Whether it’s a new refrigerator or you had to turn it off when cleaning or moving, I bet you can’t wait to get it running.
But, first things first! If you’ve just brought home a new refrigerator or you’ve moved to a new home you need to give your refrigerator enough time before plugging it in the wall socket.
You see, when moving a fridge home, it’s shaken a lot or even laid in different positions sometimes depending on the size of your moving truck. Now, you want to make sure you give the electronic device about 4-6 hours before getting it running.
You’re probably wondering now that you’ve allowed the refrigerator enough time to rest, what next?
On average, it will take close to 24 hours to get a refrigerator to the optimum temperature of 40 degrees fahrenheit as recommended by FDA. This is especially the case when it has been off for a long time such as when new or when you’ve lacked power for over a day.
When the power is finally back, it will seem like you just plugged in the refrigerator. This will mean that you will have to wait for another 24 hours before getting it to its optimum temperatures.
While the ideal temperature for your refrigerator is 40 degrees fahrenheit, the freezer will need to go as low as 5 degrees fahrenheit. Luckily, most refrigerators come with a temperature control that allows you to adjust to your most preferred temperatures.
Alternatively, you can get an alarm that alerts you once the refrigerator gets to your ideal temperature.
It’s also worth noting that your fridge may take more than 24 hours to get cold if you keep opening the doors frequently. Besides, if the refrigerator isn’t more than ¾ full, it may also take more time to get cold. So, what do you have to do?
Giving your fridge enough time to rest while standing in an upright position allows the lubricating oils in the compressor to settle.
As a general rule, we recommend that you fill your fridge with foodstuffs to almost full capacity. If you don’t have enough items, improvisation can help you save on both time and energy. Pick some water bottles within your home, fill them with water and place them in the refrigerator.
Most importantly, avoid frequent opening and closing of your refrigerator doors within the first 24 hours.
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How long does it take a new refrigerator to cool?
A new refrigerator might take longer to cool when first plugged in compared to one that was operating a few hours before unplugging. However, the standard time is 24 hours for most refrigerators.
This will, again, depend on the refrigerator’s size and brand. If you are looking to inquire, how long does it take a Samsung refrigerator to cool, it would be best to check with the brand’s manual. Different refrigerator models have different cooling times.
Notably, you shouldn’t place any food items in a new fridge until after about 12 hours of running. Placing foodstuffs in such a fridge can pose health risks to your family. Of course, you don’t want that to happen, right?
Remember to protect your home appliances from power surges.
How long does it take an old refrigerator to cool?
If an old refrigerator is working right, it will not matter how long it has been in operation. It will therefore take the same time as any other refrigerator to cool once you plug it in. You can, however, check its temperatures regularly to ensure it’s functioning as it should.
If there is anything faulty about it, you might need to wait longer than 24 hours before getting the temperature to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When this happens, it would help if you get a technician to check it or call the brand’s support team for further guidelines.
Get the Temperature Right and Stay Safe
A refrigerator whether old or new takes about 24 hours to get cold once plugged into the wall socket. The optimum temperature for most refrigerators is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s important to make sure that you achieve the right temperatures so that the food items you store remain safe for use. We know that keeping the fridge cold prevents growth of mold and bacteria in food.