Purchasing a new brand refrigerator Atlant is always a joyful event marking the renewal of kitchen appliances. However, the joy of the purchase can be overshadowed if you ignore the rules of transportation and initial installation. Correct installation directly affects the service life of the compressor and the quality of freezing products in the future.
Many users make the fatal mistake of turning on the device immediately after bringing it into the apartment. This is strictly forbidden, since the oil in the compressor must drain into the crankcase, and the refrigerant must be distributed throughout the system after shaking during delivery. Settlement time depends on the ambient temperature and can vary from two to twelve hours.
This article is a detailed guide that will help you avoid common mistakes. We will analyze the nuances of choosing a location, the features of adjusting the supports and the sequence of actions when turning it on for the first time. Compliance with these simple but critically important rules will ensure the stable operation of your equipment for many years.
Choosing a location refrigeration equipment requires careful planning of the kitchen space. You cannot simply place the unit in the first free corner without taking into account the requirements for ventilation and safety. The manufacturer Atlant clearly regulates the distances to walls and heat sources to ensure effective heat exchange.
It is strictly prohibited to install the device in close proximity to a gas stove, oven or heating radiators. Increased ambient temperature causes the compressor to work with overload, which leads to premature wear. The minimum distance to heating devices should be at least 30-40 centimeters.
You should also avoid direct sunlight on the housing. Ultraviolet light not only fades the enamel, but also heats up the internal chamber, forcing the automation to turn on the motor more often. If you cannot rearrange the furniture, use thick curtains or blinds during the day.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the selected location has a level and hard floor. On soft surfaces, such as linoleum with a thick base or carpet, the stability of the structure may be compromised, which will lead to increased vibration.
After the location has been selected, you need to prepare the device itself for installation. First, remove all packaging: cardboard boxes, foam inserts and protective film. Pay special attention to the tape that is often used to secure doors and internal shelves - its remnants must be removed carefully so as not to damage the coating.
Then you should conduct an external inspection for mechanical damage. Dents, deep scratches or chips of enamel may indicate a violation of transportation conditions. If defects are found, it is better to document them before use by contacting the store.
An important step is cleaning the internal chambers. Even a new refrigerator may have a specific technical plastic smell. Wipe all surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with a weak soda solution or neutral detergent. This will remove dust and industrial contamination.
☑️ Check before installation
Modern models Atlant often equipped with a system No Frost or Full No Frost, which implies the presence of fans and complex air circulation systems. When inspecting, make sure that the air ducts inside the chamber are not blocked by foreign objects or forgotten packaging.
The back wall of the device deserves special attention. This is where the capacitor is located (black grille), which must not be crushed or damaged. Any deformation of the tubes can lead to freon leakage, which will make further operation impossible without expensive repairs.
One of the main causes of noise and vibration is incorrect level installation. The refrigerator body must stand strictly vertically, without distortions to the sides. To diagnose this condition, use a construction bubble level, placing it on the top cover or internal shelf.
Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs, which are screw-type. By rotating them clockwise, you unscrew the support, raising the corner of the case. Counterclockwise - lower it. The rear wheels or supports are usually not adjustable in height; they serve only for ease of movement.
There is an important nuance: the doors should close by themselves if they are opened less than 30-40 degrees. To do this, the body must be tilted slightly backwards. This is achieved by twisting the front legs so that the front part is 1-2 centimeters higher than the back.
| Adjustment parameter | Normative value | Checking tool |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal (left-right) | Strictly 0 degrees | Building level |
| Tilt back (for self-closing) | 10-20 mm (front above back) | Tape measure or ruler |
| Gap to the rear wall | Minimum 5-7 cm | Ruler |
| Gap to the side walls | Minimum 5 cm | Ruler |
Why does the refrigerator wobble?
If after adjusting the legs the body still wobbles, check the evenness of the floor itself. Sometimes the problem lies in swollen linoleum or uneven tiles. In such cases, you can place a thin rubber gasket under one of the supports, but it is not recommended to use metal coins or cardboard - they will crumple under the weight of the unit.
After leveling, check the stability again. Try rocking your body slightly. If there is no play, and the doors open smoothly and close on their own with a characteristic bang, then the adjustment stage has been completed successfully. Do not ignore this stage, as a skewed compressor operates with increased noise levels.
The next critical stage is connecting to the electrical network. The socket into which it will be plugged in Atlant refrigeratormust be in working order and have grounding. The use of extension cords, tees and low-quality surge protectors is not recommended, since the starting currents of the compressor can cause heating of the contacts and a fire.
Ideally, a separate wiring line should be allocated for kitchen appliances. If this is not possible, make sure that the total power of the devices plugged into one outlet does not exceed the permissible load on the wiring (usually 3.5 kW for standard wiring).
The power cord should not be stretched or pinched by the furniture body. Leave a margin of cable length to avoid mechanical damage to the insulation. If the outlet is located inconveniently, it is better to call an electrician to move it rather than risk your safety.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to ground the refrigerator through water supply or heating pipes. This can lead to electrical corrosion of the pipes and electric shock to you or your neighbors.
Now you can plug the device into the network. The indicators on the control panel will light up and the compressor will start after a few seconds (a characteristic click and hum is heard). In the first minutes of operation, the equipment may make unusual sounds: gurgling of refrigerant, slight hissing. This is a normal physical process of freon circulation through the system.
The first start is a test operating mode. During this period, it is not recommended to load the chambers with products. Let the refrigerator run idle for at least 2-3 hours, or better yet, leave it overnight. This will allow the system to reach operating temperature conditions and check the tightness of the circuit.
During this period, check the operation of the thermostat or electronic control panel. Set the average temperature (usually +3...+4°C for the refrigerator and -18°C for the freezer). If after a couple of hours the walls inside the chamber become cold and light frost appears on the shelves, the system is working properly.
Pay attention to the operation of the system No Frost (if it has one). Some time after switching on, you can hear crackling or clicking noises - this is the automatic defrosting system working or the air dampers switching. A small amount of water may also appear in a special tray at the back (you need to check the instructions for the specific model, as some water evaporates).
Only after the refrigerator has worked for several hours and reached the desired temperature can you start loading with products. Do this gradually, in small portions, so as not to disturb the existing temperature balance. Sudden loading of large amounts of warm food will cause the compressor to work non-stop.
Even with correct installation, situations may arise that require intervention. Knowledge of typical problems will help to distinguish a malfunction from the operating features of new equipment. For example, heating of the side walls of the case is absolutely normal for modern models, since capacitors are often built into the sides.
If you hear loud knocking or rattling, check whether the case is touching the cabinet or the wall. Also make sure that bottles and cans inside the chamber do not touch each other or the walls when the fan is running. Vibration is transmitted to objects, and they begin to make noise.
The table below shows the main symptoms and possible causes that can be eliminated yourself:
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Strong vibration | Transport bolts are not unscrewed | Check the back wall and remove the clamps |
| The door does not close | The body is skewed or food is in the way | Adjust the legs, check the shelves |
| Puddle under the refrigerator | The drainage hole is clogged | Clean the channel with a brush or wire |
| Continuous operation of the motor | Loading warm products | Wait 24 hours, check the tightness of the closure |
⚠️ Attention: If you smell a persistent smell of burnt wiring or see sparking in the plug area, immediately unplug the device. Further operation is prohibited until the reasons are clarified by an electrician.
Do not forget that technological progress makes changes to the design of household appliances. Models released in different years may have differences in the defrost system or refrigerant type. Always check the product data sheet that comes with the kit.
Compliance with all stages of installation will allow you to enjoy your purchase without unnecessary nerves and repair costs. Refrigerators Atlant are famous for their reliability, but they, like any complex equipment, require respect and correct operating conditions from the first day.
How long should you wait before turning them on for the first time?
The settling time depends on the transportation conditions. If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position, 2-3 hours is enough. If transportation was carried out lying down, you need to wait at least 8-12 hours, or better yet a day, for the oil to drain into the compressor.
Is it possible to place the refrigerator on a glazed balcony?
Installation on an unheated balcony is not recommended. At temperatures below +10°C or above +32°C, the refrigerator may not operate correctly, the oil in the compressor thickens, which leads to breakdown. In addition, direct sunlight is harmful to plastic and rubber seals.
Why do the side walls of a new refrigerator get hot?
In modern models, the condenser (heat exchanger) is often built into the side walls of the case. Heating to 40-50 degrees in the first days of active operation or during a heavy load is a normal mode of heat removal, and not a malfunction.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before use?
Yes, definitely. There may be industrial dust or the smell of plastic or packaging left inside. Use a weak soda solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or a special household appliance cleaner. After washing, be sure to wipe dry.
What to do if the door slams too loudly?
A loud bang when closing indicates a good seal. If the sound is too sharp, you can lubricate the ends of the sealing rubber with a special silicone grease or talcum powder, which will soften the fit.