We’ve had to stop some of our install services due to COVID-19, so we’ve had our experts come up with some tips to help you get up and running with your tech.
First steps
Make sure all the packaging is removed before beginning the installation. If your fridge freezer is in a cardboard box, you may find it easier to cut along the perforated line at the bottom and lift the top off.
You’ll find everything you need for installing the fridge freezer in the door compartment, including the manual.
Switch off and unplug your old fridge freezer from the plug socket. Be sure to watch out for condensation at the back as it may have collected over time. Keep a towel at the ready just in case.
When carrying your new fridge freezer into the kitchen, you must make sure it’s not laid flat because of the oils in the compressor unit. That’s why fridge freezers have to be left to settle. In your instruction book, it should give a maximum tilt limit.
Plugging your fridge freezer in
Before you move your fridge freezer into place, check that it’s plugged in but the socket’s switched off. If it doesn’t have a switch, leave it unplugged for now.
All fridge freezers must be left to settle with the power isolated. Your instruction manual will tell you exactly how long to leave it for. Most take around 12 hours to adjust to the right temperature once the power’s on.
Once the fridge freezer has been standing for long enough, you can switch it on at the mains.
You might need to adjust the two front feet to prevent the appliance from tilting or rocking. Your user guide will show you exactly how to do this.
If your fridge freezer has a water dispenser, you might need to install a filter and inlet hose. We’ll show you how.
Installing a water dispenser fridge freezer
If your new fridge freezer supplies water through a dispenser, it needs to connect to an inlet valve via a pipe that you’ll find inside.
You’ll also need to fit a filter to get clean, drinkable water. ‘Inline filters’ are fitted on the outside as part of the inlet pipe, but others are internally fitted and accessed inside the fridge.
Internal filters vary depending on the maker of the fridge freezer but are normally pre-fitted. If that’s the case with your fridge freezer, you’ll just have to connect the inlet hose. We’ll show you how to do that a little later.
If your installation kit comes with an internal filter, check your user guide to learn how to install it.
Connecting the inline external water filter
If your fridge freezer comes with an inline external water filter, you’ll have to fit this to the inlet pipe before connecting the fridge to your mains water supply. If you have to cut the plastic inlet pipe in order to fit the water filter, make sure you cut it cleanly and straight.
Before connecting the filter, look at the label for the direction the water has to flow in. It’s important you fit the filter the right way as it channels the water through a carbon filter. The arrow indicates the way the water should flow towards the machine.
Internal water filter
Some fridge freezers have an internal filter that can be found inside the fridge department. If you can’t see an inline external water filter with the instruction manual, you’ll probably find your internal filter inside.
If you have an American-style fridge freezer, you’ll find the water filter inside the fridge compartment too. If you’re struggling to find it, your manufacturer’s user guide will show you where it is.
Here are the most common places to find it:
Connecting the inlet pipe
Inside your installation kit, you should find an inlet pipe. If you’ve got a fridge with an inline external water filter, you’ll find a mounting kit too.
Before you start, check that you’ve got the hose, rubber washer and appropriate fittings to connect it to the back.
Connect the threaded end of the hose to the inlet valve. Remember, if the flag is facing the direction of water flow, it’s in the ‘on’ position. Make sure it’s in the ‘off’ position until you’ve finished setup.
The inlet hose is then connected to the rear of the fridge freezer. Refer to your instruction manual to check your connecting the correct pipe.
All push connections simply, just push the pipe in the connector. If you need to disconnect for any reason, make sure the inlet valve is isolated and push the O ring down with your finger to release the pipe.
You can now switch on the inlet valve.
You must run at least three litres of water through your fridge freezer to check that the carbon filter works properly before first use.
Need more help? We’re here for you with more advice when you need it. If you have more questions about installing your fridge freezer, visit us in store or talk to one of our experts on ShopLive!
