Owners of refrigerators Atlant with a system two-compressor cooling often face the need to change the operating mode of the unit. This may be caused by a seasonal decrease in food consumption, a desire to save energy, or the need to defrost one of the chambers without losing the contents of the other. The unique design of such models lies in the complete independence of the cooling circuits, which gives the user flexibility not available in single-circuit systems.
However, before you begin manipulating the settings, it is important to understand the physical principles of operation thermostat i compressor. Improper management can lead to premature equipment wear or food spoilage. In this article, we will analyze the technical nuances of controlling two circuits and explain how to safely limit the functionality of the freezer compartment.
It is worth noting that not all models allow you to completely “turn off” the freezer in the classical sense, turning it into a cabinet. Most often we are talking about switching to a minimum consumption mode or temporarily stopping the production of cold. Electronic control panel Mechanical regulators work differently, and the approach to them must be appropriate.
The principle of operation of the Atlant two-compressor system
The key feature of refrigerators Atlant with two compressors is the presence of two separate refrigeration circuits. One circuit with its own compressor and evaporator serves the refrigeration compartment, and the second - the freezer. This means that the units operate independently of each other: if one fails or is switched off, the second will continue to function normally.
This scheme ensures more accurate temperature maintenance in each compartment. When you open the refrigerator door, warm air flows in and the thermostat detects the rise in temperature, turning on the corresponding compressor. At this time, the freezer motor can rest if the temperature there is stable. This reduces the overall wear and tear of the equipment.
It is important to understand the difference between mechanical control and electronic. In mechanical models, each circuit is controlled by its own rotary controller inside the chamber. In electronic ones, a single control unit that reads sensor readings is responsible for all processes. The algorithm of your actions to limit the operation of the freezer depends on the type of control.
The shutdown mechanism is via thermostat
In classic models Atlant with mechanical control, temperature adjustment is carried out by turning the thermostat handle. For a freezer, this regulator is usually located inside it or on the front panel (depending on the series). To stop the production of cold, you need to turn the knob counterclockwise until it stops.
On the regulator scale there is often a zone indicated by a number 0 or an inscription OFF. It is in this position that the thermostat contacts open and the electrical circuit of the compressor is broken. The engine stops receiving power and stops. However, in some modifications, a complete break in the circuit does not occur, and the compressor can be turned on for short periods of time to prevent acidification of the contacts.
If the regulator knob is set to the minimum position (usually a number 1), the compressor will turn on very rarely, maintaining a temperature of about -6..-8 degrees. This is the “light freezing” mode, which consumes a minimum of energy, but does not allow food to be stored for a long time. Complete shutdown is only possible by moving the regulator to position OFF, if such a function is provided for by the design.
- ❄️ Turn the freezer thermostat knob counterclockwise until it clicks.
- 🔌 Make sure that the compressor operation indicator goes off (if there is one on the case).
- 🌡️ Check the temperature inside after 2-3 hours - it should start to rise.
- ⚙️ To completely turn off, use the “0” or “Min” position if there is no “Off”.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the mechanical regulator to the “0” position, On some older models, the power indicator light may remain on, but the compressor will not work. Do not confuse the power indication with engine operation.
Control via an electronic panel
Modern refrigerators Atlant are equipped with electronic control modules located on the outer door. Here, the process of turning off the freezer is implemented in software. The user does not need to look for physical levers, just use touch buttons or mechanical keys on the display.
To change the operating mode, you must activate the setup menu. Often you will need to press and hold the freezer temperature setting button for 3-5 seconds until the freezer temperature light flashes. After this, using the “+” or “-” buttons, the temperature value is raised to the maximum (usually -5°C or higher, if the controller logic allows).
Some models have a special “Vacation” or “Eco” function, which optimizes the operation of both circuits, but does not turn off the freezer completely. To completely stop the operation of the freezer compressor in electronic models, you may need to hold the temperature adjustment button for a long time until the dash symbol - or the inscription OFF appears on the display.
If you have just changed the settings, repeated changes may be blocked for several minutes. This is done to protect the compressor from water hammer and excessive load on the electrical part. data-i="104">(Super freezing) is often found in two-compressor models compressor from water hammer and excessive load on the electrical part.
Super Freeze mode and its impact
Function Super Freeze (Super Freeze) often found in two-compressor models Atlant. It is designed for quick freezing of large volumes of fresh food. When this mode is activated, the freezer compressor operates continuously, ignoring the thermostat readings, until the timer expires (usually 24-48 hours) or the user turns off the function manually.
Paradoxically, understanding how this mode works helps in diagnosis. If you want to “defrost” the camera quickly, activating super freeze will not help - it will only increase the cold. However, knowing that this mode forcibly keeps the compressor on, you can use its reverse logic: disabling all forced modes returns control to the thermostat.
If, after disabling the super freeze function, the compressor does not stop, this may indicate a malfunction Thermal sensor or sticky relay contacts. In normal mode, after completing the freezing cycle, the unit should automatically go into standby mode.
| Parameter | Normal mode | Super freezing | Mode OFF/0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor operation | Cyclic (on/off) | Continuous | Stopped |
| Temperature | User-specified | Minimum possible | Grows to room temperature |
| Energy consumption | Normal | Maximum | Zero (circuit) |
| Indication | Lits normally | Snowflake indicator flashes | OFF symbol goes out |
Why the compressor buzzes after disconnecting?
Sometimes after the compressor stops, the sound of refrigerant flowing or clicking may be heard. This is normal - the pressure in the system is equalizing. If the hum continues for more than 5 minutes after stopping the motor, the start relay may be faulty.
Nuances of completely defrosting one chamber
A frequent reason for wanting to turn off the freezer is the need to defrost it. In two-compressor Atlantakh this is the easiest to do. You don't need to unload food from the refrigerator compartment. It is enough to turn off only the freezer circuit, as described above, and leave the door ajar.
The natural defrosting process can take from 4 to 8 hours depending on the amount of ice. It is strictly not recommended to speed up the process with a hairdryer or hot water, since a sudden temperature change can damage the evaporator or cause cracks in the pipeline. The ice will melt itself under the influence of room heat. plastic box evaporator or cause cracks in the pipeline. The ice will melt on its own under the influence of room heat.
During defrosting, be sure to prepare a place for draining water. Place an absorbent cloth on the floor or install a shallow tray. Although in models with drip system water goes into the drain, when completely defrosted, its volume may exceed the capabilities of the drain hole.
☑️ Action plan for defrosting
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to chip ice. A breakdown of the evaporator in a two-compressor refrigerator will lead to expensive repairs including refilling the refrigerant and replacing the compressor.
Saving energy and storing equipment
Disconnecting the freezer is an effective way to save money if you do not use it constantly. However, it is worth considering that even a stopped compressor consumes a little energy (if the light inside is on or the display is on), but the main costs are gone. In the long term, this can reduce electricity bills by 30-40%.
If you plan not to use the freezer for a long time (for example, you are going to the country for the winter), it is recommended not just to turn it off with the regulator, but to completely turn off the power to the refrigerator, defrost, wash and dry the chambers. During storage, the doors must be secured ajar to avoid the appearance of mold and odor.
When turning it back on after a long period of inactivity, let the equipment stand turned off in an upright position for at least 2-3 hours. This is necessary so that compressor oilthat could drain into the cooling circuit, glass back into the engine crankcase. Starting “dry” can lead to jamming of the piston group.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn off the freezer by simply unplugging the cord?
No, in this case the refrigerator compartment will also turn off, and all the food in it will spoil. In two-compressor models Atlant you need to use individual regulators or electronic control to isolate the circuits.
Why does the compressor sometimes turn on after setting the regulator to 0?
In some mechanical thermostats, position “0” is not a complete break chain, but only weakens the spring tension as much as possible. Short-term switching on may occur due to voltage surges or design features of the relay, but they do not lead to the production of cold.
Is frequent switching on and off harmful for the compressor?
Frequent cycle changes (more than 6-8 times per hour) are really harmful and indicate a malfunction (freon leakage, valve sticking). However, manual seasonal shutdown of the freezer (once a month or season) is absolutely safe for the resource two-compressor system.
What to do if, after shutting down, a smell appears in the freezer?
The smell appears due to bacteria and mold remaining on the walls. It is necessary to completely defrost, wash the chamber with a solution of soda or vinegar, dry thoroughly and leave the door open for a day. Using chemical air fresheners only masks the problem.