Brand refrigeration equipment Atlant is deservedly popular due to its reliability and affordability, but even the highest quality equipment requires regular maintenance. Sooner or later, every owner is faced with the need to completely defrost the chambers, regardless of whether you have a drip system installed or a modern one. Ignoring this procedure can lead to a decrease in cooling efficiency, increased energy consumption and even compressor breakdown. No Frost. Ignoring this procedure may result in decreased cooling efficiency, increased energy consumption, and even compressor failure.
In this article we will look in detail at how to properly prepare the unit for the process, what tools you will need and what absolutely cannot be done. Compliance with technology defrosting will extend the life of your device and preserve food freshness. We will look at the nuances for different models and answer the most common questions from users.
When it is necessary to defrost the Atlant refrigerator
Many owners mistakenly believe that the system No Frost does not require defrosting at all. This is not entirely true: although ice in such models does not accumulate on the walls, hygienic cleaning and disconnection from the network must still be carried out at least once a year. For classic models with a weeping evaporator, the signal to action is a layer of ice more than 5-7 millimeters thick.
If you notice that the refrigerator has started to work louder, does not turn off longer, or there is water on the floor, these are clear signs that the heat exchange is disturbed. Ice coat works as a heat insulator, causing the motor to wear out. In such cases, defrosting becomes not just cleaning, but a necessity to save equipment.
It is also worth carrying out the procedure if you are going on a long vacation or planning to move the refrigerator to a new apartment. Transportation and long-term storage require that the unit be completely dry and defrosted. This will prevent the development of mold and the appearance of unpleasant odors inside the chambers during inactivity.
⚠️ Attention: If ice builds up too quickly (over a few days) or appears in unusual places, this may indicate a malfunction of the thermostat or a leak in the seal. In this case, simple defrosting will not solve the problem.
Preparation for the defrosting procedure
Before you begin active actions, you must properly prepare the workplace and the refrigerator itself. First, empty the cameras of all products. If it’s winter outside, you can take the perishables to the balcony; otherwise, put them in bowls of cold water or in ice packs to maintain the temperature as much as possible.
Be sure to unplug the device from the power supply. Simply turning the temperature dial to zero is not enough - you need to unplug it from the socket. This will ensure your safety and will stop the compressor from running. Now you can begin to remove all removable elements.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator
Remove all glass shelves, plastic containers, egg trays and bottle holders. They need to be washed separately with warm water and a mild detergent. Plastic parts cannot be washed in hot water, as they may become deformed, so use water at room temperature.
Step-by-step instructions: how to defrost correctly
Process natural defrosting is the safest for all refrigerator components Atlant. Once you've emptied the chambers and removed the shelves, leave the doors completely open. This will provide an influx of warm air and speed up the melting of the ice. Place several old towels or absorbent rags under the bottom of the refrigerator and in front of it, as there may be a lot of water.
The time required for complete defrosting varies from 8 to 24 hours depending on the amount of ice and the temperature in the room. Do not try to speed up this process by mechanical action. Natural melting guarantees that the plastic will not crack and the evaporator tubes will remain intact.
During the melting process, periodically wipe the walls with a dry rag, removing the flowing water. If water collects in the drain hole, carefully clean it with a special brush or cotton swab to ensure free flow of moisture into the compressor pan. When all the ice has melted, thoroughly wipe all surfaces dry.
What you ABSOLUTELY NOT DO
There are a number of common mistakes that can instantly disable expensive equipment. The most important rule is never use sharp objects to chip ice. A knife, screwdriver or chisel can easily damage the thin-walled heat exchanger, which will lead to freon leakage and complex, expensive repairs.
⚠️ Attention: Damage to the evaporator with a sharp object is not a warranty case. The repair will require replacing the evaporator, recharging the refrigerant and evacuating the system, which often accounts for up to 70% of the cost of a new refrigerator.
It is also prohibited to use hair dryers, heaters or pots of boiling water placed on shelves to speed up the process. A sharp temperature change causes deformation of the plastic and can lead to cracks in the case. Atlant refrigerator designed for a smooth change in temperature conditions.
Why can’t you heat with a hairdryer?
Heating with a hairdryer creates local zones overheating The plastic of the inner chamber can melt or change color, and sudden temperature changes often lead to microcracks in the sealed tubes, which are not immediately noticeable, but will lead to gas leakage after a month of operation.
Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after removing the last piece of ice. Let it stand with the doors open for another 15-20 minutes so that any remaining moisture evaporates and the temperature reaches room temperature. This will help avoid the formation of condensation during the first start.
Table: Comparison of defrosting systems
Understanding the type of system you have helps you plan your time and effort correctly. Below is a comparison of characteristics for different models Atlant.
| Characteristics | Drip system | No Frost | Low Frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defrost frequency | Once every 4-6 months | once a year (hygiene) | Once every 6-8 months |
| Ice build-up | On the back wall | Not noticeable (hidden) | Thin layer on the walls |
| Procedure time | 12-18 hours | 4-6 hours | 8-10 hours |
| Humidity in the chamber | High | Low | Medium |
As can be seen from the table, modern systems require less time for maintenance, but it cannot be completely excluded. Even in models with automatic defrosting over time, dust and bacteria accumulate that need to be removed.
fridge care after defrosting
After completing the water procedures and drying the chambers, it is important to start the unit correctly. Wipe the internal surfaces with a soda solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or a special refrigerator cleaner. This will eliminate bacteria and unpleasant odors. Atlant refrigerator It will work more efficiently in a clean chamber.
Plug in the empty refrigerator and let it work for 1-2 hours without loading. During this time it will reach the required temperature and the compressor will turn off. Only after this can you load products. A sudden load of warm food will force the motor to work in increased mode.
Regularly check the condition of the rubber seals. If they are dirty, wipe them with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water. A clean seal ensures tightness, which directly affects the rate of ice growth in the future.
Typical problems and their solutions
Sometimes after defrosting, users are faced with the fact that the refrigerator does not freeze or takes a long time to gain temperature. This is often due to the fact that the device was turned on too early, before the internal components were completely dry. In such cases, it is necessary to turn off the unit again for several hours.
If you notice that the water does not go into the drainage hole, but stands in a puddle at the bottom of the chamber, it means that the channel is clogged with debris or ice. Take a soft wire or a special brush and carefully clean the hole. Drainage patency is critical for the normal operation of the system.
⚠️ Attention: If, after defrosting and turning it back on a day later, the temperature in the chambers does not drop and the compressor runs continuously, the circuit may have been damaged during cleaning or leaked Thermostat is faulty. A call to the technician is required.
Another common problem is the skew of the refrigerator. Make sure the device is level. Use the front feet to make adjustments. The correct angle of inclination (slightly back) ensures a tight fit of the door and gravity flow of water into the drainage.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to defrost the Atlant refrigerator while leaving food inside?
It is strictly not recommended. Even if you turn off just one chamber, the temperature in the entire unit will begin to rise, causing food spoilage. In addition, the presence of food interferes with air circulation and slows down the melting of ice, making the procedure ineffective.
How long should you keep the refrigerator turned off after defrosting?
The minimum time left off after the ice has melted is 2-3 hours to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Before turning on the food for the first time, the unit must run empty for about 2 hours to reach operating temperature.
What to do if a whistle or hum appears after defrosting?
Small sounds may be associated with the expansion of materials or the operation of the compressor after inactivity. However, if the noise is loud, check that the refrigerator is level and that the tubes are not touching the back of the cabinet or the wall. If the noise does not subside after a day, contact the service department.
Is it necessary to lubricate the seal with silicone after washing?
Yes, this is a useful procedure. A special silicone lubricant for rubber seals maintains their elasticity, prevents drying out and cracking, and also improves the fit of the door, which reduces the formation of ice.