Purchasing a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the beginning of a comfortable life with fresh food. However, joy can quickly give way to disappointment if you ignore the basic rules for installing and preparing equipment for the first launch. The brand Atlant is famous for its reliability, but even the highest quality equipment requires a competent approach to placement and switching on.
Many users make a critical mistake, believing that it is enough to simply bring the unit into the kitchen and plug the plug into the socket. In fact, the process requires a series of sequential actions that will ensure a long life of the compressor and no problems with temperature conditions in the future. It is important to understand that correct installation affects not only the cooling efficiency, but also the noise level.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from choosing a location to the final check of operation compressor. You will learn why you should not turn on the device immediately after delivery, how to level the case, and what to pay attention to when starting up for the first time. Following these simple but important rules will save you from costly repairs.
Choosing the optimal location
The first step is to determine the location where your new refrigerator will be located. This should be a place away from direct sunlight and heating devices. If you place refrigeration unit next to a gas stove or heating radiator, the compressor will work with overload, trying to compensate for external heat.
The distance to walls and furniture also plays a key role. For good air circulation around the condenser, it is necessary to leave gaps. Typically, at least 5-7 centimeters are required from the back wall of the device to the wall of the room. The side gaps may be smaller, but they are necessary for the doors to open freely.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to install the refrigerator in niches without side ventilation or close to kitchen cabinets, unless this is provided for by a special built-in model with forced ventilation.
The floor at the installation site must be level and hard. If the flooring is slippery (such as glossy tiles), there is a risk of heavy machinery being dislodged when doors are opened, which could result in damage to the flooring or injury. In such cases, it is recommended to use anti-slip pads under the support legs.
Transportation and unpacking: important nuances
After delivery of the equipment to apartment, it is necessary to give her time to acclimatize. If the refrigerator was brought in during the cold season, the condensation that formed inside the electrical circuits and the compressor due to a sharp temperature change should dry out. For single-chamber models two-chamber units, the settling time may vary.
Packaging materials should be removed carefully so as not to damage the enamel coating or plastic elements. Pay special attention to the shipping bolts, if any (although refrigerators Atlant usually do not have them, unlike washing machines, but fixing tapes may be present). All tapes and films from the internal shelves must be removed before turning on for the first time.
- 📦 Remove the outer cardboard and foam plastic, check the set for dents.
- ⏳ Leave the device in a vertical position for 2-4 hours (in winter it is better to increase the time to 6-8 hours).
- 🧹 Remove all fixing elements inside the chambers, including tape from light bulbs and holders.
- 🔌 Make sure that the electrical cord does not have creases or damage to the insulation.
If horizontal transportation did take place, the standing time before turning on should be at least 12 hours.
Position adjustment and alignment
After the refrigerator took its permanent place, it must be accurately aligned. It's not just a matter of aesthetics; misalignment of the body can lead to loose fitting of the doors, which will cause freezing of the “fur coat” and increased energy consumption. Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs.
To perform this operation you will need a building level. Place it on the top lid of the refrigerator or on a shelf inside the refrigerator. Rotate the front legs (usually they have threads for rotation) to achieve a horizontal position. The rear wheels or supports, as a rule, are unadjustable and serve only for ease of movement.
| Parameter | Normal value | Tolerable deviation | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backward tilt | 1-2 degrees | up to 3 degrees | Building level |
| Height of legs | Adjustable | Depends on the floor | Visual inspection of the gap |
| Door tightness | Full | No gaps | Test with a sheet of paper |
| Stability | No swaying | 0 mm | Swinging of the body |
There is an important nuance: the door should close itself if it is opened no more than 30-40 degrees. To do this, the refrigerator must be slightly tilted backwards. If the slope is too great, the equipment may move forward; if it is not there, the door will open at the slightest draft. Adjust support screws until you reach the golden mean.
☑️ Checking the installation
Connecting to the electrical network
Refrigerators Atlant are equipped with a standard power cord that does not require a special connection. However, electrical requirements remain stringent. The outlet must be grounded and suitable for the current load. The use of extension cords and tees is not recommended, as poor contact can cause heating and fire.
If you plan to use a voltage stabilizer (which is important for private homes with an unstable network), make sure that its power matches the power of the refrigerator with a margin. Sudden power surges can damage the electronic control module or compressor.
⚠️ Attention: It is prohibited to connect the refrigerator to the same outlet with powerful appliances, such as a microwave oven or electric stove, to avoid overloading the wiring.
After connecting, pay attention to the operation of the indicators (if any) and listen to the startup sound. In the first minutes of operation, the sound of flowing refrigerant can be heard - this is a normal phenomenon for modern systems No Frost and drip defrosting.
First start-up and functional check
When the required time for settling and equalization has passed, you can make the first start. Plug in the device and set the temperature regulator to the middle position. For most models Atlant this is division “3” or “4” on the mechanical thermostat, or setting +4°C in the electronic control.
Do not load the refrigerator with food immediately. Empty chambers will take 2 to 6 hours to reach the required temperature. Loading warm products at the beginning of operation will cause the compressor to work continuously, which is undesirable for new equipment.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after turning on?
If after 4-5 hours of operation it does not become cold inside the chambers, and the compressor is working (you can hear a hum or feel warmth from behind), check the tightness of the doors closing. If the doors are closed, there may be a freon leak or the compressor is faulty. In this case, you must contact the service center. Do not try to disassemble the cooling system yourself!
Check the lighting: when the door is opened, the light should come on. Make sure that shelves and drawers are level and do not block air circulation. Pay special attention to the area evaporator in the freezer - it should not be blocked by food, otherwise the cold will not be distributed evenly.
Typical installation errors
Even careful study of the instructions does not always guarantee the absence of errors. Users often ignore seemingly small details that later lead to serious problems. For example, many people forget to remove the shipping film from the inner walls, which interferes with heat transfer.
Another common mistake is installing the refrigerator on a soft carpet without a hard base. The pile of the carpet blocks air access to the bottom of the case, where ventilation elements or simply space for heat dissipation are often located, which leads to overheating.
- 🚫 Installation close to the wall without a gap for the radiator.
- 🚫 Ignoring the need for a horizontal position (leads to noise).
- 🚫 Turning on the appliance immediately after horizontal transportation.
- 🚫 Using a damaged socket without grounding.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the refrigerator makes uncharacteristic vibration sounds, check whether adjacent cabinets or pipes are touching its walls. Sometimes it is enough to move the equipment 1 cm to eliminate the hum.
Timely detection of installation errors allows you to avoid breakdowns during the warranty period. If you doubt the correctness of your actions, it is better to double-check the installation parameters again than to call a technician for repairs later.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should you wait before turning on the Atlant refrigerator for the first time?
If the refrigerator was brought in vertically, 2-3 hours is enough. If there was horizontal transportation or introduction from the cold, it is recommended to wait 4 to 8 hours for the oil to flow into the compressor and the condensate to evaporate.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator make noise after installation?
Noise can occur due to improper alignment (legs are not adjusted), the body touching furniture or walls, as well as due to operation compressor at maximum load in the first hours. If the noise is vibrational, check the stability of the legs.
Is it possible to place the Atlant refrigerator on a balcony?
The manufacturer does not recommend operation at temperatures below +10°C or above +32°C. On an uninsulated balcony in winter, the oil in the compressor will thicken and it will burn out upon startup, and in summer overheating is possible. Installation is only possible on a glazed and heated balcony.
How to properly wash the refrigerator before first use?
Use a weak solution of baking soda or a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive powders or solvents. After washing, thoroughly wipe the surfaces with a dry cloth and leave the doors open for 1-2 hours for ventilation.
What does the blinking indicator on the Atlant refrigerator mean?
Flashing usually indicates an increase in the temperature in the chamber above normal. This is normal during the first hours of operation after loading with products. If the indicator blinks after 24 hours of operation, check whether the door is tightly closed or the position of the thermostat.