You’ve finally taken delivery of your new refrigerator, and you can’t wait to start filling it with cold food and drinks. However, it’s important to get the installation done correctly before you can do so.The process should only take an hour or so, and can be easily completed by anyone. For more details, visit this website at https://alltemprefrigerationfl.com/.
Whether you’re installing a new refrigerator or replacing an existing appliance, it’s important to take measurements for proper fit before the delivery truck arrives. Refrigerators are often wider than they look at a glance, so you’ll need to check the width where it will go in your kitchen and the height from the floor to the lowest point of the upper cabinet. Make sure you have enough room for the refrigerator to open its doors without rubbing against your cabinets or kitchen island, too. Similarly, you’ll want to measure the depth of your counters to ensure your new refrigerator will be deep enough to reach the bottom of your cabinets.
Before moving the current refrigerator, cover the floor with cardboard or a flat piece of plywood to protect it from scratches and other damage during transportation. Unplug the refrigerator, turn off the water supply, and disconnect the ice maker, if applicable. Empty the fridge and freezer, and tape or remove the refrigerator doors to help move it more easily. Place the freestanding refrigerator on a hand cart or dolly, and carefully move it to its new location.
Moving the Current Appliance
Whether you’re installing a new refrigerator or replacing an old one, it’s important to move the current appliance before starting. A refrigerator should never be left sitting on its back or side, as this can weaken the cooling mechanism and damage interior components. If you’re having an installer set up your fridge, they may include this in the cost of their service, but it’s still worth making sure you understand what’s included and how much extra work is required to get your fridge into place.
Before moving the current appliance, cover the floor with cardboard to protect it from scratches and dents. Then, turn off the ice maker and water supply valves. Disconnect the power cord, securing it to the back of the refrigerator with tape. Lastly, remove shelves and drawers from both the fridge and freezer to reduce weight and make it easier to maneuver. Tape the refrigerator and freezer doors shut or remove them entirely to help with maneuverability as well.
When moving the fridge, keep in mind that it’s often heavy and may not fit through all doorways. Take measurements ahead of time to ensure the refrigerator will make it through any tight turns or narrow hallways, and be sure to clear out furniture, rugs, decorations or other items that could prevent a smooth transition. You might also consider renting a refrigerator dolly or hand cart for more maneuverability.
If you’re able to transport the fridge on your own, follow any instructions provided with it for the safest and easiest way to carry it. Some manufacturers even recommend using a blanket over the fridge to protect it from any spills or drops.
Once the refrigerator is in its final resting place, level it to avoid uneven or crooked food storage. To do this, measure the distance from the back of the refrigerator to each wall and front-to-back. Leave at least one inch of space on all sides, and three inches if it’s next to a wall, for ventilation and air circulation.
Connecting the Water Line
When a water line is properly installed into your refrigerator, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of ice-cold water right at your fingertips. The water line needs to be connected to a shutoff valve and the refrigerator’s water inlet. A water line kit can include all of the components you need to do this, but there are some things you should keep in mind before beginning this project.
You’ll need to locate a spot for the water line and make sure that there are no obstacles in its way. Ideally, the line will run directly from the sink to the fridge. This will minimize the length of tubing and limit the chances of leaks. If this is not possible, you’ll need to run the line through your kitchen cabinets or through a wall.
If you are tapping into a water supply line that runs under your sink, the piping usually has its own hot and cold shut-off valves. To tap into this line, you’ll need to disconnect the sink water supply tube from its valve. This will likely involve unscrewing the tube’s connection nut with either a wrench or pliers. There may be standing water in the supply tube, so you’ll need to be prepared to catch it or soak it up with a sponge.
Once you’ve disconnected the sink water line, install a new water supply valve on the piping with a self-tap saddle valve or a tee stop valve. The inlet of the valve should match the diameter of your pipes and have a third outlet with a 1/4-inch outside diameter for the refrigerator water line.
Connect the refrigerator water line to this connection point using the compression fittings found in a water line kit or with a standard plumbing fitting. Secure the fittings with an adjustable wrench, being careful not to over-tighten them. If you’ll be running the line through cabinets or walls, use a drill with the appropriate bits to create holes in them big enough for the tubing to pass through. Finally, add a piece of Teflon tape to the end of the tubing before connecting it to the valve to help create a watertight seal.
Plugging in the Refrigerator
When you get a new refrigerator, it’s tempting to plug it in and try it out right away. However, many appliance experts recommend that you wait a few hours before using it. This will give the refrigerator time to settle and ensure that it is working correctly.
The reason behind this advice is that fridges are jostled around a lot during shipping. They are moved on rough roads, tilted in various directions and even carried up or down stairs. This can destabilize the oils in compressor systems, which can cause them to not work properly. The waiting period can also help the refrigerator to cool down faster, which helps avoid any problems or malfunctions.
While you’re waiting, it’s a good idea to clean the refrigerator inside and out. It’s also helpful to make sure that the water line is connected and that the fridge is plugged in. You should also make sure that the door is wide enough to allow for proper ventilation. This will help the refrigerator to run more efficiently and prevent any issues with cold air or overheating.
If you aren’t happy with the location of your refrigerator or if it won’t fit in the cutout, you can usually move it by undoing bolts on the bottom of the appliance. Check your manual for instructions on how to do this. Some appliances may require you to remove the doors in a specific order or may have additional parts that need to be removed before moving them.
Once the refrigerator is in its final position, you should plug it in and ensure that the electrical cord doesn’t get tangled or pinched. You should also make sure that the refrigerator is level to maximize its efficiency and to help ensure that it is safe for use.
Once the refrigerator is plugged in and turned on, it should take about four hours for it to fully cool. If you aren’t satisfied with the cooling process, consult your manufacturer’s instructions for more information on how long you should wait. Some refrigerators also have a bypass plug, which you can use to skip the filtration system and send unfiltered water straight to the refrigerator’s ice maker or dispenser. Be aware that this can lead to poor taste in water and ice and it’s recommended that you always use the filter as directed.
