Correct installation of household appliances is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessary condition for its long-lasting and silent operation. When you purchase a new two-chamber Atlant refrigerator, the first thing you need to do is ensure that it is in a stable position on the floor. Many users ignore this stage, relying on the fact that the floor is level, but even a slight misalignment can lead to serious problems with the compressor and the refrigerant circulation system in the future.
An incorrectly aligned housing often causes increased noise, vibration and loose fitting of the doors. As a result, warm air can enter the chamber, which causes the unit to work hard, trying to maintain the set temperature. That is why the horizontal leveling procedure is critically important immediately after unpacking and delivering the equipment to the kitchen.
In this article we will look in detail at how to independently, without calling a specialist, set a two-chamber Atlant to the building level. You'll learn how to adjust the support legs, why you need to tilt back, and what tools you'll need to perform this task well. Following simple installation rules will allow you to avoid many common mistakes during operation.
Why do you need a strictly horizontal position of the housing
The main reason why manufacturers, including the plant Atlant, require installation of equipment at a level lies in the operating features of the compressor. If the unit is skewed, the load on the moving parts of the motor is distributed unevenly. This leads to accelerated wear of rubbing parts and can cause premature failure of an expensive unit, the replacement of which is often not economically feasible.
In addition, the correct position affects the tightness of the door seal. If the body is skewed, one of the doors may not fit tightly, creating a gap. Through this gap, warm, moist air from the room will constantly flow inside. This is fraught with the formation of ice on the back wall, the appearance of puddles under the drawers and the constant hum of the compressor, which cannot stop the cooling cycle.
⚠️ Attention: Operating the refrigerator with a severely skewed case may lead to the fact that the oil from the compressor will not return to the crankcase, but will enter the refrigerant circuit, which will cause a blockage capillary tube.
It is also worth considering the effect on the No Frost system or a crying evaporator. Air circulation inside the chambers depends on the geometry of the internal space. With a strong tilt to the side, air flows may be disrupted, which will lead to uneven cooling of products: in one corner the chamber will freeze, and in the other the temperature will be higher than normal.
Necessary tools and site preparation
Before starting the adjustment, you need to prepare a workplace and a minimum set of tools. You don't need fancy equipment, but quality construction is a must. Without it, it is almost impossible to align the equipment perfectly level, since it is difficult to determine even a slight misalignment by eye.
For work you will need:
- 📏 Construction level (bubble) with a length of 40 cm - to check the horizontal;
- 🔧 An adjustable wrench or an open-end wrench (usually 12, 14 or 17 mm) - for rotating the adjusting supports;
- 🧹 Broom or vacuum cleaner - for cleaning the floor under the refrigerator;
- 🧤 Work gloves - to avoid injuring your hands on the metal edges during installation.
It is important to prepare the installation site itself. The floor must be clean, dry and preferably hard. If you install two-chamber refrigerator on soft linoleum or carpet, it is better to place hard plastic or rubber pads under the legs so that they do not press through the coating over time.
Make sure that there is space around the unit for access to the back wall. You will need to move the refrigerator out of the way to check if the legs are evenly touching the floor and be able to get to the front to check the door level. Also check that there are no heat sources, such as radiators or stoves, at the installation site.
Design of the support legs of the Atlant refrigerator
Two-chamber models Atlant usually equipped with four support elements. The two rear legs are often simple fixed supports or casters, while the front two are adjustable. It is the front supports that allow you to change the height of the corner and level the body. In some modern models, all four legs can be adjustable, which simplifies the task on uneven floors.
Height adjustment is carried out by screwing or unscrewing the support relative to the body. When unscrewing (increasing the height), the leg moves lower, raising the corner of the refrigerator. When screwed in, the height decreases. To fix the position after adjustment, many models are provided with a lock nut, which must be screwed close to the bottom so that the leg does not go astray due to vibration.
| Type of support | Location | Function | Tool for adjustments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustable screw | Front angles | Horizontal and tilt alignment | Adjustable wrench |
| Fixed/Roller | Rear corners | Support and stability | Absent (or key for stopper) |
| Adjustable with lock nut | All models | Height fixation after settings | Key + manual clamp |
It is important to understand that the plastic elements of the supports can be fragile in the cold if the refrigerator has just been delivered in winter. Allow the equipment to warm up to room temperature for several hours before actively manipulating the adjustment to avoid cracking the plastic.
What to do if the thread of the leg is rusty or soured?
If the adjustable leg does not rotate, do not use excessive force. Try putting a little penetrating lubricant (like WD-40) on the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. After this, try carefully moving it with a key.
Step-by-step instructions for leveling
The installation process begins with the fact that you carefully pull the refrigerator out of the niche or move it away from the wall, ensuring free access from all sides. Remove the shipping films and tape if they are still on the bottom of the case. Make sure all four legs are touching the floor.
Place a spirit level on the top of the refrigerator, parallel to the front wall. Look at the position of the air bubble. If it is offset to the left or right, the front legs need to be adjusted. Rotate the left or right support with a wrench until the bubble is positioned strictly between the marks. Then repeat the procedure, placing the level perpendicularly along the side wall.
☑️ Leveling algorithm
After the horizontal is set, check the tilt of the body back. This is a critical point for two-chamber Atlant refrigerators. The door should open on its own if it is tilted about 20-30 degrees from the closed position. If the door falls forward or remains where it was left, it means that the front legs are not unscrewed enough.
To create the correct tilt, you need to unscrew the front adjustable supports another half-turn or turn so that the front of the refrigerator becomes slightly higher than the back. In this case, the level may show a slight distortion, but this is an acceptable and even necessary technological gap. The main thing is that the unit stands stable and does not wobble.
Adjusting doors and checking tightness
After mechanical alignment of the body, it is necessary to check the operation of the doors. An incorrect installation angle often causes the doors to warp and stop closing tightly. Visually inspect the gap between the seal and the housing around the entire perimeter. It should be uniform.
Do a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet of paper with the refrigerator door in different places around the perimeter. If, when the door is closed, the paper is pulled out with force along its entire length, then the seal is in order. If in some place the leaf falls out freely or is pulled out without resistance, a cold bridge is formed in this place.
If you notice a misalignment of the door that cannot be corrected by adjusting the legs, you may need to adjust the hinges. However, in 90% of cases the problem is solved by correctly setting the level of the housing itself. Make sure that the refrigerator does not wobble when lightly pressing on a corner; if it wobbles, tighten the corresponding leg until the play is eliminated.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjusting the legs and hinges the door still does not fit, check the seal itself. It may be dirty or deformed, which requires cleaning or replacement rather than further level adjustment.
Eliminating vibration and noise after installation
Even perfectly leveled Atlant can make noise if it touches surrounding objects. After completing the adjustment, make sure that the housing does not come into contact with walls, kitchen cabinets or pipes. The minimum distance to the back wall should be 5-7 cm for free air circulation.
Sometimes vibration is transmitted to the floor, especially if it is wooden or has voids. In such cases, it may be necessary to use anti-vibration pads under the feet. However, first try to slightly change the position of the adjustable supports: sometimes a microscopic change in angle dampens the resonance.
Check whether the shelves and drawers inside the chamber are not loose. During transportation, they may have fallen out of place. Also make sure that the bottles or cans inside do not come into contact with each other, as the vibration of the compressor causes them to rattle, creating a false sense of equipment malfunction.
Frequent installation mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the locknuts. Users set the level, but forget to fix the position of the adjustable screws. Over time, vibration can cause the legs to spontaneously twist or twist, disrupting the balance. Always check the tight fit of the fixing elements.
Another mistake is excessively twisting the supports. The plastic thread or metal pin may pop out of its seat if unscrewed too much. This will cause the heavy unit to fall and possibly damage the floor or the refrigerator itself. Maintain a reasonable adjustment limit.
They also often forget to remove the shipping bolts (if a particular model has them to secure the compressor) or packaging materials from under the bottom. Before starting installation, carefully study the instructions for your model Atlant for the presence of such elements.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to install the Atlant refrigerator on an inclined floor without adjustment?
No, installation on an inclined floor without compensation with adjustable legs is strictly prohibited. This will lead to improper operation of the compressor oil pump and rapid wear of the unit. Always use adjustable supports to compensate for the slope of the floor.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator open the door by itself?
Most likely, the front legs are twisted too much, and the forward angle of the body is too large, or, conversely, the tightness of the seal is broken. Normally, the door should close on its own when opened to 45 degrees. Try to tighten the front supports a little.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
Yes, if the refrigerator was transported lying down or was simply shaken, it needs to stand in an upright position for at least 2-4 hours (or better yet, a day) before turning it on for the first time. This is necessary so that the oil flows into the compressor.
How to understand that the level is set correctly without a tool?
It is difficult to determine the exact horizon without a building level. However, an indirect sign can be the gravity of water during defrosting (if the model is not No Frost) and the door closing on its own. But you shouldn’t rely on these signs - it’s better to buy an inexpensive level.
Does the rug under the refrigerator interfere with the level setting?
Yes, a soft rug can eventually press under the weight of the legs, which will violate the set level. If you use a substrate, it must be rigid and not deformable, or the legs must stand directly on a solid floor base.