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The Global Insight

What do I need to do when buying a new refrigerator

Author

David Craig

Updated on April 23, 2026

Make sure it’ll fit! … Check the EnergyGuide sticker. … See if parts are available. … Find out what your old refrigerator is costing you. … Ask about haul-away and delivery. … Use a braided stainless supply line. … Make sure doors will clear.

When you buy a new fridge can you plug it in right away?

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.

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

When deciding how long you leave a fridge or freezer to settle for once positioned, there are conflicting recommendations. 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.

How long do you leave a new fridge before switching on?

We recommend that you allow the fridge to stand the upright for at least four hours before switching on. This is to allow the compressor oil to properly settle.

What do you do with food when getting a new fridge?

Grab a food cooler (or ice chest) and put a layer of frozen foods in the bottom. Then put a layer of foods from the fridge on top of that layer. Top it off with another layer of frozen foods. The frozen foods will keep everything cold while you run to the store to get a bag of ice and a fridge thermometer.

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

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.

Do fridges need to settle?

Why Does The Fridge Need to Settle? It is important to let your fridge settle before turning it on. A fridge’s compressor system has oils to help lubricate different components. This oil protects all working parts, ensuring they don’t break down over time with constant use.

How long should I wait to put food in the fridge?

Perishable foods should be put in a refrigerator that is 40 degrees or below within 2 hours of preparation. If you leave food out to cool and forget about it after 2 hours, throw it away. Bacteria can grow rapidly on food left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

What happens if you don't leave a fridge to settle?

When a refrigerator is placed in a non-standard position (for example on its side), compressor oil can run out of the compressor and up refrigerant lines. So if you don’t stand it upright and wait, the compressor will pump without sufficient oil — not good.

How long should you wait to put food in the fridge?

To sum up, no matter how much of a hurry you are in, wait at least two hours before putting food in a new refrigerator. While you are waiting, make sure your fridge stands upright up for four hours before turning it on. Also, be sure to thoroughly clean your new cooling unit before putting any food in it.

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How long does it take for a refrigerator to get cold after plugging it in?

If you’re plugging in a new refrigerator, moving, or just regained power after an outage, you might be wondering: How long does it take for a refrigerator to cool? On average, full-size refrigerators take 12 hours to cool to the FDA-recommended food-safe temperature of 40°F.

Can I install a refrigerator myself?

So you’ve just taken delivery of a new refrigerator. Congratulations! Now it’s time to install it in the nicest spot of your kitchen, ready for all those admiring glances and chilly vegetables. Installing it yourself isn’t hard to do: just follow these simple steps and you’ll be up and refrigerating in no time.

Is it difficult to install a fridge?

Thankfully, refrigerator installation is one of the easier home improvement tasks, with moving the fridge being the most complicated part for some homes.

Why is my brand new refrigerator not cooling?

Clogged coils can cause poor cooling. Check to make sure nothing is stuck in the condenser fan and that it spins freely (models with coils on the back won’t have a fan). … Clean the fan blades and spin the fan by hand to see if it’s stuck. Plug in the fridge and make sure the fan runs when the compressor is running.

How do I reset my refrigerator compressor?

  1. Unplug your refrigerator. …
  2. Turn off the refrigerator and freezer from the control panel. …
  3. Reset your freezer and fridge temperature settings. …
  4. Wait for the refrigerator temperature to stabilize.

Does freezer get cold before fridge?

A frost-free refrigerator normally takes 4-6 hours to reach the right temperature as it has to remove the heat from the plastic, insulation, and metals that are inside. The freezers get cool first and then other sections follow. Most refrigerators need at least 24 hours before getting the normal temperature.

What kind of plug does a refrigerator need?

Refrigerator – Most refrigerators work with a standard 100-120 volt electrical plug and outlet. You will notice that the electrical plug is made up of three prongs; this means you will need an electrical outlet that has three inserts.

Do all fridges have water lines?

A refrigerator needs a water line only if it has a built-in water dispenser and/or automatic ice maker.