Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, promising comfort and safety of food, but it is at the moment of unpacking and first switching on that many owners make critical mistakes. Refrigeration equipment of the brand Atlant is famous for its reliability and durability, however, these qualities will be fully manifested only with proper initial installation. Incorrect installation can lead to increased noise, excessive energy consumption, or even failure of the compressor in the first months of operation.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to give the equipment a “rest” after transportation, especially if it was carried out at low temperatures. The condensate formed inside the mechanisms must completely evaporate, and the oil in the compressor must return to its original position. Neglect of this simple acclimatization rule often causes breakdown compressor group, so be patient and let the unit stand in a vertical position for at least 4-6 hours.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of preparation, from choosing a location to setting temperature conditions, so that your Atlant served faithfully for many years. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes when installing legs and why you should not turn on the device immediately after unpacking.
Choosing the right location and preparing the room
The successful operation of any refrigeration unit directly depends on the conditions of its placement in the room. For correct heat exchange condenser free air circulation around the housing is required. If you plan to install the refrigerator in a niche or under a countertop, make sure that the gaps between the walls of the appliance and the furniture meet the requirements specified in the technical data sheet of the specific model.
The installation location should be protected from direct sunlight and located away from heat sources such as radiators, gas stoves or ovens. Exposure to increased external temperature forces compressor to work with increased load, which reduces its resource and increases electricity consumption.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator in unheated rooms or near windows where drafts are possible. Sudden temperature changes disrupt the operation of the thermostat and can lead to the formation of condensation on the outer walls of the housing.
The floor surface must be flat, clean and capable of supporting the significant weight of the unit filled with products. If the floor is slippery (for example, ceramic tiles), it is recommended to use special anti-vibration stands under the legs to prevent accidental movement of the equipment when opening the doors.
Unpacking and visual inspection of the equipment
The process of emptying the refrigerator from packaging requires care and attention. Remove the outer cardboard box, remove the foam plugs, and remove the protective plastic film. Pay special attention to the internal space: check the presence of all shelves, drawers and containers that can be secured with tape for safety during transportation.
Carefully inspect the case for mechanical damage, dents or chipped enamel. Even minor paint defects can become sources of corrosion in the future. Also check the integrity of the door seals - they should be smooth, without creases or cracks, and fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter.
☑️ Initial inspection of the refrigerator
Be sure to remove all transportation locks, if they are provided for in the design of your model. Often, manufacturers secure moving elements inside the chambers or the compressor itself with special bolts or brackets, which must be removed before the first start.
Setting the level and adjusting the supports
A stable position of the refrigerator is the key to quiet operation and proper closing of the doors. If the unit is skewed, the doors may open spontaneously or, conversely, not fit completely, breaking tightness chambers. Adjustment is carried out using the front supports, which can be unscrewed or tightened.
To make the adjustment, you will need a building level. Place it on the top lid of the refrigerator, first lengthwise, then crosswise. Rotate the adjusting screws to achieve a strictly horizontal position. A minimum tilt of the body back (about 2 degrees) is allowed so that the doors close independently under the influence of gravity.
| Check parameter | Normal condition | Possible problem | Elimination method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position doors | Self-closing | Spontaneous opening | Increase the height of the front supports |
| Vibration of the body | Absent | Strong trembling during work | Level the floor or tighten the supports |
| Gap at the wall | At least 5-10 cm | Tight fit | Move the refrigerator |
| Seal | Uniform fit | Presence of gaps | Adjust the tilt of the body |
After adjustment, make sure that the refrigerator does not wobble. If the floor is uneven and the supports cannot compensate for this, use thin rubber pads under the legs, but avoid using wooden blocks, which can absorb moisture and rot.
Connecting to the electrical network
Refrigerators Atlant are energy-efficient equipment, but require a stable voltage in the network. The device should be connected directly to a separate grounded outlet. The use of extension cords, tees or low-quality surge protectors is not recommended, as they can cause overheating of the contacts and a fire.
Check the condition of the power cord: it must be free of damage, creases and traces of melting. The plug should fit snugly into the socket without loosening or sparking. If the socket is located in a hard-to-reach place, make sure that you have easy access to it for emergency shutdown of the device.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sockets without grounding to connect modern electronically controlled refrigerators. Lack of grounding can lead to the accumulation of static electricity and failure of sensitive electronics.
If power surges often occur in your home, it is advisable to install a voltage stabilizer to protect expensive equipment.
First start and operating modes
After the refrigerator has stood in a vertical position for the required time (at least 4 hours, preferably a day), you can start turning it on for the first time. Insert the plug into the outlet. On some electronically controlled models, the display or indicators will light up to indicate the start of operation.
During the first hours of operation, do not load the chambers with products. Allow the unit to reach the set temperature when empty. Typically this process takes from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the room. You will hear it start compressor —this is a normal operating sound.
Why does the refrigerator work for a long time without shutting down?
When first started, the compressor can work continuously for up to 12 hours. This is necessary to freeze the inner walls and enter the mode. Do not turn it off if there are no foreign smells of burning or knocking.
Modern models Atlant can be equipped with a system No Frost or drip defrosting system. In both cases, upon first start-up, a slight hissing or gurgling noise may be observed - this is the refrigerant circulating through the piping system. It is also possible that heat may appear on the side walls, which indicates normal operation of the condenser.
Setting the temperature and loading food
When the refrigerator has been idle for several hours and a stable temperature has been established inside, you can begin loading food. Do not fill the chambers completely at once: a sudden change in the thermal balance will cause the compressor to work with overload. Load products in small portions throughout the day.
The optimal temperature in the main chamber should be from +2 to +4 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to set the freezer to -18 degrees or lower. To adjust, use a mechanical regulator (usually located inside the chamber or on the ceiling) or an electronic control panel.
If you use a mechanical regulator, remember: the higher the number, the colder it is. Setting it to maximum immediately after switching on will not speed up cooling, but will create an extra load on the motor.
Distribute the food evenly without closing the ventilation holes (if your model has them). This will ensure proper circulation of cold air and efficient operation of the cooling system.
Frequently asked questions during installation (FAQ)
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after delivery in winter?
If the refrigerator was brought in from the cold, it needs to warm up to room temperature to avoid condensation on the electrical contacts. This usually takes 3-4 hours. After this, you need to let it stand for a few more hours before turning it on, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator get very hot on the sides?
Heating the side walls is a normal physical process of heat removal. The condenser (heat exchanger) in modern models is often built into the side walls of the case. The hotter the room or the more products you have loaded, the hotter the walls can become.
Do you need to wash a new refrigerator before use?
Yes, definitely. Factory dust or plastic smell may remain inside the cameras. Wipe all surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution or a special product for cleaning refrigerators, and wipe dry.
Can a refrigerator be placed on carpet?
Not recommended. Carpeting with the pile facing up prevents proper ventilation of the underside of the cabinet and may cause the compressor to overheat. In addition, lint can clog the ventilation holes if they are located at the bottom.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
Check whether anything is interfering with the seal (packaging, edge of the shelf). Make sure the refrigerator is level and tilted slightly backwards. If the seal is deformed during transportation, you can try to straighten it with a hairdryer (carefully!) or give it time to straighten itself.