Owners of refrigeration equipment often encounter the need to change the operating modes of household appliances depending on current needs. The two-compressor models of the Belarusian brand Atlant have a unique design that allows you to control the cooling zones independently of each other. It is this feature that makes it possible to completely or partially turn off the freezer compartment without compromising the operation of the refrigeration compartment.
Such a function becomes critical during long trips, when it is necessary to defrost equipment, or when temporarily increasing the volume of the refrigerator compartment at the expense of the freezer. Understanding the principles of operation thermostat and the control system will allow you to avoid mistakes that can lead to damage to products or breakdown of the unit.
Unlike single-circuit systems, where turning off one zone is impossible, a double-circuit circuit Atlant provides complete autonomy. You don't have to defrost the entire refrigerator if you only need to clean the freezer, or vice versa. Proper use of these capabilities extends the service life compressor and maintains energy efficiency.
The principle of operation of a dual-circuit cooling system
The fundamental difference between dual-compressor models is the presence two separate refrigeration circuits. Each circuit has its own evaporator, its own compressor and, most importantly for the user, its own independent control unit. This means that the temperature in the freezer compartment is set separately from the refrigerator compartment.
When you adjust the temperature in one chamber, the second circuit continues to operate as normal, responding only to the readings of its sensors. This decoupling allows deep freezing down to -18°C and below, while a positive temperature of about +4°C is maintained in the refrigerator compartment. Atlant System designed to minimize the influence of the operation of one circuit on the other.
Physically this is implemented through separate lines refrigerant. Freon circulates through the evaporator tubes of the freezer compartment independently of the tubes in the main compartment. Therefore, mechanical or electronic shutdown of one of the compressors does not violate the tightness and performance of the second circuit.
- 🧊 Complete independence of temperature conditions in each chamber.
- ⚡ Reduction of overall energy consumption when one of the zones is turned off.
- 🛠 Possibility of repairing or defrosting one chambers without stopping the entire system.
Mechanical control: setting the thermostat
In classic models Atlant with mechanical control temperature adjustment is carried out using rotary knobs located inside the chambers or on the front panel. To turn off the freezer, you need to find the handle that matches this particular compartment. Usually it is marked in the form of a snowflake or the inscription “Freezer.”
The shutdown process is simple: you need to turn the thermostat knob counterclockwise until it stops. In the far left position (often indicated by the number 0 or the word "Off") the thermostat contacts open. The electrical circuit is broken, and the signal to start the compressor the freezer compartment stops coming.
It is important to understand that with such a shutdown, the compressor does not start at all, but the light bulb inside the chamber may continue to light if it is powered from a separate circuit. The temperature in the chamber will begin to slowly rise to room temperature, which is what is required for defrosting or preserving the mode.
☑️ Algorithm for turning off the mechanical thermostat
⚠️ Attention: After turning the knob to the "Off" position, the compressor may make a clicking sound. This is normal - the thermal relay has tripped or the thermostat contacts have mechanically opened. Do not try to turn the handle with excessive force if you feel resistance.
Electronic control: adjustment via the panel
Modern models Atlant are equipped with electronic control modules with digital displays. Here the process of turning off the freezer is programmatic. You will need to use the control buttons located on the door or top of the cabinet. The interface may differ depending on the series of the refrigerator.
To turn off the freezer, a long delay of the button responsible for selecting the mode or temperature of this zone is usually used. In some models, you need to press and hold the freezer temperature adjustment button for 3-5 seconds until a shutdown indication appears on the display (frequently flashing dashes or a symbol of a crossed out snowflake).
In models with a function Smart Control or a Wi-Fi connection, shutdown can be done remotely through an application on your smartphone. This is convenient if you are not at home, but you need to prepare the refrigerator for arrival or defrosting. The electronics itself will block the start of the compressor.
| Action | Mechanical control | Electronic control |
|---|---|---|
| Search for the regulator | Handle inside the chamber | Door panel |
| Shutdown method | Turn to "0" | Long press |
| Indication | No compressor sound | Symbol on the display |
| System response | Instant | Delay 1-2 seconds |
What to do if the electronics do not respond?
If If you press the buttons for a long time, the display does not change the mode; the child lock may be activated. Find the button with the lock icon and hold it for 3 seconds to unlock the control panel.
Features of Atlant models with the No Frost system
Refrigerators Atlantequipped with the system No Frosthave their own nuances in control. In such models, turning off the freezer is also possible, but the defrosting process will differ from the drip system. Since ice does not grow on the walls in the form of a fur coat, you do not have to wait a long time for the water to melt.
When you turn off the freezer in the No Frost system, the fan circulating cold air also stops working. This prevents residual cold from moving into the refrigerator compartment, which is especially important for maintaining the temperature in the main chamber. However, due to the design features of the air ducts, a small heat exchange can still occur.
If your goal is energy saving, then turning off the freezer in No Frost will have a noticeable effect, since the defrost heating elements (in the defrost cycle) and the fan will stop working. But if you plan to use only the refrigerator compartment for a long time, make sure that the air supply channels between the chambers are not blocked by food.
- ❄️ No need to collect melt water manually.
- 🌬️ Stopping the air circulation fan when turned off.
- 🔌 Load reduction to the power grid by turning off the heating elements.
Safety precautions and preparation for disconnection
Before manipulating the settings or disconnecting the equipment from the network, you need to perform a number of preparatory actions. Safety is priority number one. Make sure your hands are dry, especially if you are handling mechanical switches inside a wet chamber.
If you plan to completely turn off the freezer for defrosting, empty the chamber of food in advance. Move the freezer to another location or use the Super Freeze setting in advance to keep food cold longer. This minimizes the risk of food spoilage during the procedure.
It is also worth checking the condition of the rubber seals on the doors. If you frequently switch modes and open doors to check the temperature, the rubber may wear out. If you turn off the freezer for a long period of time, it is better to leave the door slightly ajar for ventilation and to prevent mold.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to speed up defrosting after turning off the freezer. This can lead to breakdown of the evaporator and leakage of freon, which will require expensive repairs.
Common mistakes when operating two-compressor refrigerators
Users often make mistakes when trying to optimize the operation of the refrigerator. One of the common mistakes is trying to turn off the freezer by unplugging the cord from the outlet. This makes no sense for a two-compressor model if the goal is to keep food in the refrigerator compartment, since both compressors will stop. Another mistake is setting the freezer thermostat to minimum (maximum cold) before turning it off. This creates excess load on the system the next time it is turned on. It is more correct to let the system return to normal mode, and then manipulate the shutdown. compressor.
Another mistake is setting the freezer thermostat to minimum (maximum cold) before turning it off. This creates excess load on the system the next time it is turned on. It is more correct to let the system return to normal mode, and then manipulate the shutdown.
Some users ignore sound signals. If, after turning off the freezer, the refrigerator continues to emit intermittent beeps, the door open sensor may have tripped or the diagnostic system has detected a malfunction in the disconnected circuit control circuit. Carefully read the instructions for your specific model Atlant.
Is it possible to permanently turn off the freezer if it is not needed?
Technically, you can permanently turn off the freezer compressor by turning the thermostat to position "0". However, it is not recommended to leave equipment in this condition for months without supervision: the seals may dry out, and mold will grow in the channels. It is better to turn on the camera periodically (once every 1-2 months) for prevention.
Will a switched-off freezer consume electricity?
If the freezer is turned off via a thermostat (mechanical or electronic), the compressor of this zone does not work. Electricity consumption is reduced to almost zero, with the exception of minimal consumption by the electronic control module (if any), which continues to monitor the state of the system.
Why does the freezer not reach the temperature for a long time after turning on?
After a long shutdown or defrosting, the system takes time (from 2 to 12 hours) to reach operating mode. The compressor needs to pump freon and cool the chamber volume. Do not load food into a warm chamber immediately, this will increase the cooling time and the load on the unit.