The main reason why you have to wait 24 hours to plug in a refrigerator is to allow the oil in the compressor to settle back to its original position after being transported or moved. This prevents any damage to the compressor and ensures optimal cooling performance.
In this article, we will explain the importance of waiting 24 hours before plugging in a new or relocated refrigerator, the exceptions to this rule, and some tips on how to speed up the cooling process once you plug it in.
A refrigerator is a complex appliance that uses a compressor to circulate refrigerant through a series of coils. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the inside of the refrigerator and releases it to the outside, keeping your food fresh and cold.
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and it contains oil that lubricates its moving parts and prevents overheating. The oil is stored in a reservoir at the bottom of the compressor, and it flows through the system along with the refrigerant.
When a refrigerator is transported or moved, it may be tilted or laid on its side, causing the oil to leak out of the reservoir and into the coils. If you plug in the refrigerator right away, the oil may not have enough time to drain back to the reservoir, and it may clog the coils or damage the compressor.
To avoid this, you should wait 24 hours before plugging in a new or relocated refrigerator, and keep it in an upright position during this time. This will allow the oil to settle back to its original position and ensure proper circulation of the refrigerant.
The exceptions to the rule
While waiting 24 hours is a general rule of thumb, it may not apply to all refrigerators or situations. Some factors that may affect the waiting time are:
The type of refrigerator: Some newer models of refrigerators have compressors that are designed to handle tilting or moving without affecting the oil flow. These refrigerators may not require waiting 24 hours before plugging them in. You should check the manufacturer’s instructions or contact the customer service to find out if your refrigerator falls into this category.
The degree of tilting or moving: If the refrigerator was only slightly tilted or moved for a short distance, the oil may not have leaked out of the reservoir significantly, and you may be able to plug it in sooner than 24 hours. However, if the refrigerator was laid on its side or moved for a long distance, you should wait the full 24 hours to be safe.
The ambient temperature: If the refrigerator was stored or transported in a very cold or hot environment, the oil may have become too thick or thin, affecting its flow and viscosity. In this case, you should wait 24 hours or longer before plugging it in, and let it adjust to the room temperature first.
Once you plug in the refrigerator, it may take several hours or even a day to reach the desired temperature. This depends on factors such as the size of the refrigerator, the amount of food inside, the frequency of opening the door, and the ambient temperature.
To speed up the cooling process, you can follow these tips:
Set the temperature to the lowest setting: This will make the compressor run more frequently and cool down the refrigerator faster. You can adjust the temperature to the normal setting once the refrigerator reaches the optimal temperature.
Avoid opening the door too often: Every time you open the door, you let warm air in and cold air out, which slows down the cooling process. Try to minimize the number of times you open the door, and close it as quickly as possible.
Avoid putting hot or warm food inside: Hot or warm food will raise the temperature inside the refrigerator and make the compressor work harder to cool it down. You should let the food cool down to room temperature before putting it in the refrigerator.
Leave some space between the food items: If the food items are too close together, they will block the airflow and prevent even cooling. You should leave some space between the food items and the walls of the refrigerator, and arrange them in a way that allows the cold air to circulate freely.
Conclusion
Waiting 24 hours before plugging in a new or relocated refrigerator is a good practice that can prevent damage to the compressor and ensure optimal cooling performance. However, there may be some exceptions to this rule depending on the type of refrigerator, the degree of tilting or moving, and the ambient temperature. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or contact the customer service for specific guidance. Once you plug in the refrigerator, you can speed up the cooling process by setting the temperature to the lowest setting, avoiding opening the door too often, avoiding putting hot or warm food inside, and leaving some space between the food items. By following these tips, you can enjoy your fresh and cold food in no time.
