How to Install a Refrigerator in Your Home

Start with the Right Space and Preparation

Before you unpack your refrigerator, measure the space where it will live. The opening should be at least half an inch wider and taller than the unit itself — this gives you room to slide it in without forcing it. If you are replacing an old refrigerator, remove it first and clean the floor and walls behind where it stood. Dust and debris left behind can block airflow and make your new unit work harder than it needs to.

Check that your kitchen floor is level by placing a spirit level on it. A floor that slopes more than a quarter inch over several feet will cause the refrigerator door to swing open on its own or close too slowly. If the floor is uneven, you can adjust the front feet of the refrigerator once it is in place — most models have adjustable legs that screw up or down. Leave the refrigerator unplugged and the doors open while you work; this prevents condensation from building up inside during the installation process.

Key Takeaways

• Measure your space carefully and ensure the floor is level before sliding the refrigerator into place, because an uneven installation makes doors stick and reduces cooling efficiency.
• Remove the shipping bolts and protective packaging from the back and sides of the unit before plugging it in, as these parts prevent damage during transport but block airflow if left attached.
• Position the refrigerator so the back sits at least 2 inches away from the wall, and leave 1 inch of clearance on each side, because the condenser coils on the back need air to circulate.
• Let the refrigerator sit unplugged for 4 to 6 hours after delivery if it was transported on its side, because the oil in the compressor needs time to settle before the unit runs.
• Adjust the front feet so the door closes gently on its own and the unit sits level, then plug it in and set the temperature control to the middle position while the interior cools down.

Remove Shipping Materials and Protective Parts

Open the refrigerator box and remove all packing material — foam corners, cardboard inserts, plastic wrapping, and tape. Check inside the refrigerator compartment and freezer for foam blocks or cardboard that manufacturers sometimes place there to prevent movement during shipping. These materials trap heat and moisture, so they must come out before you plug the unit in.

Look at the back of the refrigerator for shipping bolts. These are large bolts that run horizontally across the back panel and hold the compressor and other internal parts in place during transport. Unscrew them completely and remove them — the manual that came with your refrigerator will show you exactly where they are. If you leave shipping bolts in place, the compressor cannot move freely and the refrigerator will not cool properly. Save the bolts and any other hardware in case you need to move the unit again in the future.

Check the sides and bottom of the unit for plastic corner guards, foam padding, or cardboard spacers. Remove all of these. Some manufacturers also tape the door shut during shipping — peel off this tape and open the door to make sure it swings freely.

Position the Refrigerator for Proper Airflow

Slide the refrigerator into its final location. The back of the unit should sit at least 2 inches away from the wall behind it. This space allows warm air that the condenser coils release to escape into the room instead of being trapped against the wall. If the back sits flush against the wall, the refrigerator will overheat and cycle on and off more often than it should, wasting electricity and wearing out the compressor faster.

Leave at least 1 inch of clearance on each side of the refrigerator. This side clearance also helps air circulate around the unit. If your kitchen has cabinets or walls on both sides, make sure the refrigerator is not wedged tightly between them. If the space is too narrow, the unit will not have room to breathe and its efficiency will drop.

Do not place the refrigerator directly next to a heat source such as an oven, dishwasher, or sunny window. Heat from these sources makes the refrigerator work harder to maintain its internal temperature. If your kitchen layout forces the refrigerator near a heat source, ask about installing a thermal barrier or insulating panel between them — your appliance dealer can advise on options for your specific model.

Level the Refrigerator and Adjust the Doors

Place a spirit level on top of the refrigerator and check that it sits level from front to back and side to side. If the unit tilts, locate the adjustable feet at the front corners. Most refrigerators have two front feet that you can turn with a wrench or by hand — turning them clockwise raises that corner, and turning counterclockwise lowers it. Adjust until the unit is level.

Once the refrigerator is level, close the doors and watch how they swing. The doors should close slowly on their own without slamming, and they should not swing open when you release them. If a door swings open, the unit is still tilted slightly backward — raise the front feet a tiny bit more. If the door closes too quickly or slams, lower the front feet slightly. This fine-tuning takes a few tries, but it is worth the effort because properly adjusted doors seal better and keep cold air inside.

Connect Water and Power

If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, you will need to connect a water line. Locate the water inlet valve at the back of the unit — the manual will show you where it is. Most modern refrigerators use a quarter-inch plastic or copper water line that connects to your home's cold water supply. Turn off the water supply valve under your sink or at the main water line, then attach the refrigerator's water line to the supply valve using the connector fitting that came with the refrigerator. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks at the connection.

Some refrigerators come with a water filter that needs to be installed before the first use. Open the filter compartment — usually located inside the refrigerator or at the back — and insert the filter cartridge according to the manual's instructions. Run water through the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes to flush the filter and remove air from the line. The water may look cloudy at first; this is normal and will clear after a minute or two.

Plug the refrigerator into a standard outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip — the refrigerator draws a steady current and needs a dedicated outlet. If your kitchen outlet is not conveniently located, have a licensed electrician install a new outlet behind or beside the refrigerator rather than running a cord across the floor.

Wait Before Plugging In If the Unit Was Transported on Its Side

If your refrigerator was delivered on its side or tilted during transport, do not plug it in immediately. The compressor contains oil that lubricates its moving parts. When the unit is tilted or horizontal, this oil can flow into the refrigerant lines. If you run the compressor while oil is in the wrong place, it can damage the system.

Leave the refrigerator unplugged and upright for 4 to 6 hours after delivery. This waiting period allows the oil to drain back into the compressor where it belongs. Your delivery company should tell you if the unit was transported on its side; if you are unsure, it is safer to wait the full 6 hours. After the waiting period, plug the unit in and let it run. The compressor may make unusual sounds for the first few minutes as it starts up — this is normal.

Set the Temperature and Let It Cool Down

Once the refrigerator is plugged in, set the temperature control to the middle position. Do not set it to the coldest setting right away — the unit needs time to reach its target temperature, and starting at maximum cold can cause frost buildup or uneven cooling. The middle setting is usually around 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator compartment and 0 degrees for the freezer, which is the safe range for food storage.

Let the refrigerator run for 2 to 4 hours before putting food inside. During this time, the interior will cool down and stabilize. You can open the door to check the temperature, but try to keep it closed as much as possible so the unit can reach its target temperature faster. Once the interior feels cold to the touch and a thermometer placed inside reads around 40 degrees, you can begin loading food.

After you have loaded food, wait another 24 hours before adjusting the temperature control. The food itself will affect how quickly the unit cools, and the thermostat needs time to settle into its normal cycle. If the refrigerator feels too warm or too cold after 24 hours, adjust the control dial by one setting and wait another few hours before adjusting again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to let a new refrigerator sit before plugging it in?

Only if it was transported on its side or tilted during delivery. If it was delivered upright and you kept it upright, you can plug it in right away after removing shipping bolts and packing materials. If you are unsure how it was transported, waiting 4 to 6 hours is the safe choice.

What should I do if the refrigerator door does not close properly?

Check that the unit is level using a spirit level on top. If it tilts backward, raise the front feet by turning them clockwise. Adjust in small increments — a quarter turn at a time — and test the door after each adjustment. The door should close slowly and stay closed without swinging open.

Can I put the refrigerator right against the wall?

No. The back needs at least 2 inches of clearance from the wall so warm air from the condenser coils can escape. Without this space, the refrigerator overheats and works harder than necessary, wasting electricity and shortening the compressor's life.

What if my kitchen outlet is far from where the refrigerator sits?

Have a licensed electrician install a new outlet behind or beside the refrigerator. Do not use an extension cord or power strip — the refrigerator draws steady current and needs a dedicated outlet to run safely and efficiently.

How long should I wait before putting food in the refrigerator?

Wait 2 to 4 hours for the interior to cool down, then check the temperature with a thermometer. Once it reads around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you can load food. Wait another 24 hours before adjusting the temperature control, because the food will affect how the unit cools.