Situations when necessary turn off the freezer compartment in a working refrigerator, they arise infrequently, but always require a quick and competent solution. Equipment owners Atlant often face the need to increase the usable volume of the refrigerator compartment by adding a freezer, for example, when preparing for the holidays or storing a large amount of vegetables that cannot be frozen. Sometimes the reason is a breakdown of the No Frost system or a desire to save energy by using the unit only as a regular cabinet.
However, the design features of different models dictate their own rules of the game. Two-compressor models allow you to completely stop the operation of one of the chambers, whereas in single-circuit systems This is almost impossible to do using standard means. It is important to understand the principle of operation of your device so as not to harm compressor or spoil the products remaining in the next compartment.
In this article we will analyze the technical nuances, “vacation” modes and “supermarket”, as well as physical methods of isolating cells. You will learn why you can’t just close the dampers and how to set it up correctly, if your model supports it. The safety of equipment and products is the number one priority in any manipulation with temperature conditions. electronic control, if your model supports it. The safety of equipment and products is the number one priority in any manipulation with temperature conditions.
Design analysis: is it possible to turn off the camera completely
The first step should always be to identify the type of cooling system of your Atlant. 90% of the success of the operation depends on this. If you have a model with two compressors (usually this can be seen by two separate temperature controllers or two power buttons on the control panel), then the problem can be solved simply. You simply turn off one of the circuits, and the freezer stops cooling, remaining at room temperature.
In the case of single-circuit system (one compressor, one refrigerant passes through both chambers), the situation is more complicated. Here the cold is generated in the freezer and partially transferred to the refrigerator compartment. It is technically impossible to completely “cut off” the freezer, leaving the top part to work, without intervention in the design. However, you can minimize the freezing effect by changing the settings or physically limiting the heat transfer.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to pinch the capillary tube or independently re-solder the circuits of a single-circuit refrigerator without special equipment and skills will lead to freon leakage and compressor failure. Such actions void the warranty and make repairs economically unfeasible.
It is also worth considering the age of the equipment. Modern models with system Full No Frost and electronic control often provide special program modes. Old Soviet Atlantas with mechanical thermostats require a more “physical” approach to the issue of chamber insulation. Understanding the device evaporator in your model is the key to success.
Using the “Vacation” and “Supermarket” modes
Many users confuse these two modes, considering them the same, but for our task they are fundamentally different. The mode "Holiday" is designed to save energy when you leave and the refrigerator remains empty. In this mode, the refrigerator compartment is set to a temperature of about +15°C (to prevent mold from appearing), and the freezer continues to operate as normal. This is not suitable for us, since the freezer remains active.
We are interested in the mode “Supermarket” (sometimes called "Party" or "Shop"). Its operating logic is exactly the opposite: the refrigerator compartment operates as usual, maintaining +4..+5°C, and the freezer is turned off or switched to defrost mode. This allows you to store drinks and food in the main chamber without wasting energy on freezing the empty lower drawer.
To activate this function, you must contact the control panel. In models with electronics, this is done by sequentially pressing buttons. Usually you need to hold down the mode selection button for 3-5 seconds until the corresponding indicator appears on the display. In some models Atlant with mechanical control there is no such mode, and then you have to look for workarounds.
Do not load it with a large volume of warm food at once, so as not to overload the unit.
Physical isolation of chambers in single-circuit models
If there are no software ways to turn off the freezer, only physical isolation remains. In single-circuit refrigerators, cold air from the freezer rises up through special channels or simply through leaks in the partition. The task is to (block) this flow as much as possible, turning the lower part into a vestibule.
To do this, you can use sheets expanded polystyrene (foam plastic) or thick cardboard, cut exactly to the size of the freezer. They need to tightly close the entrance to the freezer, creating a kind of “door” inside the chamber. This will not stop the compressor from producing cold, but will prevent the upper compartment from cooling to sub-zero temperatures and will allow the lower drawer to be used as a regular cabinet.
| Insulation material | Efficiency | Safety for technology | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded polystyrene (foam plastic) | High | Safe | Optimal option |
| Thick cardboard (multi-layer) | Average | Safe | Temporary solution |
| Blanket or fabric | Low | Risk of overheating | Not recommended |
| Metal sheet | High | Risk of corrosion | Coated only |
When using this method, the compressor will work harder, trying to cool the isolated volume, which cannot release the cold to the top. This can lead to an increase in work cycles and a reduction in resource motor. Monitor the temperature of the condenser (grid at the back): if it becomes excessively hot, it is better to remove the insulation.
⚠️ Attention: Do not seal the ventilation holes inside the chamber tightly with tape or film if the model involves forced air circulation. This can lead to local overheating of the evaporator and failure of the defrost system.
☑️ Preparation for physical isolation
Setting the thermostat and minimizing cold
In models with mechanical control, where there is no “Supermarket” mode, the only lever of influence is the thermostat knob. Logic dictates setting it to the minimum (one), but here lies a nuance. In single-circuit systems, with a minimum setting, the compressor may not turn on at all, and then the upper chamber will also defrost.
It is necessary to find a “golden mean”. Try setting the regulator to a position corresponding to +6..+8°C in the refrigerator compartment. With this setting, the temperature in the freezer will rise to -5..-8°C. The food there won't spoil quickly, but it won't be deep frozen either. This will turn the freezer into a short-term storage compartment or just an extra cold drawer.
If you have a model with two thermostats, but one compressor (a rare but possible configuration), then adjusting the lower regulator directly affects the compressor operating cycle. By reducing the cold in the freezer, you automatically reduce the cold in the refrigerator. In such cases, temperature balance is disrupted, and the upper chamber may become too warm.
Why can't you just pull out the freezer cord?
In two-compressor models, you can theoretically turn off the power to one compressor by disassembling the back panel. But this violates the integrity of the electrical circuit, can cause a controller error (if it is common) and definitely voids the warranty. In addition, unprotected contacts are a risk of short circuit.
Experiment with the settings gradually. Changing the position of the knob even by one notch can change the temperature in the chamber by 2-3 degrees. Use an external thermometer for control, as the built-in indicators often show average or inaccurate values.
Problems with the No Frost system when the camera is turned off
Owners of refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost need to be especially careful. In such models, air circulates throughout the entire volume through a system of channels and fans. If you try to physically block the access of air to the freezer, the fan may begin to idle or, conversely, experience increased resistance, which will lead to its breakdown.
In addition, the process of defrosting (automatic defrosting) is critical in the No Frost system. Defrost heating elements are located in the freezer compartment (usually behind the back wall). If you insulate the chamber incorrectly, the heat from the heating elements may not be distributed evenly, or, conversely, the cold will not escape, which will lead to freezing of the fan and ducts. As a result, after a week or two, the refrigerator will stop cooling altogether due to the ice plug.
For No Frost systems, the only safe software method is the “Supermarket” mode, if it is provided by the manufacturer. In this mode, the control controller knows that the lower chamber should not freeze, and adjusts the operation of the fan and defrosting heating elements accordingly.
⚠️ Attention: In No Frost models, it is strictly forbidden to block the ventilation holes between the chambers with solid materials. Impaired air circulation will lead to rapid failure of the blower fan and overheating of the motor.
If you notice that “snow” or ice has begun to accumulate on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment after your manipulations with the insulation, immediately return everything to its original state. This is the first sign of a violation of heat exchange and operation of the defrost system.
Frequent errors and precautions
When trying to turn off the freezer, users often make mistakes that lead to food spoilage or equipment breakdown. One of the most common is an attempt to “deceive” the temperature sensor. Some people advise applying a heat source to the sensor (thermal relay) so that the compressor “thinks” that the chamber is warm and turns off. Do this absolutely not. This will lead to defrosting of the entire refrigerator, and constant heating of the sensor can damage it.
Another mistake is storing foods that require deep freezing in a “disabled” freezer. Even in “Supermarket” mode or with physical isolation, the temperature there rarely drops below -5..-10°C. Meat, fish and berries at this temperature will begin to deteriorate in a few days, although they may look normal in appearance. Use this volume only for storing vegetables, drinks or a supply of ice cream (it will begin to melt, but slowly).
Also, do not forget about hygiene. If your freezer is not operating at full capacity, bacteria may become active in the freezer, especially if there are residual odors. Wash the camera regularly and check for mold or mucus.
And remember the load on the network. If you use physical isolation methods, the compressor can run almost non-stop. Check whether the plug, socket, and the power cord itself are hot. Constant operation at the limit of capacity shortens the life of the refrigeration unit refrigeration unit.
Is it possible to completely remove the freezer drawer and use the chamber as a refrigerator?
You can remove the plastic drawer, this will increase the volume, but will not change the temperature. The chamber will remain freezer. To use it as a refrigerator, you need to isolate it from cold air (see the section on physical insulation) or have a two-compressor model where you can turn off the lower circuit.
Why does the freezer not turn off in the "Vacation" mode?
The "Vacation" mode is designed to save energy when you are not at home. The manufacturer’s logic is as follows: you left, the food in the refrigerator could have spoiled, so you can turn it off (or heat it up), but the supplies in the freezer (meat, semi-finished products) need to be preserved, so it works. To turn off the freezer, you need the “Supermarket” mode.
Is frequent switching of modes harmful for the compressor?
Switching electronic modes in itself is safe. However, if you are constantly changing temperature settings, forcing the compressor to run at full capacity and then stop, this creates load cycling. Try not to change the settings more than once a day.
What to do if water appears in the refrigerator after turning off the freezer?
Water may appear due to impaired air circulation or melting ice if you changed modes. Check the drain hole in the refrigerator compartment (usually on the bottom back wall). It could get clogged. Clean it with soft wire or warm water.