking or humming noises, immediately unplug it. However, this remains a risky procedure.
Step-by-step instructions for preparing for the first start
Proper installation of the refrigerator is not only about waiting for the right time, but also a set of preparatory measures. Following the algorithm of actions will help you avoid typical beginner mistakes. Start with a visual inspection of the equipment for external damage that may have occurred during delivery.
After the refrigerator has taken its place, it is necessary to remove all shipping materials. This applies not only to the outer packaging, but also to the internal fasteners. Often shelves, drawers and trays are secured with tape or foam so that they do not hit the walls when shaking.
Pay special attention to the compressor. On many models (especially LG, Samsung) it is fixed with special transport bolts or brackets. They must be removed, otherwise vibration during operation will be transmitted to the entire body, causing strong noise and destruction of parts.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator for startup
After removing the packaging, wipe the internal chambers with a weak solution of soda or a special product for cleaning refrigerators. This will remove the smell of new plastic and factory dust. Allow the cameras to dry naturally before closing the door.
Typical mistakes when turning on for the first time
Even knowing the theoretical basics, users often make practical mistakes that nullify all precautions. The most common of them is loading products immediately after switching on. The refrigerator must enter operating mode, cool the empty chambers to the set temperature, and only then can supplies be placed inside.
The second mistake is installing the unit close to the wall or in a niche without gaps. To operate effectively, the condenser (grid at the back or sides) requires free air flow. If the heat exchange is disrupted, the compressor will work with overload, trying to gain temperature, which will sharply reduce its service life.
The third mistake is ignoring the adjustment of the legs. If the refrigerator is not level, the doors may not fit tightly or the self-closing mechanism may not work correctly. This will lead to constant entry of warm air inside and continuous operation of the motor.
Some users try to “help” the refrigerator by plugging it into the network through an extension cord or tee. You shouldn't do this. Powerful compressor inrush currents can melt the contacts of a cheap extension cord, creating a fire hazard. The connection must be directly into a grounded outlet.
How to understand that the refrigerator is working normally
After the standstill time has expired and you have turned on the device, the stage of primary diagnostics begins. In the first minutes of operation, the refrigerator does not require supersonic silence. On the contrary, the compressor may operate louder than usual, since it needs to pump the system and create a pressure difference.
The periodic appearance of gurgling or shimmering sounds is considered normal. This is the sound of refrigerant moving through the pipes. However, these sounds should not be constant and should not be accompanied by strong vibration of the housing. After 30–40 minutes of operation, the noise should become more uniform and quiet.
Check the operation of the refrigerator using the tactile method (by touch). After an hour or two of work, the side walls (where the capacitor is hidden) should warm up slightly. This is a sign that the heat removal system is functioning. If the sides are cold, but there is no cold inside, there may be a freon leak or a compressor failure.
Also pay attention to the cyclic operation. A modern inverter compressor can work almost continuously, just changing the speed. Classic models operate in cycles: turned on, worked, turned off. If the motor does not turn off for more than a day, this is a cause for concern.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator 2 hours after horizontal transportation?
This is extremely risky. During recumbent transportation, oil is guaranteed to enter the circuit. In 2 hours it will not have time to completely drain back into the crankcase. Starting in this state is equivalent to running a car engine without oil. It’s better to wait a full 8-12 hours so as not to lose the warranty and not buy a new compressor.
Do you need to remove the shelves when the refrigerator sits?
Yes, this is recommended. During transportation, the fastenings of the shelves may have become loose. By removing glass shelves and plastic drawers, you will ensure better air circulation inside the chambers when first starting up and will be able to better rinse them before use. In addition, this will reduce the load on the fastenings during the initial cooling.
What will happen if the transport bolts are not removed from the compressor?
The transport bolts rigidly fix the springs on which the compressor is suspended to the frame. If they are not unscrewed, the compressor will not be able to absorb vibration. This will cause the refrigerator to rumble during operation, and the motor itself will quickly collapse from vibration load. In some cases, the bolts can even pierce the compressor casing.
Is it possible to place a refrigerator on a heated floor?
Manufacturers do not recommend installing equipment on heated surfaces. A warm floor will heat the bottom of the refrigerator, disrupting heat transfer and causing the compressor to work harder. This will lead to excessive energy consumption and shorten the service life of the unit. If there is no alternative, make sure that the floor temperature does not exceed 25–27 degrees.
How quickly will the refrigerator gain temperature after turning on?
The time it takes to reach the mode depends on the volume of the chambers and the type of refrigerant. On average, an empty refrigerator reaches a temperature of +5°C in the main chamber in 1.5–2 hours. The freezer cools down to -18°C in 3–5 hours. Complete temperature stabilization in all cells (especially in the freshness zone) can take up to 12 hours.