Correct installation of built-in and free-standing refrigerators

A refrigerator is a large “essential” household appliance. Its chambers produce the cold necessary to preserve food. Buying a device is half the battle; it still needs to be installed correctly.

Typical apartments cannot boast of a large square footage, so difficulties often arise with choosing a suitable place to install a refrigerator. Because of this, it is placed either in a corner or near the entrance. How suitable these places are and whether there are better options - this will be discussed in the article.

Rating of the best refrigerators

What problems might arise?

Incorrect installation of the refrigerator can make it difficult to operate, or even impossible. The above rules are quite simple to follow, but this will have a positive effect on the efficiency of the machine and its service life. So, if you place it close to the wall, this will significantly complicate the heat exchange between the refrigerant that circulates through the condenser tubes and the outside air. It will heat up much faster than a new, cool one will fit. Increased condensing pressure will cause the compressor to work harder and wear out.

We live in an old house, the electrical wiring was installed a long time ago, during the union. And most of the sockets are also from that time. But we recently bought a new refrigerator, from a well-known company, and it has a European plug. Somehow I got lazy and decided not to install a new socket to match the plug. I bought an adapter and that was it. And everything worked fine until a thunderstorm happened. The electronic filling was all burnt out, and replacement cost a lot of money.

Jumps in the power supply system can also cause trouble.

Refrigerators controlled by an electronic controller are especially susceptible to them, despite protective devices. A strong current, resulting, for example, from a thunderstorm, will simply destroy delicate microcircuits. To protect against this, grounding and, if possible, a current rectifier are necessary.

Operation in conditions not provided for by the rules

for a specific model will void the warranty. Before placing the refrigerator on an unglazed balcony or in a country house, think about this. Starting the compressor even at a temperature of +5° C is difficult because the oil has thickened from the cold. This is fraught with malfunctions in the operation of the electric motor and its windings. There are also a number of other reasons why this is not recommended.

Sources

• https://real-electro.ru/kak-ustanovit-novyy-kholodil-nik-ldzhi/
• https://morrozko.ru/pravilnaya-ustanovka-holodilnika/
• https://megavat116.ru/kak-pravilno-nastroit-holodilnik-lg/
• https://JollyPhonics.ru/dlya-kuhni/kak-otregulirovat-nozhki-holodilnika.html
• https://cosmo-frost.ru/xolodilniki/ustanovka-xolodilnika-svoimi-rukami/

Do you want to understand better than others?

• How to properly transport a refrigerator in a car? Rule #1 when transporting! — It is necessary to transport the refrigerator in compliance with the rules, since the incorrect position of the unit during transportation can potentially cause breakdowns...
• How to properly transport a refrigerator in a car? - Lying down? Standing? On your side? Basic rules of transportation! — It is necessary to transport the refrigerator in compliance with the rules, since the incorrect position of the unit during transportation can potentially cause breakdowns...
• Do I need to defrost my Indesit No Frost refrigerator? — Defrosting process No Frost Before you start defrosting the unit, you must turn it off. Food leftovers accumulating on shelves cause...
• How to properly transport a refrigerator when moving? - Lying down? Standing? On your side? — It is necessary to transport the refrigerator in compliance with the rules, since the incorrect position of the unit during transportation can potentially cause breakdowns...
• How an LG refrigerator should work correctly - Operating and shutdown times of the LG refrigerator Users should know what operating cycle of the refrigerator is normal. The refrigeration motor operates cyclically....

Where to put the refrigerator so that it does not interfere

In order to buy a device of suitable size, you need to determine in advance the place where it will be installed. It is best if it is a corner in the kitchen or hallway. When the apartment is small, narrow models are recommended. Built-in appliances help save space.

When the layout allows, the refrigerator is placed near the kitchen door . It fits well into the corner between the walls and does not interfere with the residents. If there is not enough space, then the wall of the refrigerator will block the passage.

It is important to decide in advance which way the refrigerator door will open. They produce models with doors that can be hung.

When expanding the room, you should not completely demolish the walls. It is worth leaving a part to place the refrigerator . In the living room, which is combined with the kitchen, it is part of the interior. It can be placed in a visible place.

A good option would be to place the refrigerator in a niche made from a pantry. It can be done in the wall between the kitchen and the room. The niche is made of plasterboard. Small models are placed under a wide window sill, table top or shelf. This saves space and the equipment will not be conspicuous. If there is absolutely no space in the apartment itself, the refrigerator can be placed on a warm balcony.

Thus, knowing how to place the refrigerator in the right place can avoid many problems.

The refrigerator cannot be placed close to the tiles

If the kitchen is large

A large kitchen is the dream of any housewife, because its large size allows you to realize all your kitchen ideas and use the maximum number of stylish and useful kitchen items.

Placing a refrigerator in a large kitchen has virtually no barriers, because it can be installed:

• Traditionally - in one of the corners, in which there are no radiators - such placement is not only familiar and convenient, but also meets the requirements for the ergonomics of the room, the convenience of being in it and even the instructions of Feng Shui, since it visually makes the kitchen “softer” and “rounder” ;
• Centralized - the design idea is quite capable of making this device the center of the entire kitchen, especially if the refrigerator itself has significant dimensions and rich functionality, such as, for example, a TV screen built into the front panel or buttons and compartments placed on the doors for serving drinks from the cooling chambers; in this case, the rest of the kitchen set is built around this device and matched to its “style”;

• Individually - if the room allows, then the refrigerator should be allocated its own individual part of the territory, not in contact with other kitchen appliances or kitchen furniture; at the same time, you can create a stylish and interesting design of wallpaper or wall coverings, against which the refrigeration unit will be placed.

General installation sequence

A refrigerator is an expensive piece of equipment that is complex in design. Its performance is influenced by many factors. In order to prevent sudden breakdowns and maximize operation, you need to know how to install a refrigerator.

There are a number of general rules:

• to place equipment under the windowsill , as there may be high humidity there.
• The refrigerator should not be very close to radiators , ovens, heating systems, gas stoves and other heat sources. This is explained by the fact that it will operate at increased power to maintain cold inside the chambers. This will accelerate wear on the compressor and lead to other problems.
• Prepare a pre- grounded outlet and voltage stabilizer . The device will be connected to the network through them. You should not use adapters, tees and extension cords, as the refrigerator is considered a powerful device and this will create a fire hazard.
• Do not place the device close to sinks , as splashes may get on the electrical parts of the refrigerator. And in general this creates a danger due to high humidity.

Floor - durable

Before installing refrigeration equipment, carefully examine the floor covering . It must be motionless and durable. It is forbidden to place a large two-chamber refrigerator on a floor that is freely springy (3-centimeter boards with a large gap) and soft (4-5 layers of linoleum). The resulting vibration causes the engine to hum and make noise. As a result, it will quickly fail.

If the floor is springy and consists of boards, then plywood with a thickness of at least 4-5 mm can be laid on top.

It is advisable to install the refrigerator on concrete . It can support even a large apparatus of maximum height. The finish can be any, but for large equipment, a tiled base is ideal.

Warmth - away

To install a refrigerator, consider places far from heat sources . If you don't adhere to this rule, it will quickly break. The compressor runs continuously as the appliance heats up. As a result, the air inside the chamber must be regularly cooled. When used for a long time under these conditions, first the thermostat breaks down, and then the engine.

When considering how to properly install a refrigerator, take into account the location of the windows . The device is not placed next to them, since they heat up in the summer. An exception is situations when the room has air conditioning.

The refrigerator should not be located next to an electric or gas stove , it is also undesirable, because these appliances are constantly used, and they generate a lot of heat.

The minimum distance from the stove is 50 cm, the radiator is 30 cm.

Sockets - closer

Before installing refrigerators in the kitchen, pay attention to the accessibility of the outlet . It is advisable that it be next to the device. It is necessary to lay a direct wire from the electrical panel at the construction stage. Sockets should preferably be grounded.

Even when there is no outlet near the refrigerator, it is prohibited to use several extension cords at once. Their energy accumulates on the first tee, which is included in the plug. As a result, the network is overloaded and there is a risk of fire .

Recommended base for refrigerator

Such a massive, heavy structure needs a flat, non-slip and hard surface. If the concrete floor is tiled, there will be no problems. If the floor finishing is made of wood material, you need to make sure that its elements are sufficiently firmly fixed and can support the weight of the unit. In addition, vibrations come from a running compressor. If the floor is moving, they intensify and spread in waves across the surface of the coating. Not only will the device quickly break down, but it will also irritate the household.

Installing a refrigerator next to an oven

Refrigeration equipment and the oven are not placed close to each other for a number of reasons:

• Simultaneously functioning appliances heat the kitchen space to high temperatures . The kitchen becomes uncomfortable and the wall covering may deteriorate, especially in winter.
• from the refrigerator also affects the oven . With strong heating and power surges, a spark may occur, and as a result, a fire.
• The refrigerator produces heat . It heats up the back wall. The oven adds heat. Due to their close proximity, refrigeration equipment quickly becomes unusable and fails.

Water supply to the refrigerator

Pros and cons of a built-in refrigerator

Buying a built-in refrigerator for the kitchen is included in the plans of those who have decided to thoroughly study the design and interior of the kitchen. Many have a negative attitude towards a free-standing refrigerated cabinet, which destroys the harmony and selected colors.

Interestingly, built-in models can be installed not only in kitchen units, but also in car interiors and office cabinets. Among the advantages of the products, I would like to highlight the following:

• They consume significantly less electricity due to additional thermal insulation (kitchen cabinet body, etc.);
• They operate almost silently;
• The main advantage of the refrigerator is its secrecy. A stranger is unlikely to guess where the refrigerator is located in the kitchen.

Connecting refrigerators with an ice maker

A filter flask is attached to the back wall of the refrigerator to purify water . It is equipped with a replaceable cartridge, which is changed every 6-12 months. Sometimes an additional filter is installed in the general water supply system.

The faucet is connected to a water pipe that supplies cold water. Using adapters, a plastic or copper hose is connected to it. It leads to the technology's built-in filter. The installation and connection of refrigerators with an ice maker should be entrusted to specialists. It is difficult to carry out such work without experience. And the slightest mistake can destroy their technique.

How to connect a refrigerator to water

First, install the refrigerator in the prepared place . Then you need to crash into the water main. The materials for this are selected depending on the type. The tube is laid from a cold water supply to the point of connection to the device. Once a year, replace the water purification filter cartridge in the flask. Each manufacturer writes in detail in the instructions how to connect a home refrigerator to water.

Recommendations from experts on choosing refrigerators

What are the main criteria when choosing a refrigerator? That's right - conveniently located shelves and compartments for storing food. The height of the product should be taken into account - the owner in the kitchen should not stand on his toes or on a stool to reach the necessary product. Affordable, comfortable, everything at hand - these are the three pillars on the basis of which you should choose a model.

According to experts, the height of a built-in refrigerator should not exceed 2 meters. The recommended parameter is 1.5 meters. If the refrigerator is lower, installation on a stand is recommended.

The best inexpensive refrigerators under 20,000 rubles

ATLANT XM 4214-000

Autonomous cold storage – up to 16 hours;

compact but roomy;

quiet work.

Prices in online stores

ATLANT XM 4208-000

Retains cold during power outages;

reversible doors;

price-quality ratio.

Prices in online stores

ATLANT XM 4011-022

low noise level;

keeps cold up to 17 hours;

build quality.

Prices in online stores

How to install a refrigerator yourself without professionals

It is recommended to connect and install the refrigerator in the following order:

1. When replacing used refrigerators with a new one, first they carefully dismantle the old one and remove it from the pencil case.
2. Before installation, we connect the equipment to the electrical network. After making a test connection to the electrical network, we see if the equipment works, that is, the owner finds out that the circuit is in working order, the motor is running quietly.
3. We fix the refrigerator in its place. To ensure optimal operating conditions for the device now and silent operation in the future, it is recommended to use a level. Vertical installation can be achieved by rotating the adjusting bolt, which is located in the lower area of ​​the refrigerator.
4. In some cases, to fix the housing in the required position, it is necessary to install a small foam pad of the required thickness, which can be placed inconspicuously in the holes among the walls of the refrigeration units and the pencil case.
5. After completing these works, the façade area of ​​the cabinet panel is installed. In addition, any of the provided products for installation is fixed, the movement of the sash and the stability of structures in general are clarified.
6. Afterwards, the refrigerators are connected to the electrical network and the operation of household equipment is completed.

how to install a built-in refrigerator correctly!! installation of household appliances!!!

Watch this video on YouTube

The best models in terms of price, quality, reliability

Bosch KGV36NL1AR

“Super Freeze” mode

spacious;

designed to operate in conditions from +10 to +38 0С.

Prices in online stores

LG DoorCooling+ GA-B509CQWL

silent operation;

installation close to the wall;

total volume – 384 l.

Prices in online stores

Samsung RT-22 HAR4DSA

No Frost in both chambers;

energy consumption class A+;

Ice maker included.

Prices in online stores

How to level a refrigerator if the legs are only at the front

When a location has been chosen, the refrigerator is installed level. When removing the protective packaging from the equipment, make sure that it contains all the elements and components.

It is important that the refrigerator is level, which guarantees its full functionality. In addition, its door will close with a slight push of the hand. To increase the accuracy of the work, you can use a building level.

Let's look at the instructions:

• We install the equipment in the right place;
• see if the ventilation gap at the rear and adjacent walls has been taken into account;
• We place the building level on the lid or in one of the compartments;
• adjust the leg until the level is taken into account;
• The front legs need to be slightly raised until the refrigerator tilts back by about 2 degrees. This slope will be sufficient for ordinary closing of the door.
• check the level again.

Unpacking, installation and first use of the refrigerator

Watch this video on YouTube

The best devices with a No Frost defrosting system

Samsung RB-30 J3000WW

freezing capacity – 13 kg/day;

suitable for operation under conditions from +10 to +38 0С;

combination of compactness and spaciousness.

Prices in online stores

Hotpoint-Ariston HF 9201 B RO

operation in regions with any climatic conditions;

availability of necessary functions;

build quality.

Prices in online stores

ATLANT ХМ 4426-000 N

convenient internal equipment;

quality of materials;

modern design.

Prices in online stores

Pipes touching other parts of the refrigerator

If the knocking sound when starting up and shutting down the unit is accompanied by a constant rattling sound, this indicates that the refrigerant piping is touching the frame or casing of the compressor. If the position of the tubes is not corrected in a timely manner, their prolonged friction against other parts will lead to the appearance of holes in them and leakage of freon. To eliminate the malfunction, you should carefully examine the position of the suction, discharge and capillary tubes in order to detect the point of contact. You can bend the tube with your own hands, but this must be done carefully, trying not to damage its integrity.

The best two-chamber refrigerators with drip defrosting

Such models attract a lower price, although in some characteristics they are often superior to units with No Frost.

Liebherr CUel 2831

stainless steel housing;

Autonomous cold storage – up to 25 hours;

build quality.

Prices in online stores

Stinol STS 150

reversible doors;

quiet operation;

cools well.

Prices in online stores

Biryusa 649

spacious;

powerful cooling;

convenient internal equipment.

Prices in online stores

Adjustment using support feet

The refrigerator must be installed on a perfectly level floor, otherwise strong vibrations may occur, which will eventually lead to damage to the device. But even if the floor is truly perfect (it should be checked using a level), additional adjustment of the position of the unit is often still necessary.

All refrigerator models have adjustable front legs, which are designed to ensure the correct position of the appliance. Please note that the front of the refrigeration unit should be located slightly higher than the back - this is the norm, making it easier to open and close the door. If the opposite is true and the back part is slightly higher than the front, then you need to turn both legs clockwise until the refrigerator is in the desired position. The same should be done if the device is tilted to the right or left.

Please note that for ease of installation and adjustment of the position of the refrigerator, the legs of some models have small holes - a flat screwdriver is inserted into them, providing convenient and easy rotation of the element.

How to properly install a built-in refrigerator

You can understand the installation process of different types of refrigerators, including No Frost, using the following algorithm:

1. Unpacking and removing protective films from surfaces . Fasteners and parts, various elements are checked. They are specified in the instructions.
2. Compare the dimensions of the equipment with the dimensions of the installation site . Be sure to have ventilation holes and gaps in the required places.
3. Checking the bottom of the equipment for level . In case of deviations, deficiencies must be eliminated.
4. Removing the transport restraints and installing them in place . At this stage, free space is left in front of the facade, which makes it easier to install doors.
5. Place and secure wires under or above the camera.
6. Installation of decorative panels that will hide the installation nuances.
7. Door installation.
8. Sealing metal parts and installing protective elements.
9. Installing the equipment to the required depth and fixing it in a permanent place.
10. Connecting the refrigerator to the network.
11. Functionality check.

You can find out the installation details of a specific model in the instructions. Manufacturers always describe in detail all stages of work.

The most inconvenient options for placing a refrigerator are...

• Placement in the same row with the stove and sink (this has already been mentioned above);
• Placement next to the stove and/or too far from the sink (we’ll talk about this in the next paragraph);
• Placing the unit too far from the front door and dining table (in this situation, food will have to be carried for too long);
• Placing the refrigerator at the dining table (see photo), bar counter or island table.

Kitchen with inconvenient location of the refrigerator

What tools will you need?

We suggest finding out what tools you will need when installing different types of refrigerators:

• Wrench . Needed to adjust the legs. Often included with equipment.
• Laser or liquid level . Necessary for adjusting the device in the vertical and horizontal plane.
• Water wrench (pliers or alligator). Required if the refrigerator has an ice maker to connect to a cold water pipe.
• Tow (fum tape) . Needed to seal the connection between the hose and pipe (if there is an ice generator).
• Screwdriver or screwdriver . Useful for installing decorative panels on the doors of a built-in refrigerator.

Example for a built-in refrigerator

Where to begin?

Before proceeding directly with installation, you must read the attached instructions. As a rule, some modern models may have additional requirements that must be met. Devices that support the latest features (such as smart refrigerators) require additional installation conditions to optimize their performance. Even before purchasing, it is worth studying the requirements for the place of their installation.

Before directly installing the refrigerator, you should definitely check the power cable for manufacturing defects and damage. If deep scratches or other defects are noticed, it is recommended not to use it but to replace it immediately. This will prevent a power failure that could cause serious damage. The refrigerator is installed in a pre-prepared place. The most important thing is that it is even (to avoid skew).

Basic mistakes when installing a refrigerator

There are several common mistakes that are made when installing a refrigerator. Knowing them, you can avoid sad consequences.

Installation errors:

• Installation of the refrigerator is not level . If you do not adjust the level of the device, this will cause a loose fit of the device door, noisy operation of the compressor and damage to the rubber seal. When a problem is noticed and not resolved, the equipment may fail.
• Using the device without setting the temperature mode . Setting the temperature in the freezer and refrigerator is very important. If this is not done immediately, then there is not only a risk of breakdown of the entire device, but also spoilage of the products. How to set the refrigerator temperature on the display? The instructions for each model contain details.
• Installation of equipment near the stove . It is extremely important not to place equipment near heating devices, ovens and stoves. The distance from it should be at least half a meter, otherwise there is a high risk of damage to the refrigerator.
• Switching on the device immediately after delivery . The refrigerator must stand for some time before turning on. During this time, the various oils will return to their place. Premature operation leads to serious compressor failure and costly restoration.

In addition to the fact that you need to place the device correctly, you need to understand how to set the temperature in the refrigerator. The temperature setting depends on the design and technical features of the equipment. Many modern models have separate adjustments for the refrigerator and freezer compartments. There are also differences depending on the manufacturer. They usually write down the details in the instructions.

Thus, it is necessary not only to look at how others have refrigerators installed, but also to adhere to the recommendations of specialists. Then the device will last as long as possible and uninterruptedly.