Modern two-chamber refrigerators Atlant are famous for their reliability and energy efficiency, but even they require regular maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that the presence of a No Frost system completely eliminates the need for defrosting, but this is not entirely true. Even if ice does not accumulate in the visible part, contaminants can accumulate in the drainage channels, and the rubber seals need to be cleaned.
Incorrect or too infrequent defrosting can lead to serious consequences, such as failure of the compressor or a violation of the tightness of the chambers. Defrosting the Atlant refrigerator — This is not just deicing, but a comprehensive maintenance procedure that extends the life of the unit. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of the process, typical errors and nuances for different models.
Before taking active steps, you need to understand the physical essence of the process. The ice crust on the evaporator or chamber walls acts as a heat insulator, causing the motor to wear out. The optimal defrosting frequency for models with a drip system is 2 times a year, for No Frost - 1 time a year for prevention. Ignoring this rule leads to excessive consumption of electricity and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
Preparing for defrosting: what needs to be done before shutting down
The process should begin by emptying the chambers of the contents. All products that you plan to store should be placed in a thermal bag, wrapped in blankets or temporarily placed on the balcony (in winter). It is important not to leave food at room temperature for a long time, as this can cause it to spoil. Check your supplies and, without regret, dispose of anything that may have defrosted earlier.
Next, you need to prepare your workplace. Cover the floor around the refrigerator with rags or absorbent diapers, since when the ice melts, water can flow not only into the tray, but also out. Find a container for collecting water in advance if the design of your model Atlant does not provide a large built-in reservoir. You will also need soft napkins, a sponge and a detergent that does not contain abrasives.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, chisels, screwdrivers) to chip ice. Mechanical damage to the evaporator located behind the rear wall will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
Remember to turn off all additional functions before unplugging the plug from the socket. If you have a model with a display or smart controls, reset the settings or put the device in transport mode, if this option is available. This will help avoid errors in the electronic control module the next time you turn it on.
Step-by-step process of defrosting a two-chamber Atlanta
The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. Simply turning off the button is not enough - you need to remove the plug from the socket. Leave the refrigerator and freezer doors wide open. This will provide an influx of warm air and speed up the melting of the ice. Do not try to speed up the process with a hairdryer if you are not sure of your actions, since a sharp temperature change is dangerous for plastic and metal.
The time of natural defrosting depends on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room. The process usually takes from 3 to 6 hours for two-chamber models. At this time, water will flow into the gutter on the rear wall and then into the evaporator (for a drip system) or into a special tray under the compressor. Make sure that the tray does not overfill and pour out the water in a timely manner.
After all the ice has melted, you must thoroughly wash the internal surfaces. Use warm soapy water or a special refrigerator cleaner. Pay special attention to corners, shelves and drawers. After washing, wipe all surfaces dry with a clean cloth. Wet walls can cause rapid re-formation of ice.
☑️ Checklist for proper defrosting
The drainage hole deserves special attention. It often becomes clogged with crumbs and mold. You can clean it with a cotton swab or soft straw. Carefully pour some warm water into it to check the permeability. If the water drains quickly, the system is working properly.
Features of defrosting No Frost and Low Frost systems
Owners of refrigerators Atlant with the No Frost system often wonder: do they need to be defrosted at all? Technically, ice does not form in the chambers, since moisture is removed outside the working space. However, preventive defrosting is necessary to clean hidden cavities and ventilation ducts from dust and bacteria.
In models with No Frost or Low Frost the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel. Condensation and dirt can also accumulate there, which over time turns into an ice coat that interferes with air circulation. If you notice that the refrigerator has become louder or freezes worse, complete defrosting with the doors open for a day can solve the problem without calling a technician.
| System type | Defrost frequency | Main goal | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip (crying) | 2 times a year | Removal of ice crust | 4-8 hours |
| No Frost | 1 time a year | Hygiene and cleaning of channels | 24 hours |
| Low Frost | once a year | Removing ice from the bottom | 6-10 hours |
| Old models | As it becomes overgrown | Save the compressor | Up to 12 hours |
When servicing systems with forced air circulation, it is important not to excessively wet the ventilation holes on the rear wall of the chamber. Water should not flow into the housing where the electrics are located. Wipe these areas with a slightly damp, well-wrung cloth.
What you absolutely cannot do: typical mistakes
The most common mistake is trying to speed up the melting of ice with a hairdryer. Hot air can cause deformation of plastic parts, cracks in the evaporator housing, or damage to seals. Sudden heating is also dangerous for the refrigerant inside the tubes. If you still decide to use a hairdryer, keep it at the maximum distance and use only cold air.
The second mistake is leaving the refrigerator plugged in with the doors open to “dry”. This will cause the compressor to work continuously, trying to cool the room, and burn out from overheating. Disconnecting from the network is a prerequisite. Also, do not tilt or place the refrigerator on its side during defrosting, as oil from the compressor may flow into the refrigerant circuit.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn on the refrigerator immediately after washing. Make sure all internal parts, especially the electrical contacts and lamp, are completely dry. Moisture on the terminals can cause a short circuit.
Another mistake is the use of aggressive chemistry. Chlorine-containing products, acetone or solvents can corrode the plastic and destroy the structure of the rubber seals, causing the refrigerator to no longer maintain temperature. Use only neutral detergents.
Why should you not pick the ice with a knife?
The aluminum evaporator, hidden behind a plastic panel or in the wall, has very thin walls. One careless movement with the edge of a knife pierces it. Freon instantly evaporates, and air and moisture enter the system. Repair requires soldering, vacuuming and refilling, which costs up to 70% of the price of a new refrigerator.
Starting the refrigerator after defrosting
After completing the washing and drying of all surfaces, the stage of proper switching begins. Don't rush to load products right away. An empty refrigerator must operate for at least 2-4 hours (for No Frost models it is better to wait a day) to reach operating temperature. The thermostat should turn off the compressor, signaling that the set mode has been reached.
Check the operation of the thermostat. Set to the average value (usually 3 or 4 out of 7, or +4°C in electronic control). If, after several hours of operation, the inside of the chambers does not become cold, and the compressor runs without stopping, there may be air left in the system or another malfunction has occurred.
Load the products gradually. Do not place warm food or crowd the chamber immediately after idle time. Allow the unit to reach a stable operating mode. Distribute the products so that they do not block the ventilation holes (in No Frost models) and do not fit tightly against the back wall (in drip models).
Care of seals and appearance
The rubber seal around the perimeter of the door is a critical element. During defrosting, it must be washed thoroughly, removing all mold and grease. After drying, it is recommended to wipe the rubber with silicone grease or glycerin. This will restore its elasticity and prevent cracking, ensuring a tight fit of the door.
External surfaces also require maintenance. Metal cases (stainless steel) should be wiped with special polishes so that no streaks remain. Plastic can be washed with a weak soda solution. Inspect the rear radiator grille (if it is open) - dust and animal hair accumulated there impair heat transfer, causing the engine to work harder. Carefully vacuum the radiator with a soft nozzle.
Regular care of the appearance and seals is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional. A clean refrigerator releases heat better, and intact seals retain cold. This directly affects your electric bills and the longevity of your Atlanta.
How long should the equipment dry after washing?
30-60 minutes of active ventilation with the doors open after wiping it dry is sufficient. The main thing is that there are no visible drops of water, especially in the area of electrical contacts and lighting lamps.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator on the balcony in winter?
You cannot take the refrigerator out into the cold to defrost. Sudden temperature changes and exposure to cold temperatures can damage compressor oil and plastic parts. You need to defrost in a warm room.
What to do if a whistle appears after defrosting?
A whistling sound may indicate a compressor misalignment (if the refrigerator was tilted) or a problem with the fan (in No Frost). Let the equipment stand upright for several hours. If the sound does not disappear, contact service.
Do door hinges need to be lubricated?
Yes, if you notice a creaking or tight movement of the doors. Use special oil for household appliances. Do not use edible oils (sunflower), as they thicken and stick over time, collecting dust.