How long should I wait to power on a new fridge?

Author: Dr. Marjorie Price  |  Last update: Monday, June 16, 2025

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.

How long should I leave my new fridge before turning it on?

After transporting a new refrigerator, it's generally recommended to wait 2 to 24 hours before plugging it in. This allows the refrigerant to settle back into the compressor and ensures optimal performance.

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 a fridge run when first plugged in?

According to Whirlpool, it generally takes about 24 hours for a fridge to reach the correct internal temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit to 40 F (3 C to 5 C). During this time, the fridge is working to remove heat from the interior and establish a stable environment for food storage.

How long before food in fridge goes bad without power?

As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

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

How long can milk last in the fridge without power?

How long will milk/eggs last during a power outage? Milk, eggs, fish, meat and leftovers will last four hours in the refrigerator, as long as the door stays closed the entire time.

When can I put food in my new fridge freezer?

You can put food in your new fridge freezer after letting it settle for 4 hours if it was transported on its side or 1 hour if it was transported upright. After this amount of time you're absolutely fine and safe to put your food in your new fridge freezer.

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

It is important to leave your fridge to settle after moving to protect the appliance's internal parts and to ensure that the fridge continues to work to maximum efficiency. When moving a fridge, the compressor oil can leak into the refrigeration system, causing a blockage if the appliance is turned on too quickly.

How soon can you plug in a new fridge?

To keep your fridge or freezer working properly, it's recommended to wait a few hours, at least 4-6 hours, before plugging it in after it's been moved. This allows the compressor oil, which lubricates the internal components, to settle back into place.

How long should a new refrigerator run before putting food in?

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.

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 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.

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 new refrigerators need to sit for 24 hours?

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.

Why cant you use a new fridge straight away?

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.

What are the rules for 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.

What to do when you get a new refrigerator?

Replacing Your Refrigerator: 5 Things to Do on the Big Day
  1. Inspect, inspect, inspect! Just like with any major delivery, you'll want to be certain you don't have any missing pieces or issues before signing for the delivery. ...
  2. Make sure you have an extension cord. ...
  3. Air it out. ...
  4. Set the dial. ...
  5. Adjust the shelves.

What number should a fridge be on?

Fridge temperature settings are generally numbered from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest. A fully stocked fridge may need to be set to a higher setting (around 3 or 4), whereas one with more space is best suited to temperature setting 2 or 3.

How many hours should you wait to plug in a new refrigerator?

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.

How long does a new fridge need to settle?

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.

How long should a new fridge run before adding food?

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.

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 do I unplug my fridge to reset it?

Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

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