How to Set Up and Use Your New Refrigerator

Unpack and Position Your Refrigerator Before Plugging It In

When your refrigerator arrives, leave it unplugged for at least four hours before you turn it on. If it was transported on its side or back, this waiting period lets the oil in the compressor settle back into the right place. If you plug it in too soon, you risk damaging the cooling system.

Remove all packaging materials — foam blocks, cardboard, plastic wrap, and tape — from the exterior and interior. Check inside the fresh food and freezer compartments for any packing material or protective covers on shelves and drawers. Leave the doors open for a few minutes to air out any smell from storage.

Position the refrigerator on a level floor, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like ovens, radiators, or dishwashers. If the floor is uneven, use the adjustable front feet to level it side to side and front to back. A level refrigerator closes properly and runs more efficiently. Leave at least two inches of clearance on the sides and back for air circulation — the compressor needs room to breathe.

Key Takeaways

• Wait at least four hours after delivery before plugging in your refrigerator so the compressor oil can settle.
• Remove all packaging from inside and outside the unit, including protective covers on shelves and drawers.
• Position the refrigerator on a level floor with at least two inches of clearance on the sides and back for proper airflow.
• Set the fresh food compartment between 35°F and 38°F and the freezer between 0°F and −4°F for food safety and energy efficiency.
• Check your manual for the location of the water inlet valve if your model has an ice maker or water dispenser.

Connect Water and Power

Once the refrigerator is positioned and level, plug it into a grounded outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip — plug it directly into the wall. The outlet should be on its own circuit if possible, so the refrigerator does not share power with other appliances.

If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, you will need to connect the water inlet valve. Locate the water inlet valve at the back of the unit — your manual shows exactly where. Turn off the main water supply or the shutoff valve under your sink. Attach the water line (usually a quarter-inch plastic or copper tube) to the inlet valve using the compression fitting that came with the refrigerator. Hand-tighten the fitting, then use an adjustable wrench to turn it one more quarter turn. Do not over-tighten.

Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks around the connection. Place a towel under the valve for the first few hours. If water drips, turn off the supply, disconnect the line, and try the fitting again. Most leaks come from a fitting that was not seated properly.

Set the Temperature Controls

Your refrigerator has two separate temperature controls: one for the fresh food compartment and one for the freezer. The fresh food section should be set between 35°F and 38°F. The freezer should be between 0°F and −4°F. These temperatures keep food safe from bacterial growth while using energy efficiently.

Most refrigerators have a dial or digital display on the inside wall of the fresh food compartment. Turn the dial or press the buttons to your target temperature. Some models use a numbered scale (1 to 9) instead of degrees — in that case, start at the middle setting (around 4 or 5) and adjust up or down based on how cold the compartment feels after 24 hours.

Wait 24 hours before you load the refrigerator with food. This gives the unit time to reach its target temperature throughout. Place a refrigerator thermometer on a shelf in the fresh food section and another in the freezer to verify the actual temperature. If the reading is off by more than a degree or two, adjust the controls and check again after another 24 hours.

Load Food and Arrange Shelves Properly

Before you fill the refrigerator, understand where different foods belong. The coldest part of the fresh food section is usually the back of the bottom shelf — store raw meat, poultry, and seafood there in sealed containers so juices do not drip onto other food. The door shelves are the warmest part of the refrigerator, so keep condiments and drinks there, not eggs or milk.

Store vegetables and fruits in the crisper drawers at the bottom. Most crispers have a humidity control — a slider that opens or closes a vent. Set it to high humidity for vegetables and low humidity for fruits. Do not wash produce before storing it; moisture speeds decay. Wash it just before you eat it.

Keep the freezer organized so you can find things and air can circulate. Do not pack it so tightly that cold air cannot move around frozen items. Leave some space between packages. If your freezer has a separate ice maker compartment, do not block the vents with bags or boxes.

Understand Your Manual's Energy and Maintenance Sections

Your refrigerator manual contains specific information about your model's features, controls, and maintenance schedule. Read the section on energy conservation — it often includes tips like keeping the door closed as much as possible, not storing hot food directly in the refrigerator, and cleaning the condenser coils every six months.

The condenser coils are usually located on the back of the unit or underneath it. Dust and pet hair clog these coils and force the compressor to work harder, wasting electricity and shortening the refrigerator's life. Unplug the unit, use a coil brush or soft brush attachment on a vacuum, and gently clean the coils. Do this twice a year, or more often if you have pets.

Check your manual for the location of the water filter if your model has one. Most refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have a replaceable filter that removes chlorine and sediment. Replace it every six months or according to the manual's schedule. A clogged filter reduces water flow and makes the ice maker work harder.

Adjust Settings for Your Household and Climate

The temperature settings we mentioned are starting points. Your actual needs depend on how much food you store, how often you open the door, and your kitchen temperature. If your kitchen is very warm in summer, you may need to set the fresh food compartment to 37°F instead of 38°F. If your kitchen is cool, 38°F may be cold enough.

Some refrigerators have a "power saving" or "eco" mode that reduces energy use by raising the temperature slightly and turning off the ice maker when not in use. If your model has this feature and you want to lower your electricity bill, turn it on. Food safety is not affected as long as the fresh food section stays below 40°F and the freezer stays at 0°F or below.

If your refrigerator has a humidity control for the fresh food compartment (separate from the crisper drawers), set it based on what you store most often. High humidity keeps vegetables fresher longer; low humidity is better for items that spoil quickly in moisture, like berries or lettuce.

Troubleshoot Common First-Week Issues

If the refrigerator is running but not getting cold enough after 24 hours, check that the vents inside the fresh food compartment are not blocked by food or packaging. Air flows from the freezer to the fresh food section through these vents. If they are blocked, the fresh food section will not cool properly. Move items away from the vents and wait another few hours.

If the ice maker is not producing ice, make sure the water line is connected and the water supply is turned on. Check that the inlet valve is not frozen — if the line runs through an unheated space, it can freeze in winter. Some models have an ice maker shutoff arm that you need to push down to start production. Consult your manual for the exact location and operation.

If you hear unusual noises — loud humming, clicking, or rattling — check that the refrigerator is level and that nothing is loose inside. A level refrigerator runs more quietly. If the noise continues after you level it, unplug the unit and contact the manufacturer or your installer. Some noises are normal (the compressor cycling on and off, the water valve opening), but loud or grinding sounds are not.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a new refrigerator to get cold?

Most refrigerators reach their target temperature within 4 to 8 hours of being plugged in. Wait 24 hours before loading it with food to ensure the entire unit, including all shelves and compartments, has stabilized at the correct temperature. Use a thermometer to verify.

Can I use an extension cord to plug in my refrigerator?

No. Plug the refrigerator directly into a wall outlet on its own circuit. Extension cords can overheat and create a fire risk, especially with an appliance that runs continuously. If the outlet is too far away, have an electrician install a new outlet closer to where the refrigerator will sit.

What should I do if water is leaking from under the refrigerator?

First, check the water inlet connection at the back of the unit for drips. If the connection is leaking, turn off the water supply, disconnect the line, and reconnect it more firmly. If water is pooling under the unit but not coming from the inlet, the drain pan under the refrigerator may be full or clogged. Consult your manual for the drain pan location and empty or clean it.

Is it normal for my refrigerator to make noise?

Yes, some noise is normal — you will hear the compressor cycle on and off, the water valve open and close, and air moving through vents. Loud humming, rattling, or grinding sounds are not normal. Check that the refrigerator is level and nothing is loose inside. If the noise persists, contact the manufacturer.

How often should I clean the condenser coils?

Clean the condenser coils every six months, or more often if you have pets or live in a dusty environment. Clogged coils force the compressor to work harder, wasting electricity and reducing the refrigerator's lifespan. Unplug the unit before cleaning, and use a soft brush or vacuum attachment to gently remove dust and debris.