Refrigerators of the Belarusian brand Atlant have earned a reputation as reliable and durable equipment, however, even the most advanced models require regular maintenance. Owners of units with a drip defrosting system often wonder whether it is necessary to interfere with the natural defrosting process or whether the device requires periodic manual defrosting. The answer lies in understanding the principle of operation of the system No Frost (which is not here) and conventional drip technology.
Unlike modern systems, where moisture evaporates automatically, in classic models the water flows into a special pan, but an ice crust on the back wall can still grow. If the ice layer exceeds 5-7 millimeters, the thermal conductivity of the evaporator drops sharply, forcing the compressor to wear out. Ignoring this fact leads to increased energy consumption and a reduction in the service life of the motor.
Proper defrosting is not just disconnecting the device from the network, but a whole process that requires preparation and adherence time frame. Incorrect actions such as using sharp objects to chip ice can cause fatal damage to the circuit. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help keep your Atlant in ideal condition without the risk of breakdown.
Features of the drip system in Atlant refrigerators
The drip system, often called the “crying evaporator”, works on the principle of periodic defrosting. While the compressor is operating, frost forms on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. When the unit reaches the set temperature, the motor turns off and the temperature inside the chamber begins to rise. The ice melts, turning into water, which flows down the grooves into the drainage hole.
It would seem that with such automation, the question of how to defrost the Atlant refrigerator should not arise. However, actual operation makes its own adjustments. The humidity of food, the frequency of opening doors and the temperature in the room affect the rate at which ice forms. If you notice that the back wall has turned into a solid shell of ice, and the products are frozen to the shelves, then the natural thawing cycle is not enough.
⚠️ Attention: Using a knife or screwdriver to remove ice is strictly prohibited! Even a minor puncture of the evaporator tube will lead to a freon leak and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
Mechanical damage to the internal circuit is the most common mistake of impatient users. Ice in refrigerators Atlant can be very hard, and attempts to chip it with tools often end in failure. In addition, aggressive exposure can damage the plastic elements of the internal housing, which become brittle in the cold.
It is important to understand the difference between models with one chamber and two-chamber units. In two-chamber freezers, the freezer usually requires manual defrosting, since there is no automatic moisture removal system. The refrigeration compartment in them is equipped with a drip system, but it also requires periodic hygiene. Atlant refrigerators The freezer usually requires manual defrosting, since there is no automatic moisture removal system. The refrigeration compartment in them is equipped with a drip system, but it also needs periodic hygiene.
When manual defrosting is necessary
Manufacturers recommend completely defrosting and washing the refrigerator at least once a year. However, there are situations when you cannot wait for the planned date. The first signal is a visual inspection: if you see that ice is more than 30% of the volume of the freezer compartment or has covered a significant part of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment, you need to act immediately.
The second sign is a change in the operation of the equipment. The compressor begins to hum louder, works almost without interruption, or, conversely, turns on too often for short periods of time. This indicates that heat exchange is impaired due to ice insulation. Also, ice may appear on the food, and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment may rise.
- ❄️ The layer of ice in the freezer has exceeded 5-7 mm.
- 🔊 The compressor operates continuously or with short cycles.
- 🌡️ The temperature inside the chambers is not corresponds to the established values.
- 💧 The appearance of puddles under the refrigerator due to the drain pan being overfilled.
If you find water on the kitchen floor, this may mean that the drainage hole is clogged with crumbs or ice. In this case, defrosting is necessary to clean the channel. Clogged drainage is a common problem that can be solved with simple prevention, but if ignored, water will flow inside the housing, causing corrosion of the metal and damage to the insulation.
It is also worth thinking about defrosting after long power outages or before a long departure. If you plan to leave the refrigerator empty, it is better to turn it off, defrost, wash it and leave the doors ajar. This will prevent the appearance of mold and an unpleasant musty odor, which is then very difficult to remove from plastic parts.
Preparing for the defrosting process
Before you begin active steps to remove ice, you need to properly prepare the equipment and free up space. The process of defrosting a refrigerator Atlant takes time, and you need to be prepared for this. Plan your actions in advance so as not to keep the doors open longer than necessary.
The first step will be to empty the chambers of food. Remove all shelves, drawers and containers. If there is a lot of food, take care of its safety: put it in thermal bags, wrap it in blankets or take it out to the balcony (if it’s cold enough there). In the summer, you can use ice packs to slow down the defrosting of food.
Next you need to disconnect the unit from the power supply. Unplug the plug from the socket. Don't rely only on the temperature controller - a complete blackout ensures safety and stops all processes. After this, open the doors of the refrigerator and freezer compartments to allow warm air to enter.
Prepare a place to collect water. Since melting ice produces a significant amount of moisture, cover the floor around the refrigerator with rags, towels, or place flat containers. This is especially true for models where the drain pan may overflow or if you accelerate the thawing process.
Step-by-step defrosting algorithm
The safest and most correct way to defrost a refrigerator Atlant is natural defrosting. It takes time, but guarantees the safety of all components and parts. The process can take from 4 to 24 hours depending on the amount of ice and the temperature in the room.
If you want to speed up the process, you can use additional methods, but this must be done with extreme caution. For example, you can put bowls of warm (not hot!) water in the chambers. Change the water as it cools. This will create steam, which will help melt the ice crust faster.
☑️ Checklist for proper defrosting
Under no circumstances use a hair dryer to dry your hair at full power, directing the hot stream at plastic or rubber seals. The plastic may become deformed, and the rubber may lose its elasticity, which will lead to loose fitting of the doors in the future. If you still use a hair dryer, keep it at a distance of at least 30 cm and turn on only the warm air mode.
After all the ice has melted, you must thoroughly rinse the internal surfaces. Use a weak soda solution or a special refrigerator cleaner. Do not use abrasive powders, which can scratch the plastic, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
| Defrost method | Execution time | Safety | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural thawing | 8-24 hours | High | Recommended method |
| Warm water bowls | 3-6 hours | High | Safe acceleration |
| Fan (cold air) | 4-8 hours | High | Effective in summer |
| Hair dryer (warm air) | 1-2 hours | Medium | Only for experienced users |
The final stage is drying. Wipe all surfaces dry with a soft cloth. Make sure there is no water in the drainage hole. Only after complete drying can you put the shelves back in place and turn on the refrigerator.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Many refrigerator owners Atlant make mistakes that negate all care efforts. The most common of them is an attempt to turn on the device without waiting for it to dry completely. If there is moisture left inside, it may freeze in the drainage system or get on the electrical contacts.
Another mistake is installing warm products immediately after switching on. The refrigerator will take a long time to reach temperature and the compressor will work in overload. Allow the chambers to cool empty for 1-2 hours before loading.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator if it has just been defrosted in a cold room or brought in from the cold. Sudden temperature changes can damage the compressor. Let the equipment warm up to room temperature.
The use of chemical solvents, acetone or gasoline to remove stains and stickers is unacceptable. These substances destroy the structure of the plastic, making it cloudy and brittle. For cleaning, use only safe products intended for contact with food.
It is also considered a mistake to ignore the condition of the rubber seals. During defrosting, they need to not only be wiped, but also checked for integrity. If the rubber is cracked or comes off, the cold will go away and the ice will build up much faster, nullifying all your work.
Care after defrosting and prevention
After you have successfully defrosted the refrigerator Atlant, it is important to maintain the result. Regular preventive maintenance will allow you to resort to complete defrosting less often. Make sure that the products do not touch the back wall where the evaporator is located.
Check the tightness of the doors. Squeeze a piece of paper between the door and the body: if it comes out easily, it means the seal is worn out or the door is warped. In this case, the cold constantly leaves, moisture from the air condenses and freezes, forming an ice coat.
The secret of long-term compressor operation
Install the refrigerator away from heat sources (batteries, stoves). If it cannot be moved, install a heat shield. Overheating the rear grill causes the motor to work harder, which accelerates wear and ice formation.
Do not place hot or warm food in the chamber. The evaporation from them instantly turns into condensate, which settles on the walls and freezes. This not only creates ice, but also increases humidity, which contributes to the spoilage of other products.
Once a month, wipe the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment with a special brush or cotton swab. This is a simple procedure that will prevent stagnation of water and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Cleanliness inside the chambers is the key to the health of your family and long service life of the equipment.
Possible malfunctions after defrosting
Sometimes after defrosting, users encounter problems. If the refrigerator does not turn on, check the outlet and the integrity of the cord. If the indication is on, but there is no cold, perhaps air has entered the system or a power surge occurred when turned on.
The appearance of a strong hum or vibration may indicate that the refrigerator is not level. After washing the floor under it, the adjustment of the legs could be lost. Use a spirit level and adjustment screws to level the appliance exactly horizontally.
If you notice that water has again begun to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment a short time after defrosting, most likely the drainage hole is clogged again. In this case, more thorough cleaning of the channel will be required using a soft wire or a special brush.
In rare cases, the electronics may need to be rebooted. If the control panel behaves incorrectly, try disconnecting the refrigerator from the network for 10