The purchase of new household appliances is always accompanied by the expectation of perfect operation, and Belarusian refrigerators Atlant are no exception. Owners often wonder: what is normal and what indicates a malfunction in the first days of operation? Understanding the principles of operation of the compressor, defrosting system and thermoregulation will help you avoid panic and unnecessary calls to the technician.
Immediately after turning on the appliance (household appliance), it may seem that it is behaving strangely: it buzzes, clicks, or does not turn off for a long time. However, for modern technology these are often normal situations caused by physical processes within the system. It is important to distinguish operating sounds from signs of breakdown in order to ensure the device is properly run-in.
In this article we will analyze in detail exactly how a working unit should function, what temperature conditions to set and what absolutely cannot be done in the first 24 hours. A correct start is the key to a long compressor service and food safety.
First start-up and adaptation period
After delivery of a new refrigerator Atlant to the apartment, you cannot immediately plug it into the network. Transportation involves tilting and vibration, which could cause compressor oil to flow into the system circuits. If you start the engine immediately, water hammer or unit failure may occur. It is necessary to wait the time specified in the instructions, usually from 2 to 4 hours, and if the transportation was in winter - up to 8 hours.
The first cycle of operation after switching on can last much longer than usual. This is absolutely normal. The unit needs time to cool the entire internal volume, plastic walls and shelves to the specified parameters. During this period compressor may not turn off for up to 12 hours, operating at maximum power.
⚠️ Attention: If after 12-14 hours of continuous operation the temperature inside the chambers does not decrease, and cold does not appear on the rear grille, you should turn off the device and check the tightness of the circuit or presence of refrigerant.
During primary cooling, you should not load the chambers with products. Empty shelves will cool faster, and the thermostat will command the engine to turn off faster. Loading with warm products will increase the time of the first cycle and create an extra load on the electrical network.
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Compressor operating standards and temperature conditions
The main element that provides cold is compressor. Refrigerators Atlant use both classic piston and more modern inverter models. Their work is cyclical: a cooling period is followed by a rest period. In normal operation, the working time factor (WFR) is approximately 30-40%. This means that out of an hour the compressor works for 20-25 minutes and rests for 35-40 minutes.
However, these figures depend on many factors. In summer, when the room temperature is high, the operating time may increase. In winter, on the contrary, the cycles become shorter. Modern models with inverter control may not turn off at all, but only reduce engine speed to maintain temperature, which is an energy-efficient norm.
Different compartments have their own temperature standards. In the main chamber, the optimal range is considered to be from +2 to +5 degrees Celsius. In the freezer, the temperature should drop to -18 degrees or lower. If you notice that in the main chamber the food is freezing at the back wall, and the ice is melting in the freezer, it means that the settings thermostat are broken or the sensor is faulty.
Below is a table of correspondence between the position of the temperature regulator (for mechanical models) and the expected result:
| Position of the regulator | Temperature in the chamber (approximately) | Compressor operating mode | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Min) | +5...+7 °C | Short cycles, frequent stops | Summer, small quantities of products |
| 3 (Average) | +3...+5 °C | Normal work cycle | Daily operation |
| 5 (Max) | 0...+2 °C | Long work, rare rest | Loading a large volume of products |
| 6-7 (Max Cold) | below 0 °C | Continuous operation without stopping | Fast freezing mode only |
Sound effects: what is considered normal
A new refrigerator Atlant is a complex mechanical device, and it cannot be absolutely silent. Many users are frightened by various sounds in the first days, although most of them indicate normal operation of the system. Understanding the nature of these sounds will help you stay calm.
The most commonly heard sound is the hum of the engine. It may intensify during startup and subside during operation. An occasional quiet clicking sound is also considered normal. It works thermostat or a thermal relay by closing and opening an electrical circuit. In models with the No Frost system, this is added to the sound of a running fan.
- 🔊 Gurgling and overflowing: the sound of refrigerant (freon) moving through the system pipes. Often heard immediately after the compressor is turned off.
- 🔨 A sharp metallic click: typical for systems with a linear compressor or when valves are activated, can be loud, but short-lived.
- 💨 Air noise: in models No Frost the fan moves the air, creating a uniform background noise.
- 💧 Water dripping: the sound of condensate dripping into the evaporator pan, especially noticeable during the defrost period.
⚠️ Attention: If the humming becomes a loud knocking, clanging or high-pitched whistling sound that gets worse over time, this is a sign of mechanical failure or problems with the compressor mounting.
Particular attention should be paid to vibration. Light vibration of the case is acceptable, but if the refrigerator “walks” on the floor or the glass shelf rattles, you need to check the adjustment of the support legs. Uneven installation leads to premature wear of compressor parts.
Features of the defrosting system and condensation
Depending on the model, your Atlant may be equipped with a drip defrosting system (Direct Cool) or system No Frost. The principles of their operation and their manifestations for the user are radically different, and it is important to know these differences.
In the drip system, a “coat” of frost periodically forms on the back wall of the main chamber. When the compressor turns off, the frost melts and the water flows into a groove and then through a drainage tube into a container above the motor, where it evaporates. At this moment you can hear the sound of pouring water. The appearance of water drops on the back wall is normal working process for such models, and not a sign of breakdown.
The system No Frost ("without frost") works differently. Here the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel, usually in the freezer or at the top of the refrigerator compartment. The fan drives dry, cold air through the chambers. Periodically (every 8-12 hours) the defrosting heating element is turned on, which melts the ice on the hidden evaporator. In such models, there should be no frost on the walls at all.
If you notice a puddle of water under the refrigerator, there may be several reasons: overflow of the evaporation tank (often happens when the humidity in the room is high), clogged drainage hole or displacement of the groove. In the first case, it is enough to wipe the floor and wait, in the second, cleaning will be required.
Why is the back wall of the refrigerator hot?
The side walls and rear grille (condenser) should heat up. This is part of the heat exchange process: the refrigerator takes heat from the inside and releases it to the outside. The more intensively it works, the hotter the walls.
Interaction with the environment and Placement
The operating efficiency of a new refrigerator directly depends on the conditions of its placement. Many people forget what heat transfer happens through the walls of the case. If the unit is installed in a niche without gaps or close to the wall, there is nowhere for it to give off heat.
The instructions require leaving gaps for ventilation. The minimum distance from the back wall to the kitchen wall should be at least 5-7 cm, and on the sides - at least 2-3 cm. Failure to comply with this rule leads to the compressor working non-stop, trying to compensate for overheating, which leads to increased energy consumption and reduced service life.
It is also important to consider proximity to heat sources. Installation near a gas stove, oven or radiator is not permitted. The sun's rays falling directly on the body also force the equipment to work in enhanced mode. If you cannot rearrange the refrigerator, be sure to use a thermal insulating partition.
- 🌡️ Indoor temperature: most models Atlant are designed to operate in climate class SN-T (from +10 to +38 °C). Working in an unheated garage in winter can lead to oil solidification.
- 🔌 Electrical network: it is advisable to connect through a voltage stabilizer if your network has frequent surges. Sudden changes are dangerous for electronics and motor windings.
- 🧹 Cleanliness of the condenser: every six months to a year it is necessary to vacuum the grille on the rear wall. The layer of dust acts as a heat insulator, interfering with cooling.
Typical user errors during operation
Even the most reliable equipment will fail ahead of time if the basic operating rules are violated. Often problems that owners mistake for defects are the result of improper handling. Let's look at the most common scenarios.
The first mistake is loading with hot products. If you put a pot of just-cooked soup in the chamber, the refrigerator will work hard until it cools this volume. This causes stress for the compressor and leads to the formation of a large amount of condensate, which the system may not have time to evaporate.
The second mistake is frequent and prolonged opening of doors. This disrupts the temperature regime and leads to ice freezing (in models without No Frost) or condensation. Try to know in advance what you are looking for and do not keep the door open unless necessary.
⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects to chip ice in the freezer. One careless movement can puncture the evaporator, and the refrigerant will instantly evaporate. Repair in this case will be difficult and expensive.
The third common mistake is ignoring seals. Dirt on the rubber door seals prevents a tight seal. Warm, humid air enters the chamber, ice forms, and the compressor does not turn off. Wipe the seals with a soft, damp cloth once a month.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does it take a new Atlant refrigerator to get cold the first time times?
Usually the process of primary cooling of empty chambers takes from 2 to 4 hours until operating temperatures are reached. Full stabilization of the regime may take up to 24 hours. It is not recommended to load food at this time.
Why are the side walls of the refrigerator hot?
This is normal. In modern models, the condenser (heat exchanger) is often built into the side walls of the case. They heat up, giving off heat taken from inside the chambers. The temperature of the walls can reach 40-50 degrees in the active phase of operation.
Is it possible to place the Atlant refrigerator on a heated floor?
Manufacturers do not recommend installation on a “warm floor”. Heating from below disrupts the natural air circulation around the compressor and can lead to overheating of the lower part of the unit. If there is no alternative, make sure that the floor temperature does not exceed 25-28 degrees.
What to do if the refrigerator makes a loud click when turned off?
A loud click when the motor stops is often the sound of a thermal relay or pressure-equalizing valve operating in the system. If the click is single and not accompanied by other anomalies, this is normal.
Is it necessary to defrost an Atlant refrigerator with the No Frost system?
The No Frost system automatically removes moisture, so it does not need regular defrosting “on ice”. However, once a year it is recommended to turn off the device, wash the internal chambers and let the equipment rest for 1-2 days for prevention.