Modern refrigeration units brand Atlant are often equipped with a dual-circuit cooling system, which allows you to control the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments independently of each other. This technological feature gives owners a unique opportunity to maintain the freezer without disturbing the temperature in the main fresh food compartment. Correct operation of such equipment requires a clear understanding of control algorithms in order to avoid damage to the contents and failure of the compressor.
The process of removing ice crust (sludge) may be required even for systems No Frostif the drainage hole is clogged, or for classic models with a drip system, where ice formation is a natural physical process. In this guide, we will analyze in detail the mechanics of switching modes, the time required for the procedure and specific nuances characteristic of Belarusian technology. Ignoring the defrosting rules can lead to serious mechanical damage to the evaporator.
Before starting any manipulations, you need to make sure that you know exactly the type of your cooling system, since approaches to maintenance Low Frost and complete No Frost are significantly different. Erroneous actions, such as using sharp objects to chip ice, are the main cause of circuit depressurization and costly repairs. Let's look at a sequence of actions that is guaranteed to lead to the desired result without risk to the equipment.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use a hair dryer with hot air or boiling water to accelerate the melting of ice in the freezer. A sharp temperature change can cause cracks in the plastic housing of the evaporator or damage the rubber seals, which will lead to freon leakage.
Determining the type of Atlant cooling system
The first step in preparing for maintenance is to accurately identify the cooling system of your unit. Most modern models of the XM-4000, XM-6000 and higher series use the Low Frost system, where ice should not freeze on the walls in large volumes. If you are the owner of an older model or a budget segment, a classic drip system may be used, which requires regular manual defrosting. Atlant XM-4000, XM-6000 series and above use the system No Frost or a variation thereof Low Frost, where ice should not freeze on the walls in large volumes. If you are the owner of an older model or a budget segment, a classic drip system may be used, which requires regular manual defrosting.
A visual inspection of the back wall of the freezer compartment will answer this question: the presence of a plastic grille or panel covering the back wall usually indicates the presence of a fan and a moisture removal system. In such units, ice is collected in a special tray above the compressor, and not on products or shelves. However, if you observe a layer of snow more than 5-7 mm thick, this indicates a malfunction of the defrosting system or a loose door fit.
It is important to understand that even in systems No Frost complete defrosting may be required if the drainage hole is clogged or the defrosting heating element is faulty. In this case, the water begins to flow to the bottom of the chamber and freezes, forming an ice block. For models with manual control, the process looks different: here, turning off the cold is a planned procedure, which the manufacturer recommends to carry out at least once a year for hygienic cleaning and odor removal.
Preparing the freezer for defrosting
Immediately before starting the procedure, it is necessary to empty the freezer compartment of food. Even if you defrost only the lower chamber, and the upper one continues to work, you will still have to remove the supplies, since the temperature inside will begin to rise after the freezer compressor is turned off. Prepare thermal bags, cooler bags in advance, or simply wrap the food in several layers of blankets to keep them frozen during the procedure.
The next step is to remove all removable elements: plastic drawers, shelves, grilles and dividers. It is better to wash these parts with warm water and a mild detergent separately from the unit. While they dry, you will have unobstructed access to the inner walls of the chamber, which is critical for quality cleaning and speeding up the melting of ice. Don't forget to also move the refrigerator itself away from the wall, providing access to the back.
- ❄️ Empty the compartment of all food and pack them to keep them cold.
- 🧹 Remove all plastic containers, shelves and ice trays.
- 🔌 Provide access to the back wall of the refrigerator for ventilation.
- 🧼 Prepare soft rags and a basin for collecting melt water.
Pay special attention to preparing the area for collecting water. In models Atlant the drain hole may be absent or inconveniently located, so melt water often collects at the bottom of the chamber. Place an absorbent rag or towel under the freezer door to prevent water from spreading across the floor and damaging the floor covering. If the ice crust is very thick, the process may take several hours, and the volume of water will be significant.
Algorithm for turning off the freezer
The most important technical point is how exactly to turn off the cold in the freezer without affecting the refrigerator compartment. In two-compressor models Atlant (for example, series XM-6221, XM-6025), each chamber is responsible for its own separate compressor and its own thermostat. On the front panel or inside the refrigerator compartment, you will find two temperature controls: one is usually labeled “Refrigerator”, the second is labeled “Freezer”.
To defrost the freezer, you need to turn the freezer control to the “0” or “Off” position. In some electronic models, this is done through the control panel on the door: you need to press the camera selection button (often indicated by a snowflake or the letter F) and hold it or use the temperature setting button until dashes appear on the indicator. The freezer compressor should stop, which will indicate a successful shutdown.
☑️ Checklist before defrosting
If your model is equipped with one compressor, but has the “Separate defrost” function (which is rare and usually in premium series), follow the instructions for electronic control. In most single-circuit or combined systems, turning off the freezer will entail stopping the entire unit. In such cases, it is technically impossible to defrost the “freezer only” without losing cold in the upper compartment, and you will have to proceed according to the standard scenario of complete defrosting.
⚠️ Attention: In two-compressor models, do not pull out the cord from the retail store if you want to store food in the refrigerator compartment. Only turn off the freezer control. A complete loss of power will stop both circuits and the upper chamber will begin to heat up.
Icing process and cleaning
After the compressor is turned off, the natural melting process will begin. Depending on the thickness of the ice layer and the room temperature, this may take from 2 to 6 hours. It is strictly not recommended to pick at the ice with a knife, screwdriver or other sharp objects. The aluminum evaporator in the models Atlant is located very close to the plastic inner surface, and it is extremely easy to puncture it, which will lead to an instant release of freon and expensive repairs.
You can use safe methods to speed up the process. For example, place bowls of hot (but not boiling) water in the chamber, closing the door for 10-15 minutes. Warm steam will soften the ice, and it will begin to come off in layers. You can also use a special defrosting spray available at hardware stores, but make sure it is safe for food grade plastics. After the ice has melted, thoroughly wipe all surfaces.