Owners of refrigeration equipment Atlant often face the need to change the operating mode of the unit. Situations when it is required can be different: from temporary storage of only chilled products to the need for defrosting or fault diagnosis. Understanding the operating principle of your specific model is a key success factor, since the design of devices can vary significantly. turn off the freezer, can vary from temporary storage of only chilled products to the need for defrosting or fault diagnosis. Understanding how your specific model works is key to success, as device designs can vary widely.
Modern two-chamber models of the Belarusian brand are equipped with different control systems, and there is no universal “turn everything off” button. In most cases, we are talking about switching the refrigerator to operating mode only the refrigeration chamber. This is not possible on all devices, and attempting to do this on an unsuitable model may result in product damage or equipment failure. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for various modifications.
Before you begin manipulating the regulators, you need to accurately determine the type of compressor of your unit. physical ability isolated cooling of the upper compartment depends on this. If you have a system installed with one motor that cools both circuits, it is technically impossible to completely turn off the freezer while leaving the refrigerator running without disturbing the temperature regime. Let's look at how to act in different situations.
Determining the type of compressor and cooling system
The first step before any settings should be to study the technical documentation or visually inspect the rear wall of the unit. It is the number of compressors that dictates the logic of further actions. If the motor one, it drives the refrigerant through both circuits at the same time. In such a system, it is impossible to shut off the cold supply to the freezer, leaving it in the refrigerator compartment, since freon passes through the freezer evaporator first.
In the case of two-compressor models, the situation is radically different. Here, two independent circuits and two separate engines are responsible for cooling the upper and lower compartments. This allows you to control the temperature in each chamber independently. You can turn off the freezer completely while leaving the refrigerator running normally, or vice versa. You can determine the number of motors by the characteristic hum: if you hear one continuous or intermittent hum during operation, most likely there is only one compressor. If the sounds come from different directions or have different tones, there are two of them.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to mechanically close the refrigerant supply channels in a single-circuit system will lead to depressurization and failure of the compressor. Never try to cut pipes without professional equipment and skills.
It is also worth paying attention to the presence of the system No Frost. In models with this system, air circulation can be common even if there are two compressors, although most often complete independence is realized. It is best to check the exact information about your model with the product passport, where the marking of the compressor unit is indicated. Atlant complete independence is realized. It is best to check the exact information about your model with the product data sheet, which shows the markings of the compressor unit.
Instructions for models with two compressors
If you make sure that your Atlant is equipped with two independent motors, the process of turning off the freezer becomes simple and safe. On the back wall of such units there are usually two thermostats or two electronic control panels. One regulator is responsible for the refrigerator compartment, the second for the freezer.
For mechanical control, you need to find a handle marked accordingly (often with a snowflake symbol or the designation "Freezer"). To turn off the freezer, turn the handle counterclockwise until it stops. In some models, the extreme counterclockwise position is indicated by a number 0 or an inscription OFF. At this moment, you will hear a characteristic click - the thermostat contacts open and the freezer compressor stops receiving power.
In models with electronic control (Smart Control), the procedure is performed through the display on the front panel of the door. You will need to press the mode or temperature button for the freezer compartment. By holding the button or pressing it repeatedly, you need to reduce the target temperature to the minimum value, after which the system will offer the mode "Off" or OFF. Confirm the action if required. The freezer operation indicator on the panel will go out, indicating that the compressor has stopped.
☑️ Checklist for turning off a two-compressor model
The heat capacity of ice is high, and the defrosting process can take several hours or even days, depending on the load.
The nuances of the operation of single-circuit refrigerators
The situation with single-circuit models Atlant (for example, the popular series 40, 42, 45) are more difficult. As mentioned earlier, the refrigerant passes through the freezer evaporator before entering the main compartment. Therefore turn off the freezer completelyleaving the refrigerator on is impossible in such devices. If you turn off the thermostat, the entire unit will stop.
However, there is a mode that is often confused with completely turning off the freezer - this is the mode "Super Freeze" or, conversely, minimum power. In the minimum power mode (the thermostat knob is set to “1”), the freezer will work, but the temperature in it will rise to -6..-8°C. This is not enough for long-term storage of meat, but the food will not completely defrost within a short time. In fact, the freezer turns into an additional refrigerating compartment, but formally it is not turned off.
⚠️ Attention: In single-circuit models, you cannot leave food in the freezer when you try to “turn it off” by turning the thermostat to minimum. The temperature will rise above what is safe, and food may spoil faster than you expect.
The only way to actually stop the freezer in a single-circuit refrigerator is to unplug the entire unit. An alternative for some users is to completely defrost and use the freezer compartment as a storage cabinet at room temperature, but this requires constant ventilation to avoid mold and odor.
Is it possible to convert a single-circuit refrigerator into a double-circuit one?
Theoretically this is possible, but in practice it requires a complete replacement of the piping system, installation of a second compressor, second condenser and evaporator, as well as resoldering of the entire system. The cost of such a modification will exceed the price of a new refrigerator, so this option is not practical.
Electronic control: modes and settings
Modern models Atlant series XM-6025, XM-6026 and others are equipped with electronic control units. Here, the freezer is turned off programmatically. The interface may differ, but the logic remains the same. The display shows the current temperature. By pressing the freezer setting button (usually indicated by a snowflake or letter F), you change the value.
Scrolling down the values, you will reach the limit, after which a crossed out snowflake icon or text will appear. OFF. This is a signal that the controller has stopped supplying voltage to the freezer compressor. In some models with the Eco Mode or "Vacation" function, the freezer can turn off automatically when this mode is activated, since it is assumed that there is nowhere to store frozen food for a long time on vacation, and the main compartment should work economically.
If, after setting the mode OFF the compressor continues to hum, the anti-jamming protection may have tripped or there has been a failure in the control board. In this case, try turning off the power to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to reboot the controller. If the problem persists, diagnostics by a specialist is required.
| Model / Series | Control type | Is it possible to turn off. freezers? | Shutdown method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant XM-4008 | Mechanical | No (1 compressor) | Full shutdown only |
| Atlant XM-6025 | Electronic | Yes (2 compressors) | Button on the display to "OFF" |
| Atlant XM-4208 | Mechanical | Yes (2 compressors) | Turn the freezer handle to "0" |
| Atlant XM-1704 | Mechanical | No (1 compressor) | Full shutdown only |
Using the "Vacation" mode and saving energy
Many users are looking for a way to turn off the freezer to save energy when going on vacation. In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant with two compressors this is feasible and effective. You simply turn off the freezer and leave the refrigerator running at minimum. This allows you to preserve fresh food (milk, cheese, vegetables) and not waste energy on freezing empty space.
In models with one compressor, the "Vacation" mode works differently. It does not turn off the freezer, but puts the entire refrigerator into economy mode with minimal load. The temperature in the freezer rises, but it continues to work. If your goal is precisely stopping the freezer, then in single-circuit models this mode will not help you achieve complete isolation, it will only reduce overall consumption.
It is also worth considering that frequent switching on and off of the freezer compressor (if you constantly turn it off and on) can reduce the resource technology. Compressors are designed for long operating cycles. If you plan to store a minimum of food in the freezer, it is better to simply lower the temperature to -10..-12°C than to constantly pull the on/off cycle.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and control interfaces may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification of the refrigerator. Always check the instructions supplied with your device, as manufacturers may make changes to the design without notice.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When trying to turn off the freezer, users may encounter a number of difficulties. One of the most common is the inability to turn the thermostat knob all the way to position “0”. This may indicate a souring mechanism or a breakdown of the thermostat itself. In such cases, do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic rod. It’s better to try to smoothly turn the handle back and forth several times.
Another problem is that after turning off the freezer in a two-compressor refrigerator, cold continues to flow from the upper evaporator, but not intensely enough. This is normal, since some of the cold can be transmitted through the partition or ventilation system (if it is common). However, if the refrigerator has stopped cooling at all, you may have accidentally touched the main chamber regulator or there has been a power outage.
If you turn off the freezer and the compressor continues to run without interruption, this may indicate a freon leak in the fridge compartment circuit or a faulty sensor. In normal mode, when the freezer is turned off and the refrigerator is full, the main compressor should operate cyclically.
What to do if after turning on the freezer does not freeze?
If you turned off the freezer, and after turning it on it stopped freezing, wait 2-3 hours. The refrigerant needs time to fill the circuit and reach normal operating conditions. If after 4-5 hours there is no cold, check that the door is tightly closed and that the ventilation holes are not clogged.
Safety rules for defrosting
Often turning off the freezer is required to completely defrost it. Even in systems No Frost it is recommended to carry out preventive defrosting at least once a year. After you have turned off the freezer (or the entire refrigerator), you need to remove all the products.
To speed up the process, you can put containers with warm (not hot!) water in the freezer. It is strictly forbidden to chip ice with a knife or other sharp objects. Damage to the evaporator in the freezer Atlant will lead to an immediate release of freon and moisture entering the system, which will require expensive repairs with replacement of the compressor.
After defrosting and turning it off, wipe the chamber dry with a soft cloth. Before turning it back on, let the refrigerator stand off for at least 15-20 minutes so that the pressure in the system equalizes. This will extend the life of the compressor.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can the freezer be used as a regular cabinet if it is turned off?
Yes, if you have a two-compressor model and you have turned off only the freezer circuit, it can be used as additional storage space (for example, cereals or vegetables), but only if you provide ventilation by leaving the door ajar or opening it frequently. When closed, condensation and mold quickly form there.
Why did the refrigerator become warmer after turning off the freezer?
In single-circuit models, the freezer is part of the cooling circuit. If you try to “turn it off” mechanically (for example, by closing the damper, if there is one), you disrupt the air circulation and the cold stops flowing into the main chamber. This should not happen in double-circuit ones.
How long does it take for the Atlant freezer to defrost after it is turned off?
The time depends on the temperature in the room and the amount of ice. Typically the process takes from 4 to 12 hours. Do not try to speed up the process with a hairdryer or boiling water - this can damage the plastic and rubber seals.
Does the light in the freezer light up if I turn it off via the thermostat?
Yes, the lighting in the freezer is usually powered independently of the compressor and works when the door is opened while the refrigerator is plugged in. Disabling the thermostat only stops the motor, but not the light.