How long do you need to wait before turning on a fridge?

Author: Bert Blanda PhD  |  Last update: Monday, December 29, 2025

1 Let it stand 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.

Do you have to wait 24 hours before using a fridge?

You should leave your fridge/fridge freezer to settle for at least 4 hours. Once 4 hours have passed, you can plug your appliance in. When doing so, make sure that the thermostat control is set to on. Before placing food into the appliance, allow your fridge some time to cool down to temperatures safe for food storage.

How long should a fridge sit before turning on?

Once your fridge has been safely moved into the kitchen of your new home and is in the desired position, you should let it stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle.

What happens if I plug my fridge in too soon?

Risk of Damage: If you plug it in too soon, you risk damaging the compressor, which is a critical and often expensive component of the fridge. A damaged compressor may lead to inefficient cooling or complete failure.

Why wait 4 hours before turning on the fridge?

This is to allow the refrigerator to settle and prevent potential damage to the compressor. If you turn on the refrigerator immediately, it could lead to compressor damage and reduced cooling efficiency (1).

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

What happens if you don't let a fridge settle?

Turning the fridge on too soon can lead to a coolant rush, which can cause problems like leaks or blockages. This can damage the fridge, and you may need to pay for expensive repairs. Waiting allows the coolant to settle back into its correct position and ensures that there are no leaks or blockages.

How long after plugging in a fridge can it be used?

How Long After Plug-in Can I Add Foods in a New Fridge? Right after plugin, in order to ensure normal operation and storage effect of the machine, you need to wait at least another 2 hours before putting food or drink inside.

How long before putting food in a new fridge?

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 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.

Can I turn my fridge on straight away?

Waiting 24 hours before plugging in your fridge prevents compressor damage and ensures proper oil circulation. The advice is to wait at least a few hours before switching the appliance on, but why is this and what harm will it do to your fridge freezer if you don't wait for it settle?

How many hours before you turn on a new refrigerator?

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. You will then need to wait for your refrigerator to come to temperature before you start to use it.

How long after moving a refrigerator can I turn it on?

It is advised to strap it standing upright to the side of a moving truck or other tall truck. If the refrigerator must be laid down, only do so on the left or right side. Once the product is uprighted after transporting it, make sure to wait at least 8 hours before restarting and operating it.

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

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

Why wait 24 hours to plug in the fridge?

Fridges and freezers are full of fluid that's used to cool the compartments. In transit, your appliance gets shaken around, so it's best to let everything settle and consider the duration needed to 'let it stand' before you plug it in.

How long does it take for a fridge to be ready to use?

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. The ideal setting for the refrigerator is +4C and -18C for the freezer.

How long after laying a fridge down can you use it?

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.

How do I know if my fridge needs gas?

The Foodstuff Starts Getting Spoiled or at Best Starts Remaining Warmer. If you find the foodstuff stacked in your fridge has started getting spoiled or getting warmer, that's a red flag. This is the first sign of the fridge losing gas, and the rate of the loss speeds up, you can find a freezing effect.

Why is my fridge not getting cold?

There are several causes for a refrigerator that doesn't cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts.

Is it normal for a fridge to run out of gas?

Normally, your fridge gas will last the life of the fridge, unless the pipes are physically damaged or the factory welds are faulty. However, there are also many other much more common and less expensive faults, which can also prevent your fridge from cooling.

What happens if you don't put food in the fridge?

Bacteria can grow rapidly on food left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If food is left out in a room or outdoors where the temperature is 90 degrees F or hotter, food should be refrigerated or discarded within just 1 hour. Myth: When I microwave food, the microwaves kill the bacteria.

How much water should I run through a new refrigerator filter?

Run two to four gallons of water through the new filter. This helps prevent your water dispenser from sputtering and clears impurities left over from manufacturing. Check for leaks around the filter.

How long does it take a new fridge to make ice?

After you have installed your refrigerator it will take 6 to 12 hours for the fridge-freezer's ice maker to produce ice. You should throw away the first three batches of ice cubes that the ice maker dispenses (approximately 30 cubes) to ensure that all the ice cubes you use are made from clean water.

How long after moving a fridge can you turn it on?

Essential Waiting Period for Optimal Performance

Many people wonder how long to leave fridge after moving. It's important to plan ahead and consult your user manual for specific guidance. After moving a fridge, it's best to let it stand upright and stand unplugged for at least four hours before turning it on.

How soon can I put food in a new refrigerator?

When a new refrigerator or freezer arrives in their home, most people can't wait to use it. But remember, it usually takes a unit between 6 and 12 hours to get to the proper temperature to safely store food or keep frozen items properly frozen.

Is it good to unplug a fridge and then plug it back in?

Once you return to your cabin in the spring and plug the fridge back in, it will take awhile before it's cooled enough to store food. “Most refrigerator manuals advise you to wait at least 8 to 12 hours before it's safe to use again,” according to KitchenSeer.

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