How Long to Wait Before Plugging in a New Refrigerator?

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Introduction

Buying a new refrigerator is a significant investment for your household's comfort. The temptation to plug it in immediately is strong, to enjoy its features without delay. However, for many cooling appliances, it is recommended to wait a certain time before turning them on. Why is this precaution necessary, and what are the benefits for the longevity of your equipment and the preservation of your food? In this article, we will discuss in detail the recommended waiting time, the reasons why it is essential to respect this rest period, and the best practices for safely commissioning your new refrigerator.

Why should you wait before plugging in a new refrigerator?

Most refrigeration appliances operate using a refrigerant fluid circuit. During transportation, whether between the warehouse and the store or simply bringing it home from the shop, the refrigerator is constantly shaken and tilted. The refrigerant fluid circulates in a complex system of pipes and compressors. When the refrigerator is not upright, the oil contained in the compressor can move and enter areas of the mechanism not designed to receive it. Additionally, the refrigerant fluid may end up in parts of the circuit where it should not be immediately after installation.

By letting the appliance rest upright for a certain time before plugging it in, the oil returns to its place in the compressor. This rest period also allows the refrigerant fluid to stabilize in the circuit. Thus, when you finally turn on the appliance, you limit the risk of mechanical stress on the motor and avoid startup problems or premature wear.

How long should you really wait?

The recommended waiting time can vary from one manufacturer to another, but it is often advised to wait between 4 and 6 hours, and sometimes up to 24 hours in certain specific cases. For example, some technicians or user manuals recommend leaving the refrigerator upright for 24 hours if the appliance was transported lying on its side. Conversely, if you have only slightly tilted it to move it or if the appliance was transported upright, the rest time can be reduced to a few hours.

As a precaution, it is always good to consult the manufacturer's manual to know the specific recommendations:

Respecting this waiting time will allow you to avoid many inconveniences later, and notably to maintain the manufacturer's warranty on your appliance.

Steps for commissioning a new refrigerator

To optimize the durability of your refrigerator, it is essential to follow a few simple steps before the first connection. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Carefully unpack the appliance

The first step is to unpack your refrigerator and remove all protective elements or temporary accessories. Carefully check that it does not have any dents, scratches, or shock marks resulting from transport. If you notice any anomaly, immediately contact your retailer or the manufacturer's customer service.

2. Remove all packaging materials inside

Inside your new fridge, you will often find plastic or polystyrene protections, as well as adhesive tapes intended to hold shelves and door bins in place during transport. Make sure to remove everything so that air circulates correctly when starting up and to avoid any unpleasant odors during the first days of use.

3. Clean the interior before first use

Wiping the internal walls of the refrigerator with a soft sponge and warm soapy water is an excellent idea to eliminate any new smell or residue related to transport. Rinse and dry thoroughly before closing the door. This step ensures optimal hygiene from the first use.

4. Position the refrigerator in the right place

The final location of your refrigerator plays a crucial role in its optimal functioning. Make sure to respect several criteria:

5. Let the appliance rest

According to the manufacturer's advice or depending on the duration and position during transport, let your refrigerator rest upright for several hours before turning it on. This step is essential to preserve the proper lubrication of the compressor and ensure that the refrigerant fluid is correctly positioned in the circuit.

6. Plug in and set the temperature

Once the rest period has elapsed, you can plug in your appliance. Most recent refrigerators have an adjustable thermostat, sometimes electronic, allowing you to select the ideal temperature. Generally, a temperature of about 4 °C is recommended for the refrigeration zone and -18 °C for the freezer compartment if applicable. However, refer to your user manual for a configuration suitable for your appliance.

7. Wait a few hours before storing food

Even after plugging in the refrigerator, wait until the internal temperature reaches a sufficiently low level. This can take between 2 and 6 hours depending on the model, sometimes more if the refrigerator is large or if it is hot in the room. During this period, keep the door closed to not slow down the cooling.

The risks if you do not respect the waiting time

It can be tempting to ignore this rest time, especially when you want to quickly activate your new purchase. However, starting your refrigerator while the refrigerant fluid and compressor oil are not stabilized can cause:

  1. Early breakdowns: the motor or compressor is subjected to significant mechanical stress.
  2. Overheating: due to the poor distribution of oil and refrigerant fluid.
  3. Warranty issues: the manufacturer may consider that non-compliance with recommendations is due to mishandling and refuse coverage.

To avoid any inconvenience, it is therefore crucial to respect this waiting time, consult the instructions specific to your model, and carefully keep your proof of purchase and manual.

What type of refrigerator requires a waiting time?

All refrigerators that operate by compression and have a compressor (the vast majority of household refrigerators) are concerned with the need to pause before plugging in. This includes:

However, refrigerator models operating with an absorption cooling system (some mini-refrigerators for RVs, for example) do not always require the same rest time. Nevertheless, it is always safer to check the documentation provided with the appliance.

After the waiting period: how to optimize the use of your refrigerator?

When your refrigerator is ready to be used, some good practices will help you operate it efficiently and extend its lifespan.

1. Organize the interior well

The arrangement of your food can significantly impact the refrigerator's performance and energy consumption. Place products that require lower temperatures (such as raw meat) in the coldest area (often at the bottom, above the vegetable drawer). Store fruits and vegetables in the designated drawers. Leave some space between products to promote air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.

2. Set the temperature precisely

Some refrigerators are equipped with digital thermostats. Others have a button or graduated dial. Regularly check the internal temperature with a refrigerator thermometer to ensure it remains optimal (around 4 °C). In the freezer section, a temperature between -18 and -20 °C allows for long-term food preservation.

3. Clean and maintain regularly

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity of your refrigerator and the food safety of your products. Among the best practices:

4. Place the refrigerator in the right location

After waiting the necessary rest time for the appliance, ensure it does not undergo significant temperature variations or excessive humidity. Check the climate class indicated on the energy label. This class provides information on the range of ambient temperatures for which the appliance is designed.

5. Monitor the door closure

The refrigerator door must close properly. Ensure that the seal is not damaged and that nothing (bag, packaging, utensil) blocks the closure. A poorly closed door causes an increase in energy consumption and can deteriorate your food.

Specifics of transporting lying down

It is often recommended to transport a refrigerator in an upright position. However, the configuration of your vehicle may require laying it down. In this specific case, it is even more important to know and respect the waiting time before commissioning. The motor, oil, and refrigerant fluid have inevitably moved during transport in a lying position. Therefore, you must be extra cautious and let the appliance stand upright for a longer period. Some recommend 24 hours, while others say 12 hours may suffice. To avoid risk, follow the strictest guideline mentioned in your user guide or, failing that, opt for 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions about installing a new fridge

1. Can you immediately put food in the refrigerator?

It is preferable to wait until the appliance reaches a temperature close to 4 °C before placing products inside. This can take between 2 and 6 hours depending on the size and technology of your fridge. Then, gradually introduce your goods to not overwork the motor at once. If you place a large volume of room-temperature food, you would force the compressor to run continuously to catch up with the temperature rise.

2. What if the rest time was not respected?

If you have already plugged in your appliance without respecting the rest period, no immediate damage may be apparent. However, the appliance is at increased risk of premature failure. Ideally, it is better to turn it off immediately, stand it upright if it is not already, and let it rest for several hours. Then consult the user manual or the brand's after-sales service for possible advice.

3. How to know if the refrigerator is working properly?

The first check is based on noise and temperature. A slight hum at startup is normal. Then, over time, you will notice that the interior cools progressively. After a few hours, the temperature in the coldest area should be around 4 °C. A slight heat release at the back of the appliance is completely normal.

4. Should you leave the refrigerator empty before plugging it in?

You do not have to leave the appliance completely empty, but it is advisable to start it empty or with very few products so that it cools faster. As the temperature drops, you can insert more food.

5. What impact on energy consumption?

Starting a refrigerator requires some effort from the compressor to reach the target temperature. If the appliance is plugged in too early with a lot of warm food, the electrical consumption will be excessive during the first few hours. Additionally, plugging in a refrigerator without allowing the necessary rest time can force it to run longer to compensate for internal imbalances. In short, this can affect the electricity bill and the wear of the compressor.

The benefits of strictly following the instructions

Taking the time to wait before plugging in your new refrigerator is a useful investment for the future. You extend the life of the compressor and minimize the risk of malfunction. You also protect your food by ensuring they are stored in good conditions. Finally, you avoid excessive electricity consumption.

In a context increasingly vigilant about energy savings, every gesture counts to make a household efficient while taking care of the environment. Manufacturers usually include precise information in their installation guides. Ignoring them would risk voiding the warranty. It is better to spend a few hours waiting than to face high repair costs or early replacement of the appliance.

Conclusion

Respecting the waiting time before plugging in a new refrigerator is a simple gesture with significant long-term benefits. This precaution promotes the proper functioning of the compressor, preserves the quality of refrigeration, and ensures better preservation of your food. Although it may be tempting to turn it on as soon as it arrives, these few hours of waiting – sometimes up to 24 hours in case of lying transport – are a crucial step for the durability and efficiency of your appliance.

By following the best practices described in this article, you will have all the keys to properly install your new fridge. Carefully unpack the appliance, clean the interior, let it rest if it was transported lying down or very tilted, then set the temperature precisely and proceed with a gradual initial filling. You will thus extend the life of your refrigerator and ensure optimal storage conditions for your goods.

Take the time to consult the manufacturer's manual and do not hesitate to ask questions to your retailer or specialized services if you have doubts. With these few precautions, you will fully enjoy an appliance that will accompany you in your daily life for years to come.