Owners of refrigerators Atlant with two compressors are often faced with a situation when it becomes necessary to change the operating mode of one of the chambers without affecting the other. This is especially true around the holidays, when large quantities of drinks need to be refrigerated in the main compartment, or during long trips when the freezer remains empty. The two-compressor system allows you to control temperature conditions independently, which gives unique flexibility in operation.
However, many users mistakenly believe that to stop the freezer you need to physically disconnect it from the network or look for hidden toggle switches. In fact, modern models Atlant equipped with electronic or electromechanical control, allowing this to be done by standard means. It is important to understand the principle of operation of the unit so as not to upset the temperature balance and not spoil the food in the next compartment.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for various series of refrigerators, explain why completely stopping the freezer compressor may be undesirable, and consider alternative solutions. You will learn how to properly configure a thermostat or electronic panel to minimize energy consumption or change the operating mode without risk to the equipment.
The principle of operation of a two-compressor system
Refrigerators Atlant, equipped with two compressors, are structurally two independent refrigeration units combined in one housing. One compressor is responsible for cooling the refrigerator compartment, and the second is solely responsible for the freezer compartment. This means that refrigerant circulation and the operation of the motors is completely autonomous. When you open the refrigerator door, the freezer compressor may not even respond to this if the temperature in its zone is stable.
This scheme has its advantages, the main one being the possibility of independent control. You can theoretically turn off power to one of the compressors without affecting the second. However, you cannot simply unplug the cord from the outlet, since power is supplied to the entire system at once. Control is carried out through internal circuits connected to thermostats or an electronic control unit.
Technical information
why are two compressors better than one?: A two-compressor system allows you to quickly increase the temperature after loading products, is quieter (since the motors are less powerful) and more economical, since only the unit that is really needed to maintain cold in a particular area is turned on camera.
It is worth considering that even with independent operation, heat flows through the internal partition do not disappear anywhere. If you try to dramatically increase the temperature in your freezer, heat will begin to leak into the refrigerator compartment, causing the first compressor to work harder. Therefore, the concept of “complete shutdown” is often conditional and requires correct configuration.
Mechanical control: setting the thermostat
In models with mechanical control, such as series XM 4000 or XM 6000, a separate thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature in the freezer. It is usually located on the top of the cabinet or inside the freezer and has a scale from 1 to 7 (or Min to Max). To actually “turn off” the production of cold, you need to turn the knob to the extreme left position.
On many thermostats Atlant there is a special position, indicated by the number 0 or the inscription "Off." When the knob is moved to this position, the power supply circuit to the freezer compressor opens and it stops working. However,
- ❄️ Turn the freezer thermostat knob counterclockwise all the way.
- ⚙️ Find the "0" or "Off" mark - this is the compressor stop mode.
- 🔊 Listen: after 5-10 minutes the hum of the second compressor should stop.
- 🌡️ Make sure that the temperature in the refrigerator compartment remains the same.
If your thermostat does not have an explicit “Off” position, but only a range from 1 to 7, then setting the minimum value (1) is not will stop the compressor completely. It will maintain a temperature of about -6..-8 degrees Celsius, which is not enough for freezing, but enough for the motor to run. In this case, it will not be possible to physically turn off the motor without interfering with the electrics.
☑️ Checking the mechanical shutdown
Electronic control and operating modes
More modern models, for example, series XM 4025 or XM 6221, equipped with an electronic control unit with a display. The setup process looks different here. Instead of physically breaking the circuit, you issue a command to the microprocessor. Users often look for the “Turn off the freezer” function, but in the menu it may be called differently or not explicitly present, since the manufacturer assumes constant operation of both circuits.
To stop the freezer in electronic models, a combination of buttons or setting the temperature to maximum value (for example +5°C or "Hi"). Some models have a special reminiscence mode or "Vacation" mode, which, however, more often turns off the refrigerator compartment, leaving the freezer to work. Therefore, be careful when choosing options.
If your goal is to stop using the freezer on a regular basis, but you don’t want to defrost it, try setting the temperature to the maximum possible for this compartment. In some versions of the software this will stop the compressor, in others it will turn on very rarely. For accurate diagnosis of the model, please refer to the technical documentation.
⚠️ Attention: In models with the system NoFrost a complete software shutdown of the freezer compressor may result in the refrigerator compartment fan continuing to blow warm air if the dampers do not close correctly. This may cause the temperature in the main compartment to increase.
Using the Super Freeze mode in reverse order
The function Super Freeze (Super Freeze) is designed to quickly lower the temperature to -24°C and below. It is logical to assume that disabling this function will return the refrigerator to normal mode. However, some users try to use this mode cyclically to “shake” the system, but this is not a shutdown method.
However, understanding how this mode works helps to understand the control logic. When you activate Super Freeze, the freezer compressor runs continuously, ignoring the temperature sensor reading. Deactivating the mode (usually automatic after 24-72 hours or manual) returns control to the thermostat. If the temperature does not stabilize after turning off Super Freeze, the sensor may be faulty.
In the context of "turning off" the freezer, this mode is useful for one thing: if you want to quickly defrost the chamber (although it is not recommended to do this often), you can turn off the freeze mode and open the door. But mechanical models do not have a standard way to “defrost using a timer” without unplugging them.
Table of temperature conditions and consumption
Understanding how parameters change with different settings will help you make an informed decision. Below is a table showing the approximate influence of the thermostat settings on the operation of a two-compressor Atlanta.
| Regulator position | Temperature in the freezer | Compressor condition | Impact on the refrigerator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 (Off) | Increases to room temperature | Stopped | Minimum (heat transfer through the wall) |
| 1 (Min) | about -6°C | Rarely | Insignificant |
| 3 (Average) | about -18°C | Normal cycle | Normal |
| 7 (Max) | up to -24°C | Works constantly | Possible freezing walls |
As can be seen from the table, position “0” is the only way to actually stop the production of cold without interfering with the electrical circuit. All other provisions only adjust the thermostat response threshold. It is worth remembering that even a stopped freezer compressor does not make the chamber sealed for heat.
Energy consumption in the “0” position is reduced exactly by the amount of consumption of the second compressor. For two-compressor models, this is a significant saving, amounting to up to 40-50% of the total electricity bill, if previously the freezer worked in intensive mode.
Alternative scenarios and safety
Often the question of turning off the freezer arises not because of savings, but because of the desire to use its volume for storing vegetables or other products that do not require frosts. In this case, simply raising the temperature is not enough - the food may spoil due to humidity or, conversely, dry out. Moreover, some models are not designed for operation at positive temperatures inside the chamber.
If you decide to use the freezer as an additional cabinet, make sure that there is no moisture left inside. The plastic parts can become brittle with frequent defrost-freeze cycles if you plan to cycle it back on again periodically. It is also worth checking the seals: if you frequently open an empty chamber, they wear out faster.
- 🧼 Wash the chamber thoroughly before changing the mode of use.
- 🚪 Leave the door ajar for several hours for ventilation.
- 📦 Use containers if store food at above-zero temperatures.
There is an opinion that the operation of one compressor while the second is turned off can lead to overheating of the operating unit due to a change in the thermal balance of the housing. In modern Atlant refrigerators this is taken into account, and the thermal insulation between the chambers is effective enough to minimize this effect. However, placing the refrigerator next to heat sources (batteries, stoves) in this mode of operation is strictly not recommended.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and control interfaces may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification. If the described actions do not give results, check the product data sheet, since the manufacturer may update the software or change the configuration of the thermostats.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to physically disconnect the wires of the second compressor?
Theoretically, yes, but this will void your warranty and may disrupt the operation of the electronic control unit if the model is “smart”. The compressors are connected through a common terminal box, but it is better to use a standard thermostat. Electrical intervention should only be carried out by a qualified technician.
Why did the refrigerator become warmer after turning off the freezer?
This is due to heat exchange through the common partition. The freezer served as an additional cold buffer. When it warms up to room temperature, the refrigeration unit has to work harder to compensate for the heat gain. This is normal.
Is it harmful for the compressor to work in "0" mode for a long time?
No, the compressor itself does not work in "0" mode, it is de-energized. Harm can only be caused by frequent cyclic on-off switching (start-stop) unnecessarily. A long downtime of a mechanically sound compressor is not terrible, the main thing is the absence of moisture inside the system.
How to understand that the freezer compressor has actually turned off?
In addition to the absence of the sound of vibration and hum, you can check the temperature of the condenser (grid at the back) above the freezer area - it should be cold or room temperature, while above the refrigerator area it may be warm (if it works). You can also use a thermometer inside the chamber.