Even modern systems No Frost ("Without frost"), which are equipped with popular models of the Belarusian brand Atlant, require periodic maintenance. Many owners mistakenly believe that such units do not need defrosting at all, but this is a misconception. Internal air circulation does not eliminate the need to clean the evaporator and drainage channels from dust, bacteria and residual ice, which accumulates in hidden cavities over time.
The process of defrosting refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost is significantly different from defrosting older models with a weeping wall. Here it is important not only to turn off the power, but also to properly prepare the equipment so as not to damage sensitive electronics or the condensate drainage system. Incorrect actions can lead to failure of temperature sensors or the formation of an ice plug in the drainage.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the required time interval and typical mistakes that users make when servicing two-chamber refrigerators Atlant. Compliance with the technology will extend the life of the compressor and ensure hygienic storage of products.
Why does the No Frost system need defrosting?
The system No Frost works on the principle of forced circulation of cold air, which passes through a hidden evaporator. Moisture from the products settles on this evaporator in the form of frost, which is periodically thawed by the built-in heating element according to a timer. However, this mechanism is not ideal: over time, plaque, mold and grease accumulate in the drainage hole through which water flows into the pan.
If preventive defrosting is ignored, the drainage channel may become clogged. The water will stop leaving and will begin to accumulate inside the housing, flowing to the bottom of the refrigerator compartment or freezing in the form of ice on the back wall. This not only creates discomfort, but also forces the compressor Atlant to work with increased load, trying to compensate for the disruption of heat transfer.
In addition, complete defrosting is necessary for high-quality sanitization. The refrigerator is an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, even at low temperatures. Deep cleaning with defrosting allows you to destroy microorganisms in hard-to-reach places that cannot be reached with a regular rag.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that a “coat” of ice has begun to grow on the back wall of the refrigerator Atlant this is a direct signal that the drainage is clogged and urgent defrosting and cleaning is required channel.
The regularity of the procedure depends on the intensity of use of the equipment. On average, manufacturers recommend complete defrosting once every 6–12 months. If the refrigerator is densely loaded with food or there is high humidity in the room, it is better to reduce the interval to 6 months.
Preparation for the defrosting procedure
Before starting the process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. This will ensure the safety and security of the products. First of all, empty the refrigerator compartments Atlant of food. If defrosting is planned, try to consume perishable supplies in advance.
If there is a lot of food, prepare cooler bags or thermal boxes with ice. This is especially true for the freezer, where stocks of meat and fish are stored. Remove all removable items: shelves, drawers, egg trays and bottle holders. It is more convenient to wash them separately in warm water with detergent.
Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with rags or towels. Despite the system No Frost, when the hidden evaporator defrosts, water may flow out of the drainage hole faster than it goes into the pan, especially if the channel is partially clogged. Also prepare a container with warm water and soft rags to speed up the process.
☑️ Preparing for defrosting
It is important to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply correctly. Do not pull on the wire while holding the cord. Grasp the plug body and smoothly remove it from the outlet. If the model Atlant is equipped with a power button on the case, move the switch to position 0 or Off.
Step-by-step instructions: how to defrost an Atlant refrigerator
The process of defrosting refrigerators Atlant s system No Frost takes time. Unlike the drip system, here the ice can be in hidden cavities behind the plastic panels. Follow the algorithm to do everything correctly and safely.
First, leave the refrigerator and freezer doors completely open. This will provide an influx of warm air and speed up the melting of the ice. Do not try to speed up the process by using a hair dryer, hot water poured directly onto the plastic, or sharp objects. A sudden change in temperature can lead to cracks in the plastic evaporator box or deformation of the seals.
While the defrosting process is in progress, wash the removed shelves and drawers. Use a mild detergent without abrasives. Rinse them thoroughly and let dry. Also wipe the interior surfaces of the chambers with a damp cloth soaked in a weak solution of soda or vinegar for disinfection.
How long does defrosting take?
The time for complete defrosting of the Atlant No Frost refrigerator ranges from 10 to 24 hours. This depends on the amount of ice, the temperature in the room and how long ago the last prevention was carried out. Do not turn on the appliance until you are sure that all the ice has melted.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment. It is usually located at the bottom of the back wall. Clean it carefully using a special brush (often included) or a soft wire wrapped in cotton wool. Pour some warm water in there to make sure there is free flow.
What you should absolutely not do
Refrigerator owners Atlant often make mistakes trying to speed up the process. These actions can lead to costly repairs. The system No Frost has a lot of plastic elements and fragile sensors that are easy to damage.
- ❌ Do not use a knife or screwdriver for chipping ice. One awkward movement can puncture the evaporator passages where the refrigerant circulates. Repairing such a system requires expensive sealing and refilling with freon.
- ❌ Do not pour boiling water on frozen areas. When suddenly heated, the plastic becomes deformed, and the seals may lose their elasticity, which will lead to the chamber being sealed.
- ❌ Do not turn on the refrigerator ahead of time. If you start the compressor while there is water or ice chips in the system, this may cause water hammer or a short circuit in the electrical circuit of the defrost heating element.
It is also prohibited to use chemical solvents, acetone or aggressive household chemicals to clean internal surfaces. They can corrode plastic and leave a toxic odor, which is then difficult to remove from products.
⚠️ Attention: If you accidentally damage the evaporator tube and hear a hissing sound (freon coming out), immediately ventilate the room and do not turn on the refrigerator. Call a technician to fix the refrigerant leak.
Taking care with your equipment Atlant during defrosting is the key to its long service life. It is better to spend more time on natural defrosting than to risk the integrity of the cooling system.
Table: Comparison of defrosting systems
To better understand the maintenance features of your refrigerator Atlant, it is useful to know the difference between types of systems. This will help avoid errors typical of other models.
| Characteristics | No Frost system | Drip system | Manual defrost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency defrosting | once a year (prevention) | once every 6 months | once every 3-4 months |
| Presence of ice | Absent (hidden defrost) | Periodically appears on the wall | A thick layer grows |
| Humidity in the chamber | Low (products dry faster) | High | Depends on the layer of ice |
| Difficulty of maintenance | Simple (wiping) | Medium (you need to monitor the drainage) | High (ice chipping) |
As can be seen from the table, the model Atlant s No Frost requires the least amount of maintenance effort, but you cannot completely forget about it. Preventative cleaning of the drainage is the key point for this technology.
Completing the process and first launch
When you are sure that all the ice has melted, and the internal surfaces and removable elements have been washed and dried, you can begin assembly. Place shelves and drawers in their proper places. Make sure that they fit tightly and evenly.
Turn on the refrigerator Atlant plug in. Let it run empty for 1-2 hours. During this time, the unit will reach the required temperature, and the automation will stabilize the operating modes. Only after this can you download products.
Check the system. After a couple of hours, evaluate whether there are any extraneous noises, whether the chamber is freezing properly, and whether water is collecting at the bottom. If everything is in order, then the defrosting was successful.
Frequently asked questions and problems (FAQ)
Why does the Atlant refrigerator not freeze after defrosting?
If more than 2-3 hours have passed since it was turned on, and there is no cold, the system may have been damaged during cleaning or the sensor has failed. Also check that the door is tightly closed and that the thermostat settings are not lost. In rare cases, a reboot of the electronics is required (disconnection from the network for 15 minutes).
Is it possible to defrost the Atlant refrigerator in winter on the balcony?
It is strictly not recommended. The oils in the compressor thicken at low temperatures and the plastic becomes brittle. Defrosting and subsequent starting in cold weather can lead to compressor failure or cracking of the housing. The room temperature should be above +10°C.
How often do you need to change the filter in the No Frost system?
In most household models Atlant with the system No Frost replaceable filters (if they are designed to clean the air from odors) are changed once at 6 months. However, the filters do not have an evaporator system itself; it only requires mechanical cleaning from dust during defrosting.
What to do if the water does not go into the drain?
If the water is in the groove, it means the drainage hole is clogged. Take a soft wire or brush and carefully clean the channel. You can use a bulb to blow air or a syringe with warm water under pressure. Do not use sharp metal objects.
Do you need to wash the back wall inside the refrigerator?
Yes, the back wall of the refrigerator compartment needs to be wiped regularly. This is where condensation accumulates and bacteria can grow. However, do not rub it too hard if there is a weeping gutter there (in combined models) so as not to damage the plastic structure.