Owners of household appliances are often faced with situations where there is an urgent need to change the standard operating mode of the unit. For example, when moving, going on a long trip, or breaking down one of the compartments, users are looking for a way to isolate the work one of the cameras. The question of how to turn off only the freezer compartment in the refrigerator Atlantis one of the most discussed on repair forums.
Unfortunately, the design features of most models do not allow you to completely turn off the freezer, leaving the refrigerator compartment working. Two-chamber units are usually equipped with one compressor, which pumps refrigerant into a common circuit. Attempts to physically shut off the supply of freon to one of the chambers without special equipment can lead to failure of the entire system.
However, there are technical nuances and modes that allow you to minimize the operation of the freezer or temporarily change its functions. In this article we will analyze in detail which models Atlant have the “Vacation” function, why you can’t just cut the tubes and how to properly preserve the equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to independently interfere with the refrigerant circulation system (pinching the tubes, installing valves) without a qualified technician will lead to depressurization of the circuit and costly repair.
The principle of operation of a dual-circuit cooling system
To understand the limitations of functionality, you need to understand the structure of the refrigerator. Classic models Atlant with one compressor use one evaporator or a system of tubes encircling both chambers. The refrigerant passes first through the freezer, cooling it to -18°C, and then through the refrigerator compartment.
The thermostat or electronic control module reads the temperature in the refrigerator compartment. When it gets cold enough there, the compressor turns off. At this moment, the temperature in the freezer also stops decreasing, but thanks to good thermal insulation and the absence of heat from the food, it remains low for a long time. Independent control the temperature in such a system is physically impossible without additional solenoid valves.
What is dual-circuit system?
Dual-circuit systems (Dual Cooling) use two evaporators and two fans. Atlant refrigerators are rarely equipped with a full-fledged dual-circuit system in the budget segment; most often they use one circuit with air flow distribution.
In more modern models with the system No Frost air circulation is forced. The fan drives cold air through both compartments. Even if you try to close the air supply damper to the freezer, the temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment will still require cooling, causing the compressor to work.
Models with the “Vacation” function and their features
Some advanced models of refrigerators Atlant are equipped with electronic control and a special mode, which in everyday life is called "vacation mode" However, it is important to understand that this feature does not work as many people imagine. It does not turn off the freezer completely, but switches the refrigerator compartment to economy mode.
When this function is activated, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment rises to +15°C. This prevents mold and odors from occurring when food is out, but does not require active refrigeration. The freezer continues to operate normally, maintaining freezing.
To activate the mode, you usually need to long press the button for adjusting the temperature of the refrigerator compartment. The corresponding indicator may light up on the display. If your model mechanical (with a knob inside), by definition it cannot have such a function.
Why you can’t just turn off the freon supply
There is a myth that you can install a faucet regulator on the tube going to the freezer, and stop the refrigerant flow. Theoretically, this is possible, but in practice such interference violates hydraulic resistance the system. The compressor will begin to work with overload, trying to push freon through the closed valve, which will lead to its combustion.
In addition, installing such a valve requires:
- 🛠️ Completely release all refrigerant from the system.
- 🔥 Use a gas torch to solder copper tubes.
- 💨 Evacuate the circuit after installation.
- ❄️ Fill the system with new freon strictly by weight.
The cost of such work often exceeds the cost of a new refrigerator. In addition, after intervention, the factory warranty is immediately void. Engineers Atlant do not provide for the possibility of custom modification of the circuit.
Alternative solutions: Super Freeze mode
If your goal is to quickly freeze food, and not turn off the camera, use the Super freezingmode. In some models it is activated by a button with a snowflake image. The compressor works without stopping, ignoring the thermostat signals.
The opposite effect, that is temporary increase in temperature in the freezer, can be obtained by forcibly unplugging the refrigerator from the outlet. But then the upper camera will also stop working. The only way to “turn off” the freezer, leaving the cold at the top, is to remove all the food from the freezer, close the door tightly and do not open it. Thermal insulation of modern models Atlant allows you to keep the cold for up to a day.
The table below shows a comparison of the capabilities of different types of control:
| Control type | Possibility of shutdown freezers | Vacation mode | Risk of breakage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical (twist) | No | No | High with intervention |
| Electronic (display) | No (temperature setting only) | Yes (only for the refrigerator compartment) | Medium (electronics error) |
| Circuit modification | Theoretically yes | No | Critical (compressor combustion) |
What to do if the freezer compartment malfunctions
Often the desire to turn off the freezer arises due to its breakdown. If the chamber has stopped freezing, but there is cold in the upper compartment, this may indicate freon leak or clogging of the capillary tube. In such cases, operation of the refrigerator is impossible in full mode.
If the freezer begins to make strange sounds or hum, check:
- 🔊 Correct installation (whether the housing touches the wall).
- 🧊 Amount of ice (defrost required).
- 🌀 Fan operation (for the No Frost system).
⚠️ Attention: If you hear gurgling or hissing, this may be a sign of freon release. Prolonged operation of the compressor in this mode will lead to its overheating and failure.
In the event of a malfunction, it is better to call a technician for diagnostics. Attempts to “plug” a non-functioning unit can lead to spoilage of food in the refrigerator compartment, as the overall heat transfer is disrupted.
Preservation and storage of the refrigerator
If the issue of turning off the freezer is related to long-term storage of equipment (for example, at the dacha in winter), then the algorithm of actions is different. The refrigerator Atlant needs to be completely defrosted. Leave the doors of both chambers open for 2-3 days.
This will prevent the appearance of mold and musty smell. After the insides are dry, wipe them with a dry cloth. There is no need to turn off the compressor during storage; it will already be disconnected from the network. It is important to provide dry room for storage, since humidity can damage the electrical contacts.
☑️ Preparation for long-term storage
Frequent user mistakes
Users often try to regulate the temperature in the freezer by sealing the sensors or changing the position of the thermostat. This leads to incorrect operation. Thermostat must feel the real air temperature. If you seal it with tape or tape, the refrigerator will “think” that it has become warmer and will work non-stop, freezing ice.
Another mistake is setting the minimum temperature in the hope that the freezer will “rest.” On the contrary, the lower you set the value, the longer the compressor runs. To minimize the load, set the regulator to the middle position (usually number 3 or 4 on the scale).
Technical limitations and reality
It is worth remembering that the refrigeration equipment is designed with balance in mind. The freezer is the main consumer of cold. If you artificially stop the freezing process, the refrigerator compartment may become too cold, or vice versa, too warm, depending on the point at which the temperature is measured by the sensor.
Modern models are becoming smarter, but the physics of the process remains the same: one cold source for two chambers. Therefore, if it is vital for you to have a working refrigerator with the freezer turned off, the only reliable solution is to buy single-chamber refrigerator or a model with a separate compressor for each chamber (which is extremely rare in the brand Atlant).
Is it possible to disassemble the refrigerator and remove the evaporator?
Theoretically it is possible, but this requires a complete recharge of the system, selection of a new evaporator with a suitable heat exchange area and reconfiguration of the thermostat. The cost of such work will be 2-3 times higher than the price of a new budget refrigerator.
Why is it warm in the freezer and cold in the refrigerator?
This is a classic sign of a freon leak or blockage. Freon does not reach the end of the circuit (freezer), but manages to cool the beginning (refrigerator). Workshop repair is required.
How cold does the Atlant freezer keep when turned off?
When fully loaded and the ambient temperature is +25°C, a high-quality freezer keeps the temperature below -9°C for 17-24 hours. An empty chamber loses cold in 2-4 hours.
Is it harmful to frequently unplug the refrigerator?
Frequent switching on and off (more than once a day) is harmful to the compressor. Oil should spread throughout the system. let it stand turned off for at least 4-6 hours before the next start.