Refrigerators of the brand Atlant with two compressors are reliable equipment where the freezing and refrigerating chambers operate independently of each other. This autonomous design allows you to control the temperature in each compartment separately, which is a huge advantage when you are away for a long time or need to store food in only one of the compartments. However, many owners are faced with the question of whether it is possible to completely turn off the freezer, leaving only the refrigerator to work, and how to do this correctly without harm to the equipment.
Unlike single-circuit systems, where turning off one compartment is impossible without stopping the entire unit, a two-compressor circuit Atlant provides such a technical possibility. This is achieved by having separate thermostats and compressors for each zone. If you need to turn your freezer into an additional refrigeration compartment or simply stop its operation to save energy, it is important to follow a certain sequence of actions so as not to upset the balance of the refrigerant.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely change the operating mode of your device. We will look at the nuances of setting thermostats, features of air flow redistribution and answer frequently asked questions about the operation of two-compressor models in non-standard modes.
The principle of operation of the Atlant two-compressor system
The main difference between equipment with two motors is the complete independence of the cooling circuits. While one compressor maintains a low temperature in the freezer, the second ensures an optimal climate in the refrigerator compartment. This means that the thermostats control the starting and stopping of the motors separately, without affecting the operation of the neighboring unit. It is this feature that makes it possible to turn off one of the chambers without stopping the entire unit.
Models Atlant often use mechanical or electronic regulators located inside the chambers or on the front panel. When the control knob is turned to the “0” or “Off” position, the electrical circuit of a particular compressor opens. The engine stops receiving power, and the circulation of refrigerant in this circuit stops, while the second circuit continues to function normally.
⚠️ Attention: Prolonged shutdown of one of the compressors while the second one is running can lead to uneven wear of the door seals due to the difference in temperature and humidity between compartments. Regularly check the condition of the rubber profiles.
It is important to understand that when the freezing unit is stopped, the temperature in this compartment will begin to gradually rise to room temperature. If you plan to use the freezer as a refrigerator, you must take into account that, structurally, it does not have a condensate drainage system (drip system) characteristic of the main compartment. Therefore, moisture may form on the walls, requiring periodic removal.
Preparing to change the operating mode
Before you begin to manipulate the settings, you must empty the freezer of food if you do not plan to defrost it naturally. A sharp increase in temperature will lead to spoilage of frozen goods. It is also recommended to audit the contents of the refrigerator compartment in order to rationally distribute the space that may be needed to move some of the products.
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before any work related to checking contacts or cleaning, although this is not required for simply switching regulators. However, if you plan to stop the freezer for a long time, it is better to give the equipment a rest. Complete defrosting of the No Frost system or drip system will take from 2 to 24 hours, depending on the amount of ice.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator for reconfiguration
After defrosting, thoroughly wipe the internal surfaces with a dry rag. Moisture remaining in the grooves or on the shelves, during subsequent operation of only the refrigeration circuit, can become a source of unpleasant odor or mold, since the ventilation between the chambers in some models Atlant may be partially limited, but not airtight.
Step-by-step instructions for shutting down freezer
The shutdown process depends on the control type of your model. Most two-compressor refrigerators Atlant use mechanical thermostats, which are rotary knobs with digital divisions. To turn off the freezer, you need to find the regulator responsible for this particular compartment (usually they are labeled or located closer to the corresponding chamber).
Turn the freezer thermostat knob counterclockwise all the way until the pointer points to the “0” mark or the shutdown icon. At this moment, you can hear a slight click - this is the thermostat contacts opening. The freezer compressor will stop and the light (if present) will turn off. At the same time, the refrigerator compartment regulator must remain in the operating range, for example, on the division 2 or 3.
If your model is equipped with electronic control with a display, the algorithm may differ. Often you will need to press and hold the freezer temperature setting button until the off symbol or dash appears on the screen. In some cases, it is necessary to activate a special “Vacation” or “One Touch Cooling” mode, which redistributes resources, although complete shutdown of the circuit in electronics is less common.
After switching the regulators, listen to the operation of the unit. Only one compressor should work, producing the usual hum. The second motor should be silent. If you hear periodic clicks or attempts to start the second motor, check the position of the handle - perhaps it has not reached the extreme position, and the thermostat still closes the circuit at the slightest temperature fluctuation.
Using the freezer as a refrigerator compartment
Many users are interested in whether it is possible to use a stopped freezer as an additional refrigerator. Technically, this is possible, since the temperature in it will be equal to the temperature in the main chamber or will be slightly higher due to the lack of active cooling. However, it is worth remembering that air circulation in the freezer compartment it is not structurally provided in the same way as in the refrigerator.
In models with the system No Frost the freezer fan will also stop working when the compressor is turned off. This means that the air in this volume will stagnate. To improve the situation, you can keep the freezer door slightly open, if the design allows, or regularly open it for ventilation. In models with a drip system, the situation is similar, but the risk of condensation on the rear wall is higher.
| Parameter | Normal mode | Refrigerator only mode | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature in freezer | -18°C and below | +5°C ... +10°C | Food spoilage |
| Compressor operation | Both motors | One motor | Uneven wear |
| Humidity | Low (dry air) | High (condensation) | Mold occurrence |
| Energy consumption | Standard | Reduced by ~40-50% | Absent |
When using the freezer as a refrigerator, avoid storing foods with a strong smell in it if the main chamber is tightly closed. Also, do not place open containers with liquids in the former freezer, since the lack of active circulation can lead to a local increase in humidity and damage to the packaging.
Energy efficiency and resource saving
Disconnecting one of the chambers of a two-compressor refrigerator Atlant is an effective way to reduce energy consumption, especially if you live alone or go on a business trip. Energy consumption is reduced by almost half, since the main consumer - the compressor - operates in only one circuit. This is also true in winter, when the need for large reserves of freezing is reduced.
However, it is worth considering that the refrigeration chamber compressor that remains turned on can work a little more intensely if you actively use the main door. Heat loss through the open door of the refrigerator forces the motor to compensate for the loss of cold. In the freezer, if it is turned off and the door is closed, the heat gain is minimal, and the temperature remains stable for a long time.
The influence of ambient temperature
If the refrigerator is in an unheated room at a temperature below +10°C, turning off the freezer may be the only way to keep the main compartment operating. Many refrigerants and oils lose their properties at low temperatures, and operation of the freezer circuit in cold conditions can be ineffective or dangerous for the compressor.
For maximum savings, it is also recommended to check the tightness of the doors. If you unplug your freezer, make sure the freezer door closes tightly. Warm air from the main chamber (if it gets there) or from the room should not easily penetrate inside, otherwise the refrigerator will work in vain, trying to cool the unnecessary volume.
Possible problems and their solutions
During the operation of the refrigerator in single-chamber operating mode, specific situations may arise. For example, the light in the refrigerator compartment may stop turning on if the lighting circuit is tied to the operation of both compressors (found in older models). A temperature imbalance is also possible: the upper part of the main chamber may become warmer if the freezer is located on top and is not insulated with heat-reflecting materials.
If, after turning off the freezer, the main refrigerator begins to work without stopping, heat transfer may be disrupted. Check whether the capillary tube or temperature sensor is pressed too tightly against the wall. In some cases, it is necessary to mechanically adjust the position of the main chamber thermostat, moving it towards weaker cooling (smaller number).
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud knocking or vibration from the switched off compressor, this may be a sign that it is not completely de-energized or that refrigerant is flowing through a faulty valve. In this case, it is better to completely disconnect the device from the network and call a technician.
Another problem is the appearance of condensation on the outside of the case between the cameras. This “dew point” moves due to temperature differences. Wipe these areas with a dry cloth to avoid metal corrosion or plastic swelling.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to turn off the freezer if there is food left in it?
No, it is not possible. If you turn off refrigeration, the temperature will begin to rise and foods that require deep freezing will spoil. First, either eat them, or transfer them to another freezer, or wait until they are completely defrosted and use them in cooking.
Will running only one motor in a two-compressor system damage the compressor?
No, it will not. The design of two-compressor refrigerators Atlant initially assumes independent operation of the units. Each motor is designed to operate autonomously and does not depend on the state of the second circuit.
How can you tell that the freezer has actually turned off?
In addition to the absence of the sound of the running motor, after 1-2 hours the temperature in the freezer will begin to rise. You can put a thermometer there. You can also carefully touch the condenser (the grill at the back) - the zone responsible for the disconnected circuit should be cold, while the zone of the working refrigerator will be warm.
Do you need to defrost the freezer before a long shutdown?
Yes, definitely. If you leave your refrigerator turned off or on single chamber mode for more than a week, the ice will melt and turn into water. This can lead to leakage onto the floor, corrosion of internal elements and the appearance of a persistent unpleasant odor.