Buying a new refrigerator Atlant is always a joyful event, marking the renewal of household appliances in the kitchen. However, the joy of purchase can be overshadowed if you ignore the basic rules of transportation and first use. Many users make a critical mistake by starting the unit immediately after bringing it into the apartment. Such a hasty action can lead to serious damage to the compressor, which is the heart of the entire system.
Correctly starting a refrigerator Atlant is not just plugging into a power outlet, but a whole algorithm of actions aimed at preserving the life of the engine and refrigerant. The Belarusian manufacturer creates reliable equipment, but it requires compliance with certain physical conditions for correct operation. In this article we will analyze each stage in detail: from unpacking to setting the temperature.
It is important to understand that ignoring the instructions for acclimatization of equipment may cause a refusal of warranty service. If the compressor fails due to oil getting into the freon circulation system, the service center has every right not to recognize the case as under warranty. Therefore, it is worth spending a little time studying the nuances so that your Atlant refrigerator serves faithfully for many years.
Transportation and acclimatization of equipment
The first stage before launch is proper transportation. Refrigeration equipment is extremely sensitive to tilting and shaking. During transportation, compressor oil may leak from the engine crankcase into the refrigerant circuit. If you turn on the device in this position, a hydraulic shock will occur, which can instantly damage the piston group.
After you have brought the refrigerator Atlant into the room, you need to give it time to settle. This time is necessary not only for the oil to drain back into the crankcase, but also to equalize the temperature of the internal components. A sharp temperature change when bringing equipment from frost into a warm room causes condensation to form inside the electronic boards and on the contacts, which can result in a short circuit.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position or at a temperature below +5°C, the settling time should be at least 12-24 hours. This is a critical parameter for the longevity of the compressor.
The waiting time before turning on directly depends on the conditions in which the unit was located until that moment. In winter, when equipment is transported in an unheated vehicle, the adaptation process takes longer. In the summer, with careful vertical transportation, this period can be shortened, but the minimum threshold still exists.
How long should the refrigerator sit before turning it on
The issue of holding time is the most discussed among owners of new equipment. Refrigerator manufacturers Atlant do not indicate exact numbers in seconds, but experienced craftsmen and service engineers have formed clear recommendations based on the physics of processes within the system.
If transportation was carried out in winter at subzero temperatures, the minimum holding time is 4 hours. During this time, lubricants that have thickened in the cold will have time to return to working condition and drain into the cavities provided for them. Moreover, the plastic and metal elements of the case must warm up to room temperature to avoid deformation during sudden expansion.
In the summer or when transporting in a warm room, 2-3 hours is enough. However, if you do not know exactly how the equipment was transported, it is better to play it safe and leave the refrigerator alone for a longer period. There is no urgency in filling the chambers with products, and the risk of breaking an expensive unit is not worth it.
| Transportation conditions | Transportation position | Recommended settling time | Reason for waiting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (below 0°C) | Vertical | 4-6 hours | Warming up the oil and components |
| Winter (below 0°C) | Horizontal | 12-24 hours | Oil flow into the crankcase |
| Summer (warm room) | Vertical | 2-3 hours | Refrigerant stabilization |
| Summer (warm room) | Horizontal | 8-12 hours | Oil return to the compressor |
Worth It should be noted that modern models Atlant with inverter compressors may be less sensitive to tilts, but the endurance rule remains relevant for all types of equipment. There is oil in any compressor, and it must take its normal place before starting.
Preparation for the first start
Before pressing the power button, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory manipulations. After unpacking, remove all shipping materials: tape, foam corners, protective film. Pay special attention to the inside of the chambers - there may be instructions, bags of silica gel or fastening elements for shelves.
The next step is hygienic processing. Even if the refrigerator is new and smells factory fresh, it needs to be washed. To do this, use a weak solution of soda or a mild detergent. The use of aggressive chemicals, abrasive powders and chlorine-containing substances is strictly prohibited, as they can damage the plastic coating of the chambers.
☑️ Checklist for preparing the refrigerator
After washing the door refrigerator Atlant should be left open for 1-2 hours. This will completely eliminate the smell of new plastic and evaporate any remaining moisture after wet cleaning. Only after the internal surfaces have completely dried can you begin to install the equipment.
The important point is correct installation. The refrigerator must be placed on a flat, hard surface. Misalignment of the housing can lead to improper closing of the doors and, as a result, overload of the compressor. Height adjustment is carried out using the front support legs, which can be twisted or unscrewed.
First switching on and setting the temperature
The moment of truth comes - the first switching on. Make sure the outlet you plan to plug into is working and grounded. The use of extension cords and tees is not recommended, as they can cause poor contact and overheating of the wiring. The power of the refrigerator Atlant is small, but the starting currents of the compressor can be significant.
After connecting to the network, do not rush to load food. An empty refrigerator must run for several hours to reach the set temperature. At this time, active cold circulation occurs inside the chambers. Loading warm products will immediately force the compressor to work at maximum load, which will shorten its resource.
⚠️ Attention: During the first hours of operation, the refrigerator may make various sounds: gurgling, clicking, humming. This is a normal process of refrigerant circulation and thermostat operation that does not require intervention.
The temperature setting depends on the model of your device. Refrigerators with mechanical controls use a thermostat with a scale from 1 to 7. For the first start and further continuous operation, the position 3 or 4is considered optimal. Setting the maximum value (6-7) forces the compressor to work without interruption, which can lead to freezing of the evaporator.
If you are the owner of an electronically controlled model, the temperature is set in degrees Celsius through a panel on the door. The recommended mode for the refrigerator compartment is +3...+5°C, and for the freezer -18°C. These parameters provide the best conditions for storing most products.
Why can’t you immediately set the maximum cold?
Setting the thermostat to maximum (7 or Min) does not make the products colder faster, but only forces the compressor to work continuously. This leads to excessive consumption of electricity, increased wear of the motor and the formation of an ice crust on the back wall, which will then have to be defrosted.
Checking operation and tightness
After the refrigerator has been idle for 4-6 hours, it is necessary to check the quality of its operation. First of all, the uniformity of cooling is assessed. Run your hand along the inner walls - the cold should be distributed evenly, without warm zones. Pay attention to the sealing rubber bands around the perimeter of the doors: they should fit snugly to the body along the entire contour.
Checking the tightness of the door is a simple but important test. Place a piece of paper between the seal and the housing and try to pull it out. If the paper is removed with noticeable force along its entire length, then the seal is in order. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily in places, it may be necessary to adjust the hinges or replace the seal.
It is also worth paying attention to heat dissipation. The side walls or grille on the back of the refrigerator Atlant may heat up - this is normal, as heat is dissipated from the chambers to the outside. However, the heating should not be extreme, burning your hand. A uniform warm background indicates the correct operation of the system.
Loading products and operating modes
When the temperature mode is set and checked, you can start loading products. This should be done gradually. Do not immediately fill an empty refrigerator with a large volume of warm food. It is better to load food in small portions at intervals of several hours, giving the unit time to stabilize the temperature.
For initial freezing in the freezer Atlant it is recommended to use the “Super Freeze” function (if it is provided by the model). This mode turns on the compressor at maximum power, allowing you to quickly freeze fresh food, preserving its structure and vitamins. However, you cannot keep this mode on for a long time - no more than 24 hours, otherwise you can burn the motor.
Distribute food correctly: place ready-made food and perishable foods on the middle and lower shelves, where the temperature is more stable. Door shelves are designed for storing sauces, drinks and foods that do not require deep refrigeration. It is better to store vegetables and fruits in special drawers at the bottom of the refrigerator.
| Storage area | Temperature conditions | What to store | Shelf life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezer | -18°C and below | Meat, fish, semi-finished products | Up to 12 months |
| Top shelf | +4...+6°C | Ready food, drinks | 2-3 days |
| Middle shelf | +2...+4°C | Dairy products, eggs | 3-5 days |
| Lower shelf | 0...+2°C | Fresh meat, fish (before cooking) | 1-2 days |
Compliance with product proximity and temperature zones allows not only to preserve food freshness, but also to facilitate the operation of the refrigerator. A refrigerator that is correctly filled, but not stuffed to capacity Atlant consumes less electricity and requires defrosting less often.
Frequent errors during startup
Despite the presence of instructions, users often step on the same rake. One of the most common mistakes is installing the refrigerator close to the wall. For normal operation, the system requires heat removal. The gap between the rear wall of the unit and the wall should be at least 5-10 cm, and on the sides - at least 2-3 cm.
Another mistake is ignoring the level. If the refrigerator is tilted, the door may not close completely on its own. This leads to constant compressor operation, icing and food spoilage. Always check that the installation is level using a building level or simple visual inspection.
⚠️ Attention: Never wash the refrigerator with hot water or defrost it with a hair dryer or knife. Mechanical damage to the evaporator tubes or a sharp temperature change will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
It is also a mistaken opinion that a new refrigerator does not need to be washed. Factory dust, packaging particles and preservatives used to process plastic during production must be removed. Neglect of hygiene at the start can lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor, which is then very difficult to remove.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the Atlant refrigerator immediately after delivery if it was delivered in the summer?
It is strictly not recommended. Even in summer, the oil in the compressor could shift, and the unit itself was subject to vibration. The minimum rest time is 2-3 hours for the refrigerant and oil to take their place, otherwise a water hammer is possible.
Why does the new Atlant refrigerator hum loudly when first started?
In the first hours of operation, the noise may be more pronounced due to the system reaching operating mode. If the hum is uniform and is not accompanied by knocking or vibration of the case, this is normal. If the noise does not subside after a day, contact the service.
Do you need to defrost a new refrigerator before use?
Modern Atlant models are often equipped with a No Frost system, which does not require defrosting. However, if you have a model with a drip system or you notice ice inside when purchasing (which is unlikely for a new product), defrosting is not necessary, just wash the chambers.
What temperature should you set on the Atlant thermostat for the first time?
The optimal position for the mechanical regulator is in the middle of the scale (numbers 3 or 4). This will provide a balance between sufficient cooling and economical energy consumption. In electronic models, set the refrigerator compartment to +4°C.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after starting?
Let it run empty for 5-6 hours. If the cold still does not appear, check whether the door closes tightly and whether there is a gap near the wall for ventilation. If after 24 hours the temperature does not drop, there may be a manufacturing defect - call a technician under warranty.