Getting a new fridge? How Long To Wait To Plug In Fridge

How long after delivery to plug in fridge? For most new refrigerators delivered upright, you should wait at least 4 hours before plugging them in. If the fridge was transported on its side, you usually need to wait much longer, often 12 to 24 hours. This waiting time allows fluids, especially compressor oil and refrigerant, to settle back into their proper places within the cooling system. Plugging it in too soon can harm the compressor and stop the fridge from cooling right.

How Long To Wait To Plug In Fridge
Image Source: olympiamoving.com

Why You Need to Wait Before Plugging In

Bringing a new fridge home is exciting. You want to get it set up right away. But there is a key step you must not skip. This step is waiting. It is a big part of the refrigerator installation guide. It is more than just unpacking. There is a reason for this appliance plug in delay.

Think about how a fridge works. It has a special system inside. This system uses liquid and gas to make things cold. The heart of this system is the compressor. The compressor has oil in it. This oil helps it work smoothly. It protects the parts.

When a fridge is moved, especially on its side, things get mixed up. The oil can flow out of the compressor. It can get into the cooling tubes. The liquid refrigerant can also move around. It might not be in the right spot.

If you plug in the fridge too fast, the compressor starts working. But the oil might not be inside it yet. The system parts might not have settled. This can cause problems. The compressor can get damaged. It might run without oil. This is like running a car engine with no oil. It is bad for the parts.

The waiting time lets gravity do its job. The oil needs time to flow back into the compressor. The refrigerant needs to settle. This makes sure the cooling system is ready to work right. This is the main reason for the new refrigerator waiting time. It is about protecting the inside parts.

The Role of Compressor Oil Settling Time

The compressor is like a pump. It pushes the refrigerant around the system. For the compressor to work well, it needs oil. This oil keeps the moving parts lubricated. It stops them from getting too hot. It prevents wear and tear.

When a fridge is tilted or laid on its side, the oil can move. It can drain out of the compressor. It can go into the refrigerant lines. These are the tubes that carry the cooling stuff.

If you turn the fridge on with oil in the lines, it is a problem. The compressor might try to pump this oil. It is not designed for this. Pumping liquid oil is much harder than pumping gas refrigerant. This puts a lot of stress on the compressor. It can make it fail.

So, the compressor oil settling time is very important. It is the time needed for the oil to drain from the lines. It needs to go back down into the compressor sump. This is where it belongs. Gravity helps this happen. The longer the fridge was on its side, the more oil might have moved. This means it needs more time to settle.

This waiting step is not something you can skip safely. It is a simple way to prevent a major repair. It ensures the fridge starts its life working correctly.

Different Waiting Times for Different Moves

How long you wait depends on how the fridge was moved. There are two main ways fridges are moved.

One way is standing upright. This is the best way to move a fridge. Most delivery services try to keep fridges upright. If your fridge came standing up all the way, less settling is needed. The oil and refrigerant are mostly in place already. But some movement still happens. A short waiting period is still wise. About 4 hours is usually enough in this case. This allows for any small shifts inside.

The other way is lying on its side. Sometimes this cannot be avoided. Maybe the doorway is too small. Or it was moved in a truck that way. Moving a refrigerator plug in time changes greatly if it was on its side. Lying flat lets the oil move much more freely. It can get deep into the cooling lines. In this situation, you need to wait much longer. 12 hours is a minimum for many models. Some guides say 24 hours is better. This extra time gives the oil a full chance to drain back.

Knowing how your fridge was moved is key. Ask the delivery people how they carried it. If you moved it yourself, you know. Follow the rule based on the position during transport.

Steps for Proper Fridge Setup Instructions

Before you even think about plugging it in, you need to set up the fridge. This is part of the essential fridge setup instructions. Doing these steps first makes the waiting period useful.

Pick the Spot: Choose the final place for the fridge. It should be a flat, sturdy floor. Make sure there is enough space around it. Fridges need air flow. Check the manual for side and back clearance. Usually a few inches is needed. This lets the heat escape. If heat builds up, the fridge works too hard.
Unpack Everything: Remove all packaging materials. Take off the tape, plastic wrap, and foam. Open the doors and remove inside packing too. Check for any hidden pieces of foam. Sometimes there is foam holding shelves in place.
Position the Fridge: Carefully move the fridge into its spot. Use a dolly or sliders if needed. Protect your floors. Get it close to the wall but leave the needed gap.
Level the Fridge: This is important. A level fridge works better. It helps the doors seal correctly. It prevents rocking. Most fridges have adjustable feet or rollers. Use a level tool (like a bubble level or a phone app) to check the top or a shelf. Turn the feet up or down to make it level side-to-side and front-to-back. The front might be slightly higher than the back. This helps the doors swing shut.
Clean Inside: Wipe down the inside shelves and walls. Use mild soap and water. Or use a mix of baking soda and water. Rinse with clean water. Dry it well. This removes any factory dust or smells.
Install Handles and Shelves: Put the door handles on if they were not attached. Put the shelves, drawers, and bins back inside. Make sure they are in the right spots.

Once these steps are done, the fridge is in its final place. Now is when the waiting starts. This is before you even think about plugging in.

What the Appliance Plug In Delay Prevents

The appliance plug in delay is a protection step. It protects the most costly part of the fridge: the compressor. The delay prevents these issues:

Compressor Damage: If oil is in the cooling lines, the compressor tries to push it. This is called ‘slugging’. Liquid oil does not compress like gas refrigerant. This can break internal compressor parts.
Poor Cooling: If the refrigerant system is not settled, it cannot cool correctly. The first attempt to cool might be weak or not work at all. The fridge might struggle to reach the right temperature.
Shortened Lifespan: Stressing the compressor on its first run can shorten its life. It might not fail right away. But it could wear out much faster over time.
Voiding Warranty: Some manufacturers mention the need to wait in their manuals. Not following the refrigerator installation guide could potentially affect your warranty if a compressor issue happens soon after setup.

So, the delay is not just a suggestion. It is a crucial step for proper operation and long-term health of the appliance. This applies whether it is a brand new fridge or one you are moving.

Letting Fridge Settle After Delivery

After the delivery truck leaves, the fridge needs time. This is called letting fridge settle after delivery. It is a passive process. You just leave the fridge alone in its final spot.

Think of it like shaking a bottle of juice. Before you drink it, you might let the bubbles settle. It is a bit similar for the fridge’s internal fluids. The oil and refrigerant need to find their proper levels. They need to drain back into the compressor.

The amount of time depends on the move.
* Moved upright: 4 hours minimum.
* Moved on its side: 12 to 24 hours is best. Check the manual for specific advice for your model. Some large or complex fridges might need longer.

During this time, do not open the doors a lot. The inside temperature does not matter yet. The system is off. Just let it sit quietly. This period is just about gravity and fluid mechanics doing their work inside the sealed system. It is quiet time for the fridge.

Refrigerator Moving Tips and Plug-In Time

Moving a refrigerator needs care. Not just lifting, but also setup after the move. Here are key refrigerator moving tips related to when to plug it in:

Empty and Defrost: Before moving, empty the fridge and freezer. Clean spills. If moving long distance or putting it in storage, defrost the freezer fully. This stops water leaks.
Secure Doors: Tape the doors shut. Use strong tape that won’t damage the finish. Remove shelves and drawers or tape them firmly in place.
Keep it Upright if Possible: This is the golden rule of moving fridges. Use a proper appliance dolly. Tilt it as little as possible. If you can keep it standing the whole time, your plug-in wait is shorter (4 hours).
If Laying it Down: Sometimes you have no choice. If you lay it on its side, know which side is okay. Most manuals say to lay it on a specific side. Often it is the side opposite the hinges. Check your manual before moving. Do not lay it on its back or front. This can damage coils or doors.
Moving a Refrigerator Plug In Delay: This is critical. Once at the new location, get it upright right away. Place it in its final spot. Then, the waiting starts. If moved on its side, wait 12-24 hours. If moved upright, wait 4 hours. Do not guess. Wait the full time based on how it was moved.
Protect Floors and Walls: Use moving blankets or cardboard. Fridges are heavy. They can scratch floors or dent walls easily.
Use a Dolly: Never try to carry a fridge. Use an appliance dolly with straps. This makes it safer and easier.
Get Help: Fridges are heavy and bulky. Always move with at least one other person.

Following these moving tips helps ensure the fridge arrives safely. And knowing the correct moving a refrigerator plug in time is vital for its health after the move.

When to Turn On New Fridge: The Final Step

After the waiting time is over, it is finally time to turn on new fridge. This is the last step in the initial setup.

Check the Plug: Make sure the power cord is not pinched behind the fridge.
Plug it In: Insert the power cord firmly into a proper wall outlet. Avoid extension cords. Fridges use a lot of power. Use a dedicated outlet if possible.
Set the Temperature: Find the temperature controls. They might be inside the fridge or on the door. Set the fridge temperature. A common setting is 37°F (3°C). Set the freezer temperature. A common setting is 0°F (-18°C). Refer to your manual for recommended settings.
Listen and Feel: Once plugged in, you should hear sounds. The compressor will start. You might hear a hum, gurgling, or clicking. These are usually normal noises. Feel the sides of the fridge. They might get warm as the cooling system starts working.
Let it Cool Down: It takes time for a fridge to get cold. Do not put warm food inside right away. Let the fridge cool down fully first. This can take several hours, maybe 4-8 hours, or even up to 24 hours to reach the target temperature fully. Check the manual for how long your model takes.
Check Temperatures: After several hours (once the manual says it should be cool), check the temperature. Use a fridge thermometer. Put one in the fridge section and one in the freezer section. Make sure they reach the set temperature.
Add Food Gradually: Once the fridge is cold, you can start putting food in. Do not fill it completely with warm food all at once. Add items gradually over a few hours. This helps the fridge maintain its temperature as it chills the new items.

This whole process, from delivery to full cooling, is part of the refrigerator installation guide. Each step is there to make sure your new fridge works right from day one and lasts for years.

Factors Influencing the Waiting Time

While 4 hours for upright and 12-24 hours for on-side are general rules, a few factors can change the new refrigerator waiting time:

How long was it on its side? A quick tilt is different from hours lying flat. The longer it was on its side, the more oil likely shifted. More waiting time is needed.
The specific model: Some high-end or commercial fridges might have different requirements. Always check the owner’s manual that came with your fridge. It has the best advice for your specific appliance plug in delay.
Outdoor temperature: If it was moved in very cold weather, the oil might be thicker. This could potentially mean it takes longer to settle, but this is less of a factor than the position during transport. Generally, the position is the main thing to consider.
Was it moved roughly? If the move was bumpy or involved drops, internal fluids might be more mixed. Waiting gives things a chance to return to normal.

When in doubt, wait longer. There is no harm in waiting 24 hours even if 12 might be enough. Plugging it in too soon is where the risk lies.

The Refrigerator Installation Guide: Beyond Plugging In

The waiting period is just one part of the overall refrigerator installation guide. Proper setup involves more than just waiting and plugging in.

Electrical Connection: Ensure the outlet is correct for the fridge’s power needs. It should be a grounded 3-prong outlet. Check the fridge’s power cord label.
Water Line (for ice/water): If your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser, you will need to connect a water line. This involves turning off the water supply, making the connection (often with a saddle valve or line from your house plumbing), and checking for leaks. Follow the manual’s steps carefully. You might need a plumber.
Anti-Tip Bracket: Many fridges come with an anti-tip bracket. This is a safety device. It attaches to the wall or floor behind the fridge. This stops the fridge from tipping over if a child hangs on the door. Install this bracket as shown in the manual. It is an important safety step.
Door Alignment: Sometimes after moving or setup, the doors might not line up perfectly. The manual will show you how to adjust the doors if needed. This ensures a good seal.
Air Filter / Water Filter: If your fridge has filters, note their location. You will need to replace these later.

These are all steps found in a complete refrigerator installation guide. The plug-in delay is one specific, vital instruction within this larger guide.

Initial Operation: Sounds and Cooling

When you do turn on new fridge, do not be surprised by some sounds. Modern fridges can make different noises than older ones.

Humming or Buzzing: This is the compressor running. It will be louder at first as it works hard to cool down. It should quiet down once the target temperature is reached.
Gurgling or Hissing: This is the refrigerant moving through the cooling lines. It is a normal sound of the system working.
Clicking: This might be the thermostat or other controls turning the compressor on or off. Or it could be the defrost timer.
Popping or Cracking: These sounds can come from the plastic parts inside as they cool down and contract. This is normal.

The fridge sides or the divider between the fridge and freezer might feel warm. This is also normal. The cooling system removes heat from inside and sends it out through the walls.

The key is to let it run for several hours empty. This allows it to pull all the heat out and stabilize its temperature. This is part of letting fridge settle after delivery electrically.

The Importance of Reading Your Manual

Every fridge model is a little different. The best source of information is the owner’s manual. It will have specific fridge setup instructions for your unit. It will tell you:

The exact recommended appliance plug in delay.
Which side is safe to lay it on (if necessary).
Recommended temperature settings.
Details on installing filters, water lines, and anti-tip kits.
Troubleshooting tips for initial sounds or cooling issues.

Do not rely only on general advice. Take a few minutes to look at the manual that came with your new fridge. It is part of the full refrigerator installation guide tailored to your appliance.

Potential Issues of Plugging In Too Soon

What really happens if you skip the new refrigerator waiting time? As mentioned, the biggest risk is to the compressor.

If oil is in the cooling lines when you plug it in, the compressor might:

Lock up: Try to pump liquid oil and seize completely.
Damage Valves: Internal valves designed for gas can be broken by liquid oil.
Overheat: Run inefficiently and get too hot.

Any of these can lead to the fridge not cooling. The compressor might run but not cool. Or it might make loud noises. Or it might not start at all.

Fixing a compressor is often very expensive. It is usually the most costly repair for a fridge. Sometimes, it is cheaper to buy a new fridge than replace the compressor.

Waiting is a simple, free step. It takes patience. But it saves you from risking a major, expensive problem right away. It protects your investment in your new appliance. The appliance plug in delay is a small inconvenience to avoid a big headache.

How Long Does it Take to Get Cold?

After the waiting time and plugging it in, how long until you can add food? This is a common question after figuring out when to turn on new fridge.

It takes several hours for a fridge to reach its target temperature.
* The fresh food section might feel cool within 2-4 hours.
* But it can take 4-8 hours or even longer to get down to the final set temperature (like 37°F or 3°C).
* The freezer section takes even longer. It might take 8-12 hours or up to 24 hours to reach 0°F (-18°C).

Do not rush to fill it. Putting lots of warm food in before it is cold makes it work much harder. It can slow down the cooling process even more.

A good rule of thumb is to wait until it has reached its set temperature before adding significant amounts of food. Using those fridge thermometers helps here. Once they show the correct temperature, you are ready to load it up.

Remember, the initial cooling period is different from the waiting time before plugging in. The waiting time is for the fluids to settle (passive). The cooling time is for the fridge to actively remove heat and get cold (active). Both are necessary steps after getting a new fridge.

Refrigerator Moving Tips: Avoiding Problems

Let’s go back to refrigerator moving tips for a moment. Beyond the upright vs. side issue, avoiding rough handling is key.

Use enough people: Don’t try to muscle it alone. Two strong people is a minimum for most large fridges. More is better.
Lift with your legs: Protect your back.
Use a furniture dolly for hallways: Once it’s upright, a standard furniture dolly (the flat ones with wheels) can help move it across flat floors. But use an appliance dolly for stairs or tilting.
Strap it securely: On the truck or dolly, use straps to hold it firmly. Prevent it from shifting or falling.
Drive carefully: If you are transporting it yourself, drive smoothly. Avoid sudden stops or sharp turns. Bumps and jolts can mix the internal fluids more, potentially requiring a longer compressor oil settling time.

Careful handling during the move reduces the risk of internal damage and might lessen the time needed for things to settle once you reach the destination. It all ties back to the how long after delivery to plug in fridge question. A gentle move means less disturbance inside.

Summarizing the Steps for a Smooth Start

Getting a new fridge or moving one involves several steps for a good start. Here is a summary of the process related to the plug-in question:

Receive/Move the Fridge: Get it to its new location. Note how it was transported (upright or on its side).
Position and Level: Place the fridge in its final spot. Ensure good airflow space. Level it properly using adjustable feet.
Unpack and Clean: Remove all packaging. Clean the inside.
Wait: This is the crucial appliance plug in delay.
- Moved upright: Wait at least 4 hours.
- Moved on its side: Wait 12 to 24 hours (check manual). This allows compressor oil settling time and refrigerant to stabilize.
Plug In: After the waiting time, plug the fridge into a proper outlet.
Set Temperature: Set the fridge and freezer to your desired temperatures.
Let it Cool: Allow the fridge to run empty for several hours to reach the target temperature.
Check Temperature: Use thermometers to confirm it is cold enough.
Add Food: Load food gradually once the fridge is cold.

Following these steps, which are part of a comprehensive refrigerator installation guide, ensures you give your fridge the best possible start. It respects the new refrigerator waiting time needed for internal components.

Why Gravity is Your Friend

The science behind the waiting time is simple: gravity. The oil and refrigerant circulate through a complex system of tubes, coils, and the compressor. When the fridge is tilted, these fluids can flow into parts of the system they normally wouldn’t fill when standing upright.

The compressor is at the bottom of the sealed system loop. When the fridge is upright, oil naturally drains back to the compressor. When it’s on its side, gravity pulls the oil away from the compressor and into the upper parts of the tubing.

The waiting time gives gravity the chance to pull the oil back down. It is like waiting for water to drain from a pipe. The longer the pipe is tilted, the longer it takes for all the water to come out. In the fridge’s case, the “pipes” are the cooling lines, and the “water” is the oil.

This period is vital for the compressor oil settling time. It ensures that when the compressor kicks on, its reservoir is full of the oil it needs to run without damaging itself. It is a passive but essential part of the fridge setup instructions.

Common Scenarios and Waiting Times

To make it clearer, here is a simple guide based on common situations regarding the new refrigerator waiting time:

Scenario	How Transported	Recommended Waiting Time	Why Wait?
New Delivery	Upright (standard)	4 hours minimum	Minor fluid settling after transport vibrations.
New Delivery	On its Side (if needed)	12 to 24 hours	Major fluid displacement (oil & refrigerant).
Moving Home	Upright	4 hours minimum	As above, plus handling during personal move.
Moving Home	On its Side	12 to 24 hours	As above, critical for compressor oil.
Moving to Another Room	Quick tilt, upright	1-2 hours	Less disturbance, but still good practice.
Moving to Another Room	Tilted significantly	4-12 hours	Depends on angle and time tilted. Erring on side of caution is best.
Bought Used (unknown move)	Assume on its Side	24 hours	Safest approach if you don’t know how it was moved.

This table gives you a quick reference for how long to wait to plug in fridge based on your situation. Always check your manual first, as it is the final word for your model. But these times are good general guidelines.

Final Thoughts on the Waiting Period

The period you wait before plugging in your new fridge is a small sacrifice for potentially long-term gain. It is a critical part of the refrigerator installation guide that is often overlooked. It is easy to be impatient when you have a shiny new appliance ready to go. But rushing the appliance plug in delay can lead to costly problems down the line.

Whether you are figuring out how long after delivery to plug in fridge or dealing with moving a refrigerator plug in, the principle is the same: give the internal fluids time to settle. This protects the compressor, ensures efficient cooling from the start, and helps your fridge last longer.

So, unpack it, position it, level it, clean it, and then… wait. Put your feet up. Read the manual. Do something else for a few hours or half a day. Your future self, and your fridge, will thank you. This simple new refrigerator waiting time is truly an investment in your appliance’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

h4 Can I just plug it in right away?

It is not recommended. Plugging in a fridge too soon after moving it, especially if it was on its side, can cause damage to the compressor. This is because the oil needed for lubrication might have moved out of the compressor and into the cooling lines. Waiting allows the oil to settle back down.

h4 What happens if I don’t wait the recommended time?

The biggest risk is damaging the compressor. If the compressor runs without proper oil lubrication, it can overheat or break internally. This can lead to the fridge not cooling at all, or failing much sooner than it should. Repairs are often very expensive.

h4 Does the size of the fridge matter for waiting time?

Generally, the size does not change the waiting time significantly. The key factors are how the fridge was transported (upright vs. on its side) and how long it was in that position. Always refer to your specific model’s manual for the most accurate advice.

h4 What about freezers? Do they need to wait too?

Yes, upright freezers, chest freezers, and fridge-freezer combos all have similar sealed cooling systems with compressors and oil. The same rules apply. If you move a freezer, you need to let it sit upright for the recommended time (4-24 hours depending on transport) before plugging it in.

h4 Where can I find the specific waiting time for my fridge?

The best place to find this information is in the owner’s manual or installation guide that came with your new refrigerator. Look for sections on installation, setup, or moving. If you cannot find the manual, check the manufacturer’s website for your specific model number.

h4 Is it okay if the fridge was only tilted a little bit?

A slight tilt for a short time might not require the full 12-24 hour wait. However, any tilt greater than about 45 degrees or being on its side requires the longer wait time. When in doubt, it is safer to wait longer. A minimum of 4 hours is recommended even after just minor tilting or an upright move.

h4 My delivery service plugged it in right away. What should I do?

This is not ideal practice. If it was only upright for a short delivery and they plugged it in immediately (and it was not tilted significantly), it might be okay, but there is still a small risk. If it was delivered on its side and they plugged it in right away, there is a higher risk of compressor damage. If the fridge seems to be cooling correctly after several hours (check with a thermometer), you might be okay. But if you notice it is not getting cold, making strange loud noises (beyond normal startup sounds), or not running, unplug it and call the manufacturer’s service line. Explain how it was moved and plugged in.

h4 Does waiting longer than recommended cause any harm?

No. There is no harm in letting the fridge sit longer than the recommended waiting time. Waiting 24 hours when only 4 were needed is perfectly fine. It just delays you using the fridge. It will not hurt the appliance. The risk is only with plugging it in too soon.