Disconnecting the freezer compartment in the Atlant refrigerator with two compressors: complete instructions

Two-compressor refrigerators Atlant are a popular solution for those who want to independently control the refrigeration and freezer compartments. But what to do if the freezer is temporarily not needed? For example, during a long absence from home, seasonal use, or to save energy. Disconnecting the freezer such models have their own nuances, and incorrect actions can lead to equipment breakdown or food spoilage.

In this article you you will find detailed instructions taking into account design features Atlantas well as answers to frequently asked questions: is it possible to turn off only the freezer without affecting the refrigeration chamber, how will this affect the operation of the compressors and what to do with the accumulated ice. We will figure out which models support this function, and where disabling can be risky.

Important: two-compressor systems Atlant (series MHM, NRM, HM) technically allow turn off the freezer without consequences for the refrigerator compartment, but only if you follow the rules. If your model is older than 2010, check for a separate thermostat for the freezer compartment - in earlier versions it could have been combined.

1. Which models Atlant support turning off the freezer?

Not all two-compressor refrigerators Atlant allow you to completely deactivate the freezer. Key criterion —availability two separate thermostats (one for the refrigerator compartment, the second for the freezer). This can be determined by the following criteria:

In models Atlant series MXM 2808-90, MXM 2835-90, NRM 6026-080 and similar thermostats are located:

• 🔹 Inside the refrigerator compartment (top panel or side wall) - for the main compartment.
• 🔹 On the front panel of the freezer (under the door or on the top lid) - for the freezer.
• 🔹 In some modifications (for example, Atlant XM 6025-031) the regulators are placed on a common control panel, but remain independent.

If your model has only one regulator (for example, in old Atlant MX 2826), turn off the freezer without stopping the refrigeration compartment not possible - the compressors are connected by a single control system. In this case, you will have to disconnect the entire refrigerator from the network.

2. Preparing the refrigerator to turn off the freezer

Before turning off the freezer, you must complete several mandatory steps. Ignoring preparation can lead to condensation, an unpleasant odor, or even breakage of the door seal.

First defrost the freezerif there is ice in it. In models with a system No Frost (for example, Atlant NRM 6228-100), defrosting occurs automatically, but when the compressor is turned off, moisture may accumulate on the walls. For natural defrosting:

• 🧊 Remove all products and shelves.
• 🔌 Unplug the refrigerator (if the freezer is not defrosted a long time ago).
• 🚪 Leave the freezer door open for 6-12 hours (depending on the thickness of the ice).
• 🧽 Wipe the internal surfaces with a dry cloth, then ventilate the chamber for 1-2 hours.

If food was stored in the freezer with a pungent odor (fish, spices), after defrosting, rinse the chamber with a weak solution of soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water) and dry. This will prevent mold from appearing during downtime.

Remove all products and shelves|

Defrost the chamber (if there is ice)|

Wipe and dry the internal surfaces|

Check the door seal for integrity|

Leave the door ajar for 10-15 minutes for ventilation-->

⚠️ Attention: If there is ice left in the freezer and you turn off the compressor, moisture will begin to condense on the walls and flow into the drainage hole. In some models Atlant this can lead to blockages and leaks.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to turn off the freezer

In two-compressor refrigerators Atlant the freezer is turned off through the thermostat or control panel. The algorithm depends on the model:

For refrigerators with mechanical control (series MHM, HM):

1. Find the freezer thermostat (usually located on the front panel under door or inside the chamber).
2. Turn the regulator knob to position OFF or 0 (until it clicks).
3. Make sure that the freezer operation indicator (if any) goes off.

For models with electronic control (series NRM, Atlant New):

1. Press the button Freezer compartment or Freezer on the panel.
2. Hold it for 3-5 seconds until the display shows OFF or the snowflake icon goes out.
3. In some models (for example, Atlant NRM 6026-080) you need to go to the menu: press Menu → Settings → Modes → Freezer: Off.

In models Atlant MKhM 2808-90 and MKhM 2835-90 when the freezer is turned off, the refrigeration compartment continues to operate in normal mode, since the compressors are completely independent. If after turning off the refrigerator makes unusual sounds (clicking, hum), check if the emergency mode has turned on - this may indicate a malfunction of the thermostat.

4. What to do after turning off the freezer?

When the freezer is turned off, its door it is not recommended to close it tightly. This may lead to condensation and unpleasant odors. Optimal actions:

• 🚪 Leave the door ajar 5–10 cm (you can place a wooden block or a special retainer).
• 🧼 Once every 1–2 weeks, wipe the internal surfaces with a dry with a cloth.
• 💡 If the freezer is not used for a long time, place a bag of silica gel inside (absorbs moisture).

If you turned off the freezer to save energy, please note that complete zeroing of consumption will not occur: the refrigerator compartment will continue to work, and the electronic panel (if equipped) will consume up to 5–10 W/h. However, consumption will actually decrease by 30–40%, since the freezer is one of the main “consumers” of energy.

⚠️ Attention: In models with a system No Frost (Atlant NRM), if the freezer is idle for a long time, the fan lubricant may dry out. Before turning it back on, let the refrigerator run idle for 1-2 hours.

5. Possible problems and their solutions

When turning off the freezer compartment in refrigerators Atlant users sometimes encounter emergency situations. Let's look at the most common ones:

Problem 1: The refrigerator compartment began to freeze worse.

This can happen if the thermostats are connected through a common control board (found in budget models). Solution:

• 🔧 Check whether the settings of the refrigeration compartment have gone wrong (the regulator should be set to 2–3).
• 🔌 Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 10 minutes, then turn it on again - this will reset possible board errors.

Problem 2: The freezer does not turn off (the regulator does not works).

Causes:

• 🔩 Mechanical thermostat sticking (often in older models).
• 💻 Failure of the electronic module (in refrigerators with a display).

Solution: if the regulator does not turn or the button does not respond, do not use force. It is better to call a specialist - with a warranty of up to 5 years (for some models), independent repairs can void it. Atlant with a warranty of up to 5 years (for some models), independent repairs may void it.

Problem 3: After turning on, the freezer does not cool.

If the freezer has been turned off for more than a month, the seals may have dried out or the capillary tube may have become clogged. Before reuse:

• 🧴 Lubricate the rubber door seal with silicone grease.
• 🔄 Let the refrigerator work for 4-6 hours without loading food.

What to do if the freezer turns off by itself?

If the freezer suddenly stops working, check:

1. Thermoregulator - it may have been accidentally touched (especially if there are children or animals).

2. Power —in some models Atlant when power surges occur, the protection is triggered and the freezer turns off.

3. Temperature sensor —if it fails, the freezer may not turn on. In this case, an error is usually displayed on the display (for example, E1 or F2).

If the problem cannot be resolved, diagnostics by a technician is required.

6. Saving electricity: myths and reality

Many users turn off the freezer to save on electricity bills. But how effective is it? data-i="233">Atlant Atlant the freezer consumes up to 40–50% of total energy, so turning it off really works.

Let's consider the real numbers (for the model Atlant MHM 2835-90):

• 🔌 Consumption in normal mode: ~1.2 kW/day.
• 🔌 Consumption with the freezer turned off: ~0.6–0.7 kW/day.
• 💰 Savings per month: ~150–200 rubles (at tariff 5 rub/kWh).

However, there are nuances:

• ⚡ If the refrigerator is old (more than 10 years), savings may be less due to wear and tear on the refrigeration chamber compressor.
• ❄️ In models with No Frost part of the energy is spent on operating the fan, which can continue to function even when the freezer is turned off.
• 🔄 Frequent switching on/off of the freezer increases the load on the compressor and reduces its resource.

7. Alternative methods: "Vacation" mode

If your refrigerator Atlant supports the function "Vacation" (available in models NRM and some HM), it can be used instead of completely turning off the freezer. In this mode:

• 🏝️ The refrigerator compartment operates at minimum power (+10...+15°C).
• ❄️ The freezer compartment turns off or goes into low cooling mode (-5°C).
• 💡 Energy consumption is reduced by 25–30%.

To activate the Vacation mode:

1. Press and hold the button Holiday (or Vacation) 3–5 seconds.
2. The corresponding indicator should light up on the display (usually the 🏖️ icon or VACATION).

The advantage of this mode is there is no need to defrost the freezer leaving the door open. However, if you are leaving for a long time (more than a month), it is better However, turn off the freezer completely and defrost.

8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to turn off the freezer without defrosting it?

Technically yes, but this is fraught with consequences. If there is ice in the freezer, when the compressor is turned off, it will begin to melt, and moisture will accumulate at the bottom of the chamber. This can lead to corrosion of metal parts or the appearance of mold. In models with No Frost the risk is less, but defrosting is still recommended.

Will the refrigerator compartment work normally after that? turning off the freezer?

In two-compressor models Atlant the refrigerator compartment operates independently, so its temperature will not change. The exception is older models with one thermostat (for example, Atlant MX 2826), where turning off the freezer leads to the stop of the entire refrigerator.

How often can you turn the freezer off/on?

Frequent switching on/off reduces the life of the compressor. The optimal interval is no more than once every 2-3 months. If the freezer is needed periodically. (for example, once a week), it is better to leave it on at minimum power (1–2 on the regulator).

Is it possible to turn off the freezer in a refrigerator Atlant with one compressor?

No. In single-compressor models (Atlant MX, M), the freezer and refrigerator compartments operate from one motor. It is impossible to turn off only the freezer without stopping the entire refrigerator. In this case, you will either have to leave everything as is, or completely disconnect the refrigerator from the network.

What to do if, after turning on, the freezer does not cool?

First check:

• 🔌 Is the refrigerator connected to the network (perhaps the machine on the panel has tripped).
• ❄️ Not is the defrost mode turned on (in some models it is activated by a separate button).
• 🔧 Are the thermostat settings wrong (should be on 3–5).

If the problem persists, call a technician - there may be a freon leak, a compressor or temperature sensor failure.