FAQ – Why Do Fridges Need to Settle?

If you’ve just had your new fridge delivered, you might’ve been told you need to let it “settle” before you plug it in. Allowing your fridge to settle after moving is important to keeping your appliance in working order. 

In this article, our experts give you a more in depth overview on the topic.

Why do You Need to Wait Before You Turn on Your Fridge? 

So why exactly does your fridge need to settle before it’s plugged in? It’s recommended to leave your appliance to settle after moving in order to ensure it continues to function to its maximum efficiency.

The reason for this is the oil present in the compressor of your fridge. If leaked into the system of your appliance during movement, it can cause blockage in the pipes when the fridge is turned back on.

Allowing your fridge to settle, ensures the compressor oil returns to its original position, preventing potential damage to your appliance.

What is Compressor Oil? 

Compressor oil is a substance needed to keep your fridge-freezer working. When refrigerants are used to keep the appliance cool, it puts a strain on the internal components. 

This is where compressor oil comes in. It essentially lubricates and cools any parts that are getting hot, reducing the internal wear on the appliance. Without it your fridge or freezer would wear and break down much quicker, requiring constant repairs which can be rather expensive and inefficient.

How Long do Fridges Need to Settle? 

Generally, if you want to be 100% sure that the oil has settled back into the compressor, we recommend leaving it for 24 hours. However, some manufacturers or retailers will recommend a shorter period of time between 4 to 8 hours before plugging in your appliance. 

How long you let your fridge settle is often up to your discretion, but if you don’t follow the manufacturer instructions blockages in the system may occur. This will have an impact on its cooling capacity and can even lead to issues with different parts of the machine. 

Need More Information?

If you’re ordering a fridge or fridge-freezer from Modern Living and need specific information about your chosen model, don’t hesitate to contact our team. You can give us a call, drop us an email or fill out a contact form below and we’ll give you a ring back. 

Alternatively, you are welcome to visit our showroom to get more great kitchen inspiration and advice from our experienced staff members.