Owners of modern household appliances are often faced with a situation where it is necessary to carry out general cleaning or eliminate an unpleasant odor, but complete defrosting of the entire unit seems too labor-intensive. Two-compressor models trademarks Atlant are designed in such a way that they allow the operation of the cooling circuits to be isolated. This gives a unique opportunity to influence one camera while leaving the second in working mode. Understanding this principle is critical for preserving food in the freezer compartment.
Many users mistakenly believe that to clean the refrigerator compartment it is necessary to turn off the entire appliance, risking spoiling the stock of frozen meat or vegetables. However, the engineering thought of the Belarusian manufacturer provided for independent control temperature regimes. If you correctly identify your model and control type, the process will take significantly less time and your products will remain safe. In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the process and possible nuances.
It is worth noting right away that not all modifications make it possible to completely stop the circulation of the refrigerant in one zone without affecting another, especially when it comes to systems with one evaporator, but in the context of two-compressor scheme this is quite feasible. The main thing is to follow the sequence of actions and give the system time to recover after manipulation. Next, we will look at the technical aspects that will help you complete the task competently.
The principle of operation of a dual-circuit cooling system
The fundamental difference between your model and budget single-compressor analogues is the presence of two separate compressor units. One of them is solely responsible for maintaining low temperatures in the freezer, and the second is responsible for cooling the main refrigerator compartment. This means that their electrical circuits and freon circuits are decoupled. When you operate the regulator of one chamber, the second compressor continues to operate in normal mode, if the design of a particular series allows it.
In classic systems No Frost or Frost Free, which are often found in lines Atlant, evaporators can also be separated. In the refrigerator compartment, the evaporator is usually hidden behind a rear panel and the air is circulated by a fan. If your unit belongs to the crying typesystem, then moisture condenses on the back wall and flows into the drainage tray. Understanding the type of system is important, since the rate of ice formation and the cleaning method depend on it.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that your refrigerator is actually equipped with two compressors. The presence of two temperature controllers on the control panel does not always guarantee complete independence of the circuits in older or combined models. Check the technical data sheet or sticker on the back.
The independence of the circuits allows maintenance to be carried out without disturbing thermodynamic balance the second chamber. However, it is worth considering that the thermal conductivity of the partition between the compartments is high. Even if the freezer compressor is working, the cold will partially go into the disconnected adjacent compartment, which may require increased power from the operating unit to compensate for heat inflows.
Preparation for the defrosting procedure of the refrigerator compartment
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to free the refrigerator compartment from perishable products. Although the freezer will work, the temperature in the adjacent compartment will begin to rise rapidly after the compressor is turned off. Food load affects the inertia of the process: an empty chamber will heat up faster, and a fully loaded one will keep the cold longer, but it is also more difficult to defrost.
It is important to prepare a container for collection melt water. In two-compressor models Atlant the drain hole may be located in the lower part of the rear wall. If you plan to wash the shelves, it is better to remove them in advance. It is also worth preparing soft rags and a neutral detergent. The use of abrasive materials is strictly prohibited, as the internal coating or seals can be damaged.
☑️ Preparation for defrosting
Don't forget to check the condition sealing rubber bands on the door. While the chamber is empty and open, this is the ideal time to inspect and clean them. Dirt on the seal breaks the seal, which causes the compressor to work harder. Wipe them with warm water and soap, but do not use hot water so as not to deform the rubber.
Step-by-step instructions: turn off only the refrigerator
The most common question concerns whether it is possible to stop the refrigerator compressor without touching the freezer. In most modern models Atlant with electronic control, this is done through the panel. If you have a mechanical control (twists inside), then completely turning off one compressor, leaving the second, is often impossible without pulling the plug out of the socket, which will start defrosting the entire device. However, if the model allows separate control, the algorithm is as follows:
First you need to find a temperature controller for the refrigeration chamber. On electronic panels it is indicated by a snowflake symbol with one asterisk or the inscription "Fridge". You need to set the value to mode "Off" or "0". At this moment, you will hear a characteristic click - this thermostat opens the power supply circuit to the refrigeration compartment compressor. The freezer continues to hum.
If you have a model with mechanical thermostats inside the chamber, then setting the regulator to the minimum value (usually "1" or "Min") will not turn off the compressor completely, but will only make it turn on less often. To completely defrost in such cases, you have to resort to a trick: leave the door ajar, but this will load the working freezer compressor. Therefore, for complete defrosting it is of the refrigerator compartment in mechanics it is often recommended to briefly de-energize the entire device, if time permits.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use a hairdryer, hot water from a kettle or sharp objects to chip ice. A sudden temperature change can lead to cracking of the plastic box or damage to the evaporator tubes, which will cause freon leakage.
After setting the "Off" mode or opening the door, leave the unit for 3-4 hours. During this time, the ice crust on the evaporator (if there is one) will melt and the water will flow into the drain. It is not recommended to artificially speed up the process, as this can damage varnish coating the internal tank.
What to do if the indicator lights up after turning off?
If, after setting the "Off" mode, the compressor operation indicator continues to light or flash, this may indicate malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor. In this case, the compressor will not turn off programmatically. It is necessary to check the serviceability of the regulator or call a technician to replace the thermocouple."/>
Features of defrosting for different types of control
The line of refrigerators Atlant is extensive, and approaches to control can differ significantly. In models with an electronic control unit (located on the external door), the process is most controlled. You can accurately set the temperature or turn off the circuit. In models with mechanics (rotary knobs inside), the accuracy is lower, and separate control is implemented more simply, but less flexibly.
The table below shows a comparison of actions for different types of control:
| Type of control | Location of the regulator | Action for defrosting | Risk for the freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic | On the outer door | Selecting the "Vacation" or "Off" mode for the refrigerator compartment | Minimum |
| Mechanical (2 regulators) | Inside each chamber | Turning the refrigerator handle to the "Min" or "0" position (if any) | Average (heat exchange) |
| Mechanical (1 regulator) | In the refrigerator compartment | Complete disconnection from the network (defrosting the entire device) | High (if you do not remove the food) |
| Smart / Wi-Fi | Application on a smartphone | Remote zone deactivation via the application | Minimal |
Models with the system deserve special attention Full No Frost. In them, ice does not form on the walls in principle, since moisture is removed outside the chambers. “Defrosting” in such Atlant refrigerators is required only for hygienic cleaning. It is enough to turn off the power for 30-40 minutes for the self-diagnosis systems to reset, and then wipe the surfaces.
Caring for the drainage system and removing odors
While the refrigerator compartment is defrosted and empty, it is critical to check the patency of the drainage channel. This is where mold and mucus most often accumulate, becoming a source of unpleasant odors. Locate the hole at the bottom of the back wall. Carefully clean it with a special brush or soft wire wrapped in cotton wool.
For disinfection, you can use a weak solution of soda or special products for household appliances. Do not pour water directly into the hole with buckets - it is better to use a syringe or syringe without a needle, supplying the liquid in small portions. This will help clean the tube and make sure that the water flows freely into the tray above the compressor, where it evaporates safely.
After cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry. Residual moisture can turn back into ice during the first compressor cycle, which will create unnecessary stress on the system. Inspect the shelves and drawers for cracks, since plastic becomes brittle in the cold, and defects could appear precisely at the moment of temperature changes.
Completion of the process and commissioning
After the chamber has been washed and wiped dry, it is necessary to return all the elements back. Place shelves and drawers in their proper places. Now you can turn on the refrigerator compartment. If you have electronic control, set the regulator to operating mode (usually this is 3 or 4 divisions, or +4°C). If it is mechanical, smoothly turn the knob to the middle value.
Do not rush to load the products right away. Let the refrigerator run idle for at least 1-2 hours. This is necessary to stabilize temperature conditions and check the correct operation of the thermostat. The compressor should turn on, run for a certain time and turn off. If it buzzes continuously for more than 2 hours without a break, you may have set the temperature too low or there is a problem with the system.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and operating algorithms of the electronics may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the Atlant refrigerator. Always check the instructions included with your model, as the manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the design.
It is better to load products in small portions so as not to provoke a sharp rise in temperature inside the chamber. This is especially true for warm foods that absolutely cannot be put in the refrigerator. Compliance with these simple rules will extend the service life compressor-condensing unit and ensure the safety of your supplies.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to defrost an Atlant refrigerator without unplugging it?
Yes, if the model has two compressors and is equipped with a separate regulator for the refrigeration chamber with mode "0" or "Off". In this case, one compressor is switched off programmatically, and the second continues to freeze. If the regulator is general or mechanical without a zero mark, a complete de-energization will be required.
How long does it take to defrost the refrigerator compartment?
Usually the process takes from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the amount of ice and the temperature in the room. It is not recommended to use a hairdryer to speed it up, as this can damage the plastic and seals.
Why does the refrigerator not turn on for a long time after defrosting?
Modern models have a delay in turning on the compressor (protective relay), which can last up to 15-20 minutes. This is necessary to equalize the pressure in the system. If the compressor does not start for more than an hour, check the thermostat settings.
Is it necessary to wash the refrigerator after each defrosting?
It is recommended to carry out general washing with detergents every time it is completely defrosted (once every 6-12 months). Wiping with a damp cloth can be done more often, as it gets dirty.