Owners of two-chamber refrigerators Atlant often face a situation where it is necessary to use only the freezer compartment, leaving the upper compartment inoperative. This may be caused by various reasons: a long vacation, lack of food for storage, or a desire to save energy in the winter. However, the design features of most models do not provide for complete physical shutdown of the refrigeration compartment when the compressor is running.
However, there are ways to minimize energy consumption and actually “turn off” the cooling in the upper compartment. For this, special operating modes or manual adjustment of the thermostat are used. It is important to understand that a complete stop of the compressor operation is possible only when the device is disconnected from the power supply, which will lead to defrosting of the freezer.
In this article we will analyze the technical nuances of the system No Frost and drip defrosting, and also consider how to properly configure the device to operate in the “freezer only” mode. You will learn which models Atlant support the “Vacation” function and how to safely switch the equipment to this mode without the risk of unpleasant odors or mold.
Design features of the Atlant cooling system
To understand whether it is possible to turn off the refrigerator compartment, you need to understand operating principle of the unit. The vast majority of models, especially old models and budget series, use two evaporators. The refrigerant circulates through the system sequentially: first it cools the freezer chamber, and then, passing through the capillary tube, it enters the evaporator of the refrigeration compartment. Atlant, especially the old model and budget series, is used one compressor for two evaporators. The refrigerant circulates through the system sequentially: first it cools the freezer chamber, and then, passing through a capillary tube, it enters the evaporator of the refrigeration compartment.
Because of this scheme, it is impossible to physically shut off the cold supply to the upper compartment without stopping the operation of the entire circuit. If you turn off the compressor, the freezer will stop working. The only exception is the expensive two-compressor models, where each compartment has an independent cooling system, but they are found in the line Atlant extremely rarely.
However, the engineers have provided the opportunity to minimize the operation of the upper compartment. In electronically controlled models, this is realized through software algorithms, and in mechanical ones, through the extreme positions of the temperature regulator. When switching to the maximum temperature mode (usually indicated by the number 1 or Min), the thermostat opens the power supply circuit to the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment, but the compressor continues to work to maintain cold in the freezer.
⚠️ Attention: In models with the system No Frost the fan may periodically turn on to circulate air even at the minimum temperature setting, which is standard to prevent ice from forming in air ducts.
Understanding the design of your unit will help you avoid mistakes. Attempts to cut in taps or shut off pipes on your own are strictly prohibited, as this will lead to depressurization of the freon circuit and costly repairs. All manipulations should be carried out only by standard controls.
Using the “Holiday” mode
The most effective and safe way to turn off the refrigerator compartment is to activate a special mode, which in the documentation Atlant is often called “Vacation” or “Holiday”. This function is designed specifically for situations when the owners leave for a long time and the upper compartment remains empty.
When this mode is activated, the refrigerator electronics switches the upper chamber to maintain a temperature of about +12..+15°C. This prevents spoilage of the remaining products (if any) and, most importantly, prevents the development of mold and the unpleasant musty smell that will inevitably appear in a hermetically sealed warm cabinet. In this case, the compressor only works to freeze food in the lower chamber.
To turn on the function, you usually need to press the corresponding button on the control panel. Some models require you to hold the button for several seconds. The display will change to confirm that you have entered Eco Mode. If you have a mechanical control, the analogue is to turn the thermostat knob to the extreme “Min” position.
The light in the chamber may not be on (depending on the model), but air circulation and minimal cooling is maintained. This is necessary to maintain hygiene inside the plastic walls of the unit.
Adjusting the mechanical thermostat
Owners of refrigerators Atlant with mechanical control (rotary knob with numbers from 1 to 7) also have access to a way to minimize the operation of the refrigerator compartment. The principle of operation is based on opening the thermostat contacts when a certain temperature inside the cabinet is reached.
To “turn off” the cooling in the upper compartment as much as possible, you need to move the regulator knob to position 1 or Min. In this position, the thermostat allows the compressor to turn on only when the temperature in the refrigerator compartment rises to fairly high values (about +10..+12°C). For the freezer, this is not critical, since it is cooled first.
However, it is worth taking into account the seasonal factor. In the summer, when the ambient temperature in the kitchen is high, even in position “1” the refrigerator will turn on periodically to compensate for the heat gain. In winter, if the refrigerator is in an unheated room, it may not turn on at all, which will lead to defrosting of the freezer.
- 🌡️ Position 1 (Min): Least cooling, temperature in the chamber is about +10..+12°C.
- ❄️ Position 3-4: Standard operating mode, recommended by the manufacturer for daily use.
- 🆘 Position 7 (Max): Maximum freezing mode, the compressor operates almost without interruption.
It is not recommended to leave the handle in the "Max" position for a long time unnecessarily, as this leads to to increased load on the compressor and the formation of excess ice in the freezer.
Electronic control and temperature settings
Modern models Atlant are equipped with electronic control units with digital displays. Here the setting process is more precise and allows you to set a specific temperature for each compartment (in two-compressor models) or control the general mode.
To turn off the refrigeration chamber in such models, a combination of buttons is often used. For example, pressing the temperature control buttons simultaneously can activate a lock or enter a special mode. In some series Atlant XM-4424 or XM-6025 it is enough to press the function selection button several times so that the “snowflake” symbol or the inscription “Holiday” lights up on the indicator.
If your model allows you to independently adjust the temperature, set the maximum temperature in the refrigerator compartment possible value (usually +14°C or +15°C). With this setting, the compressor will turn on extremely rarely, only to maintain the operation of the freezer.
Pay attention to the indicators on the panel. If the defrost or alarm indicator is on, this may mean that the temperature in the chamber has risen above the permissible temperature for the selected mode, even if you are trying to “turn it off.”
Nuances of working in winter
The issue of turning off the refrigeration chamber is especially relevant in winter, when food supplies are minimal and there is frost outside. Many users mistakenly believe that in winter the refrigerator can simply be taken out onto the balcony or opened a window next to it. This is a serious mistake for equipment Atlant.
The oil in the compressor thickens at low temperatures, which can lead to jamming of the mechanism when starting. In addition, the refrigerant may not circulate properly in low pressure conditions. Therefore, “disabling” the camera by taking the refrigerator out into the cold is unacceptable.
If you want to save energy in winter, use the minimum temperature mode (+10..+12°C) in the refrigerator compartment. During the cold season, heat inflows from the outside are minimal, and the compressor will turn on very rarely, actually performing the function of a freezer.
⚠️ Attention: Operating the refrigerator at an ambient temperature below +10°C (or +16°C depending on the climate class) may lead to denial of warranty service. Check the product data sheet.
It is also important to monitor humidity in winter. If the refrigerator compartment is “off” (heated to +15°C), and there is high humidity in the room, condensation may form on the inner walls. Regularly wipe the internal surfaces with a dry cloth.
Rules for preserving an empty refrigerator
If you plan not to use the refrigerator for a long time (a month or more), simply switching to the “Vacation” mode may not be enough. Proper preservation is required to avoid the appearance of fungus and the smell of dampness.
The first step is to completely defrost and wash the chamber. It is necessary to remove all remaining moisture, since water is the breeding ground for bacteria. After washing, the doors should not be closed tightly.
To ensure ventilation, leave the refrigerator door slightly open. You can insert rolled paper between the body and the seal or use standard clamps if they are provided for in the design. This will ensure constant air exchange.
If you still decide to leave the refrigerator on in minimum cooling mode, check the condition of the internal walls once every two weeks. If the slightest signs of mold appear, treat with a weak solution of soda or vinegar.
Table of operating modes of Atlant refrigerators
For ease of setup, we present a summary table that will help you navigate the operating modes of various control systems. Parameters may vary slightly depending on the specific model and year of manufacture.
| Operating mode | HK temperature | Energy consumption | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Eco) | +4..+5°C | Medium | Daily use |
| Maximum cooling | +2..+3°C | High | Loading a large volume of products |
| Minimum (Vacation) | +12..+15°C | Low | Long absence, empty chamber |
| Super freezing | Not adjustable | Maximum | Only for freezer compartment |
Using the optimal mode allows you to extend the life of the compressor and reduce electricity bills. You should not keep the refrigerator in super-freeze mode for more than 24 hours unless absolutely necessary.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I turn it off completely? the refrigerator compartment, leaving the freezer?
It is impossible to physically turn off the cold supply to the upper chamber without stopping the compressor in single-compressor models. However, you can switch it to the “Vacation” mode or set the minimum temperature (+15°C), at which practically no cooling occurs, and the compressor works only for the freezer.
Why is it still cold in the minimum temperature mode?
It depends on the thermal insulation and the temperature in the room. If the kitchen is cool, even the lowest thermostat setting will keep the temperature below room temperature. Also, in No Frost systems, cold air from the freezer can partially flow into the refrigerator compartment to equalize the pressure.
Is it harmful to keep the refrigerator in the “Vacation” mode for a long time?
No, this mode is specially designed for long-term operation. It is even more gentle on the compressor, as it reduces the number of on-off cycles. The main thing is to keep the inside of the chamber clean.
What to do if a smell appears in the “Vacation” mode?
It is urgent to defrost the refrigerator, thoroughly wash all surfaces with a soda solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water) and dry. The smell indicates the beginning of bacterial processes, perhaps there were organic residues left in the chamber before the mode was turned on.
Is it possible to use a timer socket to turn off the camera?
It is strictly not recommended. Cycling the power on and off harms the compressor, since the refrigerant does not have time to stabilize and the oil does not return to the crankcase. This will lead to rapid breakdown of the unit.