Correct temperature settings are the key to long-term storage of food and saving energy. Owners of Belarusian-made equipment are often faced with the need for fine-tuning, since the factory parameters may not correspond to specific operating conditions or user preferences.
Adjustment of brand refrigeration equipment Atlant is carried out mechanically or electronically, depending on the model. Understanding the principles of operation thermostat and the air circulation system will allow you to avoid food spoilage and the appearance of ice.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to correctly set the temperature in single-chamber and double-chamber models, and also consider the nuances of operation systems No Frost and static cooling.
Principles of operation of the Atlant cooling system
The basis of the operation of any refrigeration unit is the compressor, which forces refrigerant into the pipe system. In models Atlant the control of this process is tied to a thermostat, which reads the temperature inside the chambers and gives a command to turn the motor on or off.
When you change the position of the regulator knob, you do not directly change the compressor power, but only shift the temperature thresholds at which the shutdown occurs. This is an important nuance for understanding how to regulate a refrigerator.
In two-chamber models with one compressor, a cold distribution system through dampers is often used. Throttle valve redirects cold air flows between the freezer and refrigerator compartments, ensuring a temperature balance.
⚠️ Attention: In models with electronic control, changing settings may take up to 24 hours for the mode to fully stabilize. Do not try to force the process by frequently switching buttons.
There is a direct relationship: the lower the temperature is set, the longer the compressor operates and the more electricity it consumes. The optimal operating mode allows the equipment to serve for years without overload.
Setting the thermostat in single-chamber models
Single-chamber refrigerators Atlant (KSh, MHM series) are usually equipped with a mechanical regulator located inside the fridge compartment or on the body. This element is a rotary mechanism with graduation.
The standard scale has divisions from 1 to 7 (or from Min to Max). Position "1" means minimum cooling, at which the compressor is rarely turned on. The “7” or “Max” position makes the unit work almost without stopping.
For everyday use, it is recommended to set the handle to the middle position, usually number 3 or 4. This ensures a temperature of about +4...+5°C in the refrigerator compartment, which is ideal for storing most products.
If you notice that the products in the back of the chamber begin to freeze and ice forms on the walls, it is necessary to reduce the value on the regulator. And vice versa, if the milk quickly sours, the value should be increased.
Adjustment of two-chamber refrigerators with one compressor
In two-chamber models with one motor, control is often carried out by one thermostat, which controls the temperature in the refrigeration chamber. In such cases, the freezer compartment is cooled according to the residual principle or through a damper system.
Particular attention should be paid to modeling air flows. Some modifications Atlant have an "Operation mode" switch. It may have a "Refrigerator", "Freezer" or "Both" position.
The switch operating mode physically changes the path of the refrigerant or opens/closes the evaporator damper. If you need to quickly freeze food, the switch is set to the “Freezer” position, and cold air stops flowing into the upper chamber.
It is important not to leave the refrigerator in maximum freezing mode for a long time unless absolutely necessary. This leads to excessive freezing of the evaporator and increased load on the engine.
☑️ Checking the settings of a two-chamber refrigerator
Temperature distribution across shelves may vary. It is always colder on the lower shelves than on the upper ones. This is a physical feature of convection that must be taken into account when placing products.
Temperature control in models with two compressors
Modern two-chamber refrigerators Atlant are often equipped with two independent cooling circuits. In such devices, each chamber is responsible for its own thermostat and its own compressor.
This allows you to adjust the temperature in the freezer and refrigerator compartments independently of each other. You can set it to deep minus in the freezer for long-term storage of meat, and set the mode for vegetables in the refrigerator compartment.
Adjustment is carried out by two separate knobs or electronic panels. They are usually marked with the corresponding symbols of a snowflake (freezer) and a droplet or thermometer (refrigerator).
⚠️ Attention: If there are two compressors, the noise of the unit may be higher at times when both motors are running simultaneously. This is normal for this type of design.
Independent control saves energy: if you rarely open the freezer, it will turn on less often, without affecting the operation of the main compartment.
What is a freshness zone?
Some Atlant models have a separate compartment with a temperature of about 0°C. It does not require separate adjustment; the temperature there is maintained automatically due to the proximity to the evaporator or a special damper.
Setting the dampers and the No Frost system
In refrigerators with the system No Frost or Frost Free the temperature is regulated not only thermostat, but also air dampers. These dampers dose the supply of cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator.
If it is too cold in the refrigerator and the regulator is set to minimum, the damper may not close completely or is jammed. In some models Atlant the damper is adjusted by a mechanical slider inside the chamber.
The position of the damper affects the air circulation. If it is open too much, food in the refrigerator compartment may freeze. If it is too low, the temperature will be higher than normal.
| Parameter | Normal value | Action upon deviation |
|---|---|---|
| fridge compartment temperature | +2...+5 °C | Turn the knob thermostat |
| Freezer temperature | -18...-24 °C | Change the mode or check the seal |
| Temperature in the freshness zone | 0...+1 °C | Not regulated (automatically) |
| Difference temperatures (top/bottom) | Up to 3-4 °C | Normal convection |
Adjusting the damper requires care. Mechanical elements can be fragile, especially if the plastic is too cold. It is better to carry out all manipulations when the unit is defrosted and turned off.
Electronic control and display
Premium models Atlant are equipped with an electronic control unit with a digital display. Here, adjustment is made by pressing buttons, and the exact temperature is displayed in degrees Celsius.
To change settings, you usually need to press the settings button and hold it for a few seconds until the numbers start flashing. Then, use the “+” or “-” buttons to set the desired value.
Electronics allows you to set exact values, for example, +3°C, which is impossible to do on a mechanical regulator. Also, such systems often have a “Holiday” mode, which increases the temperature in the refrigerator compartment to +15°C to save energy.
In the event of a power failure, the electronic memory saves the settings. However, if the voltage surge was strong, the control unit may go into protection or reset the settings to factory settings.
Typical problems during adjustment
Often users are faced with a situation where adjustment does not give the expected result. For example, the knob is turned to maximum, but there is no cold. This may indicate a freon leak or a malfunction of the thermostat.
The other extreme is that the refrigerator runs non-stop even at minimum settings. In this case, the contacts of the thermostat could “stick”, or the heat-sensitive flask may have lost contact with the evaporator body.
Freezing of the “coat” on the back wall, when configured correctly, indicates problems with the door seal or frequent opening of the chamber. Warm, moist air enters and condenses on cold surfaces.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the thermostat, the refrigerator begins to work incorrectly, the new sensor may have different characteristics. Re-calibration or replacement with an original spare part is required.
Replacing the thermostat yourself requires electrical skills. It is necessary to connect the contacts correctly and install the sensitive tube in its normal place.
How to check the thermostat?
The easiest way is to short-circuit the two wires coming from the thermostat (after disconnecting the refrigerator from the network!). If, after turning on, the compressor starts working and does not turn off, then the problem is in the thermostat.
Frequently asked questions and answers
What temperature should be in the Atlant refrigerator?
The optimal temperature for the refrigerator compartment is considered to be the range from +3 to +5 degrees Celsius. In the freezer, the temperature should not be higher than -18 degrees Celsius for long-term storage of food.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator get very cold?
This may be due to the fact that the thermostat is set to the maximum value (number 6-7). Also, the cause may be a malfunction of the thermostat itself, which does not open the circuit, or a breakdown of the damper in the No Frost system.
How to enable the super freezing mode?
In models with electronic control, you need to press the button with the snowflake symbol or the inscription Super Freeze. In mechanical models with a mode switch, you need to move the lever to the “Frozen” or “Maximum” position.
Is it possible to regulate the temperature in each chamber separately?
Only in models with two compressors or with electronic control and a complete No Frost system. In classic single-compressor models with a drip system, the regulation is general, through one thermostat.
What to do if the temperature does not change after adjustment?
You need to wait 5-8 hours for the mode to stabilize. If there are no changes, check the tightness of the door, the absence of ice on the evaporator and the serviceability of the seal. Perhaps repairs are required.