Owners of two-chamber models are often faced with a situation where it is necessary to change the standard operating mode of the equipment. For example, you go on vacation and want to leave only the refrigerator compartment on for storing drinks, or you urgently need to free up space in the freezer to defrost without losing food in the main compartment. The question of how to separately turn off the freezer compartment in the refrigerator Atlantbecomes especially relevant when planning a long absence or carrying out maintenance.
Modern models of the Belarusian manufacturer are equipped with a system No Frost or drip defrosting system, which makes adjustments to the temperature control modes. Unlike old Soviet units, here you cannot simply pull out the cord or turn off the refrigerant supply valve without consequences for the compressor. The correct sequence of actions will help avoid breakdowns of expensive components and maintain food freshness in the main compartment.
In this article we will examine in detail the technical nuances of temperature control, consider the differences between mechanical and electronic control systems, and also give practical advice on safe operation. You will learn what modes are available in your device and how to activate them without calling a technician.
Design features of two-chamber Atlant refrigerators
To understand the principle of turning off the freezer, you need to understand the design of the refrigeration circuit. Most models Atlant, especially in series with one compressor, use a single refrigeration circuit. This means that the refrigerant circulates sequentially: first it passes through the evaporator of the freezer, cooling it to low temperatures, and then enters the evaporator of the refrigeration compartment.
Such a scheme dictates certain restrictions: it is physically impossible to completely “turn off” the freezer, leaving it at room temperature, without disrupting the operation of the entire system. However, you can significantly increase the temperature in the freezer compartment, turning it into additional refrigeration space or a “vacation” mode. In models with two compressors, the situation is simpler, since the circuits there are independent.
Control of this process depends on the type of thermostat. In mechanical models, a rotary knob is responsible for this; in electronic models, a digital panel with a display is used. Understanding the type of your control system is the first step to proper adjustment.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to physically block the capillary tube or interfere with the design of the circuit without special equipment will lead to instant failure of the compressor and leakage of freon.
Mechanical control: adjustment thermostat
In classic models Atlant, such as the 400, 450 or 600 series, control is carried out using a mechanical thermostat. It is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment at the top right or on the top panel of the case. On the regulator handle there are numbers from 1 to 7 (or from Min to Max), which do not indicate degrees Celsius, but the degree of intensity of the compressor.
To minimize the operation of the freezer, you need to turn the handle to the minimum cooling position. If you set the regulator to "1" or "Min", the compressor will turn on rarely and will not work for long. In this mode, the temperature in the freezer will rise to approximately -6...-8°C, which is not enough for long-term storage of meat, but sufficient for preserving ice or short-term storage of frozen semi-finished products.
It is important to understand that in this mode, the refrigerator compartment will also operate at the limit of its ability to raise the temperature. Food in the main compartment may begin to spoil faster if the ambient temperature in the room is high. Therefore, this method is more suitable for short-term solutions.
Electronic control and "Super Freeze" mode
More modern models, for example, series Atlant XM-4425 or XM-6025, are equipped with an electronic control unit. Here the process of adjusting temperature zones occurs more accurately. The control panel usually has separate lights or buttons for the refrigerator and freezer compartments. To change parameters, you often need to press and hold the setting button for 3-5 seconds until a beep appears.
Some models have a special mode "Super Freeze" (Super Freeze), which is indicated by a snowflake or the letter "F". Activating this mode causes the compressor to work continuously, lowering the temperature in the freezer as much as possible. To achieve the opposite effect - turning off the freezer - this mode must be deactivated. In a number of advanced models with the “Vacation” function, you can programmatically turn off the refrigerator compartment, but the freezer will continue to operate in normal mode, which is logical for preserving supplies.
If your goal is defrosting or increasing the temperature in the freezer, in electronic models this is done by setting the maximum temperature for a given compartment through menu. However, as in mechanics, it is impossible to completely stop cooling in one of the chambers without stopping the entire system in single-circuit models.
Hidden functions of the control panel
In some Atlant models, when you simultaneously press the buttons for adjusting the temperature of the refrigeration and freezer chambers for 10 seconds, the service menu is activated, where you can see the current sensor readings. Be careful, changing the parameters in this menu may reset the factory settings.
Algorithm for temporarily turning off the freezer
If your goal is to defrost or switch the freezer to vegetable storage mode (which is not recommended by manufacturers, but is technically possible), follow a clear algorithm. Violation of the sequence can lead to the formation of an ice coat or damage to the compressor.
- 🧊 Empty the chamber: Before changing the settings, be sure to remove all food from the freezer compartment if you plan to increase the temperature above -6°C.
- ❄️ Adjustment: Set the thermostat to the minimum position (number 1) or set the maximum temperature in the electronic menu.
- ⏳ Waiting: Give the equipment time (about 2-3 hours) to stabilize the temperature. Do not expect instant results.
- 🧹 Defrosting: If the target was defrosted, after the temperature rises, open the doors and wait for the ice to melt. Use special containers to collect water.
After completing the procedures (for example, returning from vacation), you need to return the settings to normal mode. For mechanical regulators, the optimal position is "3" or "4", which ensures a balance between energy consumption and freezing quality.
☑️ Checklist before changing the mode
Table of temperature conditions and their influence
For a better understanding of how the settings affect the operation of the unit, consider the dependence of the position of the regulator on the temperature inside the chambers. Data are averaged for models Atlant with climate class SN-T.
| Position of the regulator | Tra in the refrigerator compartment | Tra in the freezer chamber | Compressor operating mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min (1) | +8...+10°C | -6...-8°C | Short-term, rare |
| Medium (3-4) | +4...+6°C | -18...-20°C | Normal, cyclic |
| Max (7) | +1...+2°C | -24...-26°C | Continuous, intensive |
| Off (0) | Room | Room | Disabled |
As can be seen from the table, even in the minimum mode, the freezer remains freezing, just with less extreme temperatures. It will not be possible to completely turn it into a refrigeration compartment (+5°C) in a single-circuit system - the food in it will simply begin to melt.
⚠️ Attention: Long-term operation of the compressor at minimum settings (mode 1) in a hot room can lead to insufficient cooling of the motor, since operating cycles become too short for proper heat transfer.
Proper defrosting and care of the No Frost system
Often the question of turning off the freezer arises in the context of the need to defrost it. In models Atlant with a system No Frost or Low Frost the formation of an ice crust is minimal, but once a year or two preventative defrosting is necessary to remove dust and odor.
For safe defrosting, do not use hair dryers, knives or other sharp objects for chipping ice. Mechanical damage to the evaporator, which is often located behind a plastic panel, will lead to an immediate leak of freon and costly repairs. The best way is natural thawing.
After defrosting, thoroughly wipe the internal surfaces with a dry soft cloth. Pay special attention to the door seals - dirt on them breaks the seal, causing the compressor to work more often. A clean seal is the key to a stable temperature.
Frequent errors during operation and their consequences
Users often make mistakes trying to “deceive” the system. For example, gluing a temperature sensor or forcibly opening contacts. In modern refrigerators Atlant with electronics, such actions will lead to an error in the self-diagnosis system, and the unit will go into emergency mode, stopping cooling altogether.
Another common mistake is placing hot foods in the freezer. This causes a sharp jump in temperature, the sensor detects the change, and the compressor begins to wear out, trying to return the parameters to normal. This significantly reduces the service life of the equipment.
It is also not recommended to keep the refrigerator for months in the minimum cooling mode (number 1). This is only acceptable as a temporary measure. Constant operation in this mode can lead to souring of the oil in the compressor or insufficient freezing of food, which is dangerous to health.
Is it possible to completely turn off the freezer, leaving the refrigerator?
In single-circuit models (one compressor) - no, technically this is impossible without reworking the system. In dual-circuit models (two compressors), it is theoretically possible, but there is usually no standard function “turn off only the freezer”, since this contradicts the logic of storage. The only way is to switch the entire device to the “Vacation” mode (if any), but then the refrigerator compartment will turn off, and the freezer will remain working.
Why does the refrigerator take a long time to gain temperature after defrosting?
After complete defrosting and turning on, it takes time (from 2 to 10 hours) to stabilize the thermal regime and freeze the walls of the evaporator. During this period, the compressor can work almost without stopping. This is fine. You should load food only after the temperature reaches the nominal values.
What to do if the indicator in the freezer stops lighting?
If the indication disappears or the light stops coming on, check the network connection and the integrity of the cord. If the equipment works, but there are no indicators, the lamp may have burned out or the control module has failed. In models with electronics, the absence of an indication on the display may indicate a power surge.
How to transport an Atlant refrigerator without damaging the system?
The refrigerator can only be transported in a vertical position. An inclination of more than 40 degrees can cause oil to flow from the compressor into the freon circuit, causing blockage of the capillary system and failure. After transportation, be sure to let the equipment sit for 3-4 hours before turning it on.