Do you have to wait 24 hours before plug-in a refrigerator?

Author: Prof. Mason Jacobs  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Generally, if you're going to be 100 percent sure that the oil has settled back down into the compressor, you should leave it for 24 hours. However, when having it delivered, the company you bought the appliance from may recommend leaving it only for eight hours before turning it on.

Do you have to wait 24 hours before turning on a fridge?

Once your fridge has been safely moved into the desired position, it needs time to settle. As aforementioned, you should leave the appliance to stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle. Once 4 hours have passed, you can plug your appliance in.

What happens if you plug in a new fridge too soon?

The reason you cannot turn on a new refrigerator right away, is the freon has to settle into the holding tank before the compressor forces it to move through the cooling system. You can risk damaging your compressor and other components if you do not let it settle for a day or so before turning it on.

How soon can I plug in my new fridge?

If it is transported upright, wait at least two to three hours before plugging it in. If transported on its side, turn it upright and let it stand for at least four hours.

What happens if you don't wait 24 hours to plug a fridge in?

Plugging in and turning on the fridge immediately can cause the compressor to run dry, leading to damage. Waiting gives the oil enough time to settle, ensuring proper lubrication and protecting the compressor from damage. Additionally, waiting allows the compressor to settle into its correct position.

How long should I wait before plugging in my fridge after moving it?

Why can't you plug a fridge in straight away?

If you plug it in right away, the oil might not be in the right place, and there's a risk it could leak into the refrigerant lines and cause blockages.

How long after laying a fridge down can you plug it in?

If the refrigerator has been laid on its side, it should remain in an upright position for up to 24 hours before attempting to reconnect and run it.

Can we use a new fridge immediately?

Once you have received your new refrigerator it is best to let it sit for at 4 hours before you turn it one. This needs to be done to let the gas and lubricants settle back into the compressor again.

How long does it take for a new fridge to get cold?

Mini Fridge – depending on the brand should not take more than 4 hours. Top-freezer fridge – depending on the brand will take 4 hours to 24 hours. French door fridge – depending on the brand will take 2 hours to 24 hours. Side-by-side fridge – depending on the brand will take 2 hours to 24 hours.

What happens if the refrigerator is switched off for a long time?

Odour Build-up

This lack of airflow can result in the accumulation of unpleasant odours. Leftover food particles, spills, and moisture inside the appliance can foster the growth of mould and mildew, causing an unpleasant smell that can be difficult to eliminate.

What not to do with a new fridge?

Do Not Keep the Fridge Open Unnecessarily. This applies to both new and old fridges. Anyway, make sure that you are not keeping the fridge open for too long as warm air will enter the fridge. It will put extra pressure on the compressor since the component will need to give more effort to keep the fridge cool.

How much is a fridge gas refill?

Fridge freezers repair and gas refilling on-site ,R400 for gas refill. 0646213749 call or WhatsApp Lesley for assistance.

Do refrigerators run 24 hours a day?

Step Three: Most “average” refrigerators run for about eight hours per day. Multiply 8 hours of usage by the number of watts you came up with in step two, or 8 x 960 = 7,680 watts per day, on average.

When can I put food in my new fridge?

How long should I wait after plugging in the refrigerator before putting food in? After plugging the refrigerator in, wait two to four hours and verify that the unit is cooling before putting food inside. Only add food to the freezer once the freezer temperature is below 0°F (-18°C).

How long does it take for a refrigerator compressor to turn on?

How Long Does It Take For a Refrigerator Compressor to Turn On? Typically, a standard time delay for refrigerator units is about 3 minutes.

Does a new fridge need to stand for 24 hours?

Let it stand

In transit, your appliance gets shaken around, so it's best to let everything settle before you plug it in. If it was transported upright, give it at least an hour before you plug it in. If it was transported on its side, turn it the right way up and leave it for at least four hours.

How long do you have to wait to plug in a new fridge?

Once you've connected your refrigerator to the main water supply, allow it to sit for 12 to 24 hours before plugging it in. Plug your fridge into its designated electrical socket.

How long after getting a new fridge can it be used?

Once the unit is in the house you should: Leave the appliance to sit for 3 hours. Then plug it in and switch it on. It should then be left overnight to stabilize before putting any fresh food into it.

How long to leave the fridge upright before plugging in?

After Transporting Your Refrigerator

If it was on its side for more than a day, leave it standing upright for 24 hours before running the refrigerator. If laying on its side just briefly to service, clean or adjust, just a few minutes of stand time will be enough.

What happens if the fridge door is left open for 12 hours?

Since the compressor has to work harder to maintain the temperature inside the fridge, it puts extra load and pressure. This leads to increased wear and tear on the compressor. This is potentially detrimental to the overall lifespan of the refrigerator leading to frequent breakdowns.

How long before a new fridge is cold enough to use?

Owners should wait at least 24 hours for a new refrigerator to fully cool down before loading it with perishable items.

How long do you have to wait to put food in a new LG refrigerator?

Let your refrigerator run for at least 2 or 3 hours before putting food in it. Check the flow of cold air in the freezer compartment to ensure proper cooling. Your refrigerator is now ready for use. Be careful when you work with hinge, base grille, stopper etc.

How long does it take for a new GE refrigerator to get cold?

When a refrigerator is first installed, allow 24 hours for it to stabilize to normal operating temperatures. Some cooling should be obvious in the freezer compartment within approximately one hour. The recommended initial temperature settings are 37 degrees F. in the fresh food compartment and 0 degrees F.

Can I transport a refrigerator laying down?

If you're moving a refrigerator, there's no reason to lay it down. It's best to keep your fridge upright during its journey so that nothing gets damaged or broken inside. If you are not careful, you could damage the refrigerator and cause injury to yourself.

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