How Long To Wait Before Plugging in A New Refrigerator?

The arrival of a new refrigerator can be an exciting experience, but it requires some procedures for installing and using it for the first time.

These procedures will ensure it operates correctly and last long after you begin using it. Part of the procedure is to wait a while before plugging in a new refrigerator.

But the common question is how long you need to wait. Well, this article will answer this question and other related ones.

You should wait between one hour to four hours before plugging in a new refrigerator. Although, the waiting duration depends on the refrigerator’s brand, size, and transportation technique. Hence, the waiting time may vary in different refrigerators. If the appliance were lying down during transportation, you would have to wait longer before plugging it in.

In this article, I will explain how long you should wait before plugging in a new refrigerator. I’ll also state how to protect the refrigerator while using it for the first time.

By the end, you’ll also understand how long you should wait to plug in the fridge after laying it down.    

How Long Should I Wait Before Plugging in a New Refrigerator?

Waiting before plugging in a new refrigerator ranges between one hour to four hours. However, it depends on the refrigerator’s brand, size, transportation technique, and position.

Each manufacturer has different recommendations for the waiting time to plug in a new refrigerator, depending on the size of the appliance.

Hence, Checking your user’s manual for any refrigerator brand is best before plugging it in. The manufacturer will put the instructions to turn it on in the manual.

The table below indicates the waiting duration for some popular refrigerator brands.

Brand Name	Waiting Time
Indesit	At least three hours.
Teka	Two hours
Bosch	Between two to four hours.
Samsung	Two hours
LG	One hour
Whirlpool	Between 12 to 24 hours.
Haier	At least two hours.

However, plugging in the refrigerator according to the manufacturer’s instructions applies to an upright refrigerator during its transportation. 

If it was lying down or tilted during transportation, it is best to wait for at least four hours. However, some refrigerator brands may require waiting for 24 hours.

It would help to speak to a customer service representative to know the required waiting time. You must position it vertically during this period.

It will give the liquids and gases inside the refrigerator enough time to stabilize. Then, you can plug in the new refrigerator after the waiting period.

What Will Happen if You Plug in a New Refrigerator Too Soon?

Plugging in a new refrigerator too soon will affect its performance and reduce its lifespan. The reason for waiting before plugging it in is to let it rest from the effect of transportation.

If you plug it in immediately after transporting it, it can cause mechanical issues that damage the refrigerator. 

When you buy a new refrigerator from a store, the delivery service will transport it to your location, where you must move it to the position you want.

While transporting it, the gases and liquid inside the refrigerator have also been on the move.

The fridge uses these gases and liquids to achieve the low temperature needed to cool whatever is inside it. 

Tilting or laying the refrigerator will affect the position of these elements. Therefore, you must let it rest to allow these elements to settle correctly. 

If you do not let the gases and liquid settle, the refrigerator will cool unevenly when you finally begin to use it.

In addition, the refrigerator’s compressor system contains oil that lubricates various components. As a result, it prevents all the working parts from breaking down over time.

Maintaining a cool temperature inside the fridge causes its vital parts to wear. But the oil lubricates these parts to keep them functioning.

Hence, the oil levels inside the compressor system must remain steady. 

However, the jolt of transporting a new refrigerator can make the oils unstable. So, let the unit settle before plugging it into the refrigerator.

Tilting the appliance during transportation contributes to disturbing the compressor oil. When this happens, it causes several issues with the refrigerator.

Below are the effects of plugging in a new refrigerator too soon.

#1. Pressurizes the Compressor

Plugging in the refrigerator while the compressor oil is unstable will make the compressor work extra hard to cool it.

This extra workload would put pressure on the compressor and stress it out. In addition, it could lead to breaking down the refrigerator’s compressor over time.

In addition, it can damage other parts of the unit. When this happens, the refrigerator cools slowly or doesn’t perform as expected.

#2. Inadequate Temperature

A broken compressor would result in an inconsistent internal temperature. The compressor is responsible for moving refrigerant through the refrigerator.

The fridge’s temperature will fluctuate because the compressor isn’t functioning. So, your new refrigerator may only cool adequately if you plug it in later.

#3. Spoilt Items

The wrong refrigerator temperature will spoil the food items and medicine inside the refrigerator faster.

Perishable food and medicines need the correct temperature to maintain their shelf life. So, these items may spoil faster in your new refrigerator.

#4. Loud Refrigerator Noises

Your new refrigerator will make loud noises if the compressor breaks down because the refrigerator’s compressor uses engine belts to power up itself.

It contains various internal components that turn with the help of a sealed bearing. If the bearing or any internal component becomes faulty, the fridge will make a lot of noise.

You will keep hearing various sounds from when you begin using the refrigerator because you plugged it in too soon.

#5. Vibrating Refrigerator

The pressure on the compressor, because it tries to work hard, causes it to make the refrigerator vibrate. This vibration might spill the items inside the fridge.

Your new refrigerator would keep vibrating abnormally before it ultimately shuts down. 

So, plugging in a new refrigerator too soon will affect its entire operation and make it have issues until it eventually breaks down.

How to Protect Your New Refrigerator While Using It for the First Time?

Protecting your new refrigerator while using it for the first time is essential so it can perform as expected.

Protecting it will prevent its vital components from breaking down too soon. It will also help it achieve and maintain low temperatures.

Therefore, you must follow some simple steps to ensure this. The steps are straightforward.

Here are the steps to protect your new refrigerator while using it for the first time.

#1. Let it Rest

As said earlier, leaving the refrigerator to rest for hours before plugging it in will help the fluids inside it to settle.

It will protect it from breaking down early and ensure it works efficiently. So, let it rest according to the instructions inside its user manual.

#2. Give it a Quick Clean

It is essential to thoroughly clean the interior and exterior parts of the new refrigerator before using it.

Cleaning the appliance will eliminate the chances of bacteria growth inside it. These bacteria can make food items spoil faster.

Put a drop of washing liquid in warm water and use a clean cloth to wipe every spot. Then, let the fridge dry entirely before returning its compartments to their position.

#3. Clean the Coils

The refrigerator coils could have become dusty during the appliance’s time in the store. So, it would be best if you cleaned it before plugging it in for the first time.

Clean the coils with a clean and dry rag to remove the dust. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner, but you must be extra careful.

#4. Choose a Position

Although, it is customary to choose a spot for your new refrigerator before it arrives. But this must be the correct position.

You need to choose a place that ensures adequate airflow around the refrigerator. At least a 5 mm gap on all sides is enough for the appliance.

So, when you place your new refrigerator in the position you want, you must ensure you don’t push it against the wall.

#5. Plug it in

After the required waiting period and carrying out all the steps above, you can now plug in the new refrigerator to turn it on.

Once you plug it in, the appliance will start working. But it would be best if you waited for a few hours to allow it to reach the appropriate temperature.

In some refrigerator models, a beep or green light will alert you when it reaches the right temperature. 

However, if your refrigerator doesn’t have this alarm system, it is best to wait a couple of hours. You can also check the user’s manual for the manufacturer’s instructions.

#6. Choose the Right Temperature

Set the right temperature for your fridge before putting in the items you intend to refrigerate.

The manufacturer’s manual will contain instructions for each kind of item you can store. Set the temperature according to the instructions.

#7. Fill it Up

You can now fill the appliance with items you intend to store. First, however, you must avoid overloading the refrigerator with items.

Too many items will affect its cooling efficiency, and you may notice some items freezing while others do not cool.

So, arrange the items evenly in their suitable compartments and shut the refrigerator door immediately after you do this.

Your new appliance will function for several years if you follow all the steps required while using it for the first time.

Also, It would help to service and thoroughly clean the refrigerator every year to extend its lifespan. Finally, always contact an experienced technician to fix any issue.

How Long Should I Plug in My Fridge After Laying It Down?

The standard rule for every refrigerator is to wait for 24 hours before plugging it in after laying it down for a while.

However, you can still plug it in after four hours, according to some brands. It would help to ask the store or customer service representative questions concerning this.

The waiting time will let the oils settle back into place and ensure the appliance’s efficiency. So, always ask questions to protect the fridge and prolong its lifespan.

Before plugging in the refrigerator, make it ready for use to ensure full operation. Then, please wait until it reaches the required temperature after plugging it in.

You can use a thermometer to check the refrigerator’s temperature before filling it with the items you want to store.

Last update on 2024-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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