Belarusian refrigeration equipment plant Atlant has established itself as reliable equipment capable of operating for years without failures. However, to maintain food freshness and the longevity of the compressor, it is critical to set the temperature correctly. Many users are faced with a situation where the food in the chamber freezes or, conversely, begins to deteriorate faster than expected.
Unlike modern electronic control systems, many models Atlant use mechanical adjustment, which requires an understanding of the principles of the thermostat. Incorrect setting may result in excessive load on the motor-compressor or the formation of ice. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for different types of control and explain how to find the “golden mean” for storing various categories of products.
Before starting adjustments, it is worth considering that a stable microclimate in the chambers is not formed instantly. After any change in the position of the thermostat knob, the system requires time to adapt. Ignoring this fact often leads to a false belief that the equipment is malfunctioning, although in fact the process simply did not have time to complete.
Principles of operation of the thermostat and climate class
The main element of microclimate control in classic models is thermostat. This is a device that opens the electrical circuit when a set temperature is reached, stopping the compressor. In models with mechanical control, it is represented by a rotary knob with divisions, usually from 1 to 7. It is important to understand that the numbers on the scale do not indicate degrees Celsius, but indicate the cooling intensity.
The higher the numerical value, the lower the temperature inside the chamber will be. When the knob is set to maximum (eg 7), the refrigerator will run almost non-stop, trying to reach extremely low settings. This is only permissible in fast freezing mode or at very high ambient temperatures, but not for constant operation.
In addition, it is necessary to take into account climate class the device specified in the technical data sheet. It determines the range of ambient temperatures at which the equipment is guaranteed to operate correctly. If the room is too cold or hot, the standard thermostat settings may not work correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Operating the refrigerator at temperatures below +10°C or above +32°C (depending on the class) can lead to freezing of the oil in the compressor or overheating of the motor, even if the thermostat is set true.
To accurately diagnose the current condition, it is recommended to use an external thermometer placed in a glass of water on the middle shelf. Only such readings will give an objective picture of what is happening inside, since the built-in indicators often have a large error.
Setting a mechanical thermostat
Most models Atlant (MX, MXM series) are equipped with a mechanical control knob located inside the refrigerator compartment or on the top panel housings. Adjustment is carried out by turning the handle clockwise to increase the cold and counterclockwise to weaken it. The optimal mode for everyday work is considered to be the position of the handle between marks 3 and 4.
If you notice that the products in the main chamber are freezing, you need to reduce the value on the thermostat. Conversely, if the milk quickly sours and the vegetables lose their turgor, you should add “degrees” by turning the knob towards larger numbers. After each switch, you need to wait at least 2-3 hours for the system to stabilize.
In winter, with the heating running, the situation may be the opposite. The mechanics require periodic monitoring and manual adjustment depending on the season.
It is not recommended to set the maximum value (7 or Max) on a permanent basis. This forces the compressor to work non-stop, which significantly reduces its life and leads to increased energy consumption without significant benefits for the products.
Temperature control in models with electronic control
More modern series of refrigerators Atlant (for example, some models of the XM series) are equipped with an electronic control unit with a display on the door. Here, setting is done by pressing buttons, and the current temperature is displayed digitally. This allows you to set the mode with an accuracy of a degree.
To change parameters, you usually need to press the chamber selection button (refrigerator or freezer), after which the flashing numbers will allow you to change the value using the “Up” or “Down” buttons. The standard recommended temperature for the refrigerator compartment is +3..+5°Cand for the freezer compartment - -18°C.
Electronics may also offer special modes such as “Vacation” or “Super Freeze”. Vacation mode turns off the cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leaving the freezer active, which saves energy during a long absence of the owners. Activating “Super Freeze” forcibly turns on the compressor for several hours to quickly freeze fresh food.
| Operating mode | Refrigerator compartment temperature | Freezer temperature | Recommendation for use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | +4°C | -18°C | Daily operation |
| Economy (Vacation) | +15°C (off) | -18°C | Long absence |
| Super freezing | +4°C | -24°C | Loading fresh products |
| Intensive | +2°C | -20°C | Hot weather, full load |
With electronic control, it is important to monitor the error indications. If the display flashes or shows non-standard symbols, this may indicate a malfunction of the sensors, and manually setting the temperature in this case will not work.
Features of setting up two-compressor refrigerators
Two-compressor models Atlant have an independent control system for the refrigeration and freezer cameras This means that the user has two separate thermostats (or two groups of buttons), allowing flexible adjustment of the climate in each compartment. This architecture provides an advantage: you can completely turn off one chamber while the other continues to operate.
When setting up a two-compressor unit, it should be taken into account that the operation of one compressor does not directly affect the temperature regime of the other. However, heat flows through the partition still exist. If the deep freeze mode is set in the freezer, the wall between the chambers will be colder, which can slightly cool the adjacent area of the refrigeration compartment.
☑️ Checking the settings of the two-compressor system
This is convenient for storing specific products. For example, if you rarely use your freezer, you can switch it to economy mode and set the refrigerator compartment to store perishable foods. Or vice versa - turn off the refrigeration compartment if you need to freeze a large amount of meat or berries.
Owners of such models should remember that the simultaneous operation of two compressors creates a large load on the wiring. It is advisable to connect equipment to a separate outlet with grounding to avoid overheating of the contacts and power surges.
The nuances of operating the No Frost system
Refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost (without frost) require a special approach to setting the temperature. Unlike the drip system, here cold air circulates through the chamber forcibly, which ensures uniform temperature distribution, but can lead to overdrying of products.
The optimal temperature for the No Frost system is often in a slightly higher range than for classic models, since active air circulation increases the feeling of cold. It is recommended to set the value to about +4..+5°C for the main camera. Lower values can lead to freezing of moisture from vegetables and fruits.
An important aspect is the location of the products. In No Frost models, the coldest zones are located at the rear wall and where cold air exits. Do not place food close to the rear end of the chamber, blocking the circulation channels. This will disrupt heat exchange and cause the compressor to work longer than necessary.
⚠️ Attention: Open liquids and foods with a strong smell cannot be stored in No Frost refrigerators without airtight packaging. Air circulation will quickly spread odors throughout the chamber and dry the surface of the products.
It is also worth noting that ice is less likely to form in the No Frost system, but once every year and a half it is recommended to carry out a complete defrosting and washing to remove bacteria and odors that can accumulate in the evaporator hidden behind the panel.
Typical errors and solutions problems
A common mistake made by users is trying to adjust the temperature immediately after loading a large amount of warm food. In this case, the thermostat detects a sharp rise in temperature and turns on the compressor at maximum power. If you turn the control knob at this moment, you can reset the calibration or overload the system.
Another common problem is installing the refrigerator close to a wall or furniture. For correct operation condenser (the grille at the back), free air flow is required. If heat is not removed, it will be hot inside the chamber, and no adjustment of the thermostat will help - the compressor will simply hum without interruption.
Why does the thermostat click?
Clicks when a mechanical thermostat operates is a normal physical process of opening the bimetallic plates. However, if the clicks become very frequent or are accompanied by a change in the operating mode, the sensor may need to be replaced.
If after setting the temperature does not stabilize within 24 hours, check the tightness of the door. Warm air from the room can constantly get inside, knocking down the settings. It is also worth checking whether the drainage holes are clogged, which is especially important for a drip defrosting system.
In the case when all manipulations do not produce results and the products continue to spoil or freeze, a technical failure is likely malfunction: freon leak, thermostat failure or compressor malfunction. In such cases, diagnostics by a specialist is necessary.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which position of the thermostat knob should you choose in winter?
In winter, if the room is cool (about +16..+18°C), you may need to set the knob to a value slightly above average (4-5) so that compensate for smaller temperature differences. However, if the refrigerator is in an unheated room, it is not recommended to start it at all.
Why does ice freeze in the Atlant refrigerator even with the correct settings?
This may indicate a loose door, damage to the seal, or a malfunction of the defrost heating element (in No Frost models). Ice also forms if you place hot foods or open containers with liquid in the chamber.
Is it possible to turn off the freezer compartment in a two-chamber refrigerator?
In single-compressor models, no, since the cold is generated the same for all chambers. In two-compressor Atlant you can independently control each chamber, up to completely turning off one of them through the control panel or thermostat.
How long to wait for the temperature to change after reconfiguring?
To stabilize the temperature after changing the thermostat settings it takes from 2 to 6 hours. During this period, you should not open the door and load new products.
What to do if the refrigerator stops freezing after defrosting?
Make sure you wait the recommended time (at least 2-4 hours) before turning it on. If the problem persists, check whether the protective mechanism has tripped or whether the thermostat has been damaged during washing.