Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the beginning of comfortable operation of household appliances. However, in order for the unit to serve for many years without breakdowns, it is critically important to properly organize its initial start-up. Errors at this stage can lead to failure of the compressor or failure of the system, which will require expensive repairs.
Refrigeration equipment of the brand Atlant is famous for its reliability and adaptability to conditions of unstable voltage, but it also requires compliance with certain rules of transportation and installation. Many users neglect the manufacturer's recommendations, believing that it is enough to simply plug the cord into an outlet. In fact, the preparation process takes longer than the installation itself and requires careful attention to detail.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from unpacking to entering operating mode. You will learn why you should not rush, how to check the correct operation of the unit and what sounds are normal for a working device. The right start is a guarantee that your products will always be fresh, and your energy bills will remain within reasonable limits.
Preparation for installation and unpacking
The first step after delivering the equipment to the apartment is a careful visual inspection. Even if the couriers had no comments upon acceptance, upon unpacking yourself, you can discover hidden defects that arose as a result of careless loading. It is necessary to check the case for dents, paint chips and deep scratches that could compromise the anti-corrosion protection of the metal.
Particular attention should be paid to the integrity of condenser grille the back of the refrigerator. This is a thin heat exchanger that can be easily damaged if handled carelessly. If the tubes are broken, the refrigerant will come out, and repairs will require calling a technician and refilling with freon. Also check the doors: they should open smoothly, and the sealing rubber around the perimeter should be smooth, without creases.
Inside the chambers, remove all packaging materials: tape, foam inserts, plastic bags and cardboard fasteners. Often, users forget to remove the protective film from the internal shelves or trays, which can lead to an unpleasant plastic odor when first cooling. It is better to remove all removable elements, such as shelves and drawers, wash with warm water and a mild detergent and dry thoroughly before installing them back.
Stopping time after transportation
One of the most important questions that worries owners of new equipment is how long the refrigerator should sit before turning it on. The answer directly depends on the position in which the transportation took place. If the device was transported vertically, then the waiting time is minimal, but if horizontally, it takes much more time to restore the normal state of the oil in the compressor.
During vertical transportation, the oil remains in the compressor crankcase, however, during shaking, it could be partially splashed throughout the system. In this case, it is enough to let the equipment stand for 2-3 hours. This will allow the oil to drain back and the refrigerant to be distributed evenly. Ignoring this rule may result in the compressor trying to compress the liquid, which will cause water hammer.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported lying down, the settling time should be at least 8, and preferably 12-24 hours. The oil that gets into the cooling circuit must completely drain into the compressor under the influence of gravity, otherwise there is a high risk of blockage of the capillary tube.
There is a common myth that modern models Atlant with inverter compressors do not require settling. This is a misconception. The physical properties of oil and coolant do not change depending on the type of engine. Therefore, regardless of the model, be it a classic two-chamber refrigerator or a No Frost system, compliance with the temporary interval is a mandatory condition of the guarantee.
What will happen if you turn it on right away?
If you start a compressor in which the oil is mixed with the refrigerant or is in the tubes, it may oil wedge occur. The compressor will hum, but will not start, or the thermal protection relay will trip. Repeated attempts to start in this state damage the motor windings.
Correct installation and alignment
The location for installing the refrigerator must be selected in advance, taking into account ventilation requirements. The rear wall of the unit must be at least 5-7 cm from the wall to ensure free circulation of air around the condenser. If you install the equipment closely, the cooling efficiency will drop, and the compressor will work with overload, trying to compensate for the lack of heat transfer.
A critically important step is to level the housing horizontally. This is done using adjustable support screws at the front of the bottom panel. The best way to check the level is with a bubble level, placing it on the refrigerator shelf. Incorrect tilt can lead to the doors opening spontaneously or, conversely, not fitting tightly to the body.
Make sure that the refrigerator is stable and does not wobble when lightly pressed on a corner. Vibration when the compressor operates on an uneven floor can increase, creating an unpleasant noise. If the floor is slippery, you can use special anti-vibration pads under the legs, but most often it is enough to simply unscrew the support screws correctly until they firmly stop.
Primary washing and hygienic treatment
Before loading products, the interior of the chambers must be prepared. During production and storage in warehouses, industrial dust or a specific smell of new materials could accumulate inside. Simple ventilation will not help here; wet cleaning is needed.
Use a weak solution of baking soda or a special product for cleaning refrigerators. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive powders, hard brushes or aggressive chemicals based on chlorine and solvents. Such substances can damage the plastic surface of the inner walls and make the sealing rubber brittle.
After washing, wipe all surfaces dry with a clean soft cloth. Leave the doors open for 30-60 minutes to completely remove moisture and residual odors. Only after this can you install shelves, drawers and containers for eggs in their regular places.
First start-up and setup process
When The settling time is up, and the chamber is ready, the moment of truth comes - connecting to the power grid. Insert the plug into a properly grounded outlet. The use of extension cords and tees is not recommended as they can cause poor contact and overheating. The socket must be easily accessible so that, if necessary, you can quickly turn off the power to the device.
After being plugged in, the refrigerator Atlant may not make a sound immediately. This is fine. Modern control systems perform self-diagnosis. After a few seconds or minutes the compressor should start. In models with electronic control, indicators showing the current temperature will light up on the display.
The initial temperature setting depends on the model. In mechanical refrigerators, the control is usually set to the middle position (often indicated by the number 3 or 4 out of 7). In electronic models, it is recommended to set standard values: +3...+4°C for the refrigerator compartment and -18°C for the freezer. You should not immediately set the maximum cold, this will create an extra load on the system.
☑️ First start-up checklist
Normal operation and entry to mode
After startup, the primary cooling process begins. Depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the room, this stage takes from 6 to 24 hours. During this period, the refrigerator works almost non-stop, trying to achieve the set parameters. This is normal operation, and you should not be alarmed by the continuous hum of the motor in the first hours.
During operation, you can hear various sounds: gurgling and pouring of liquid in the tubes, quiet clicks of the relay, hissing. All these sounds indicate circulation refrigerant through the system and are a sign of serviceability. However, if you hear a loud metallic knock, grinding or squealing, this is a reason to immediately turn off the device and contact service.
| Parameter | Normal value | Alarm signal |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor operating time | Cyclically (40% of the time) | Works non-stop > 24 hours |
| Internal temperature | +2...+5°C (refrigeration) | Above +7°C after a day of operation |
| Heating of the side walls | Warm to the touch | Hot (impossible to hold your hand) |
| Frost on the back wall | Uniform layer (for drip) | Ice "coat" or ice in the corners |
You can check the efficiency of operation by putting a thermometer inside a day after turning it on. If the temperature has stabilized within the specified limits, and the compressor begins to turn off periodically (in models with a conventional motor), then the system is functioning correctly. Only after this can you start gradually loading food.
Typical errors and precautions
Despite the presence of instructions, many users make standard mistakes that shorten the period technical services. One of the most common is to install the refrigerator next to heat sources, such as a radiator, oven, or in direct sunlight. This causes the compressor to work hard, trying to compensate for external heating.
Another mistake is loading warm products immediately after turning on. This sharply increases the temperature inside the chamber and increases the time it takes to reach the mode. In addition, you cannot cover the ventilation holes inside the chamber with food, as the circulation of cold air is disrupted, which is especially critical for systems No Frost.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use the refrigerator to freeze large quantities of food at the same time. The maximum load into the freezer should not exceed 2-3 kg for every 10 liters of volume at a time, otherwise the compressor may not be able to cope with the load.
It is also worth mentioning the cleanliness of the condenser. Dust that accumulates on the rear grille acts as a heat insulator, impairing heat transfer. Regular (every 6-12 months) dry cleaning of the back with a vacuum cleaner or brush will help maintain energy efficiency at a high level.
Why do the side walls get hot?
In modern models Atlant the capacitor is often built into the side walls of the case. Their heating to 40-50°C in the first hours of operation or during intense freezing is the absolute norm, indicating that the refrigerator releases heat to the environment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does it take the Atlant refrigerator to get cold at first times?
Usually the primary cooling process takes from 6 to 12 hours, but complete temperature stabilization in all points of the chambers can last up to 24 hours. At this time, it is not recommended to open the doors unless absolutely necessary.
Is it possible to turn on the Atlant refrigerator immediately after transportation in winter?
If the refrigerator was brought in from the cold, it cannot be turned on for at least 4-6 hours (or better yet, 24 hours). This is necessary so that the condensation formed on the internal parts and electrical components completely evaporates, otherwise a short circuit may occur.
Why does the compressor not turn off for a long time after the first start?
This is normal during the first start. The refrigerator must cool the entire volume of air, walls and shelves. If it works without stopping for more than 24-30 hours and the temperature does not drop, there may be a freon leak or a malfunction of the thermostat.
Is it necessary to defrost a new refrigerator before use?
There is no need to specially defrost the new unit, since it is dry. However, it is necessary to sanitize (wash) the internal surfaces before turning it on for the first time.